When most people think of Florida, they picture sweltering days and muggy nights. Add an outdoor experience to that, and you’ll be fighting mosquitoes the size of hummingbirds. But today, I want to talk about something different. I want to talk about glamping in Florida, and it is a game-changer. There’s no need to rough it in the ‘glades, and instead, enjoy the Sunshine State’s natural beauty while sleeping on plush mattresses with hot showers just a few steps away. To do so, you’ll want the right tent for the occasion. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.
I understand, Florida has immense appeal with everything from pristine beaches to ancient forests, and if to see all of it while keeping the modern comforts, glamping is the ideal way to go. Here’s a guide to some fancy camping in Florida in some of the most breathtaking destinations imaginable.
Get to Glamping with a Bell Tent
Before diving into the best glamping in Florida, let’s talk about setting up the ultimate glamping experience. The foundation of any great glamping adventure starts with choosing the right shelter. Bell tents from White Duck Outdoors have become my go-to for comfort camping because they offer both style and durability.
These canvas beauties have plenty of space for spacious and stylish living. They’re made from breathable canvas that keeps cool even in Florida’s humidity. Unlike synthetic tents that heat up like saunas in midday, canvas naturally regulates temperature with its breathable, porous fabric. Not to mention, bell tents are sleek, stylish, and flat-out cool.
Glamping in Florida is more than just surviving. It’s thriving. I recommend some cozy, foldable furniture. Check out REI and other local outdoor stores for portable furniture like folding chairs, portable tables, and battery-powered electronics. Don’t forget, lighting is key. String lights are good. Solar-powered string lights are better. These come in various colors and sizes, so feel free to go crazy with your unique style and color scheme. All the camp sites recommended below have power, so bring some lamps to set the mood. Throw in a few banners and rugs, and you’ll have yourself a paradise fit for a Sultan.
If you’re sitting pretty, you better be eating well. I suggest a nice meat and cheese board from an artisan deli with local fare. Put one of these together just as camp is done, getting set up, and you’ll already be batting .1000. Keep a cooler full of ice in one of the round corners of the belle tent and stock plenty of water and your favorite beverages. Keep in mind, we’re still camping. Part of the reason people get dehydrated outdoors is that they forget to drink water. We still want to have fun, just keep a reminder to drink water.
The key to successful glamping lies not only in preparation but also in some quality gear. I recommend investing in durable, comfortable equipment. It will pay off down the road. Canvas tents shine in Florida’s unpredictable weather as the material handles wind, rain, and sunshine without a problem.
Now let’s check out some locations!
Jonathan Dickinson State Park: Glamping in the Pine Flatwoods
Located in Hobe Sound, Jonathan Dickinson State Park has amazing glamping in Florida’s pine flatwoods. There’s power at the campground and access to fresh water, while at the same time, it still feels like a true outdoor camping experience. Having water and power close to home base is kind of the foundation of glamping. Setting up a glamping tent here puts campers right in the heart of pristine Florida wilderness.
The park’s campsites allow for large glamping tents, which is a bonus for those sticking to my bell tent recommendation. Clean restrooms and warm showers make camping here anything but primitive. The mellow Loxahatchee River runs right through the property, so campers can kayak and fish just a few steps from camp.
The wildlife here does act like they own the place, so keep an eye out. Sandhill cranes wander through campsites at dawn while painted buntings flash their colors in nearby trees. Perfect hiking trails wind through camp, where you can see gopher tortoises, wild turkeys, and even the occasional Florida black bear, but keep your distance. Nature photographers have endless subjects ready to pose within walking distance of their camp.
What makes Jonathan Dickinson special is its balance of comfort and wildness. The glamper in you will enjoy modern conveniences while experiencing Florida’s natural landscape up close. Also, the park’s ranger programs are a great education for the kids and adults alike! It’s always more fun to learn about animals and plants and then go see them for yourself.
Myakka River State Park: Wild Florida Camping
Right in Sarasota, Myakka River State Park is a massive park protected by 58 square miles of wetlands and prairies. But even with all that space, the campgrounds offer electrical hookups perfect for powering the most stylish glamping tent setups while holding onto some rustic outdoor charm.
The park’s campsites are nestled in ancient oak trees draped with Spanish moss. It looks right out of a storybook. In the morning, you can watch alligators sunbathe along the Myakka River while birds fill the air with constant chatter. The park’s famous canopy walkway is impossible to experience anywhere else in Florida. If this isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be.
Doing some luxury camping in Florida here requires little more than bringing quality gear. I stick to my bell tent, portable furniture, and solar lighting to create some style in the ancient oaks. If you spaced the snacks, not to worry. The park’s visitor center and concession stand have backup supplies when needed.
