Affordable camping found in Florida’s beautiful county parks

Last updated on April 2nd, 2025 at 05:50 pm

Camping in Florida’s county parks is increasingly on our radar as campers are increasingly shut out of heavily booked state parks and face skyrocketing rates at private campgrounds.

County parks are often more accessible, well-maintained, inexpensive and near fun things to do.

The only downside we have found is that some county park campgrounds attract loud revelers on weekends and vagrants at other times, so park security should be a consideration. TripAdvisor reviews may be a good source for that information.

Tell us about your county-park experiences in comments below.

---

Florida’s Atlantic Coast

---

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park (Jacksonville) RV and Tent

This 447-acre natural playground includes more than 20 miles of biking and hiking trails through cool woodlands and access to 1.5 miles of white sand beaches with multiple access points. Home to the premier surfing spot in northeast Florida known as “The Poles”. Kayak and bicycle rentals available. Leashed pets OK on beaches. 24-hour security. Tent camping, $18/night; RV, $30; Cabins, $30 (Two night minimum stay.) Address: 500 Wonderwood Drive, Jacksonville 32233. Phone: (904) 249-4700.

Related article: The Talbot Islands: Paradise on the edge

Lake Monroe Park (Volusia County) RV and Tent

We camped here a few years ago and found it pleasant enough, though a bit rough around the edges. This is one of Volusia County’s oldest and most popular parks. Recent renovations include boat ramps, floating docks, modern restrooms, picnic pavilions and a new trailhead to the multi-use Lake Monroe-Gemini Springs trail. 44 RV sites and 26 for tents, all with water and electricity. Security seemed marginal on our visit. $40/night for RVs; $25 for tents. Address: 975 U.S. Highway 17-92, DeBary. Call 386-668-3825 for reservations or book your site in person.

Related article: Best Camping near Daytona Beach

Manatee Hammock Campground (Brevard County) RV and Tent

This 27-acre RV and tent campground on the Indian River Lagoon is shady and often crowded because it’s close to Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral National Seashore and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. And that’s exactly why you might like it. The park has a 197-foot fishing pier (Indian River Lagoon), a playground, kayak launch, and a perfect view of Kennedy Space Center rocket launches. Features 166 campsites with electric, water and sewer, and another 20 sites with water and electric only. Rest rooms with hot showers and laundry. Swimming pool. Wi-Fi. Busy campground with good security. Rates are $26/night plus tax. 7275 South US 1, Titusville, FL 32780. Phone: (321) 264-5083. Reservations accepted online at Brevard County WebTrac.

Related article: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Long Point Park (Brevard County) RV and Tent

Long one of our favorites, Long Point has 170 campsites on an 85-acre island with 113 waterfront sites directly on the Indian River Lagoon. Each of the waterfront sites has water and electric hookups. On the interior of the island, there are an additional 57 campsites, some with full hookups. Bring your own shade (the island is barren). Food, beer and bait is available at a convenience store at the corner with A1A. I’ve never had an issue with security, and I’ve camped here often. Camping is $30 per night plus tax (late checkout fee $18). Reservations up to a year in advance. Address: 700 Long Point Rd, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951. Phone: 321-952-4532

Related Article: Sebastian Inlet: Two great campgrounds with plenty to do

Savannas Recreation Area (St. Lucie County) RV or Tent

The Savannas Recreation Area was a pleasant surprise on our visit, although the park was obviously home for a few homeless campers and there was little security. The park is tucked into a 12-mile-long, 6,000-acre freshwater coastal marsh, the last of its kind in South Florida, sharing the wetlands with the adjacent Savannas Preserve State Park and featuring hiking, biking, fishing and kayaking in shallow marsh “lakes.” The campground offers full hookups — water, sewer, electric — for $26 a night for RVs and $18 for tent campers. Campground reservations can be made by phone or in person up to a year in advance but are not site specific. Address: 1400 E. Midway Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34982. Phone: (772) 464-7855

Related article: The Savannas: An unlikely oasis

Phipps Park Campground (Martin County) RV or Tent

I found Phipps Park by accident while camping next door at the Army Corps’ St. Lucie South Lock and Campground on the Okeechobee Waterway. Phipps Park is also on the waterway and has been recently renovated. The park features 99 campsites for RVs, including 24 sites along the riverbank with water and electric hookups for $50-$60 per night. Interior RV sites are $45-$50. Personal tents are no longer permitted in the park, but there is a special section featuring  rent-a-tents for $35-$40 per night. The park is in the shadow of Florida’s Turnpike, and hum of traffic is most noticeable in the rent-a-tent section, not so much in the RV sites where we stayed. The park is gated and security was good. Address: 2175 SW Locks Rd, Stuart, FL 34997. For campground reservations, book online or call (772) 287-6565 .

