Seven Places to Try Tent Camp in Florida

If you want to try something completely different, or are tired of going to the identical camping sites time after time, try tent camping in Florida. Florida has a wide choice of locations, from the lakes to wonderful beaches to the swamps and huge forests. Florida’s campgrounds have enough variety to provide new experiences for your family to enjoy.

State Park Camping

Florida has a wide variety of State Parks open to the public for camping. Each park provides a different outdoor environment from each other.

Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach State Park has a wide variety of camping choices, from furnished cabins, electric hookups and running water, to rustic sites perfect for the tent camper. The Florida State Park system allows pet owners to bring cats and dogs, as long as they are leashed.

Suwannee River

If you want an experience that is more back to nature, then the Suwannee River State Park might be your better option. The Suwannee River flows peacefully in the background, offering some of the best canoeing in the state. The park is open year round and features southern magnolia and cypress trees. If you want electricity and water hookups, the park provides campsites with these options.

Cayo Costa

Cayo Costa State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Florida. Situated on La Costa Island, the only way to reach the park is by ferry, charter boat, or private boat. The island park offers tent sites as well as primitive cabins. Imagine miles and miles of white sand beaches on a beautiful island.

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda (Spanish for deep Bay) State Park is also located on an island on the Florida Keys. This virtually uninhabited island is located between Spanish Harbor Key and Ohio Key. The beach was once named the best place for swimming in the United States. Tent sites are available, as well as kayak rentals.

Everglades National Park

The Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness located on the continental US. The Everglades are fed by lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee river. Camping is available at a number of sites throughout the park. Campsites range from modern sites with electric and water connections, to backcountry sites requiring special permits. Views from the park are stunning. While swimming is not recommended in the park, as alligators, snapping turtles and water moccasins live in the fresh water.

Ocala National Forest

If you want to see natural springs, then plan a night at Ocala National Forest. The Ocala National forest is oldest and second largest national forest in Florida. The Ocala National Forest receives more visitors than any other forest in Florida. It is also famous for having hundreds of natural lakes and ponds, as well as wet prairies. Mild winters make this destination an excellent tent camping choice.

A feature of the Ocala National forest that must be seen is the Salt Springs Snorkeling and diving are excellent in this clear water spring. While visibility in the water is usually very good, if there are crowds, they may stir up dirt and reduce visibility. Salt Springs is over 100 miles from the ocean and is the result of water percolating through salt deposits. The water is comfortable the year round.

If you are interested in wildlife, all of the park systems have their fair share of animals. The Ocala National Forest has the Florida Black Bear. Other parks will have alligators, crocodiles, egrets and whitetail deer may be seen. As with all parks, leave only footprints and take only pictures.