Myakka’s evenings are worth the effort alone. Take a sunset airboat ride that you’ll never forget. Certain animals come out in twilight that you can’t see when the sun is high. In the dark, the owls, frogs, and the occasional alligator echo across dark waters, a scene you don’t want to miss.
Anastasia State Park: Coastal Forest Glamping
Located near St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park has perfect beach access near maritime forest camping. The campground is comfy with electrical hookups and modern amenities. The natural setting offers serenity in the trees with the beach nearby.
The park’s perfect location allows for anything you want to do within walking distance of camp. Four miles of close, pristine beach let your crew swim, surf, and fish. Meanwhile, tidal lagoons offer kayaking through salt marshes teeming with wildlife. This is a chance to see multiple Florida ecosystems just outside your tent.
This experience is a little more remote, but the hook-ups make for a comfortable stay. So, bring power fans during humid summer nights, and you can charge all your devices just an arm’s length away. Don’t worry, clean restrooms and hot showers keep everyone smelling nice and hitting the sheets in your glamping tent fresh and clean.
The proximity to historic St. Augustine adds local history if you want a day away from the trees. This is, in fact, the nation’s oldest city, so dining and city fun are close and memorable. If you’re going, the park’s location also offers easy day trips to other nearby sights, while Basecamp awaits.
Fort De Soto Park: Island Paradise Camping
Fort De Soto Park is near St. Petersburg and has some of the state’s best beaches with electrical hookups: The best of both worlds. This island setting feels like a tropical escape but is easily accessible.
The campground sits among Australian pines with sites large enough for substantial glamping tent setups. These flawless beaches consistently rank among America’s best for their sugar-white sand and clear waters. They say some people show up and don’t have the will to leave.
Sunrise and sunset views glow over the glassy water from multiple spots all around the island. With all the close water, fishing opportunities include both surf fishing and deep-water chartering. It seems that everywhere in Florida, there is a place to learn. So, find the park’s historic fort to take in a little history while you’re there.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park: Dark Sky Glamping
This one’s in Florida’s cattle country. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve offers incredible dark sky conditions in this remote spot. With minimal light pollution for spectacular stargazing, the vast prairie landscape creates a unique Florida camping environment unlike any other state park.
The preserve’s 54,000 acres of restored prairie support camping that feels like stepping back in time. The landscape is flat with minimal tree cover. This creates endless sky views perfect for astronomy enthusiasts. The campground’s electrical hookups support powered telescopes and photography equipment for serious stargazers who need to get the perfect shot.
Setting up luxury camping Florida style here means preparing for open prairie conditions. Make sure your tent is staked down because strong winds will blow through. Because of this, keep plenty of guy lines on hand. While this place is a little remote, the small town of Okeechobee provides emergency provisions if the situation turns.
Wildlife viewing at Kissimmee Prairie rivals any location in Florida. Endangered Florida wildlife lives in the prairie, and sandhill cranes migrate through in winter. Wild turkeys, deer, and even Florida panthers occasionally appear near camping areas. The real attraction is the night sky as it opens to see the Milky Way shine in stunning detail.
Essential Tips for Florida Glamping Success
Florida’s climate and environment require specific preparation for successful luxury camping. Understanding these factors helps keep everyone comfortable and safe. As I always say, proper planning transforms potential challenges into minor inconveniences.
Bug protection is crucial for Florida glamping success. I always pack extra bug spray, citronella candles, and a keep screen to keep the room off the front of your bell tent. For clothes, lightweight, long-sleeved clothing provides protection during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Weather preparation involves more than just checking forecasts. In Florida, afternoon thunderstorms can come quickly with force. I always pack rain gear and plan to hang out inside until the storm blows over.
For nearly anywhere in Florida, when you book your trip will change both cost and the quality of your experience. The shoulder seasons, fall and spring, have the best weather with fewer crowds. Summer can get too hot for some people, but the prices will be lower then. Winter is when everyone wants to be there, so this raises the cost of, well, everything. Plan ahead and have fun.
Making the Most of Your Florida Glamping Adventure
Florida’s incredible diversity means every region is worth exploring. No matter where you go, prepare well and keep your expectations realistic. The weather might be crazy, so make sure you have a good canvas tent where you can weather the storm, sleep easily, and stay cool.
Glamping is all about comfort. So, get creative about how you want to relax in the wild. If you have young children, they’ll love to see the wild side of Florida and learn about it, too. For couples seeking romantic getaways, glamping can be an intimate setting away from it all and still be comfortable. For the whole crew, glamping takes everyone’s mind off the work of camping and lets the good experiences take center stage.
The future of luxury camping in Florida continues evolving as more outfitters recognize demand for these comfortable outdoor excursions. New locations and amenities regularly emerge while established sites get better every year. For glamping, Florida remains a premier destination today and for years to come.
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