Beach camping in Florida is living the dream. Stars in the sky, surf lapping ashore, a gentle breeze. swaying palms, fish rippling water, shorebirds playfully gliding, tiny crabs scrambling with every incoming wave.
We’ve camped everywhere from the Keys to the Panhandle, on beaches and islands.
Our favorite beaches for camping in Florida are a dream come true, so pack your gear and let’s go camping!
Rates included in these listings were effective as of June 2023.
Camp at the No. 1 beach in the country
Campsites at St. George Island State Park are behind the dunes. (Photo by Eric Vaughn)
St. George Island State Park
I first visited this state park when it opened in the 1980s, and the memories are still with me. The park’s 9 miles of white-sand beaches are stunning. Don’t take my word for it, ask Dr. Beach, who ranked St. George Island State Park the No. 1 beach in America in 2023. The campground is laid out behind a wall of majestic dunes, a hop and a skip from the Gulf of Mexico. There are 60 RV and tent sites with electric and water, six with concrete pads. On the bay side, there are two natural launch ramps. Camping fee is $24 per night plus a daily $7 utilities fee, taxes and a one-time $6.70 booking fee. Day-use fee is $6 per vehicle. St. George Island State Park, 1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island, FL. Phone: 850-927-2111. For reservations, book online call 800-326-3521.
The beach at Curry Hammock State Park. Campsites are at left, behind the sea oats. (Photo by Bob Rountree)
Curry Hammock State Park
Curry Hammock State Park is our favorite destination for beach camping in the Florida Keys with the untimely demise of campgrounds at Long Key State Park, wiped out by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Miraculously, Curry Hammock survived. Curry Hammock sites 7 through 19, 21 and 22 are on the beach, and the remaining 14 sites are very close. The ocean is shallow, the surf mild and currents are weak most days, making it ideal for families with small children. Kayaks and canoes can be launched from the campground, and the day-use beach area is popular with kite-boarders. Sites are $36 per night plus a $7 daily utilities fee for RVs, taxes and a one-time $6.70 reservation fee. Campsite reservations here are hard to get, so be persistent and check frequently for cancellations. Curry Hammock State Park, 56200 Overseas Highway, Marathon. Phone: 305-289-2690. For reservations, book online or call 800-326-3521
Sunrise over Huguenot Park from our campsite (Site 45), looking toward the ocean dunes. (Photo by Bob Rountree)
Huguenot Memorial Park
This sandy campground near Jacksonville is a beach lover’s dream. A short walk beyond the dunes is a mile-long beach, open fully to the Atlantic Ocean, making it a popular destination for surfers and kite boarders. The St. Johns River and the Mayport Naval Station borders the campground on one side, and a quiet cove off the Fort George Inlet on the other side that offers access to backcountry kayaking. Electric hookups only. Tent sites are $22.70; RV sites, $27.54, including tax and electric. Pet fee is $5.38 extra per pet, per day. Huguenot Park Campground, 10980 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville FL 32226. Phone: (904) 255-4255. For reservations, book online or call (904) 255-4255 from 9 am-5 pm, Monday through Friday.
These listings include state park and county parks. State parks can be reserved up to 11 months in advance. Beginning in 2024, Florida residents will have a 30-day advance window. Reservation windows vary with county parks, and some county parks offer their residents a courtesy window.
