Camping in Florida offers sun, fun, and a variety of environments and wildlife. Many of the state campgrounds are situated on beaches, and are ideal for swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking. Florida winters are mild and sunny, and summertime brings heat and showers.
Panhandle
The Florida Panhandle has many coastal campgrounds. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is located on the Gulf of Mexico, and is known for its shelling and shore birds, who frequently nest on its beaches. The park also offers boating, kayaking, canoeing, nature trails and full camping facilities. Further west is Big Lagoon State Park, located near the Alabama state border. It has birding, trails, full camping facilities and an amphitheater that can be rented by the general public.
Northeast
Rainbow Springs and the Rainbow River are popular attractions among Florida locals. The river is used for canoeing, kayaking and tubing, which is popular during the summer months. In addition to the water fun, Rainbow Springs has trails, gardens and full camping facilities. Little Talbot Island, located in Jacksonville, is an Atlantic-side barrier island park. The park boasts a variety of terrain that includes beaches, maritime hammock and marshes. Visitors can hike or bike its nature trails, or try the park's numerous water activities, such as swimming, canoeing and kayaking.
Central
Washington Oaks State Park is nestled in an oak hammock between the Atlantic Ocean and Matanzas River. The park is known for its gardens, which feature many native and exotic plant species. Fishing, hiking and biking also are popular in the park. Further south, in Orange City, Blue Spring State Park offers visitors a chance to view manatees in their natural habitat. Guests can camp in cabins, RV or primitive grounds. Water sports are available, but these activities are closed when manatees are in the park, for their safety.
Southwest
Myakka River State Park is located near Sarasota, on Upper Myakka Lake. The park is massive, over 58 miles, and guests can view it all via airboat tours or safari tram. Visitors also can hike over canopy walkways, ride over horse trails or boat and fish.
Southeast
State campgrounds are sparse in Southeast Florida, but Jonathan Dickinson State Park offers camping, hiking and bike trails, as well as paved and off-road paths in a range of difficulties. Visitors also can enjoy boating, fishing and equestrian trails.
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