Best Florida State Parks for Camping in 2024
Florida's state parks offer some of the best developed camping in the country. Here are our top picks.
1. Bahia Honda State Park (Florida Keys)
Why It's Special: Camping on one of Florida's most beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water and coral reef snorkeling.
Sites: 80 campsites with full hookups plus waterfront tent sites
Activities:
- Snorkeling the offshore reef
- Kayaking through mangroves
- Sunset watching from the old Bahia Honda Bridge
Book Early: This is one of Florida's most popular campgrounds and fills up months in advance for winter season.
2. Anastasia State Park (St. Augustine)
Camp just minutes from America's oldest city while enjoying 1,600 acres of pristine beach and maritime hammock.
Perfect For: Combining beach camping with historic sightseeing
3. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (Destin Area)
Hidden Gem: Despite being near one of Florida's busiest tourist areas, this feels remote and peaceful.
Highlights:
- Sugar-white sand dunes
- Rare coastal dune lakes
- Limited number of sites keeps it uncrowded
4. Jonathan Dickinson State Park
This south Florida gem offers camping along the Loxahatchee River with excellent paddling and hiking.
Don't Miss: Rent a canoe and paddle to Trapper Nelson's camp
5. Highlands Hammock State Park
Ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss create a cathedral-like camping experience in central Florida.
Best Season: Winter, when it's a comfortable escape from the cold
6. Grayton Beach State Park
Consistently ranked one of America's best beaches, with a campground tucked into coastal scrub forest.
Booking Tips
- Reserve 11 months in advance for peak season (winter)
- Check for cancellations regularly
- Weekdays are easier to book
- State park camping is affordable: $20-40/night
What to Bring
Florida state parks have excellent facilities but remember:
- Bug spray (especially summer)
- Rain gear year-round
- Hammock for ultimate relaxation
- Bicycle for exploring
Pro Tip: Get a Florida State Parks Annual Pass if you plan 3+ camping trips per year.