Florida Panhandle campgrounds offer a taste of the seasons without the inconvenience of snow, but beware of the summer crush of visitors from Southern states.
Camping in Florida
Best affordable camping
Camping should be affordable, but it’s not always so in Florida. Many private campgrounds, especially in Florida’s vacation hot spots, charge more for a campsite than hotels do — because they can!
Florida Rambler is your resource for discovering affordable campgrounds in a natural environment. You’ll find them here…
Phipps Park Campground in Stuart ideally suited for family outings
Phipps Park Campground is a great escape for family camping near Stuart. Rent a tent or bring your own, and the RV sites are waterfront.
Best little campground: Donald MacDonald Park in Sebastian
Donald MacDonald Park is one of those cozy little campgrounds you want to keep to yourself. Lush vegetation and access to a natural river with abundant wildlife.
Backcountry camping permits for Ten Thousand Islands, Cape Sable now available online in advance
Backcountry camping permits can now be reserved online. Meantime, Veterans and Gold Star Families no longer have to pay entrance fees to national parks.
Primitive camping on dozens of starlit islands in Florida
Explore dozens of islands in Florida waters where you can enjoy soft breezes, gentle surf and soaring birds while camping under the stars. (You’ll need a boat, canoe or a kayak.)
Camping with bears
Fall is bear season. Keep your eyes peeled and take necessary precautions while camping or hiking in the woods.
Best Florida camping: A few of our favorite campgrounds
Many of Florida’s best campgrounds are in our award-winning state parks.
Tomoka State Park: Gateway to the Ormond Scenic Loop
Hidden among the tidal marshes, Tomoka State Park offers a shady campground, miles of paddle trails, biking and hiking, and a productive fishery.
Coming to Florida in your RV? Take a break after crossing the state line
Crossing the Florida state line is something to cheer about, but there’s a lot more road ahead. Here are a few suggestions for overnight stays at these RV campgrounds.
Stop at little known Lake Griffin State Park for a famous tree and more
A very old, very big live oak tree inspired me to stop at this park near the Villages in Central Florida, and I found it to be a nice place to picnic, paddle and take a short hike.