Camping in Florida: Where to Go, When to Go, and How to Make It Happen

Florida's state park system runs more than 50 campgrounds statewide, and that's a real number worth sitting with. From the Panhandle to the Keys corridor, there's a site for nearly every kind of trip. Most state park campsites come with water, electricity, a grill, and a picnic table already in place, which makes setup much easier if you're new to this.

For a spot that surprises people, Florida Caverns State Park in the Panhandle is worth the drive. The park sits above the only publicly accessible dry cave system in Florida, and camping here means you can take the cave tour in the morning before anyone else arrives. It's the kind of place that reminds you Florida has a geology people rarely talk about.

Over in Central Florida, at least 11 state parks offer camping options, giving you a lot of flexibility if you're working around a schedule or a school break. Alexander Springs Recreation Area, inside the National Forests in Florida, is a standout. Four loops of shaded campsites sit within easy walking distance of a swimming and picnicking area, and the parking pads are level, which matters more than you'd think when you're setting up a tent.

The National Forests in Florida list 21 campgrounds through Recreation.gov, along with other options like Big Scrub Campground, Buck Lake Group Campground, and Big Bass Campground. If you're looking to book through a single platform, Recreation.gov has more than 30 Florida campgrounds in total. It's a good place to start comparing what's available by region.

Where Florida Campers Actually Go

Late October through April is the window most experienced Florida campers aim for, especially in Central Florida. The humidity drops, the bugs thin out, and the temperatures feel genuinely comfortable during the day. Nights can get cool, occasionally into the 30s if you're camping near Jacksonville or heading west toward the Panhandle, so a real sleeping bag matters.

Fall and winter camping in the Jacksonville area and northwest Florida has a specific charm. Days warm up pleasantly, and the campgrounds are quieter. You're not fighting summer crowds, and you can actually hear the forest.

Guided camping in Central Florida runs year-round, so if you're newer to this and want support on your first trip, that's always an option regardless of season. Summer is possible, but the heat and humidity are real factors. Going in with that awareness helps you plan shorter hiking days and prioritize water access.

Reservations, Permits, and Booking Without the Headache

Florida state park campsite reservations open 11 months in advance for Florida residents and 10 months in advance for non-residents. If you have a specific park in mind for a holiday weekend or spring break, set a calendar reminder now. Popular sites fill fast, and waiting until a few weeks out often means you're left choosing between whatever's left.

For national forest campgrounds, Recreation.gov is your platform. The National Forests in Florida handle 21 campgrounds and 9 permit categories through that site. The process is straightforward once you create an account, and you can filter by amenities, loop, and availability.

One thing worth knowing: state forest campgrounds operate separately from state park campgrounds. They have their own reservation systems and their own rules. If you're looking at a campground managed by a state forest rather than a state park, check that agency's website directly so you're not caught off guard.

Essential Gear for Florida

Gear Tips for Camping in Florida

Florida's camping climate is its own thing. Even in the cooler months, daytime temperatures can swing, and humidity lingers longer than you'd expect. Your gear choices should reflect that reality, not a generic packing list written for mountain camping.

For sleeping, layering matters more than a single heavy bag. A mid-weight sleeping bag paired with a liner gives you flexibility when nights dip into the 30s in the Panhandle but stay warmer along the coasts. A sleeping pad with good insulation underneath keeps you comfortable on cold ground.

Mosquito protection is non-negotiable, even in the cooler months. A tent with a tight mesh design and a good door seal does a lot of the work. Add a DEET-based repellent for any time you're near water, especially around springs and marshes. Sunscreen matters year-round in Florida, more than most people plan for, even on overcast winter days.

For footwear, a pair of water-resistant sandals or shoes you don't mind getting wet is worth packing alongside your trail shoes. Many of Florida's best campsites sit near springs or swimming areas, and you'll want to move between water and land without thinking twice about it.