Are you interested in making the most of the beautiful white-sand beaches along the Florida coast? Many people turn to Florida for a tropical vacation, but there’s nothing better than being right on the seashore. Whether you want to pitch a tent or bring along your RV, you need to know which campgrounds get you closest to the beach.
Many state parks allow you to camp on the beach or behind the dunes, including Bahia Honda, Big Lagoon, Cayo Costa Island, Curry Hammock, Fort De Soto, Grayton Beach, Long Key, St. Andrews, and St. George Island. Biscayne National Park, Canaveral National Seashore, and Johnson Beach are good too.
Camping on the beach in Florida is a fun experience, and here is what you need to know about where to go.
Beaches to Camp on in Florida
If you want to spend a night under the stars on one of those balmy Florida nights, then you will want to know which beaches allow camping.
Fortunately, many popular places along the coast will allow you to pitch a tent or park an RV at their designated campground.
This list will get you thinking about what part of Florida you would like to visit.
1. Bahia Honda State Park
When camping in the Florida Keys is your goal, you don’t want to miss what the Bahia Honda State Park offers.
It’s easily one of the most tropical parts of the state, with tons of palm trees, white sand, and those crystal-clear waters. You can camp here in both a tent and an RV.
Do check out my suggested options for the best beach tents if you’re looking to buy a new one.
2. Big Lagoon State Park
Both tent campers and RVs (with water and electric hookup available) are welcome at Big Lagoon State Park, where you can encounter nature like never before.
It has hundreds of acres where you can explore the trails, enjoy the beach, or swim in shallow waters.
3. Biscayne National Park
The island getaway at Biscayne National Park is ideal for campers who don’t mind arranging for transportation or getting their boat out.
It is relatively close to the major metropolis of Miami. Depending on which island you stay on, you might have access to fresh water and even running toilets.
4. Canaveral National Seashore
Instead of being some distance away from the beach, maybe you should be right on the shore. Canaveral National Seashore is a small park that allows you to park your tent right on the sand.
You won’t have to compete with too many people, there are working restrooms, and you can even have a bonfire on the beach.
5. Cayo Costa Island State Park
If you don’t mind getting to your campsite by ferry, Cayo Costa Island State Park is an experience you won’t forget.
You’ll be situated just behind the dunes on a beautiful beachfront on La Costa Island. Rent a cabin or pitch a tent in this lesser-known campground on Florida’s beaches.
6. Curry Hammock State Park
Curry Hammock State Park is a smaller campground with a more intimate setting on the Atlantic Ocean. It features sandy beaches as well as the perfect backdrop for water sports.
7. Destin West RV Resort
Instead of being right on the beach, you might want to explore Destin West RV Resort, situated on the Emerald Coast across the street from the Gulf of Mexico.
You’ll find plenty of activities here to keep you busy and help you to break free of your daily routine.
8. Fort De Soto County Park
An award-winning beach and campsite, you won’t want to miss Fort De Soto County Park. At this site, you’ll enjoy shady backwater campsites with the beach nearby.
It gives you access to all of the activities that your heart desires, including fishing, hiking, and bike or kayak rentals.
9. Fort Pickens
Pensacola has several beautiful beaches, but Fort Pickens is one of the prime spots for beach camping for tent campers and RVs alike.
You’ll have miles of sandy beaches to explore just across the street from the campground. While you won’t be right on the water, you can still hear it in the distance and have access to water and electricity.
10. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
Pitch your tent behind the dunes at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area.
You’ll be close enough to hear the waves pounding at the shore overnight, but you’ll still have access to electricity and running water. It’s a win-win for beach camping!
11. Grayton Beach State Park
In the northwest corner of Florida, near Panama City Beach, you’ll find Grayton Beach State Park. It features private campsites with a beautiful beach.
You can even rent a cabin at this state park if staying in a tent or an RV isn’t your idea of a good time.
12. Johnson Beach
Pensacola has some of the best camping spots around, and Johnson Beach on the Gulf Islands seashore is one of the best for primitive camping.
Here, you’ll be able to enjoy hiking as well as white sand beaches. It’s relatively quiet, which makes it the perfect getaway for a camper who wants to unplug from daily life for a little while.
13. Long Key State Park
Both tents and RVs are welcome at Long Key State Park – if you don’t mind that, you’ll be right on the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll have access to coral reefs and calm waters for an idyllic setting that you come back to time and again.
14. North Beach Camp Resort
St. Augustine is home to the beautiful North Beach Camp Resort, giving you access to two unique waterways: the North River and the Atlantic Ocean.
Explore both for a truly good time in nature, perfect for watersports.
15. Red Coconut RV Resort
Pop out of your campsite and directly onto the sandy beaches of Fort Myers.
As the name implies, this campground is geared mostly toward those who want to bring along their RV, although some rentals are optional.
You’ll be close to the hottest spots on Fort Myers Beach but will be secluded enough to enjoy the atmosphere.
16. St. Andrews State Park
Located on eastern Panama City Beach, this robust campground will get you close to the ocean.
Unlike some of the state parks with minimal campsites available, this boasts upward of 175 sites, making competition less fierce. However, it may be more crowded during peak season.
17. St. George Island State Park
White-sand beaches are calling your name at St. George Island State Park, just a half mile from the water.
You’ll get a shady campsite offering some reprieve from the brutal Florida sun, running water, electricity, and a dump station.
Primitive camping spots are available for those who truly want to rough it for a weekend.
Click here to know all about Primitive Camping!
Final Thoughts
If you want to pack it up for a weekend excursion to the beach, you can’t go wrong staying in one of these beachfront campgrounds.
Many allow running water, flushing toilets, and electricity, so you don’t have to feel like you’re truly roughing it.
These campsites will get you started no matter your preferences for the area or how close you are to the beach. You may even want to tour Florida by visiting them all!