Tent Camping in Florida: 10 Stunning Spots for Nature Lovers

Between its countless clear-water beaches and iconic cultural attractions, Florida draws in over a hundred million tourists every year. But how many of them are packing their canvas tents to enjoy the State’s abundant beauty from a campsite? With numerous state parks and a few world-renowned national ones, tent camping in Florida is truly an underrated way to explore the Sunshine State. Whether camping is your go-to getaway or you’re looking for a more unique way to vacation, read on to discover 10 of the best places to camp in Florida. From coastal campsites to wildlife oases, nature lovers won’t want to miss these stunning destinations to pitch their tents. Let’s dive right in!

1. Everglades National Park

The Everglades are likely the first park that comes to mind for most outdoor lovers looking to explore Florida. With over a million and a half acres of wetlands, forests, and marine ecosystems, Everglades National Park is a bucket-list destination for most campers, and for good reason.

What Everglades National Park Is Great For

Aside from taking in the distinctive, stunning landscapes of the park, wildlife viewing is arguably the most popular activity in the Everglades. A number of wild animals can be seen throughout the park, from alligators and manatees to hundreds of bird species, big and small. Take an airboat tour for a fun adventure, or observe on foot through one of the many trails the park has to offer. When camping in a wetland destination, don’t forget your waterproof poly tarps to protect your tent and other gear from the inevitable exposure to moisture. 

2. Blue Spring State Park

Situation along the St. Johns River in Volusia County, Florida is Blue Spring State Park. Boasting crystal blue waters, this popular destination offers campers plenty to do during their stay.

What Blue Spring Is Great For

Blue Spring State Park is a well-known winter refuge for manatees, making it the place to be if these gentle giants are on your list of must-see wildlife. Campers can also enjoy various water activities, from canoeing and kayaking to river boat tours. 

3. Big Cypress National Preserve

Neighboring the Everglades to the north is Big Cypress National Preserve, a sprawling wetland ecosystem with several attractions for anyone on a camping trip. 

What Big Cypress Is Great For

Big Cypress offers many of the same activities as the Everglades, but without the crowd of tourists. Take in the swampy scenery from an airboat, kayak, or canoe. If you’d rather stay on land, enjoy the preserve on a hike, bike ride, or off-road vehicle.

4. Anastasia State Park

If you prefer sandy beaches over swampy wetlands, look no further than Anastasia State Park for a coastal camping getaway. Located in St. Augustine on Anastasia Island, this state park maintains 139 campsites for nature lovers to stay on their trip.

What Anastasia Is Great For

Anastasia State Park is ideal for campers looking for classic beach activities, including picnicking, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. For those planning to spend their days soaking up the sun beachside, don’t forget to pitch a sunshade tarp to protect yourself from Florida’s harsh rays. If you want to work up a sweat before taking a dip at the beach, consider hiking one of the many trails Anastasia has to offer. 

5. Little Talbot Island State Park

Another beach gem is Little Talbot Island State Park, located on the outskirts of Jacksonville. One of the few undeveloped barrier islands left in the state, this protected park has several things for campers to explore.

What Little Talbot Island Is Great For

Thanks to the island’s lack of development, there are plenty of natural treasures along its beaches, making beachcombing one of the more popular activities for visitors. Walk along Little Talbot Island’s beaches to discover seashells, sea glass, and cedar driftwood. If you plan to camp here, make sure you bring your beach camping tent accessories, like canvas tarps to protect your shelter from the abrasive terrain.

6. Falling Waters State Park

For a more lush forest landscape, head to Falling Waters State Park out in Florida’s western panhandle. As the park’s name alludes to, Falling Waters boasts the state’s highest waterfall at 70 feet tall. 

What Falling Waters Is Great For

Hiking is the best way to enjoy the park’s lush scenery and iconic waterfall. Falling Waters is also a great place to picnic, watch wildlife, and fish in the local waterways. Or, spend an afternoon swimming at the nearby freshwater lake. 

7. Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks, offering visitors diverse landscapes to enjoy, including wetlands and prairies. 

What Myakka River Is Great For

Wildlife is abundant at this park, with plenty of opportunities to take in these diverse ecosystems. Campers can sign up for wildlife tours guided by park personnel, or take their cameras and binoculars to the Birdwalk, a boardwalk built for visitors to view countless species, from birds to alligators. 

8. Florida Caverns State Park

If you’ve crossed the wetlands and beaches off your Florida to-do list, consider checking out one of the state’s impressive cave systems at Florida Caverns State Park. 

What Florida Caverns Is Great For

Exploring the vast caverns is the main activity at this park, typically done through guided tours. Outside of the caves, campers can embark on hikes and bike rides on the park’s trails or take a dip at local swimming holes.

9. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

If you’ve been daydreaming about life on the prairie, use your Florida summer vacation to set up camp at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. 

What Kissimmee Prairie Is Great For

Thanks to its remote location away from light pollution, Kissimmee Prairie has a coveted Dark Sky Designation, making it one of the best places for astronomy and stargazing in the state. The park’s sprawling grasslands are also a great location for bird and wildlife watching. 

10. Highlands Hammock State Park

A historic state park located in Highlands County, Highlands Hammock is another destination in Florida with a diverse ecosystem worth exploring. 

What Highlands Hammock Is Great For

Walking and hiking trails are abundant at Highlands Hammock, allowing campers to go off the beaten path to explore the diversity of the park. If you’re on a more leisurely camping trip, take one of the park’s alligator tram tours to see these impressive reptiles in the wild. 

Wrapping It Up

Florida is a well-known state for vacationing thanks to its vibrant beaches and cultural attractions. But if you truly want to get up close and personal with the state’s beauty, camping is arguably the best way to explore its natural wildlife and landscape diversity. Whether you’re looking for a unique adventure in the wetlands or looking to camp beachside, you’re sure to find the perfect place to pitch a tent on your next camping trip to the Sunshine State.