Florida’s state park system offers some of the most varied camping in the country, from beachfront dunes and spring-fed rivers to pine forests and caverns. Fall, winter and early spring are prime camping season, when the heat and humidity ease and many northern campers head south. Popular parks book up early, so a little planning goes a long way. Here’s how camping in Florida State Parks works.
Types of campsites
Florida State Parks offer several kinds of overnight stays, though not every park has all of them:
- Tent and RV sites in developed campgrounds, often with water and electric hookups.
- Cabins, ranging from rustic to fully equipped.
- Primitive and backcountry sites reached on foot or by paddling.
- Boat slips and equestrian sites at some parks.
- Group camps for organizations and large families.
Check each park’s page for what it offers, accessibility features and pet rules.
How to make a reservation
- Reservations are made online through the Florida State Parks reservation system or by phone at 800-326-3521.
- Florida residents can book up to 11 months in advance. Non-residents can book up to 10 months ahead.
- New dates open each morning at 8 a.m. Eastern. For popular parks and winter weekends, be ready right when your date opens.
- Sites that aren’t reserved may be available to walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the park ahead of time to ask.
The video below has more tips on getting a site during the busy season.
Parks worth looking at
Florida has parks for almost every interest. A few well-known examples:
- Anastasia State Park near St. Augustine, for beach camping close to a historic city.
- Florida Caverns State Park in the Panhandle, known for its cave tours.
- Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys, for beaches and clear water.
Spring parks, river parks and Gulf Coast beach parks are also popular. For more destination ideas, see our guide to the best places to camp in Florida.
Best time to go
- Late fall through spring is the most comfortable time to camp in most of Florida, and the busiest. Book early.
- Summer brings heat, humidity, afternoon thunderstorms and more bugs. Shaded sites, water and a fan help.
- Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Watch the forecast, know your evacuation route and follow park instructions. Parks may close ahead of a storm.
If you’re looking for places to camp through the colder months elsewhere, see our guide to camping year-round.
Tips for camping in Florida
- Bugs: Bring insect repellent and consider a screened shelter. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be heavy near water, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Heat and sun: Drink plenty of water, plan activities for mornings and evenings, and use shade.
- Wildlife: Keep food and trash secured, never feed wildlife, and keep a safe distance from alligators near water.
- Rain: Pack a tarp and rain gear, and pitch your tent on higher ground.
- Firewood: Buy it locally to avoid spreading pests.
- Fires: Check for burn bans before lighting a campfire.
Park rules to know
- Check-in and checkout times are set by each park.
- Quiet hours apply in campgrounds.
- Pets are allowed in many campgrounds but must be leashed and attended. Some areas, such as beaches, may be off-limits.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out what you bring. Our guide to Leave No Trace explains the basics.
What to pack
- Tent with a good rainfly, or your RV setup
- Fan and lightweight bedding for warm nights
- Insect repellent and a screened shelter
- Sunscreen, hats and plenty of water
- Lantern and headlamps
- Camp table and chairs
- Swim gear and water shoes
Booking tips for busy months
- Have a few backup parks and dates in mind before your booking window opens.
- Check for cancellations regularly. Sites often open up in the weeks before a trip.
- Weekday stays are usually easier to get than weekends and holidays.
- Read the site details carefully, including the site’s length limit for RVs, hookups and whether it is shaded.
FAQ
How far ahead can you book Florida State Park campsites?
Florida residents can book up to 11 months ahead and non-residents up to 10 months ahead.
Can you camp in Florida State Parks without a reservation?
Sometimes. Unreserved sites may be offered to walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the park first.
What is the best month to camp in Florida?
Late fall through early spring usually offers the most comfortable weather, but it is also the busiest season.
Top image: “Suwannee River State Park campsite” by Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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