Beachfront campsites in Florida are plentiful thanks to the state’s impressive coastline. Don’t let the hot weather or creepy crawlies deter you from planning a great weekend outdoors. Here are some of our favorites.
Bahia Honda State Park
This island in the Florida Keys became a tourist magnet after Henry Flagler built a railroad to Key West in the early 1900s. Bahia Honda has clear water and amazing sunsets. RVs up to 50 feet and tent campers will find plenty of amenities at camping sites. Overnight boat slips are also available.
Address: 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key FL 33043
Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year
Fees: $8 per vehicle
Official website
Canaveral National Seashore
Located just north of Cape Canaveral, this national park is home to shoreline habitats, ancient Timucua Native American mounds, and thousands of species of plants and animals. Campsites are located on designated islands – some of which are only accessible via boat, kayak or canoe. Be ready to rough it because amenities here are minimal.
Address: There are two entrance stations located at Apollo Beach via New Smyrna and Playalinda Beach via Titusville.
Hours: Open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (daylight saving time hours). Winter hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on federal holidays.
Fees: Depends on vehicle size. See price information.
Official website
Fort De Soto County Park
This historic site – just a short drive from St. Petersburg – is home to one of the top-rated beaches in the nation. Its five interconnected islands feature scores of unique plant life. The park features a 236-site camping area with picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, restrooms, showers and just about any other amenity you can imagine.
Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Hours: Open 7 days a week, 7 a.m. to sunset
Fees: Pay booth collects the daily parking fees of $5.
Official website
St. George Island State Park
Just offshore from Apalachicola, St. George Island offers 9 miles of white-sand beaches and 60 campsites. It’s beloved by beach fans, bird-watchers and anglers. The campground is a quarter-mile from the beach and the gulf. It has two restrooms with hot showers, a playground, and a nature trail. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Address: 1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island FL 32328
Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year
Fees: $6 per vehicle
Official website
Cayo Costa Island State Park
Cayo Costa State Park protects the Charlotte Harbor Estuary and is truly a beloved piece of untouched Florida. The former fishing grounds of Calusa natives is accessible only by boat. Ironically no boat camp sites are available, but 30 tent sites await with picnic tables, ground grills and access to potable water. There are no sites with electricity.
Address: 4 Nautical Miles West of Pine Island (26.685789, -82.245381), Cayo Costa FL 33922
Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Ranger station is open until 4 p.m. daily.
Fees: $2 per person. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required.
Official website
