What’s the point of living on a peninsula if you can’t do things like pitch a tent just feet away from the ocean? Now’s your chance to take advantage of Florida’s great outdoors while it’s relatively cooler outside with these hidden beach camping spots.
Big Lagoon State Park
12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, FL 32507 | 850-492-1595
The saltwater marshes along this shore turn into pine flats that house 75 campsites. Campers should keep on an eye to the sky for some feathered neighbors: These woods attract a wide variety of migrating birds.
Photo via Adobe ImagesSt. George Island State Park
1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island, FL 32328 | 850-927-2111
This campsite has 60 sites with water, electricity and other amenities, but for campers looking to step out into the real wilderness, two primitive sites can be reached by a 2.5 mile trail or by kayak.
Photo via fl.stateparks/InstagramBiscayne National Park
9700 SW 328th Street, Homestead, FL 33033 | 786-335-3609
Youll only be able to get to these campsites by boat, but nothing beats roughing it seaside with nothing between you and the wild world but a plastic tent. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you arrive early.
Photo via Adobe ImagesAnastasia State Park
300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080 | 904-461-2033
Located just a short walk from four miles of pristine beach and estuarine tidal marshes, this campground fits 139 sites, available by reservation, nestled in a maritime hammock.
Photo via Adobe ImagesCurry Hammock State Park
56200 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, FL 33050 | 305-289-2690
This park is the largest uninhabited parcel of land between Key Largo and Big Pine Key, perfect for the camper looking to get away from the responsibilities of civilization for a few days. Just make sure you make a reservation for one of the 28 sites before you make the drive.
Photo via Adobe ImagesDry Tortugas National Park
Key West, FL | 866-758-6420
Instagram shots of your camping weekend from this site will make all your friends jelly: How many people can say theyve slept just feet away from an actual masonry fort from the 1800s? Spots are limited though, so make sure you book this trip well in advance.
Photo Adobe ImagesBahia Honda State Park
36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043 | 305-872-2353
Whether youre the type to stick to a camper, stretch out in a tent or rough it in a swinging hammock in the open, this park has the ideal site to enjoy some killer ocean views.
Photo via Adobe ImagesFort Clinch State Park
2601 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 | 904-277-7274
Staying at this sandy Amelia Island campground might feel a bit like stepping into a history book: Fort Clinch often puts on reenactments of Civil War-age battles.
Photo via Fort Clinch State Park/FacebookGamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach, FL 32136 | 386-517-2086
Pick your perfect seaside position at this park: 34 campsites are available by reservation on either the sandy dunes of the Atlantic or the riverside of the Intracoastal. No matter which you pick, youll have killer beach views.
Photo via Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area/FacebookGrayton Beach State Park
357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 | 850-267-8300
Grayton is one of the most picturesque beaches on the Gulf coast, so campers looking for that fire Instagram shot wont even have to use a filter to show off their stay at one of these beautiful sites.
Photo via Visit South Walton/FacebookGulf Islands National Seashore
1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563 | 850-934-2600
The best way to see this seashores barrier island beauty is to grab a tent and head on out to one of the primitive remote sites away from the hustle and bustle found at more developed campgrounds.
Photo via Adobe ImagesJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
102601 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 | 305-451-6300
Camping just a short walk away from the water in this park has its perks. Youre sure to be first in line to dive in and explore Pennekamps beautiful coral reefs.
Photo via Adobe ImagesLittle Talbot Island State Park
12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226 | 904-251-2320
Located on one of the states few remaining undeveloped barrier islands, this campground is nestled among ancient dunes in a lush grove of live oaks, American holly and southern magnolias. Sounds like the perfect place to string up a hammock and take a long nap.
Photo via Adobe ImagesLong Key State Park
67400 Overseas Hwy, Layton, FL 33001 | 305-664-4815
This was once the site of Henry Flaglers famous high-class fishing camp, but now even the common masses can pitch a tent, cast their lines and catch themselves some dinner.
Photo via Adobe ImagesNavarre Beach Campground
9201 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre, FL 32566 | 850-939-2188
This isnt your typical beach campground, but while it might not be as natural as some of the other sites in the state, itll give you all the amenities of a hotel vacay. Youll just, you know, be sleeping on the ground instead of a in a king-size bed.
Photo via Adobe ImagesPeanut Island
6500 Peanut Island Road, Riviera Beach, FL 33404 | 561-845-4445
This island is famous for being the home John F. Kennedys Cold War bunker. Visitors nowadays are worried less about a missile crisis and more about scoping out the best beach spot to set up camp.
Photo via Peanut Island/FacebookSebastian Inlet State Park
9700 South Highway A.1.A., Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 | 321-984-4852
The ultimate weekend vacay calls for a beautiful beach perfect for campers looking to swim, snorkel, kayak, fish and sunbathe their cares away. Just make sure you reserve one of the 51 campsites early: They fill up fast during peak months.
Photo via Adobe ImagesSt. Joseph Peninsula State Park
8899 Cape San Blas Road, Port St Joe, FL 32456 | 850-227-1327
A beachside campground might just be the best place in the world to watch a rosy sunset stretch over the horizon on the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo via Adobe ImagesSt. Andrews State Park
4607 State Park Lane, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 | 850-233-5140 x5141
Many centuries ago, Native Americans visited these beaches to catch the shellfish which then abounded along the shore. Now, campers can visit the same seaside locales and stay overnight to gaze up at the same stars.
Photo via St. Andrews State Park/FacebookNorth Beach Camp Resort
4125 Coastal Highway (A1A), St. Augustine, FL 32084 | 904-824-1806
This campsite isnt as primitive as some, so campers can enjoy all the amenities they want and make it to downtown St. Augustine for a drink before turning in for the night.
Photo via North Beach Camp/InstagramCayo Costa State Park
Cayo Costa, FL 33922 | 941-964-0375
This island is only accessible by boat, but the complicated trip over is worth it just to stay a night surrounded by an ocean breeze and the sweet song of the sea to lull you to sleep.
Photo via Adobe ImagesTurtle Beach Campground
8862 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota, FL 34242 | 941-349-3839
True to its namesake, campers on this beach might just spot a few wave-riding reptiles crawling on the seashore. Just dont touch the little guys: Sea turtles are endangered, so its illegal to get too close to them.
Photo via Adobe Images