The beach is at the end of the campground road. (Photo courtesy VisitSarasota)
Turtle Beach Campground
I came across this little gem while visiting a friend on Siesta Key a few years ago. Turtle Beach had been a private campground since the 1920s, but it was acquired by Sarasota County in 2006 for an expansion of adjacent Turtle Beach Park. The campground is a narrow sliver wedged between the park and a residential area with 39 shaded RV and tent sites with full hookups and free Wi-Fi. The campground road runs down the middle — with direct access to the beach at the end. A kayak launch area is located in the adjacent park. No pets allowed. The nightly rate is $42-$51, depending on the season, with $5-$7 add-ons for weekends and holidays.Turtle BeachPark, 8862 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota.For reservations, call941-861-2267 or book online
Beach camping in Florida: The beach at Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral is hard-packed and offers great recreational opportunities. (Photo by Bonnie Gross)
Jetty Park Campground
Camping and cabin sites at this Brevard County Park are within a block of the broad and hard-packed beach, where you can ride a fat-tire bike for miles. If you’re lucky and there’s a rocket launch from the space center, this is THE place to be. RV sites have water and electric hookups; only 13 have sewer hookups. Rustic tent sites have water. The four-person cabins are small but functional with a patio, a grill, picnic table, A/C, fridge and bathroom. No kitchens or showers, but there is a central bathhouse. Cabins are $140. Primitive tent sites are $24 off-season, $34 in-season (Nov. 15-Apr. 15). RV sites with full hookups are $45-54 in off-season and $55-$64 in-season. Jetty Park Campground, 9035 Campground Circle, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920. Park office: 321-783-7111. For reservations, call 321-783-7111.
While most RV sites at this Pinellas County campground are on the water, only the tent campground is on an actual beach. The waterfront RV sites are on seawalls, and these RV sites are still pretty nice! You can paddle, ride a bike or drive within the park to one of Florida’s top beaches, Fort DeSoto’s famous North Beach. Overall, the campground has 238 sites on three connected islands including the tent campground. Tent sites are $33.50 in-season and $30 off season. RV sites are $38.50 in season and $37 off-season. (Add $2 for waterfront.) Reservations are recommended, but some walkup sites are available. Fort DeSoto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 . Reservations up to 6 months in advance online or call the park office (727) 582-2267.
Beachfront campground at Gamble Rogers State Park. (Photo by Bob Rountree)
Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area
Gamble Rogers is not very big as state parks go, but it has a beautiful half-mile orange sand beach and an oceanfront campground with 34 sites. The inland side of the 145-acre park features a second 34-site campground, a boat ramp, hiking trails along the Intracoastal Waterway and saltwater marshes common on section of the coast, making it an excellent launch pad for boats, kayaks and canoes seeking to explore a multitude of quiet inland waterways. A paved bike path runs along A1A to nearby North Peninsula State Park. Campsites have water, electric, picnic table and a fire ring. Camping fees are $28 per night plus a daily $7 utility fee, taxes and a non-refundable $6.70 booking fee. A dump station is on site. Pets are allowed. (Maximum RV length is 40 feet.) Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach FL 32136 Park office: 386-517-2086. For reservations, book online or call 800-326-3521.
The beach at Anastasia State Park. (Photo by Bob Rountree)
Anastasia State Park
Four miles of pristine beach and historic St. Augustine make this state park a big attraction. Perfect layover for visitors to the nation’s oldest city who also want to hike or bicycle on the beach, paddle, sail or fish. Anastasia has 139 campsites for RVs and tents located in a grove of trees a short walk from the beach. Understory vegetation provide visual privacy between most sites, which vary from 10 feet to 40 feet. All sites have electric and water, a picnic table, in-ground grill and a fire ring. A dump station is nearby. Pets are OK but not on the beach. Sites are $28 a night plus a daily $7 utilities fee, taxes and a $6.70 one-time booking fee. Anastasia State Park, 300 Anastasia Park Rd., St. Augustine FL 32080 Park office: 904-461-2033. For reservations, book online or call 800-326-3521.
Florida State Parks offer 50% discounts to resident seniors 65+ and those with 100% disability. Proof is required.
Paddling the unique freshwater dune lakes at Grayton Beach State Park. (Photo by Bob Rountree)
Grayton Beach State Park
This 2,000-acre park embraces one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, a sugar-sand paradise that stretches for a mile between Destin and Panama City Beach. The park features a 4.5 mile trail for hiking and biking, and there’s a kayak launch for paddling Western Lake. A new campground loop has added 24 sites with water, 50-amp electric and sewer hookups, bringing the total number of sites to 52. Both camping loops have restrooms with hot showers. The park also has 30 two-bedroom duplex cabins accommodating up to six people each, so invite friends to spend a week or a weekend when you’re here. Pets are OK. Rates are $30 per night plus a daily $7 utility fee for RVs, taxes and a $6.70 one-time reservations fee. Cabins are $110-$130 per night. Grayton Beach State Park, 357 Main Park Rd., Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459 Park office: 850-267-830. For reservations, book online or call 800-326-3521.
