Beach Camping in Florida
Camping on the beach in Florida is usually prohibited. It’s almost never possible to pitch a tent on the sand, except for a few specific locations around the state.
However, there are numerous places for beachfront campgrounds, including both private campgrounds, state parks, national parks and county parks.
Note: Be warned! Where primitive beach camping is allowed, the experience is almost always worse than people imagine, unless you’re already an experienced beach camper and know what to expect. Sunburn, extreme heat, cold, lack of shade, lack of fresh water, and other challenges can make beach camping miserable. To me, the worst parts of beach camping are no-see-ums, mosquitoes, biting flies — the list goes on. It can still be a great experience, but be prepared!
If you’re planning a beach camping trip, here are some of the best options.
- Shell Key
- Fort De Soto
- Long Key State Park
- Curry Hammock State Park
- Cayo Costa State Park
- Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area
- T. H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
- Bahia Honda State Park
- Sebastian Inlet State Park
- Peanut Island County Park
- Anastasia State Park
- Grayton Beach State Park
- Fort Clinch State Park
- Anclote Key Preserve State Park
- Biscayne National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
- Canaveral National Seashore
- Cayo Costa Island State Park
- Red Coconut RV Resort
- St. Andrews State Park
- Little Talbot Island State Park
- Gulf Islands National Seashore
- Fort Pickens
- St. George Island State Park
- Big Lagoon State Park
- Henderson Beach State Park
