We haven’t been boating in a while, so I thought I’d write about camping in Florida. We’ve had our camping trailer for two years now and have camped locally. We live on the Central east coast of Florida and we usually travel to the northern part of the state when we choose a campground. Our stays are usually two nights long.
Diversity: What Do You Want to See and Do?
When I moved to Florida in 1979, I was surprised by the size of the state! We have 67 counties, 4 growing zones, and somewhere around 900 miles of beaches. I have only lived in the central part of the state, but have visited from the Keys to the Panhandle over the years. The state is beautiful, and offers a lot more than Disney World. (Disney has camping too.)
Since 1979 Florida has become ridiculously crowded. I won’t even go to the Keys or West Coast these days. We camped at Hillsborough River State Park last year and the campground was very nice (near Tampa), but getting there and home again was not worth it.
Beach Camping
Beaches are probably the main attraction for campers. If you have ever tried to book a campsite at a campground right on the beach, you will know how impossible it is to snag one of those. I randomly came across a site at Gamble Rogers this past year, and grabbed it quick. I never thought I’d get into that place. We were not on the ocean, but still…..I can say I have camped there.
There is near-beach camping all over the state, but not many campgrounds that are right on the ocean. If you ever do camp on the ocean, there will be sand and salt. Both are tough on vehicles, so be aware. Camping at a location that is close to the ocean should be good enough to make most people happy. Either walk, or take a bike to the beach and enjoy it for the day.
I live near the beach, so I don’t care if I camp on the beach. I’ll leave those spots for people who never get to be at the ocean. But good luck to you, and I hope you eventually get your coveted beach camping spot.
River Camping
Intracoastal waterways snake along both sides of the state. The water is saltwater, so the fishing is usually good (buy a license), and the water is mostly calmer than the ocean. We take our boat out on the Indian River, which is part of the eastern US Intracoastal Waterway. Most of my blog posts are about boating on the Indian River. Camping on the river is my preferred water access because I love to kayak. I bought an inflatable kayak for doing this. It is also easier to find than ocean camping.
In July we are camping for the third time at Long Point Campground (photos above from previous trips) in Melbourne. This is one of the rare times we will head south to camp.
My first two tries at camping at Long Point were somewhat failures, but the location is wonderful. It is an island surrounded by water and most sites back up to water access.
On the first trip, our campsite was small and not level, and the second time we had loud, obnoxious neighbors. This time, I have picked out my favorite spot (something you can do while camping for the first time somewhere – look for the spot you REALLY want) and reserved it for July. Review to come!
Fresh Water Springs
One thing we love to do, is camp at the Springs. It’s not all about the beaches people! Inland Florida has some wonderful water too, in the form of fresh water springs. The Ocala National Forest and Gainesville area have many campgrounds that offer swimming, kayaking, and paddle-boarding in crystal clear spring water. But, springs can be found in central Florida too.
We have camped at Salt Springs twice. In fact, it was where we took our very first RV outing. There are many more springs to enjoy, but do it during the off-season if you can. The springs fill up when the weather is hot and school is out. The nice thing about camping at the springs, is going to swim later in the day when day visitors have gone.
Camping on Florida Water
When it comes to camping on, or near, Florida water of any kind (fresh or saltwater) be aware there may be alligators. Alligators don’t really like saltwater, but may wander into it for food, but they will FOR SURE be in fresh water, even if you don’t see them. They can be on land too, like along paths in the wilderness. Alligators can run fast, and especially if they are defending a nest.
At the ocean, worry about rip currents and sharks. Swim where there are lifeguards if possible. Get away from water if there is lightning nearby. This Florida lightning is crazy, and can travel far from the actual storm. In fact it can be sunny and beautiful and lightning can strike! I’ve seen it happen. Stay indoors whenever a thunderstorm is anywhere nearby.
Keys Camping
Who wouldn’t love to camp in the Florida Keys? Maybe 30 years ago, I would jump at the chance, but today, the Keys are so full of people, I doubt the drive would be worth it.
Truthfully, I have not been there since the early 80’s, when my husband and I took a spur of the moment trip, in our old Pinto, to go camping in a tent. There was a water shortage, which we didn’t know about (no internet then!), and all the campgrounds were closed. We ended up staying at a small rental cottage, right on the water, overnight. We drove back home the next day – on the old 7 mile bridge. We were too poor to stay any longer. I’m sure that cute, rustic cottage is gone now and replaced by some big money-making condo – as is that scary 7-mile bridge.
As an example of how popular Keys camping is, I just tried (as a Florida resident) to book a site at the extremely popular Bahia Honda State Park campground in the Keys. Nothing is available, as far out as 11 months when I can book. Even as a resident, I have little hope of ever staying there. Not that I really want to at this point.
Camping Advantages and Discounts
As a Florida resident I can book a Florida state park campsite 11 months out. Out of state campers can book 10 months out. I do have a month of an advantage over out-of-staters, which I’m sure they hate, but it’s only right that locals get first choice. And I’ll tell you, even with this advantage, I can’t get spots at popular places! It’s really ridiculous.
When we bought the camper and I began looking, I was very surprised at how difficult it is to find a camping spot nearby. Fortunately, we mostly camp during the week, but it is still tough to get a good site at many places.
As a senior, I get camping discounts at the State Parks. They always tack on other fees, but it makes camping affordable. Paying for gas for the truck is the most expensive part of camping.
Sometimes it’s best to simply be happy at a peaceful, nature filled campsite. Many Florida State Park campgrounds offer sites like this. We have enjoyed camping at O’Leno, Hillsborough River, Mike Roess, and Rodman for their peaceful, old Florida settings. The State Parks are very nice.
Are you a Florida camper? If so, where do you like to camp? I write reviews at the RV life campground reviews site and on this blog to help fellow campers get information. I’d love to hear advice and suggestions from other campers, so please leave a comment.