The Sandspur Campground at Bahia Honda State Park allows tents and recreational vehicles up to 23 feet, but the new gravel pads may make it a bit uncomfortable for tent campers. (Photo by Bonnie Gross)
Sandspur Campground at Bahia Honda
The 17 oceanfront sites in the Sandspur Campground at Bahia Honda State Park have reopened after being torn up by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Somewhat to the discomfort of tent campers, who once had exclusive use of Sandspur, the new campsites now have gravel pads and accommodate RVs up to 23 feet (hitch to bumper). We also like waterfront sites in Bahia Honda’s Buttonwood and Bayside campgrounds, but none compare to Sandspur sites 49-56 and 62-72 for their spectacular beachfront. Each site has electric and water hookups, a picnic table and grill. Camping fees are $36 per night plus a $7 utility fee, taxes and a one-time $6.70 booking fee. Bahia Honda State Park, 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, Florida 33043. Ranger phone:(305) 872-2353. For campground reservations, book online at reserve.floridastateparks.org or call 1-800-326-3521.
The Hammock Trail at Sebastian Inlet State Park, an environment once ubiquitous along Florida’s Atlantic coast.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
This state park’s 51 renovated campsites overlook the inlet, accommodating both RVs and tents. Much of the shade of the old campground is gone, but new shade is rapidly taken root, just not as much. All sites have water and electric, but no sewer hookups. There is a dump station, and rest rooms with showers are convenient to all campers. A camp store sells the basics, including bait for fishing. Camping rate is $28 per night plus a $7 utility fee, taxes and a one-time $6.70 booking fee. Sebastian Inlet State Park, 9700 South Highway A.1.A, Melbourne Beach FL 32951. Park office: 321-984-4852. For reservations, book online or call 800-326-3521.
Beach camping in Florida: Gulf Island National Seashore. (Photo/VisitPensacola)
Fort Pickens Campground
This spectacular 200-site federal campground on the west end of Santa Rosa Island is within the protected Gulf Islands National Seashore. The campground is named after a historic fort found on the island’s westernmost point, built in the early 1800’s to protect Pensacola Bay. It was one of four forts that did not fall into Confederate hands during the Civil War. All 200 Fort Pickens’ campsites have water, electricity, grills/fire rings, and picnic tables. Restrooms and dump stations are nearby. Loop A is the most popular with oaks and other trees providing excellent shade over nearly all sites. A beach access point is directly across from the Loop A entrance. Sites are $40 per night for electric and $26 without electric. Fort Pickens Campground, 1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561. Park office: (850) 934-2622. Reservations: Call (800) 326-3521, TDD (888) 433-0287, or book online.
America the Beautiful Senior and Access pass holders get 50 percent off campsite reservations at Fort Pickens and other federal campgrounds.
An isolated beach at Anclote Key Preserve State Park. Campers can pitch a tent anywhere on the north end of the island. (Photo by John Tischner, Courtesy Florida State Parks.)
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
Anclote Key is an 11,000-acre island paradise three miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs with beautiful beaches and a picturesque 1887 lighthouse. Campers pitch tents on the north end of the island for an unbelievable beach-camping experience under the stars. There is no water — just a compost toilet — so you bring everything you need (and leave nothing behind). The best part of camping on this beach? It’s free! You don’t even need a reservation. The worst part? It’s impossible to camp here without a boat, and the crossing from Fred Howard Park over open water is challenging for kayakers. Only experienced paddlers should attempt it. Ferry service is only for day visitors. Anclote Key State Park, Offshore, Tarpon Springs FL 34689. Phone: 727-241-6106. Getting There: Campers must have their own boat, and kayakers should be reasonably experienced for a three-mile open water paddle — with a keen eye for weather and knowledge of currents. Launch from Fred Howard Park in Tarpon Springsor Anclote Gulf Park in Pasco County.
