The Best Camping in Florida
Table of Contents
Florida has a large collection of National Parks and Forests but which are the best for campers? We have put together a collection of our favourite camping locations for the best camping in Florida.
Camping in Ocala National Forest
Ocala National Forest is located in the north of Orlando and is one of our favourite National Forests in the United States. The forest has more than 600 lakes, rivers and springs. Visitors can swim, snorkel and dive in crystal clear waters.
Where can I camp in Ocala National Forest?
Juniper Springs Camp Ground
Juniper Springs, Florida by marianne muegenburg cothern is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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Our favourite campsite in the Ocala National Forest is Juniper Springs Camp Ground. The campsite is located on the banks of Juniper Creek in the heart of the forest.
A short walk away is the Juniper Springs Recreation Area which has a large swimming pool and areas for picnicking. Canoe and kayak rental is also available for those wishing to explore the creek. The Juniper Springs Camp shop offers a wide range of groceries as well as firewood and charcoal.
Alexander Springs Recreation Area
Alexander Springs Creek 2 by anoldent is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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The recreational area offers swimming, climbing, hiking and the chance to see some unusual wildlife. The camp store has a small selection of items for sale including disposable barbecues and firewood.
Another excellent location to pitch your tent or park your RV is the Alexander Springs Campsite. Located on the beautiful shores of Spring Creek, this campsite is adjacent to the Alexander Springs Recreation Area.
Little Lake Bryant Primitive Campground
Early September in Ocala by Trish Hartmann is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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Our third campsite recommendation is Little Lake Bryant Primitive Campground. This campsite is an excellent choice for those wishing for a secluded campsite.
With only 6 pitches, Little Lake Bryant Primitive Campground makes for a peaceful, relaxing escape from the stresses of everyday life. Located on the southern bank of the expansive Lake Bryant, this campsite is full of amazing views and beautiful scenery.
Visit Little Lake Byrant Primitive Campground
What is there to do in Ocala National Forest?
East Slough of the St. George Island State Parken beside Bryant Creek by Rachel Kramer is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The best way to see the size and beauty of Ocala National Forest is by boat. There are many tour operators offering trips around the lakes. Our favourite boat tour is by the folks at Fireboat Airboat tours who offer an amazing opportunity to skim through the lakes of the forest. The boat cruises down St Johns River pausing for wildlife spotting and continues up to the expansive Lake George.
No trip to Ocala National Forest is complete without a visit to Lake George, the second largest lake in Florida. Boats are available to rent to explore the lake and look for wildlife. Alligators, turtles and bald eagles have made Lake George their home.
Lake George also provides some excellent fishing opportunities, with a wide variety of fish on offer including the largemouth bass. Lake George follows onto the Silver Glen Springs, a cool, calm, clear area of water ideal for spending a relaxing afternoon.
If you haven’t seen enough wildlife in the forest, Happy Acres Horseback Ranch gives you the opportunity to get a little closer. Even beginner riders can hop onto one of Happy Acre’s horses and trot along one of the scenic trail routes.
The instructors are helpful and very informative and there is a feeding session to allow younger children to interact with the horses. This is a great day out for the whole family.
Camping in Apalachicola National Forest
The Apalachicola National Forest is the biggest forest in Florida, with water streams, waterways, lakes, and springs. The forest also has a range of caves, sinkholes and areas with open prairies close to the Apalachicola River.
Where can I camp in Apalachicola National Forest?
Pine Creek Campground
DSC_5766_1723 by US Forest Service – Southern Region is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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Pine Creek Landing Campground is the best choice for camping in Apalachicola National Forest. Located on the western shore of the Apalachicola River, this campsite operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pine Creek Campground is free to use and offers unique views of both the vast Apalachicola River and Pine Creek.
Visit Pine Creek Primitive Campground
Whitehead Landing Campground
IMG_5401 by Florida Fish and Wildlife is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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Whitehead Landing Campground is a family-friendly campsite to the West of Ochlockonee river. This scenic campsite has only 6 pitches and is the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy the peaceful location.
