Best Campgrounds in Florida: 2026 Guide

Florida camping isn't what most people picture. Forget the RV parks lining I-95 — the real Florida camping happens in the Ocala National Forest where crystal-clear springs bubble up from limestone aquifers, in the Big Cypress Preserve where the Everglades stretch to the horizon, and on the barrier islands of the Gulf Islands National Seashore where sugar-white sand meets emerald water. The Sunshine State's natural campgrounds are wilder, more beautiful, and more diverse than its beach-resort reputation suggests.

Why Florida Stands Out

Florida's spring-fed rivers and lakes are the state's camping secret weapon. Juniper Springs in the Ocala National Forest offers 72-degree crystal-clear water year-round — swim to your campsite's backdoor. The Big Cypress National Preserve south of Naples is genuine wilderness where alligators, panthers, and wading birds outnumber humans. Fort Pickens on the Gulf Islands National Seashore near Pensacola puts you on a barrier island with a Civil War-era fort and some of the most pristine beaches in the country. Florida camping is a winter escape that delivers when northern states are buried in snow.

Top Campgrounds to Explore

Juniper Springs Recreation Area

One of the most popular campgrounds in Ocala National Forest near Silver Springs, with deeply shaded sites walking distance from some of Florida's most beautiful natural springs.

Fort Pickens Campground

On Santa Rosa Island as part of Gulf Islands National Seashore near Pensacola Beach. Gulf Coast beaches, historic fortifications, and barrier island camping at its finest.

Clearwater Lake Recreation Area

A quiet getaway along the southeastern edge of Ocala National Forest near Paisley, with shaded camping and access to the forest's springs, trails, and lakes.

Monument Lake Campground

In Big Cypress National Preserve near Ochopee, this beautiful campground sits where visitors can enjoy the surrounding preserve — fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing in true Everglades country.

Midway Campground

Another Big Cypress gem near Ochopee offering preserve access with fishing, hiking, and birding. The Everglades landscape here is unlike anything else in the camping world.

Camel Lake Campground

In the Apalachicola National Forest near Bristol, offering a quiet retreat in the longleaf pine forest with swimming, hiking, and boating in the Florida panhandle.

Burns Lake Campground

Lake views from every campsite in Big Cypress near Ochopee, with direct backcountry access ideal for hunters and off-road vehicle enthusiasts exploring the preserve.

Big Scrub Campground

A perennially popular campground in Ocala National Forest near Umatilla, serving as a base for exploring the forest's OHV trails, springs, and scrub habitat.

Planning Tips

Winter (November through March) is prime Florida camping season — mild temperatures, low humidity, and minimal mosquitoes. Summer camping is possible but extremely hot, humid, and buggy. The springs maintain 72°F year-round, making them perfect for any season. Big Cypress and Everglades campgrounds can flood in the wet season (June-October). Gulf Islands sites book far in advance for winter snowbird season. Alligators are present in virtually all freshwater areas — maintain safe distances and never feed them.

Find More

Browse all Florida campgrounds on our Florida camping page, or explore the full campground directory to plan your next trip.