Florida is the very famous “Sunshine State” of the USA, located between the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Gulf of Mexico in the west.
Want to make your visit to this magnificent peninsula unforgettable?
Then camping in Florida is what you really need!
Camping in the USA is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the country.
And this is not surprising because the country has large areas of virgin prairie, amazing mountain ranges, incredible wildlife, and a diverse climate.
All this attracts people for thrills, communion with nature, and enjoyment of tranquility.
But people are different, and In general, everyone is looking for something different.
If you enjoy pitching a tent, hanging a hammock, or relaxing in nature, one of the places suggested in the article should be interesting to you.
Is Florida a Good State for Camping?
Yes, here, not only can you set up a tent in these scenic spots, but you can also enjoy the many picnic areas, hiking trails, fishing, swimming, and other activities in the vast wilderness.
From the pine forests to the crystal-clear rivers, Florida is the perfect place for outdoor adventure camping.
While camping in Florida, you can admire one of the world’s largest barrier reefs right from your tent in this beautiful park.
Florida’s area is also great for bird watching, so be sure to bring your binoculars.
Many Florida parks have separate built-in campsites to choose from with running water and electricity for RV parking (great for road trips).
More outdoor-experienced people can also find plenty of backcountry campsites where they can really feel real privacy.
What is The Best Month to go Camping in Florida?
It is believed that the best time for camping in Florida is May.
In May, on the southeast coast of Florida, you can expect warm weather coupled with moderate rainfall.
It is unlikely that you will be able to avoid precipitation in general, but, as a rule, these rains are short-lived and do not greatly interfere with rest.
How Much Does It Cost to Stay at a Campground in Florida?
Depending on the type of campsite and Florida State Park you select, camping in each will cost you a different amount.
For tent and RV locations, nightly camping costs typically vary from $16 to $42.
For power and water hookups, some parks may impose an extra utility cost.
Is it Too Hot to camp in Florida in the Summer?
Yes, I do not recommend going to Florida in the summer.
The heat and humidity in Florida can be unbearable, especially during the summer months.
Even if you are in the shade, you will still sweat.
Sometimes the weather can get bad fast enough.
Thunderstorms can cause power outages.
The threat may come from seasonal hurricanes, which can be destructive.
In summer, everywhere is full of beetles and lizards, often very large in size.
There are also snakes, spiders, and scorpions to fight.
Crocodiles and alligators live in water bodies, so it can be dangerous to get close to an unknown body of water.
How Long Can You Stay at a Campsite in Florida?
The maximum length of a camping stay is 14 nights during times of high demand.
Where is the Best Place to Camp in Florida?
Cape Canaveral
On our first day of camping, we visited a picturesque national park near the city of Jupiter, Florida, USA.
After we head towards Cape Canaveral, This is exactly the place where the launch of space rockets takes place.
On the way by car, you can make a stop at any of the hundreds of beaches.
The entire coast of this, one of the most heavenly places, merges into a single strip of white sand and blue waves.
An overnight stay right on the ocean is perhaps one of the brightest and most memorable experiences that will not leave you indifferent.
No hotel will delight you like the open, starry sky over the stretching ocean.
National Park of the City of Lakeland
After we walked towards the city of Lakeland,
We moved by car in the direction of the city of Lakeland.
We spent the whole day in the national park, in nature.
The Gulf of Mexico
The next destination was the city of Sarasota, which is located on the very beautiful coast of the Gulf of Mexico and is undoubtedly considered the pearl of the American state.
This is a place of sandy beaches, delicious oranges, and magnificent parks.
There we will touch the very warm water of the Gulf of Mexico and meet many exotic birds, such as toucans and pelicans.
Any traveler, even without a car, tries to visit this city, at least for a short time.
City of Naples
On that day of travel, we stopped near the city of Naples.
This is one of the most prestigious cities in Florida and the entire US.
It is a very quiet and peaceful place.
Here, the local people are in no hurry, as if stretching the pleasure received from each sunny day.
Is it Legal to Camp in the Woods in Florida?
Yes.
It is legal.
You can camp in a primitive manner in Florida, usually for a modest fee, at a few state parks, national forests, and state forests.
Can you Camp in Florida for Free?
Yes, for example, free camping in Florida can be found from the Panhandle to the Everglades.
Where can I camp for free in Florida?
Here are some places where you can camp in Florida for free:
- In northwestern Palm Beach and southwestern Martin country
- Cypress Creek Preserve is just north of Tampa Bay.
- Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
- 30 minutes from Lake Okeechobee, at Okeechobee Campground
Can I Sleep in My car Overnight in Florida?
Overnighting in a car saves money and time;
you do not need to rent a hotel.
The idea of spending the night in a car in Florida seems tempting.
But in Florida, you can’t sleep in a car in all places;
there are certain rules, which I will tell you now.
I strongly recommend that you adhere to them, and then you can spend the night in a car in Florida and not get any fines or other problems.
In fact, it is illegal to sleep in a car in most places.
If you park your car in front of someone else’s house and decide to take a nap, the owners not only can but almost certainly will call the police, and you will get in trouble.
Sleeping in the parking lot in front of Walmart is also a bad idea, even if the store is open 24 hours a day.
After a few hours of parking, the guards will either approach the car themselves or call the police.
The most reliable option is special parking lots for trucks;
they are on all highways and are located outside the city.
In such parking lots, as a rule, there are showers and toilets, which is a definite plus.
If you want to spend the night in a car within the city, then I recommend hospital parking lots.
This is not a panacea, and you may still be asked to leave, but in the USA, it is a normal practice to sleep next to the hospital, as Americans themselves often do, “on duty” next to their relatives.
Where Can I park my Car and camp in Florida?
There are few places for car camping in Florida.
It can be:
- Blackwater River State Park.
- Camp Chowenwaw Park
- Coldwater Gardens.
- Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
- Gemini Springs Park.
- Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park.
You can rent a car and save a lot on accommodations.
In 2023, you can find a car for up to $100 a day, when hotels are often more expensive, and at the same time, you will have both transportation and housing.
The main thing is to stay overnight in the right places, and then you will not have problems sleeping in a car in Florida.
Can You Sleep in a Tent in Florida?
Yes.
In Florida, you can sleep in a tent on the beach in certain designated areas.
Usually, these are state parks and campgrounds.
How Much do RV parks Cost Per month in Florida?
Of course, the price depends on several factors, like location, amenities, and time of year.
The typical monthly rate might be between $500 and $1,500.
Longer stays or off-peak seasons may qualify for discounts at some RV parks.