Peanut Island beach along the northern shore. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)
Peanut Island
This little island, an exceptional Palm Beach County park, is located in the mouth of the inlet to the Port of Palm Beach, flushed thoroughly with clear, Caribbean blue water with every tide, making it ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boards and swimming. There are 17 tropically landscaped tent campsites, set behind a picket fence for privacy, separating the campground from the day-use area. Camping is limited to three nights and only one three-night stay every two months. There is no electricity. Campsites are $28 a night plus tax with a six-camper maximum occupancy per site. Peanut Island campers must arrange to reach the island by boat. Peanut Island Campground, offshore Riviera Beach, FL. Getting there:The Peanut Island shuttle charges $20 per camper and allows each to bring one or two bags, tent and a cooler per person. For reservations, book online or call 561-845-4445.
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Bob Rountree is a beach bum, angler and camper who has explored Florida for decades. No adventure is complete without a scenic paddle trail or unpaved road to nowhere. Bob co-founded FloridaRambler.com with fellow journalist Bonnie Gross 12 years ago.
To paddle from Fred Howard Park to the north end of Anlocte Key is over 4 miles in open water. There are some very "bumpy" areas around shoals that can be tricky in a loaded kayak. Not to mention boat traffic. I recommend only intermediate to advanced kayakers for this trip. I've done it many times.
Bob Rountree
Tuesday 6th of June 2023
Thank you Mike for reminding us that this is a challenging paddle across open water. I'll add that to our blurb.
Jay Eleanor
Wednesday 21st of December 2022
Beautiful places. Campgrounds will help you to take a break from the noise of the world. If you will visit to the Philippines here are the beautiful camping sites: https://wildkamp.ph/campsites/Batangas
Mike Hughes
Wednesday 13th of April 2022
I've kayaked out to Anclote Key and camped several times. The paddle from Anclote River State Park to the camping area is 5 miles in open water, not 3. It is approximately 3 miles to the south end of Anclote but not the North end. In addition, there is a large shoal about 2/3 out to the island that makes the water extremely choppy. With a kayak loaded with gear, this can be a little dicey. Only experienced, open-water paddlers should attempt this trip.
Dennis Beek
Friday 25th of June 2021
When writing the review for Jetty Park in Port Canaveral Florida you may mention they have 13 pages of rules and regulations and it is a very small park. Most sites are in a corelled area but the best sites are called Inlet Campsites but there is no electricity and cannot run a quiet generator or any generator that has not been factory installed in your unit.
Mike Hughes
Monday 5th of June 2023
To paddle from Fred Howard Park to the north end of Anlocte Key is over 4 miles in open water. There are some very "bumpy" areas around shoals that can be tricky in a loaded kayak. Not to mention boat traffic. I recommend only intermediate to advanced kayakers for this trip. I've done it many times.
Bob Rountree
Tuesday 6th of June 2023
Thank you Mike for reminding us that this is a challenging paddle across open water. I'll add that to our blurb.
Jay Eleanor
Wednesday 21st of December 2022
Beautiful places. Campgrounds will help you to take a break from the noise of the world. If you will visit to the Philippines here are the beautiful camping sites: https://wildkamp.ph/campsites/Batangas
Mike Hughes
Wednesday 13th of April 2022
I've kayaked out to Anclote Key and camped several times. The paddle from Anclote River State Park to the camping area is 5 miles in open water, not 3. It is approximately 3 miles to the south end of Anclote but not the North end. In addition, there is a large shoal about 2/3 out to the island that makes the water extremely choppy. With a kayak loaded with gear, this can be a little dicey. Only experienced, open-water paddlers should attempt this trip.
Dennis Beek
Friday 25th of June 2021
When writing the review for Jetty Park in Port Canaveral Florida you may mention they have 13 pages of rules and regulations and it is a very small park. Most sites are in a corelled area but the best sites are called Inlet Campsites but there is no electricity and cannot run a quiet generator or any generator that has not been factory installed in your unit.
Reed
Thursday 3rd of December 2020
Awesome, thank you