Where Can I Go Camping In Florida?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Pine Creek Landing. …
  2. Mack Landing. …
  3. Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. …
  4. Picayune Strand State Forest. …
  5. Dinner Island Wildlife Management Area. …
  6. Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area. …
  7. Curry Hammock State Park. …
  8. Big Pine Key Fishing Lodge.

Can you camp anywhere in Florida?

Can You Camp Anywhere In Florida?

The Sunshine State actually provides many opportunities for in Florida: state parks, national parks, city parks, beaches, recreational areas, and even private campgrounds

. It is important, however, to do your homework before just walking around and setting up a tent!

Can you still camp in Florida?

Camping. Florida's state parks have plenty of options for camping throughout the state. Full-facility campsites for tent campers and RVers include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table, along with centralized showers, restrooms and dump station.

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.

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

.

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 wild camp in Florida?

Free camping options can often leave campers with a not-so-serene view of the wilderness from a Walmart parking lot—but not so in Florida. Thanks to the U.S. Forest Service and the Florida Water Management Districts,

free camping in Florida can be found from the Panhandle to the Everglades

.

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.

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.

Can you sleep in your car Florida Keys?


Do NOT sleep in your car in The Keys

. It is illegal and strictly enforced. You could be arrested.

Can I camp on a beach?


Beachside camping is actually pretty illegal on most public beaches

, so you've to plan ahead on where you're going to go. You'll find some of the best spots away from popular touristy beaches so don't be afraid to go off the beaten path.

Where can you 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.

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.

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.

Can you metal detect in Florida State Parks?


The use of metal detectors is allowed in certain designated areas in Florida State Parks

. Metal detectors may be used at coastal parks between the waterline and toe of the dune, as determined by the park manager, except at archaeological sites within the zone.

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 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 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 pitch a tent on a beach?


you can just use stuff you find around the beach like pieces of driftwood, rocks, etc. to anchor your tent

. For instance, find a smallish branch, tie your guy line to it, and then bury the branch below the sand so the line is taut. That should hold it well.

Are you allowed to camp anywhere?

Ask landowners for permission to wild camp

Other national parks are clear in their guidance that, although they may include areas of common-access land,

wild camping is not one of the rights allowed

.

Can you sleep on the beach in Tampa Florida?

In Florida,

you cannot sleep along developed beaches

, meaning spots where people have their homes, or in front of restaurants. Still, there are areas supervised by the Bureau for Land Management, National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service along the beach, that are great places for free camping in Florida.

Can you camp on the beach for free in Florida?

Typically any areas that are green on Google Maps are also publicly owned. A great map, such as this one, could help in finding free camping spots too. However

camping on the beach is not tolerated in Florida

. If you still want to camp on a beach, then make sure you choose a beach that is far from buildings and towns.

Can you hammock camp in Florida state parks?


Some parks may provide hammock posts instead of trees

. For reservations for cabins or camping, go online or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

What is the best month to go camping in Florida?

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.

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.

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.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.