Most people think of RV parks with they first think of Florida camping, but there are plenty of beautiful campgrounds and state parks throughout this state you should try! In general, Campgrounds are more open spaces where people go to camp out in tents, RVs, popups, or any other outdoorsy shelter. Florida is a popular camping hub for the east coast and anyone looking to get away for a weekend, and camping is encouraged throughout Florida.
There are many different types of campgrounds available, ranging from state parks to private land. Make sure to bring everything you need at these Florida campgrounds, most are tent and RV friendly, so I encourage you to have your sleeping equipment like a sleeping bag, tent (or RV), outdoor lights, first aid kit, etc. (the Ultimate RV Packing Checklist can help you out with some of the details). But mostly importantly, don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent if you plan on spending time outside at night – Florida can get pretty buggy thanks to its lush environment.
Here are three awesome Florida locations you should try:
1. Ross Prairie Trailhead & Campground
The Ross Prairie Trailhead and Campground is located at 10660 SW State Rd 200, Dunnellon, FL 34432. Hikers and mountain bikers alike appreciate the trails in the area, and wildlife enthusiasts can spot birds, deer, rabbits, squirrels, and even bobcats from the picnic tables at the trailhead. There are hiking opportunities around the prairie to suit any level of experience and interest, including short walks, family hikes, and long-distance treks.
- Wildlife viewing
The best wildlife viewing usually occurs between mid-July and early September. Most species of birds seen here are migrants passing through on their way north or south. You may catch a glimpse of these birds while hiking along the trails.
- Picnicking
Picnicking is something I love doing because it’s quite relaxing when done right. As much as I enjoy being outside, sometimes I just want to sit down and watch the scenery go by, whether it’s at a scenic overlook or along a forest trail. So, if you’re looking for a place to go picnicking, then choose the Ross Prairie Trailhead & Campground as your next destination.
- Mountain Biking
There are many trails around the country that allow people to explore nature while enjoying the great outdoors. You don’t have to worry too much about falling since there are no steep inclines and cliffs. If you’ve never tried mountain biking, then now would be a good time to give it a try at the Ross Prairie Trailhead & Campground.
- Horseback riding
Horses are very majestic animals and they make wonderful companions for anyone who wants to get out of their comfort zone and feel exhilarated. They are also known for their sense of direction, which means that they can take you to almost anywhere you’d like to go. When you ride horses, you’ll experience a feeling of freedom and power that you may not get from any other mode of transportation. This campground offers a great horseback riding experience.
- Hiking
One of the best ways to exercise and find new places is hiking. Whether you’re looking for a short hike near your home or a more difficult trail further out, there’s always something beautiful to look at. In addition, hiking helps you get to know your surroundings and learn about different ecosystems. You’ll develop a deeper appreciation of nature and gain knowledge about how ecosystems work. It’s definitely worth the time and effort!
Amenities at this campground include:
- Accessible parking.
- Accessible picnic pavilion.
- Accessible restroom/bathhouse.
Hours of operation.
This campground is open from 8am to sundown.
Fees
There are no admission fees for visiting this location. However, there are fees for camping. These fees are as follows:
Regular Camping
- $22 per night plus tax
- $6.70 reservation fee
- $7 nightly utility fee for RV, cabin, bungalow, boat and yurt units.
Primitive Group Camp
You are allowed to do some type of primitive camping here and it is very cheap. The costs are:
- $5 per adult, per night.
- $1 per child, per night.
Pet Policy
The pet policy here is very welcoming. There are only a couple rules that you need to follow.
- Pets should never be left unattended.
- All pets must be confined or leashed.
- Pets that are noisy, vicious, dangerous, disturbing noisy, vicious, dangerous, or disturbing, will not be permitted.
- Pets should be well taken care of.
Service animals are welcome in all areas.
Here is a list of all the trails you will have access to:
- Withlacoochee Bay Trail
- Eureka West Recreation Area
- Kenwood Recreation Area
- Rodman Recreation Area
- Rodman Campground
- Felburn Park
- Inglis Bypass Recreation Area
- Inglis Dam and Island Recreation Area
- Inglis Lock Recreation Area
- Dunnellon Trail
- Buckman Lock – St Johns Loop North and South
- Ross Prairie Trailhead and Campground
- Shangri-La Trailhead and Campground
- Land Bridge Trailhead
- Santos Trailhead and Campground
- Historic Santos Recreation Area
- Baseline Road Trailhead
2. Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park is located in St. Augustine, Florida, on the Anastasia Peninsula. The park has more than 15 miles of trails and offers a wide variety of recreational activities.
The park’s campsites include tent, trailer and RV sites with full hookups. The campground also has a modern bathhouse with showers, laundry facilities and restrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated showers.
There are several picnic areas within the park that offer tables and grills to enjoy your lunch outdoors. You can also rent kayaks or paddle boards from Anastasia State Park’s concessionaire to explore the waterways surrounding the park or take guided boat tours on select days throughout the year.
Anastasia State Park also offers a beach access area with lifeguards that extends into the Gulf of Mexico for swimming or kayaking during low tide conditions.
The park is a popular place to go boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. There are two camping areas within the park that accommodate RV’s, tents and small recreational vehicles as well as picnic tables and restrooms.
