Beach Camping in Florida - A Guide to Beach & RV Camping in FL
Beach Camping in Florida
The Sunshine State attracts people far and wide for its sandy beaches, balmy climate and ample outdoor recreation. Florida has leaned into its outdoorsy reputation with extensive camping opportunities - in fact, there are over 900 campgrounds statewide. The good news for beach lovers is that many camping spots are located alongside the idyllic Atlantic and Gulf shores.
Most campgrounds on the beach in Florida are just off the coastline, often beyond sand dunes to protect wildlife. There are a select few campgrounds that feature in-the-sand, near-the-water sites for a truly memorable time camping on the beach in Florida.
Whether you are a traditional tent camper or RV enthusiast, you are sure to find the perfect beach camping Florida adventure. Campgrounds range from the small to expansive, and with amenities from the basic to luxe. Tent and RV camping in Florida are also available at private or state parks, many of which can be reserved through ReserveAmerica.
The Best Time to Go RV and Beach Camping in Florida
While Florida is beloved for its warm, inviting climate most of the year, it is also equally famous for its harsh summers and fall hurricane season. October through May is the best time for beach camping in Florida. This is when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, and is not too hot or humid.
Things to Know about Florida Beach Camping & RV Camping
Before making plans to go beach camping in Florida, there are a few things to know ahead of time to set expectations and ensure your trip is enjoyable:
Book Your Beach Site Well in Advance
As mentioned above, camping on the beach in Florida may not mean next-to-the-water sites. Beachfront campsites in Florida are hard to come by, so research and book them months in advance if a site on the beach is important to you.
Pack-up the Sun-Protecting Gear
The Floridian sun is strong - so much that campers are advised to don sun protection even when it is overcast. Be sure to bring all of your sun-guarding gear including hats, sunglasses, umbrellas, SPF shirts, sunscreen and lip balm.
Be Mindful of the Wildlife
Florida is home to hundreds of wildlife species unique to the state. Read up on wildlife regulations and warnings posted at the parks you are visiting, as well as Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Parks with RV Campgrounds in Florida
Below are three exceptional private RV campgrounds in Florida with standout facilities and locations.
Coconut Cay RV Park & Marina
Coconut Cay is a new RV Resort established in Marathon, in the heart of the Florida Keys, in 2020. These RV campsites on the beach in Florida boast water on both sides of the park, with a beach and swimming area immediately to the north of the campsites. Its ideal location halfway between Key Largo (the first key) and Key West (the last key) makes it the perfect way to explore the famed island chain.
Besides offering a wide variety of amenities - from laundry and wifi to a swimming pool and boat dock. This boutique - among the best RV campgrounds in Florida - has twenty-five pull-in sites, each with electric, water, and sewer and designed for maximum privacy. Also available are luxury RV rentals and Aqualodges, which are fully furnished and literally right on the water.
Bask in the unforgettable sunset views from their private beach, go for a dip in the pool or take the boat out for spin. Fish, kayak, swim, shop or take a road trip along the Keys. You can do it all here!
Coral Sands Inn and RV Park
A short drive north of the hustle and bustle of Dayton Beach, Costal Sands Inn and RV Park provides a quieter beach camping experince. Guests enjoy direct access to uncrowded beaches, while a short trip to downtown Ormond Beach features local restaurants, an art museum, gardens, and parks.
This area is also home to the Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail, which is a 30+ mile double roadway that exhibits the diverse natural scenery of Florida’s central coast. This roadway provides access to multiple state parks and beaches and clear views of barrier island dunes, rivers, creeks, and marshes. Whether you bike, fish, boat, hike, or swim, this byway offers plenty of outdoor recreation for nature lovers.
Coral Sands RV Park features 33 full hook-up sites, a heated pool, laundry facilities, and free WiFi. The direct beachfront location makes some of the sites tighter for larger rigs, but for guests wanting prime Florida beach camping this is a great destination.
SoWal Palms RV Park
SoWal Palms RV Park sits in the heart of Florida’s stunning Emerald Coast. The coastline earns its name for its crystal-clear emerald-green waters. Located on the upper Gulf along the Panhandle, the Emerald Coast is equally beloved for its sugar-white sands. Together the stunning shoreline and nearby state parks, boardwalks and wharfs make for an unforgettable beach camping Florida trip.
SoWal Palms RV Park is an ideal spot for beach camping in Florida, and is conveniently located between the big beach towns of Destin and Panama City Beach. The coastline is actually part of a peninsula that extends into the Gulf of Mexico, creating the Choctawhatchee Bay to the east. Situated in the middle of the peninsula, about 2 miles from the Gulf and the Bay, SoWal Palms RV Park is a great way to experience the delights of both beach types. If you are looking for adventure beyond sunning and playing on the beach, close to the campgrounds are Tops'l State Preserve and Grayton Beach State Park, each with plenty of sandy trails, bike paths, and dune lakes to explore.
SoWal Palms offers daily, weekly and monthly rentals for RVs and their “tiny homes.” There are also large, three-bedroom vacation rentals.
Crossbow RV Park
Take a break from city life and kick back in the Florida countryside. Crossbow RV Park is a small but spacious campground located just north of Jacksonville. Adjacent to a working ranch and striding a small lake, this quiet RV camping in Florida spot is a short drive to all of the action.
Just a 15 minute drive to Jacksonville and its zoo and NFL stadium, shops and restaurants. There are also ample boating and fishing opportunities right in Jacksonville. The St. Johns’ River flows through the city serving as a distinct backdrop for much of city life. The river in this section is partly seawater, creating a unique ecosystem for dolphins, manatees and sharks too.
A little further down the road is Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve, an expanse of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and copse of hardwoods for the nature lover to explore. Just past the preserve are also the white sand Jacksonville beaches.
Unlike many RV campgrounds in Florida, Crossbow boasts large lots to accommodate any sized camper with short- or long-term stays. There is WiFi, laundry and pets are welcomed.
Ho-Hum RV Park
Located less than an hour's drive from Tallahassee, Ho-Hum RV Park offers slower pace for beach camping in Florida. This park sits on the panhandle in the peaceful fishing village of Carabelle, which offers an authentic coastal experience with classic beach views and an old-time feel. In town, visitors enjoy Carabelle’s quaint attractions, a local lighthouse, and excellent fresh seafood dining. Nearby, Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park and Tate’s Hell State Forest offer swimming, paddling, hiking, biking, and birdwatching.
Ho-Hum keeps things simple with clean and quiet grounds and a no-frills setting for RV campers who don’t want to pay for extra amenities they don’t want or need. Guests at Ho-Hum RV Park can choose from premium beachfront RV camping spots or shaded spots located a short walking distance from the water. All RV camping spots offer full hook-ups, water, and sewage, with laundry facilities and WiFi included in site rates. A 250-foot pier and miles of uncrowded beach access gives guests plenty of opportunities to fish, watch dolphins, look for shells, or simply take in the view.
Plan Your Trip Today
There’s no time like now to plan your beach camping Florida trip. Campsites can fill up fast. Booking at the beginning of a reservation window, when the sites first become available, is the best way to ensure you get the spot you want, when you want it.