Related article: Phipps Park ideally suited for family outings

CB Smith Park (Broward County) RV and Tent

Sprawling 300-acre Broward County park with two large lakes and a spacious, well-groomed campground. The water park has two 50-foot water slides (open spring to fall), and facilities include a golf driving range, miniature golf, batting cages, volleyball, basketball, racquetball, tennis, pickle ball, picnic areas and shelters, horseshoes and playground. Good security. Sites are $45/night (Nov. 1-Apr. 30) and $35/night (May 1-Oct. 31). Address: 900 North Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028. Phone: 954-357-5170.

Read more about Camping in Broward County parks near Fort Lauderdale

---

Central Florida

---

Kelly Park/Rock Springs (Orange County) RV and Tent

Kelly Park is the source of scenic Rock Springs Run, which meanders through a striking tropical environment to the pristine Wekiva River, eventually spilling into the St. Johns River. There are only 26 campsites, and every one is spacious, clean and shaded. The sites are arranged in a circle with feeder paths to a central bathhouse. Each site has a fire ring with grill, picnic table, water and electric hookup. Swimming, wading, tubing in the springhead basin. Kayaking from the park’s Camp Joy (fee), adjacent to the campground. Kayak/canoe rentals available downstream at Kings Landing. No pets, no alcohol. Very good security with locked gates, day and night. Camping rate is $23 for out-of-county residents, $18 for Orange County residents. Reservations up to 45 days in advance online at ocfl.net. Campground closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Address: 400 East Kelly Park Road, Apopka Phone: (407) 254-1902.

Related article: Beautiful park, cool swimming, shaded campground

Hardee Lakes Park (Hardee County) RV and Tent.

I wanted to try camping at Hardee Lakes because it looked a little lonely on my maps, a dot in the middle of a lot of nothing, yet on my way to something. What I found was a reclaimed phosphate mine, reimagined into an extraordinary county park with a lakefront campground. A real gem! Lots of room to play. Miles of off-road trails. Fishing in four lakes. Camping for a modest $20-$28 per night. There are horse trails, bike trails and hiking trails, all intersecting with old mine roads throughout the 1,260-acre park. The call of these trails was strong, and I spent much of my visit on my e-Bike. Shore fishing, dock fishing and boat fishing are permitted on all four lakes in, and each lake has a place to launch a kayak. Book your campsite online up to one year in advance, go to app.fireflyreservations.com. Or call the park office at (863) 767-1100. Address: 5502 Ollie Roberts RD, Bowling Green, FL 33834.

Related article: Hardee Lakes Park: Reclaimed mine makes exceptional park

Moss Park (Orange County) RV and Tent

Moss Park is 1,500 acres on a peninsula between two large lakes, one of which has a swimming beach. Adjacent to the campground is another 2,000 acres in the Split Oak Nature Preserve, great for hiking and orienteering. There are two playgrounds, one near the freshwater beach. Rest rooms with showers; Grill, table, fire ring, water and electric at every site; Dump station; Swim in lake, hiking in the preserve, bike; Boat launches for both lakes; No pets, no alcohol. 24 miles to Disney World. On the night I stayed, a pair of drunk yahoos in a campsite near mine allowed their campfire to spill out of its fire ring, and the woods caught fire. Sites are $23 per night for out-of-county residents, $18 for residents of Orange County. Reservations up to 45 days in advance online at ocfl.net. Address: 12901 Moss Park Rd, Orlando, FL 32832. Phone: (407) 254-6840

Related article: Camping near Disney World: Our 7 picks within an hour’s drive

South Bay RV Campground (Lake Okeechobee/Palm Beach County) — RVs & Tents

This is not in Disney’s “Central Florida.” It’s South Central Florida on Lake Okeechobee. Spacious and clean campground at the foot of the levee encircling Lake Okeechobee with full hookups and a boat ramp over the levee, this campground is paradise for bass anglers, paddlers and cyclists. Hike or bike the 110-mile Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, which circles the lake atop the levee. The campground has 72 paved RV sites, each with grill, picnic table, and full hook-ups to water, electric (30/50 amp) and sewer. Rates are $29.38 plus tax for tents and RVs. Reservations must be made by phone or e-mail. Call the campground office ​at 561-992-9045 or email to SBCamp@pbcgov.org​ for your reservation. Address: 100 Levee Rd.,South Bay, Florida 33493. Phone:  561-992-9045

---

Tampa Bay

---

Fort De Soto Park (Pinellas County) RV and Tent

Fort De Soto is the largest public campground in the Tampa Bay region with 236 sites, and most are waterfront, allowing canoes or kayaks to launch near your site. One campground loop with 85 sites is exclusively for tents, vans and popup campers. Another loop is set aside for campers with pets. The beaches are consistently ranked among the best in Florida, bicycle trails connect all areas of the park, and you can kayak to offshore islands on a calm day. Excellent security. RV sites, $44-$48, including taxes; Tents, vans and popups, $34-38, including taxes. Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715. Phone: (727) 582-2267. 

