First of all, I do not tent camp. But I camp in Florida in my trailer and do check out the tent camping areas whenever we stay at a campground.
If you want to camp in a tent in Florida, I’ll say that you will find some pretty nice spots. Often the tent camping areas at campgrounds tend to be shaded.
Sites That Accommodate RVs or Tents
Many campgrounds will make all their sites available for either RVs or tents. There is a separate section for only tents because tent camping is usually cheaper. RV sites have hookups of electric and water, and rarely sewer. If you camp in a tent but want to have your own electric and water, choose a normal site. Tent camping areas have water spigots for drinking in various spots, but not at each site – *Sometimes they do. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch has water spigots at every tent site, and possibly electric.
Campgrounds With Shaded Tent Camping
Here is a list of the nice tent areas we’ve seen at campgrounds we have visited. The list is short and there are most likely many more. We camp mostly at Florida State Parks and the links go to my blog page about each visit.
- Gamble Rogers, state park – ocean or riverside camping. The tent camping sites are on the river side, not ocean, and there are only a few spots. They are very shaded, whereas most every other type of site is all sun.
- Mike Roess Gold Head Branch – state park. Big loop for tents under the trees. Looks like a beautiful place to tent camp, with spacious sites.
- Juniper Springs – not a state park. Love the sites here, but there are no hookups for RVs. There is a separate area for tents, which is in the woods. Take trails to the springs and cool off!
- Salt Springs – not a state park. We love to camp here because they have full hookups and a nice, clear spring for swimming. The tent area is very close to the springs, and it contains lots of trees and shade.
- Silver Springs – state park, no separate tent area, and all sites are very nice, but have hard packed ground – not well suited to tents. Their cabins look great as well. No spring here to swim in, but the Silver Springs park is just up the road, with paddling on the Silver River (gator filled!).
- Rodman Campground – state park, with separate, very shaded area for tents.
- Payne’s Prairie – state park, has a fairly small area for tent campers. Park along the campground loop road and walk back to set up your tent. Sites seemed less private and closer together, but in the shade.
Many campgrounds will say that all sites can be used for either a RV or tent, but be careful. Sometimes campsites are not suited for putting up a tent. When the ground is hard-packed sand or gravel, putting in tent stakes will be difficult. We have noticed this at two campgrounds we visited. Usually there are rules about where tents can go, or if the site is small, the tent will have to be on the hard area.
Silver Springs campground is really nice. We almost had to tent camp here when our trailer was in the shop – until the last minute! Once we pulled into the site and set up the camper, we saw how difficult it would have been to set up a tent.
Another park that has a similar problem is Sebastian Inlet. My son camped in a tent and had trouble because of the hard packed ground. They do not offer a separate tent area.
I personally appreciate the hardness when camping in our trailer. Florida is mostly made up of sand, and it gets everywhere. Many campsites are mostly sand. We make use of our rugs always, but a hard ground helps.
What to Expect
Many families choose to tent camp. I’ve noticed lots of kids, and younger families, which makes sense. Younger people have the energy to weather the elements of heat and cold. They want an inexpensive way to have family time together. Expect the tent area to be bustling with noise and people hanging around outside. This can be true for the RV section as well, but I tend to see more older couples there. And because they have an RV, often they will be inside for at least part of the time.
Most campgrounds allow animals, and nearly everyone brings a dog. We camp with two cats, and have only once seen a dog running off his leash. Be prepared for sharing space with dogs. Most campgrounds won’t put up with noise and barking.
Every state park site has a picnic table and burn ring. They may also provide a stationery, metal grill. Usually a bath house is nearby, but it could be a bit of a walk. Some tent areas contain their own bath house. Or, the bath house / bathroom is shared with everyone and not just tent campers.
Always check with the campground online before you go. Sometimes trails will be closed or walkways in repair. Whole tent camping areas can be closed. We just traveled to Mike Roess Gold Head and this was the case. No one was in the tent loop.
If you tent camp and have any recommendations for fellow campers who may read this page, please leave a comment.
