Whether roasting s’mores around a warm campfire or enjoying piping hot coffee after a morning hike, Florida’s mild winter makes for the best camping in the country. We’ve compiled a list to highlight Florida State Park campgrounds that offer stunning views and a wealth of activities to enjoy with the family. A weekend in the woods can bring a family closer together, with opportunities to discover Florida’s unique wildlife, explore scenic forests or simply sit around the campfire swapping stories.

Northeast Florida

On the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, near the historic city of St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park is home to a beautiful forest campground within walking distance of the ocean. Anastasia’s Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library for young campers offers picture books about the sights and sounds found in the park’s beautiful dunes and coastal forests. Ask how to check out a book at the ranger station!

Northwest Florida

At Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, campers can stay in spacious tent and RV sites or reserve a rustic cabin for a weekend getaway. Geocaching is a terrific way for kids of all ages to experience adventure in the park’s maritime hammocks and coastal dune lakes. Sign up for free and you’ll receive clues to the location of hidden caches and can complete the tour to win your geocoin.

Southwest Florida

Myakka River State Park protects one of the state’s most diverse natural areas, a vast prairie wetland dotted with swamps, forests and lakes. RV and tent campsites, as well as historic palm log cabins are available to rent. In winter, dryer conditions make many of the park’s wetland trails accessible — opening untouched wilderness for exploration. Visitors will be amazed by the park’s canopy boardwalk and observation tower, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the sunrise, a memorable and exclusive experience that campers can enjoy before the park opens.

 

Southeast Florida

Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River, the Loxahatchee, runs through Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The park has two campgrounds, and a multi-day stay is recommended for fully experiencing this vast park. The Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center tells the story of the park’s natural and cultural resources, and family programs are offered every Saturday at 10 a.m. After learning about the park, families can make the trek up Hobe Mountain Observation Deck for expansive views of scrubland, ocean and the intracoastal waterway.

Camping at Florida State Parks is fun and easy, and is one of the best ways to connect with nature and wildlife. From primitive camping to full-service RV facilities, Florida State Parks offer something for every modern-day “tin can tourist.”

Find your next camping adventure at a Florida State Park