Related article: Fort De Soto Park: Tampa Bay treasure delivers

EG Simmons Park (Hillsborough County) RV and Tent

This 469-acre park on Tampa Bay has 103 campsites divided into two campgrounds. All but a dozen sites are waterfront, and each has a fire ring, picnic table, water and electric hookups with dump stations nearby. The sites are spacious, although there is no vegetation to afford privacy and little shade. But you can launch a small boat from your campsite. We saw kayaks at many campsites. Campground reservations are not accepted. First come, first served. Once in, you can stay up to 28 days at a time for a maximum of 180 days per year. Rates: $24/night ($18 for seniors 55+, and $12 for resident seniors 65+). Address: 2401 19^th Ave NW, Ruskin, FL 33570. Phone: (813) 671-7655 or visit the park website.

Related article: Best camping near Tampa Bay

Edward Medard Conservation Park (Hillsborough County) RV or Tent

This 1,284-acre park, reservoir and campground near Plant City has 42 sites, all with water and electric, picnic tables and grills, accommodate RVs, tents and trailers on two loops within a heavily wooded area with a magnificent tree canopy and ground vegetation for privacy. The 700-acre reservoir is a popular fishing hole with boat launch, picnic area, a fishing pier and boardwalk. Kayaks and canoes are available for rental. First come, first served. Reservations are not accepted. Rates are $24/night ($18 for seniors age 55+; $12 for county resident seniors over 65.) Address: 6140 Turkey Creek Rd, Plant City, FL. For more information, call (813) 757-3802 or visit the park web site.

Related article: Florida Strawberry Festival

Lithia Springs Conservation Park (Hillsborough County) RV or Tent

The main attraction at this 160-acre Hillsborough County park is its natural spring swimming hole. The spring feeds the Alafia River, offering multiple canoe and kayaking opportunities. Most of the campsites offer good privacy, and the campground is well-maintained. As is true in the other Hillsborough County parks, rates are $24/night ($18 for seniors age 55+, and $12 for age 65+ county residents). Good security with locked gates. Reservations are not accepted. Walk-ons only — first come, first served — and you can stay up to 28 days at a time, renewable up to 180 days. Credit cards are not accepted. (2021 rates) Address: 3932 Lithia Springs Road, Lithia, FL 33547. Phone: (813) 744-5572.

Related article: Camp at this cool, secluded park near Tampa

---

Big Bend and Florida’s Panhandle

---

Shell Mound Campground (Levy County) RV and Tent

This cool little campground is isolated, ensuring a quiet evening on tidal Suwannee Bay. The park has a long fishing pier and boat ramp. Like most of waters in this area, the muddy flats are shallow and fully exposed at low tide, forcing boaters to time their adventure to the tides. The campground is surrounded by the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, the Cedar Key Scrub Wildlife Management Area and the Lower Suwannee River National Wildlife Refuge. Water and electric sites for two people are $16, electric-only sites are $10.90 and tent sites are $5.45, including tax. ($2 for each additional person). Cash only. If you arrive after hours (7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.), pick an open campsite and pay in the morning. The campground is remote but you should have plenty of company, mostly anglers. Safety in numbers? Address: 17650 SW 78th Place, Cedar Key, FL. Phone: 352-221-4466

Related article: Six things to do on Cedar Key

Shired Island Park (Dixie County) RV and Tent

Shired Island is deep in the saltwater marshes of the Big Bend, a 3-acre sliver of sand and muck in the vast Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge — with good fishing. Stock your pantry and camping supplies before you leave civilization (Cross City, 19 miles northeast on State Road 357). Kayakers launch from the boat ramp or along the beach. Shell collectors will find millions of sun-bleached shells with a hike out to the point. Shired Island Campground offers 12 hookup spots for RV’ers, with or without electricity. Tent campers are welcome. All camping spots are first-come first-serve. No reservations. An employee of the parks department comes around to collect the camping fee, but there is virtually no security. Weekend campers are often rowdy. Weekdays are best for peaceful camping here. Sites with electric are $20 for non-residents, $10/night for county residents. The maximum stay is 14 nights. Address: 11072 SE Hwy 357, Horseshoe Beach, FL 32648. Phone: 352-498-0009

