Q: Where can you camp either on or near the beach on the central east coast area? Are the state parks as good and clean as the private parks? -- Thanks, Ed

A: So, Ed, you're going camping on the central-eastern coast, eh? I think you'll find some great natural places there.

In my experience, the state and national parks seem to be even better than the private parks I've been to. (That is not to say the private parks aren't good.) Large county parks can be "good and clean," as you say, as well. State and national parks generally have more acreage than private parks, so you have more natural areas there.

As for camping on or near the beach on the central-eastern coast, I'd suggest Cape Canaveral National Seashore near New Smyrna Beach. This is primitive camping only, and only outside of sea turtle nesting season (roughly April through September or so). You can also camp on one of the seashore's islands in Mosquito Lagoon (Doesn't that sound exotic?), reachable only by private boat.

Other good choices are Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach, which is known for its natural beauty and great campsites; Sebastian Inlet State Park, which is on a barrier island near Sebastian -- a popular surfing and fishing area; and Jonathan Dickinson State Park between Hobe Sound and Jupiter, where the beach is not far from the park entrance.

There is a great book on Florida beach camping you might want to read, Ed: Beach And Coastal Camping In Florida by Johnny Molloy.

Have a great trip.

Read the current Q&A

Do you have a question? Contact the editor.