Tent camping in Florida offers visitors a multitude of activities. Sites ranging from those near beaches, national parks, in forests and historic settlements give you the ability to choose a site near a destination of your choice, even if the destination is simply the campground you're staying in. Backcountry, family and primitive sites are all available for a wide range of camping styles.
Family And Full Service Campgrounds
Full-service campgrounds are considered those which possess convenient amenities such as stores, showers and maybe activities. These campgrounds are normally geared toward both RV and tent campers. Family campgrounds, as a general rule, have sites that are close together. The state park system of Florida alone offers 50 family, full-service campgrounds in addition to the bounty of other campgrounds located throughout the state.
Primitive Camping
Several campgrounds throughout the site also offer primitive camping. At state parks with this option, you may have to walk miles on a trail to your campsite and carry your gear. Primitive sites are secluded from other camping sites and some are so secluded many campers would consider them backcountry campsites. At primitive state park sites, you should consider how primitive your site is, as some may not have potable water, electricity or nearby bathrooms. At Collier-Seminole State Park, for example, the primitive campsite is located 3 miles from a parking area along hiking and canoeing trails. This park also offers a canoeing campsite, which is accessible only by canoe. Neither sites are equipped with facilities.
Backcountry Camping Outside State Parks
Backcountry camping is also available at different areas throughout the state. Backcountry is more primitive than most primitive campsites. When going into the backcountry, you need to bring all of your supplies with you, including biodegradable toilet paper and drinking water. There are strict rules for backcountry camping, sometimes unwritten. The "leave no trace" motto is one of the most basic rules you need to follow. The Everglades National Park offers backcountry camping in three types of sites: chickees, or elevated, roofed platforms located away from the mangroves; ground sites, which are mounds of dirt, some created by aboriginals; and shell beach sites located on the coastal shell beaches. Other backcountry camping destinations include Biscayne National Park and Canaveral National Seashore.
Things to Do While Tent Camping
Several of the tent campgrounds throughout the state offer a bounty of activities. Hiking is a favorite of many campers and is available at all state parks and many independently-owned campgrounds. Hiking through the state parks includes trails for beginners and those more advanced. Trails may be covered in sand, wind around streams and rivers or be rugged, uphill battles. Canoeing is also popular throughout the state and maybe as close as a short hike from your campsite. Many visitors also enjoy activities, such as mountain biking, horseback riding or walking tours throughout sites located at many state parks.
Considerations
While Florida's flora and fauna attract many campers to the state, some fauna is best observed from a distance. The state's reptiles, in particular, may be dangerous. Alligators are found throughout the state in bodies of water, and are peacefully observed from the bank of the river or your canoe. The state is also home to six species of venomous snakes, including three species of rattlesnake, southern copperheads, cottonmouths and eastern coral snakes.
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