Florida Camping

Camping is a great way to see what Florida's natural areas have to offer. There's nothing like sleeping outdoors and being there when the sun comes up so you can hear the first bird calls and see the wildlife looking for breakfast -- something you may be a bit late for if you have to enter a park after it opens.

Of course, there are cabins and lodges within many natural areas -- and some natural areas don't have gates that open and close at a designated time. But if you really like the adventure of tent camping, hitching up that camper or exploring in your RV (recreational vehicle), this page and the following pages may give you some tips on camping in Florida.

Florida campgrounds

Florida's land is so diverse, and that's what makes touring its natural areas exciting! From northern Florida springs to the Keys' coral reefs, and from the beaches to the wetlands to the subtropical forests, Florida is a study in diversity. Explore it!

Many of Florida's campgrounds can fill up as quickly as its hotel rooms do, so it's best to call ahead to ask about availability and make a reservation if you can. It's aggravating to travel a few hours away after packing your gear only to find the place you planned to stay at is full. Like most anywhere, weekends are busier than weekdays, so reservations are especially helpful then.

When you call, you may want to ask for a description of the campground. Some elements you may want to avoid in a campsite include:

  • It is near a road that gets heavy traffic, which can keep you up at night.
  • It is near a body of water that is known to flood when it rains.
  • It is too close or too far from the restrooms for your liking.
  • It has too little or too much shade for your liking.
  • It is too remote or not remote enough for your liking. (Check a good map.)
  • There is no security gate.

Some campsites come with water and electricity outlets, and some don't. Even if you're tent camping, you may want these features. It's a good idea to ask if these are available and -- if you're in an RV -- if there's a dump station.

You'll also need to find out whether you need anything in particular to get into the campsite. Some campgrounds require that you provide a refundable deposit in exchange for a key that lets you in and out of the security gate. If you'll be arriving after dark, you may have to call the campground to remind someone of that fact so you won't be locked out. In some places, you have to pay to take a ferry across, or provide your own boat, to get to your campsite.

Make sure you have all the facts before you go.

Camping guidebooks

Some resources you may find helpful in choosing Florida campgrounds include:

Back to EcoFlorida Nature Travel Guide | < < Home

Copyright 2001-2007 EcoFlorida. All rights reserved.