Read related story: Camping near Cedar Key

Coe Landing Campground (Leon County) RV and Tent

Small campground with 20 sites on Lake Talquin near Tallahassee. Each gravel-based site has electric (30 amp) and water hookups, picnic table and fire ring with grill. Clean restrooms, hot showers, wireless internet, dump station, boat ramps, boat docks, restroom, fishing pier, picnic shelter. Fishing pier and boat launch. $27/night. Reservations online at Leon County Parks. Notes: Expect cold weather over the winter. Address: 1208 Coe Landing Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32310. Phone: (850) 350-9560

---

Tent Camping in Florida’s county parks

Princess Place Preserve (Flagler County) Primitive camping

Princess Place preserves 1,500 acres of pristine land midway between St. Augustine and Flagler Beach, offering offers miles of hiking trails under ancient live oaks, a wildlife-rich saltwater marsh perfect for exploring by kayak and primitive camping. There are a dozen tents-only primitive campsites, including an equestrian campsite and a group campsite. The fee for non-county residents is $25 for family sites. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance on the Princess Place Preserve website. Address: 2500 Princess Place Rd, Palm Coast, FL 32137.

Read more: Princess Place Preserve

Donald MacDonald Campground (Indian River County) Tent (Some RV)

Wooded and shady public campground in Sebastian offers direct access to the St. Sebastian River, which flows into the Indian River Lagoon directly across from Sebastian Inlet. All 31 sites have a fire ring and picnic table. Five sites have electric and water hookups for recreational vehicles, and they can be reserved, but this campground is really about the 26 non-electric sites for tent camping. You’ll share water spigots. A sheriff’s deputy lives in the park (patrol car included) and security is comfortable. Nightly fees are $20 for the primitive sites; $30 for electric (28-31). Reservations accepted online. Address: 12315 Roseland Road, Sebastian, FL 32958. Phone: (772) 226-1878.

Read more: Donald MacDonald Park and Campground

Peanut Island (Palm Beach County) Tent, boat access only

Peanut Island has 17 landscaped campsites with tent pad, grill and picnic table. (Sites 1 & 2, 8 & 9, and 15 & 16 are double pads.) Restrooms with hot indoor showers, a picnic pavilion and large fire ring. Swimming and snorkeling for campers and day visitors. Be aware the 79-acre island is surrounded by busy boat channels in the Port of Palm Beach. Camping is $28 per night plus tax for a max three-night stay. Reserve online at www.bookyoursite.com/campgrounds/peanutislandfl​ or call 561-845-4445​. Accessible only by boat via Peanut Island Shuttle (Riviera Beach Marina) and Palm Beach Water Taxi (Sailfish Marina on Singer Island). Map of area: Intracoastal waterway, near the Lake Worth Inlet, Riviera Beach, FL. Phone: 561-845-4445​.

Read more: Peanut Island is exceptional park for snorkeling, camping

Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park (Pasco County) Tent only

This tent-only, primitive Pasco County campground is managed in partnership with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The park is part of a 18,000-acre water-management preserve with unlimited hiking and a 7-mile paved bike trail, part of the 42-mile Suncoast Trail. The campground is the ultimate prize for tent campers. RV campers are prohibited. There are 16 campsites with restrooms and showers and a small shelter. Water spigots are shared. On the hiking trail, there are three remote primitive sites without any amenities. This is a wilderness, so you provide your own security. Sites are $15 per night, $10 for backpacking sites. Reservations up to 30 days in advance online or in person at Land O Lakes Recreation Complex, 3033 Collier Pkwy., Land O Lakes; Veterans Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Rd., Hudson; or the J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex, 2830 Gulf Trace Blvd., Holiday. Starkey Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Boulevard, New Port Richey, FL 34655. Phone: (727) 834-3247.

Read more: Starkey Wilderness Park is a refuge for tent campers

Lake Mills Campground (Seminole County) Tent Only

Lake Mills is a 50-acre park located in the southwest part of Seminole County in Chuluota off Lake Mills Road. The park offers an up-close look at a mixed hardwood swamp, a sandy beach area on the lake and plenty of recreational opportunities. Each camp site offers a picnic table, grill and room for one car to park with overflow parking nearby. All sites are tent only. RV’s, Campers or Trailers are not permitted. Camping area has showers available for registered campers only. No electric or water hookups. Individual Sites (Sites 1-4, 6-14. Up to 6 people): $15+tax/night. Group Site (Site 5. Up to 40 people.): $30+tax/night. Maximum 7 day stay. Lake Mills Park, 1301 Tropical Ave, Chuluota, FL 32766. Phone: 407-665-2190

You might also like: Primitive camping on starlit islands in Florida