15 Best Florida Beach Camping Destinations

Honestly, what’s better than beach camping in Florida?

The Sunshine State has miles upon miles of incredibly beautiful coastline much of it dotted with campgrounds and RV parks. Although it’s a treat to visit a Florida beach during the day, it’s so much more special to experience them at night, staying just steps away in your tent or RV.

Our guide will help you find the best Florida beach camping destinations, no matter what part of the state you’re exploring.

A Quick Note About Florida Beach Camping

Beach camping in Florida isn’t quite as easy as heading down to any stretch of white sand beach and pitching your tent…

But it definitely isn’t all that difficult either.

The fact is that many Florida beaches are privately owned. Even those that are considered “public land” have strict usage rules which often include no overnight camping.

What I’m trying to say is that you likely won’t be camping right on the sand in Florida like you can in some other states. Instead, you must camp in an established campsite at a campground right off the beach. Luckily, the best of these are just steps from the beach and many of their best campsites boast gorgeous views of the ocean just beyond (although many campgrounds are tucked behind towering sand dunes).  

That said, even staying in a Florida beach campground that’s behind a sand dune is a real treat and should be experienced by everyone that loves camping!

Best Beach Camping in Florida

Here are 15 of the best Florida beach camping destinations.

Long Key State Park

Once a vacation destination only for the very rich, Long Key State Park is now open to anyone – that can get a reservation, that is! This popular Florida beach campground boasts a mix of RV and tent campsites. But the real draw of this campground is its easy accessibility to a brilliantly blue stretch of the Atlantic Ocean blocked by an offshore coral reef which makes for perfect swimming, paddling, and fishing.

Learn more about Long Key State Park.

Bahia Honda State Park

Possibly the most scenic beach campground in Florida, Bahia Honda State Park is an iconic Florida beach destination. Located on the Bahia Honda Key, on the way to Key West, the setting here is nothing short of magical: swaying palm trees, mellow sea breezes, and crystal-clear waters. Over 80 campsites are available for both tent and RV camping. This destination is popular for swimming, paddling, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Learn more about Bahia Honda State Park.

Grayton Beach State Park

For one of the best beach campgrounds in Northwest Florida, look no further than Grayton Beach State Park. First and foremost, the beach is stunning. Long and sandy, it consistently ranks as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. The campground itself is spacious – and, get this, offers plenty of privacy. Despite the high number of campsites, most are quite private from one another. Don’t forget to explore Western Lake during your visit.

Learn more about Grayton Beach State Park.

Turtle Beach Campground

Located on Siesta Key, Turtle Beach Campground is just minutes away from one of the most breathtaking beaches in the state. This beachfront campground is not only notable for its beachside location, but also for its proximity to the nearby town of Siesta Village. The smallish campground (just 39 total sites) welcomes both RVs and tents with open arms.

Learn more about Turtle Beach Campground.

Curry Hammock State Park

This pintsized campground is located on the equally small Little Crawl Key. So, head to Curry Hammock State Park if you prefer an intimate camping setting. Of course, the beach is just steps away. And, boy, is it pretty. The sparkling white sand is perfect for picnicking, sunbathing, sandcastle building, and so much more.

Learn more about Curry Hammock State Park.

Sebastian Inlet State Park

Surfers rejoice – Sebastian Inlet State Park is home to one of the best surf spots in all of Florida. But even those that don’t surf will appreciate this beachside campground. Over three miles of beach gives you plenty of sand to explore. If you tire of beach walking or watching the surfers, you might like to give fishing off the jetty a try. Or, how about canoeing or kayaking in the Indian River Lagoon? Tent campers and RV campers are welcome.

Learn more about Sebastian Inlet State Park.

Red Coconut RV Resort

For a full-fledged Florida RV park experience just minutes from the beach, look no further than Red Coconut RV Resort. The beachside RV park has over 60 sites with full hookups. In addition to easy access to a private beach, the bustling town of Fort Meyers Beach is just minutes away.  

Learn more about Red Coconut RV Resort.

Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore is truly special. It’s one of only a very small handful of places in Florida that allow you to actually camp on the beach. That’s right – pitch your tent on the sand and listen to the steady roar of the waves all night long. Do note that the two camping areas require a roughly quarter-mile walk from the parking area.

Learn more about Canaveral National Seashore.

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

To experience the Atlantic Ocean in its full luster, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation is for you. Although a towering sand dune blocks the view of the beach, the campsites here are so close to the ocean that you’ll hear the roar of waves all night long. Both tents and RVs are welcome. Electric and water hookups are available. The town of Flagler Beach is just a hop, skip, and a jumpy away.

Learn more about Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area.

Fort DeSoto Park

Fort DeSoto Park has a lot going for it. Not only is it a very large campsite with well over 200 campsites, but it’s also smackdab on one of the most pristine beaches in the nation. Although no campsites are located right on the beach, many are located on the nearly as beautiful backwater. Both RVs and tents are welcome. This is the perfect place for your next family camping road trip as it consistently ranks as the best beach for families in Florida.

Learn more about Fort DeSoto Park.

Big Lagoon State Park

Set on the northwestern coast of Florida, Big Lagoon State Park is notable for its many lagoons, tributaries, and ponds in addition to its seaside location. Swimming, fishing, and paddling are popular here as are hiking and bicycling. As for the campground, expect 75 total campsites complete with water and electric hookups, although both tents and RVs are welcome.

Learn more about Big Lagoon State Park.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

* Backcountry camping in the Perdido Key Area is currently now allowed.

For somewhat more remote beach camping in Florida, look no further than Gulf Islands National Seashore. Although several developed campgrounds and backcountry campsites are available, our favorite is the Perdido Key Area. In particular, the primitive camping near Johnson Beach is not to be missed. Both boat-in and hike-in opportunities are available.

Learn more about Gulf Islands National Seashore.

St. George Island State Park

Located on quiet St. George Island, St. George Island State Park is just about as beautiful as any other state park in Florida. The campground boasts 60 total campsites. Most have water and electric hookups, making this a perfect place for RV camping in addition to tent camping.

Learn more about St. George Island State Park.

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is among the most unique national parks in the United States. Unlike most national parks, the majority of Biscayne is under water. The park protects the valuable coral reefs and islands off of Miami, not to mention the tropical mangrove forests. Primitive camping is still allowed on two islands here, Elliot Key and Boca Chita Key, although a private boat is required to reach them.

Learn more about Biscayne National Park.

North Beach Camp Resort

Take in North Florida with a stay at North Beach Camp Resort. This luxurious Florida beach campground has a wide selection of shaded tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and glamping cabin rentals. A short trail takes you down to a sandy beach with perfect swimming water.

Learn more about North Beach Camp Resort.

Final Thoughts

Remember that the best Florida beach campgrounds fill up fast.

You absolutely need advance reservations during the peak season and will likely have trouble finding a spot within reservations even in the off season.

So, be sure to make reservations in advance so that you can enjoy your Florida beach camping trip as much as possible!

For even more info on camping in Florida, check out our best camping in Florida, best glamping in Florida, best free camping in Florida, and best Florida RV park guides.

And, like always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!