There are few people who don’t love the sea waves, and those who love the sea know the real fun of camping on beach! Watching the sunrise from very close to the sea, sitting under the open sky and spending some beautiful time like yourself, ah! It’s nice to think, isn’t it? So don’t delay let’s learn about some of the best beach camping spots that will come in help on your next trip. This guide covers 15 top spots, detailing their main attractions, facilities, and essential information to help you plan your perfect Beach Camping Florida.
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Florida, with its abundant coastline, offers some of the best beach camping opportunities in the country. From secluded islands to popular tourist spots, each location provides a unique camping experience. Let’s start my blog about Beach camping Florida:
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Table of Contents
1. Curry Hammock State Park
Address: 56200 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050
Intro: Located in the Florida Keys, about 2 hours from Miami, Curry Hammock State Park has 28 campsites. Main attractions include kayaking, fishing, and birdwatching.
How to reach: From Miami, take US-1 S (Overseas Highway) all the way to Marathon. The park is on the left.
Best time to camp: November to April.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grills.
Security: Park rangers patrol regularly.
Cost: $36 per night plus a $6.70 reservation fee.
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2. Fort Pickens
Address: Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, 1400 Fort Pickens Rd
Intro: About a 30-minute drive from Pensacola, Fort Pickens offers 200 campsites for tents and RVs. Attractions include the historic fort and excellent fishing spots.
How to reach: From Pensacola, take US-98 W to FL-399 W/Fort Pickens Rd.
Best time to camp: March to October.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, and a camp store.
Security: Gated entrance with security patrols.
Cost: $26 per night.
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3. St. Andrews State Park
Address: 4607 State Park Ln, Panama City, FL 32408
Intro: Just 15 minutes from Panama City Beach, St. Andrews offers 176 campsites. Main attractions include snorkeling, fishing, and nature trails.
How to reach: From Panama City, take US-98 W and FL-30 to State Park Ln.
Best time to camp: April to October.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grills.
Security: 24-hour park rangers on duty.
Cost: $28 per night plus tax.
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4. Fort Clinch State Park
Address: 2601 Atlantic Avenue, F B, Florida 32034
Intro: Located on Amelia Island, about 45 minutes from Jacksonville, Fort Clinch offers 69 campsites. Attractions include the historic fort, fishing, and hiking.
How to reach: From Jacksonville, take I-95 N to FL-200 E/A1A N to Atlantic Ave in Fernandina Beach.
The best time to camp: November to May
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grills.
Security: Regular ranger patrols.
Cost: $26 per night plus tax.
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5. Fort De Soto Park
Address: 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Intro: Located near St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park offers 236 campsites. Main attractions include pristine beaches, a historic fort, and kayaking.
How to reach: From St. Petersburg, take I-275 S to FL-682 W/Pineallas Bayway.
Best time to camp: October to April.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, a camp store, and picnic tables.
Security: 24-hour security patrols.
Cost: $35-$45 per night.
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6. Cayo Costa State Park
Address: Boca Grande, FL 33921
Intro: Accessible only by boat or ferry, Cayo Costa offers 30 primitive campsites and 12 cabins. Main attractions include pristine beaches, shelling, and hiking.
How to reach: By boat or ferry from Pine Island, reachable via I-75 S and FL-78 W.
Best time to camp: November to April.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
Security: Regular ranger patrols.
Cost: $22 per night for camping, $40 per night for cabins.
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7. Dry Tortugas National Park
Address: Key West, FL 33040
Intro: Located 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas offers primitive camping with 10 sites. Attractions include Fort Jefferson, snorkelling, and birdwatching.
How to reach: By ferry or seaplane from Key West.
Best time to camp: November to April.
Facilities: Composting toilets and picnic tables.
Security: Park rangers on-site.
Cost: $15 per night plus ferry/seaplane fees.
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8. Bahia Honda State Park
Address: 36850 Highway, Big Pine Key, Florida 33043
Intro: Situated in the lower Florida Keys, Bahia Honda offers 80 campsites. Main attractions include snorkeling, swimming, and scenic views.
How to reach: From Miami, take US-1 S (Overseas Highway) to Big Pine Key.
Best time to camp: November to April.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
Security: Regular ranger patrols.
Cost: $36 per night plus a $6.70 reservation fee.
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9. Flamingo Campground
Address: 1 Flamingo Lodge, Homestead, FL 33034
Intro: Located in Everglades National Park, about 1.5 hours from Miami, Flamingo Campground offers 234 campsites. Attractions include kayaking, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
How to reach: From Miami, take FL-9336 W to Flamingo Lodge Hwy.