Hours
You will be able to enjoy this location from 8 a.m. until sundown all year long.
Fees
Fees here are $8 per vehicle. If you are in a single occupant vehicle, you only pay $4.
Camping
- It costs $28 per night plus tax to camp here.
- There is a $6.70 reservation fee.
- $7 nightly utility fee for RV.
Location
300 Anastasia Park Road
St. Augustine FL 32080
Contact Info
904-461-2033
Give this location a try and tell me what you think.
3. Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park is a hidden gem in Orange City, FL. The park offers a variety of activities including camping, hiking and boating.
If you are looking for an adventure, then come to Blue Springs State Park and experience the thrill of kayaking with manatees! The Florida Wildlife Guided Kayak Tour offers guests the opportunity to encounter these gentle giants while exploring Florida’s waterways.
The Florida Wildlife Guided Kayak Tour has been taking guests on guided tours of Blue Spring State Park since 2013. Guests will be outfitted with life vests, headlamps and paddles before setting off on their journey. The tour lasts approximately one hour long and includes a stop at a viewing platform where guests can get up close and personal with manatees.
Hours
You will be able to enjoy this location 24/7.
Fees
Encounter Manatee while Kayaking at Blue Springs State Park
Starting at $78.80 for adults.
Orlando Manatee Encounters
Starting at $80 for adults.
Orlando Manatee and Natural Spring Adventure Tour at Blue Springs
Starting at $65 for adults.
Florida Wildlife Guided Kayak Tour – Blue Spring State Park, Orange City, FL
Starting at $78.80 for adults.
Camping Tips & Tips When in Florida
Camping is where nature takes its course and everything around you dictate what you do. You’ve got to make sure you’re prepared for any situation by making sure you have the right gear and supplies. Here’s some tips and tricks to help you prepare for a great camping trip, especially if you’re going with just a tent.
- The first thing you’ll want to pack is food. Make sure that you bring enough for your whole stay. Remember to pack your favorite foods, snacks, drinks, and anything else you might need. Don’t forget about hygiene products either, especially if you plan on going hiking or backpacking. Pack shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc.
- In terms of sleeping arrangements, you should bring two sets of sheets and blankets for each person. One set should be thick and warm, the other should be thin and lightweight. Also, bring extra pillows and blankets just in case. If you don’t happen to have any spare sleeping bags, consider bringing small waterproof tarps instead. These work just fine at keeping off bugs.
- A good tent is essential for camping trips, even if you aren’t planning on doing anything adventurous. You’ll want to bring along a ground cloth, and possibly stakes and pegs depending on how much space you have. Tents can range anywhere from $40-$200 or more depending on the quality and brand.
- Think about using a portable stove instead of a campfire for cooking. Portable stoves are cheaper than firewood and easier to carry.
- Bring a pot for boiling water, plates, bowls, cutlery, and utensils.
- Waterproof matches and lighter are helpful to keep at hand while camping. There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the woods without any way to start a fire.
- Bring a flashlight with spare batteries with you. You never know when the power goes out, and you won’t want to wake everyone up in the middle of their sleep.
- Bring plenty of sunscreen, bug spray, and insect repellent! Insect bites can become infected in harsh environments, so you’ll want to protect yourself.
- Bring some basic tools and materials like screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, wrenches, a hammer drill, saw, and a few nails. Having these handy will help you repair things if they break down on your trip.
- Bring some type of tool to help you build a shelter if you are going to be doing primitive camping. Bring a tent provides protection from wind and insects.
- Keep some cash on hand for emergencies.
- Bringing a GPS device is a smart idea for people who love to hike or bike and want to plan their route beforehand.
- Bring a phone charger to charge your phone while you’re away.
- Bring some extra clothing and shoes in case you get caught in bad weather. You’ll probably want to wear something warmer than you would typically wear at home, since temperatures drop considerably outside during colder climate.
Here are 25 Locations in Florida You Can Visit
- Alafia River State Park, Lithia
- Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine
- Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key
- Big Lagoon State Park, Pensacola
- Blackwater River State Park, Holt
- Blue Spring State Park, Orange City
- Collier-Seminole State Park, Naples
- Curry Hammock State Park, Marathon
- Dr. Julian G Bruce St George Island State Park, St George Island
- Falling Waters State Park, Chipley
- Faver-Dykes State Park, St. Augustine
- Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna
- Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach
- Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville
- Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area, Flagler Beach
- Grayton Beach State Park, Santa Rosa Beach
- Henderson Beach State Park, Destin
- Highlands Hammock State Park, Sebring
- Hillsborough River State Park, Thonotosassa
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
- Jonathon Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound
- Kissimmee Prairie State Park, Okeechobee
- Koreshan State Historic Site, Estero
- Lake Griffin State Park, Leesburg
- Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Wales
Wrapping Up
These are just a few of the places you can go camping in Florida. We just chose three of our favorites and hope you will at least try one of them. Of the three listed above, I would definitely go with the Blue Spring State Park. If you have any awesome stories from your visit to any of these locations, send us a message and thank you for reading.
Guest post contributed by Kevin Pommells at CamperRules.com.