There are several trails alongside the 200 mile long Ochlockonee river for walking or biking. There is also a concrete boat ramp at the campsite that may be used to access the river. Boat parking is also provided onsite.
Visit Whitehead Landing Campground
Ochlockonee River Campground
Suwannee River by Justin Meissen is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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Ochlockonee River Campground is another great choice for camping in the Apalachicola National Forest. This is one of the larger campsites in the area with 28 pitches available for use. It is located on the north bank of the river, just across from the scenic Chesley Island.
The campsite is part of Ochlockonee River State Park which hosts many activities including biking, hiking, bird watching and fishing. Canoes and kayaks can also be rented to explore further down the river.
Visit Ochlockonee River Campground
What is there to do in Apalachicola National Forest?
Ochlockonee River State Park is a great choice for a day trip. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent to explore the lake and there are plenty of activities for families. There are hiking trails, nature walks and river tours available in the area.
Ochlockonee River State Park is also a prime spot for bird watching. There are many species living in the local area and experts are on hand to offer information.
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park is one of our favourite spots in Florida. There is a whole range of wildlife to spot including turtles and alligators.
There are also boats available for hire for those wishing to get a little closer to the animals in their natural habitat. After a hard day’s exploring you can visit the Wakulla Springs restaurant. It serves some very enjoyable dishes or you can use the picnic area to enjoy your own lunch.
Camping in the Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park provides unique surroundings that gives habitats to various unusual species. The Everglades National Park is the third biggest park in the United States, covering almost 2350 square miles. There are many activities to enjoy from climbing, kayaking, biking and angling.
Where can I camp in Everglades National Park?
Long Pine Key Campground
Everglades National Park Long Pine Key Nature Trail by Miguel Vieira is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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Our favourite Everglades National Park campsite is the Long Pine Key Campground. This campsite is located just North of the scenic Long Pine Lake.
It is right next to the Long Pine Key Trail which has some of the best views we have ever seen on a trail. As one of the Everglades’ larger campsites, Long Pine Key offers over 200 pitches for tents or Rvs as well as private picnicking areas.
Visit Long Pine Key Campground
Flamingo Campground
20050102-00014.jpg by Tristan Loper is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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Flamingo Campground is located on the very Southern edge of the Everglades National Park. Flamingo is a family-friendly campsite. It has huge amounts of space for children to explore and plenty of company as there are over 300 pitches onsite.
While this is not the most secluded campsite, the activities and facilities on offer allow for a much more comfortable camping experience than other sites in the area.
John Pennekamp Campground
Key Largo: John-Pennekamp-State-Park byReinhard Link is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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A short drive south from the Everglades National Park is the John Pennekamp Campground located in the John Pennekcamp State Park. The campsite is within easy walking distance to many shops and restaurants as well as the beautiful Cannon Beach.
The park is full of exciting opportunities for activities including scuba diving, boat trips and snorkelling. Kayaks and canoes are also available for rent to explore the Florida Keys.
Visit John Pennekamp State Park
What is there to do in Everglades National Park?
Mahogany Hammock Boardwalk byJordi Escuer is licensed under CC BY 2.0
The Mahogany Hammock is a must-do activity in the Everglades National Park. This wooden, flat boardwalk sweeps through the old mahogany trees from the Ernest Coe Visitor Center.
As you walk, you can view the impressive gumbo-limbo trees, many air plants, and the largest living mahogany tree in the United States. You may also see anolis lizards, tree snails, ferns and birds in their local habitats.
The Anhinga Trail is another excellent boardwalk experience. Located at the end of the Gumbo Limbo Trail, the Anhinga Trail offers unique views of the surrounding area. From the wooden platform, you can spot alligators, turtles and lizards making this an excellent family day out. Guided walks are also available from the Anhinga Trail Office.