Best time to camp: November to April.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
Security: Park rangers on-site.
Cost: $20-$30 per night.
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10. Long Key State Park
Address: 67400 Overseas Hwy, Long Key, FL 33001
Intro: Located in the Florida Keys, Long Key offers 60 campsites. Main attractions include kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.
How to reach: From Miami, take US-1 S (Overseas Highway) to Long Key.
Best time to camp: November to April.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
Security: Regular ranger patrols.
Cost: $36 per night plus a $6.70 reservation fee.
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11. Sebastian Inlet State Park
Address: 9700 S Highway Melbourne Beach, FL 32951
Intro: About 1.5 hours from Orlando, Sebastian Inlet offers 51 campsites. Main attractions include fishing, surfing, and beachcombing.
How to reach: From Orlando, take FL-528 E to I-95 S to FL-404 E/Pineda Causeway to FL-A1A S.
Best time to camp: March to October.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grills.
Security: Park rangers on-site.
Cost: $28 per night plus tax.
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12. Gulf Islands National Seashore
Address: 1801 Parkway, Gulf Breeze, Florida 32563
Intro: Spanning Florida and Mississippi, the Florida section offers 137 campsites. Attractions include historic sites, swimming, and fishing.
How to reach: From Pensacola, take US-98 E to Gulf Breeze Pkwy.
Best time to camp: September to May
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.
Security: Park rangers on-site.
Cost: $26 per night.
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13. Canaveral National Seashore
Address: 212 South Washington Avenue, Titusville, FL 32796
Intro: Located about an hour from Orlando, Canaveral offers 12 primitive campsites. Main attractions include kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
How to reach: From Orlando, take FL-528 E to I-95 S to FL-406 E to the seashore.
Best time to camp: October to April.
Facilities: Composting toilets and picnic tables.
Security: Park rangers on-site.
Cost: $20 per night.
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14. Anastasia State Park
Address: 300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Intro: Located in St. Augustine, about an hour from Jacksonville, Anastasia offers 139 campsites. Attractions include hiking, birdwatching, and historic sites.
How to reach: From Jacksonville, take I-95 S to FL-207 N to FL-312 E to Anastasia Park Rd.
Best time to camp: September to May
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grills.
Security: Regular ranger patrols.
Cost: $28 per night plus tax.
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15. Little Talbot Island State Park
Address: 12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226
Intro: Located 30 minutes from Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island offers 40 campsites. Attractions include hiking, fishing, and beachcombing.
How to reach: From Jacksonville, take FL-115 N and Heckscher Dr.
Best time to camp: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November).
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grills.
Security: Regular ranger patrols.
Cost: $24 per night plus tax.
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Conclusion
Florida’s diverse beach camping sites provide a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the state’s natural beauty. Whether you prefer a more primitive experience or a campsite with full amenities, you’ll find a spot that suits your needs. Plan, respect the natural environment, and prepare for an unforgettable beach camping adventure in the Sunshine State.
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FAQs: Beach Camping Florida
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Q: What are the best spots for beach camping in Florida?
A: Some of the best spots for beach camping in Florida include Bahia Honda State Park, Fort De Soto Park, and Anastasia State Park.
Q: Can you camp on the beach in Florida?
A: Yes, you can camp on the beach in designated areas such as Curry Hammock State Park and Long Key State Park.
Q: What should I bring for beach camping in Florida?
A: Bring essentials like sunscreen, bug spray, a tent or RV, plenty of water, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Q: Are there any fees for beach camping in Florida?
A: Yes, fees vary by location. For example, camping at Bahia Honda State Park costs $36 per night plus a reservation fee.
Q: Is beach camping in Florida safe?
A: Yes, beach camping in Florida is generally safe. Most parks have regular ranger patrols and provide security measures.
Q: What is the best time for beach camping Florida?
A: The best time for beach camping in Florida is typically from November to April when the weather is cooler and less humid.
Q: Do I need a reservation for beach camping Florida?
A: Yes, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak seasons, as spots can fill up quickly.
Q: Can I bring my pet to beach camping sites Florida?
A: Many beach camping sites in Florida allow pets, but it’s best to check specific park regulations before your trip.
Q: Are there any restrictions on beach camping in Florida?
A: Restrictions vary by park. Common restrictions include no open fires, adhering to quiet hours, and respecting wildlife habitats.
Q: What activities can I do while beach camping in Florida?
A: Popular activities include swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.