Winter is a perfect time to pack up the tent and spend some time camping in South Florida's great outdoors. From
beachfront campgrounds in the Florida Keys to tree-shaded sites in the middle of Broward's suburban jungle, here are 12 of the area's best camping spots.
Is Florida good for camping?
You can camp in the great outdoors in almost any state, but what makes camping in Florida unique is the opportunity to do so on the beach or near the ocean
. For gorgeous oceanfront camping views, look no further than Cayo Costa State Park, where primitive campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays.
What beach in Florida can you camp on?
Biscayne National Park
You can discover this undeveloped, scenic group of islands close to the booming city of Miami. Although most of the park is underwater, there are two islands of note – Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key – where Florida beach camping is permitted.
Can you camp for free in Florida state parks?
Dispersed camping in Florida is legal in several areas, whilst
there are also some free campgrounds in the state parks
. We cover dispersed (free) camping, and Florida's free campgrounds in this article.
Can I sleep on the beach in Florida?
Under Florida law,
each city ordinance against nighttime beach sleeping or trespassing is a third-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $500 fine and up to 60 days in jail
.
Can you Boondock in Florida?
Is There Boondocking in Florida?
Yes, there is
! But it is quite a bit different than boondocking out west. Many of these places are in the more natural parts of Florida, which many visitors probably can't say they've seen much of.
Can you camp in Florida in summer?
There is no doubt that Florida is a camping paradise. Still, while
the Sunshine State's mild climate allows for year round camping
and nearly unlimited outdoor activities, there are things that you should know before planning to pitch your tent or hook-up the RV at a Florida campground.
How do I find a campground in Florida?
CampFlorida.com
makes it easy to explore Florida and to find your perfect RV park or campsite. You can search for Florida RV Parks and Campgrounds by region or by amenities or city location.
How much does it cost to camp in Florida state parks?
Campsite prices vary from
$16 to $42 a night
depending on the park. Cabin prices vary from $30 to $160 a night. Visitors pay a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee (per reservation, not per night) when making a reservation online or through the call center. This fee is collected at the time of reservation.
Where can you camp for free in Florida on the beach?
- Pine Creek Landing. …
- Mack Landing. …
- Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. …
- Picayune Strand State Forest. …
- Dinner Island Wildlife Management Area. …
- Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area. …
- Curry Hammock State Park. …
- Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge.
Can you sleep on Clearwater beach?
You might ask if sunbathing would be considered sleeping. Well, it is, sort of, but
the restriction for sleeping at the beach only runs from 11PM to 6AM
, so long as you are not sunbathing during those hours, you won't be breaking any laws.
Can you live in a tent in Florida?
Even if you own the land,
you cannot legally live in a tent
. In the eyes of the law, living full-time in such conditions is equal to sleeping in a car in a parking lot, thus, you are considered homeless.
Is it safe to camp in a tent in Florida?
While
tent camping is allowed in Florida's national parks
, some campgrounds close during specific times of year for maintenance and to keep the campers safe. The Monument Lake Campground is open from August to April; the Burns Lake Campground remains open from August to January.
Where can I camp for free in Florida?
Easily some of the most well-known free camping spots are in
southern Florida's DuPuis Management Area
, which has 16 primitive campsites along with miles of hiking trails, equestrian trails, and ponds for fishing. Campers can stay for 8 days at a time, up to 30 days annually.
Where can I park overnight in Florida?
- WALMART. At one time Walmart stores offered at most of their locations an open invitation to RV Camper owners to park at their stores overnight as long as parking was in the uncongested areas of the parking lots (Not in front). …
- INTERSTATE REST AREAS. …
- CRACKER BARREL. …
- TRUCK STOPS. …
- OTHER PLACES.
Can you sleep in your car at Walmart?
Generally,
yes, Walmart does allow people to sleep in their cars overnight in Walmart car parks
. Walmart has no official policy on overnight parking with cars, so it is up to the discretion of the store manager or after-hours security guard to permit you to stay.
Can you sleep in your car in Florida?
The Law on Sleeping in Your Car in Florida
There is no federal law that prohibits motorists from sleeping inside their vehicle. However, in Florida,
drivers are only allowed to sleep inside their vehicle for a maximum of three hours
. You are not allowed to park overnight and sleep in your vehicle.
Can you use a camping tent at the beach?
One simple solution to an overexposed beach day is a beach tent, designed to give you that very much-needed protection from the sun and UV rays—and frustrating wind gusts, too.
A beach shade tent can be used as a base camp or beach shelter while you spend time on the sand
, and the effect is always worth the effort.
Can you sleep in your car at Walmart in Florida?
It is illegal to sleep in a Walmart parking lot without permission
. There is no national law against sleeping in your car. That said, there are laws against trespassing.
Is there any BLM land in Florida?
Well,
BLM Land camping in Florida is non-existent
. But you have plenty of other opportunities to explore. While talking about camping in Florida, there is no need to discuss BLM in-depth but I want to point out a few important things just as a comparison to the public land management in Florida.
Does Florida have BLM land?
Terminology – BLM (Bureau of Land Management) in Florida
It irks me when folks talk about free BLM camping in Florida because
BLM Camping does not exist in Florida
! BLM is huge out west but not so in the East.
What is the clearest lake in Florida?
The clearest fresh water lakes in Florida are
spring-fed white sand bottom lakes
. These lakes are smaller than the Harris Chain lakes and are mostly private or have limited access. These lakes are not as fertile as the large lakes, but they make up for it with less boating and fishing pressure.
What is the best time to go camping in Florida?
When Should I Camp? Tent camping in Florida – including backpacking and car camping in Florida is best enjoyed
between October and March
, when the muggy nights with high temperatures yield to a cool evening chill. Backpackers will find Florida's backcountry most comfortable in January and February.
Where can you park RVS in Florida?
- Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna. …
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Santa Rosa Beach. …
- Anastasia State Park, St. …
- Fort Pickens Campground, Pensacola. …
- St. …
- Juniper Springs National Recreation Area, Ocala. …
- Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, Orlando. …
- FIsherman's Cove, Tampa Bay.
Are Florida State Parks open for camping?
Most state parks are open 8 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year
. Visitors may make campsite or cabin reservations from same day before 1 p.m. to 11 months in advance by calling toll free 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time or by visiting the Florida State Parks reservations website.
How long can you camp at a Florida State Park?
Generally, the length of stay in any Florida state park is limited to
14 consecutive days
. You may stay up to 28 days when demand is not great, but you are limited to no more than eight weeks' stay in any six months at a particular park.
