“Florida state parks camping is waiting for you and your children to enjoy”
The fall season in Florida brings cooler temperatures and lower humidity to the Sunshine State, which means it’s the perfect time to go camping. Florida’s stunning coastline and beautiful natural landscapes can be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace as you spend days. You can enjoy outdoor adventures before grilling dinner, gazing at the twinkling stars, and falling asleep to the sound of the sea waves.
These campgrounds are perfect for spending time with your loved ones in the pristine outdoors!
Whether you’re just passing through or looking for an outdoor oasis with the kids on your Florida vacation, there are plenty of campgrounds that can turn your trip into unforgettable memories!
In this article, we have covered the best places to camp in Florida in the fall, with pleasant weather and impressive views.
Whether exploring nature or fishing on a lake, our Florida state parks camping list has something for everyone.
1. Everglades State Park- RV Resort
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Do you want to see an extraordinary collection of wildlife and a diverse sample of ecosystems? Nothing beats the Everglades state part 1.5 million acres tropical and subtropical habitat that is home to a very long list of different species of flora and fauna. Just be sure to plan your camping trip in the winter months when there are fewer insects. There are nearby or more isolated campgrounds located throughout the park.
An RV Resort is located just 10 miles from Everglades National Park, and this South Florida campground offers complete RV sites, tent sites, and cabins.
On-site amenities include a large pool, miniature golf, basketball, a dog park, volleyball, horseshoes, and more.
2. St Andrews Nama City Beach State Park
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One of the most beautiful parks in all of Florida State parks camping, St Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach is located on one of Florida’s barrier islands. A landscape of soft white beaches surrounded by lush local flora allows you to camp at one of 176 sites for a weekend stroll around the Great Lagoon, fishing from the dock and winding scenic trails.
3. Paynes Prairie Conservation State Park, Mikanope
Painted Prairie Conservation State Park in Micanopy is a National Natural Landmark with its pristine natural landscapes. You can admire the wild horses and bison that roam the area and enjoy afternoon hikes, bike rides, and horseback riding along the scenic trails. Ideal for bringing the kids with you, the campsites are shaded and include a picnic table and grill to pamper yourself before an evening under the stars.
4. Hillsborough River State Park, Thonotosassa
Florida state parks
If you’re looking for a scenic fall weekend getaway, head to Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa, near Tampa. Here you’ll find an impressive collection of Class II rapids that are the perfect setting for a riverside picnic. A great place to camp, you will be spoiled for choice as you can enjoy the great outdoors. It is an awesome place to pack up your bikes, camping gear, and kayaks.
5. Myakka River State Park, Sarasota
Florida state parks
Get an authentic Florida experience at Myakka River State Park in Sarasota, where you’ll find three campgrounds with 90 campsites. Here, you can explore a 50-square-mile nature preserve with a wide variety of Florida wildlife in several ecosystems.
6. Blue Springs State Park, Orange City
Blue Springs State Park in Orange City, with 51 campsites within walking distance of the spring, is the perfect place to see Florida’s famous giants roaming its waters in winter. For a relaxing camping weekend, stroll along the trail to admire the beautiful creatures grazing on the apartment lawns and enjoy the peaceful environment.
7. San Jose Peninsula State Park, Port St Joe
Florida state parks
Home to beloved thugs, the state park on the St. Joseph Peninsula in Port St. Joe is a nature lover’s dream destination. Several miles of white-sand beach is available at the campground, and you can take kayaks or canoes out onto the bay or St. Joseph Bay. Relax on the pristine white sands and enjoy calm sea water and colorful sunsets.
8. Grayton Beach State Park Campground
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This park should be on your must-visit list! , offers a range of campgrounds, perfect for a family getaway.
Grayton Beach State Park, one of the most beautiful state parks in Sunshine state, is located between Panama City Beach and Destin.
You will feel like you have stepped into paradise as you gaze at its white sand and clear blue water, and the beaches are listed as one the most beautiful beaches in the USA.
The water is clear with beautiful views, not just on good days but all year round when you can see stingrays lurking below or turtles resting on logs in the shallows; they’re so close you could touch them if it wasn’t against the rules.
Moreover, Its lush pine forest is the perfect setting for many charming cabins and campsites. You can dine on fresh oysters at a local seafood restaurant or spend the day exploring the region’s natural landscapes by bike or kayak.
9. George’s Island State Park, St. George’s Island
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Located at the eastern end of the barrier island that surrounds Apalachicola Bay, you’ll find nine miles of pristine white sand beaches at St. George Island State Park. A nature lover’s paradise with many birds and scenic trails to explore. You can plan an overnight adventure at the campgrounds, nestled against the pine tops and rolling dunes less than a quarter-mile from the beach.
10. Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine
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A mix of beach, forest, and estuary, the campgrounds at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine are tucked away in the shade of lush forests and palm trees, where you’ll find easy access to a four-mile beach popular with surfers. Bike along the beach hit scenic trails, or spend the day paddle boarding, kayaking, and rowing.
11. Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
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Dunnellon Rainbow Springs State Park is a 10,000-year-old historic park and is the fourth-largest spring in Florida. A great place to visit in the fall when the weather is cool, you’ll have a choice of outdoor activities before settling into camp. Wander among moss-covered trees to spot river otters, hike nature trails through shady gardens, or admire waterfalls overlooking fall foliage.
12. Bahia Honda State Park
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For many of us, the best way to experience the Florida Keys is to go camping. Bahia Honda State Park offers excellent facilities for tents and motorhomes.
It’s not far from Marathon and was discovered via Henry Flagler’s railroad from Miami to Key West. The underwater views and turquoise waters make for a captivating snorkelling experience. The Center Nature Sable et Mer introduces you to the local fauna and informs you about the habitat. You can rent equipment like snorkel gear, kayaks, and canoes on site, swim, relax and enjoy nature.
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Bahía Honda is famous for its cleanliness and its breathtaking views of the sea from its large private campsites.
Beaches and campsites provide fun days and relaxing nights filled with the sound of the waves. In short, it is such a paradise that you won’t think of leaving when you have to return to your daily life!
13. Gamble Rogers State park Memorial Recreation Area, Flagler Beach
Florida State Parks
A beautiful beachfront community nestled between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, Flagler Beach is home to the Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, a 144-acre park featuring oceanside and shoreline campgrounds. After a day of boating, fishing, and hiking the nature trail, let the sound of the waves soothe you.
14. Kissimmee Lake State Park, Kissimmee
Visit Central Florida – Camps
If you’re looking for a unique camping spot, discover the rich history of Lake Kissimmee State Park. Here you can see the roots of the Florida cowboys in a 19th-century cow field with live demonstrations. You’ll also get to see authentic examples of the four-mile-long cattle ranch and also enjoy miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding.
15. Florida Caves State Park, Marianne
Michelle – Camps
The only guided dry cave tour in Florida state parks camping, head to Florida State Park at Caves in the Mariana Islands for a hiking adventure for the whole family. See damp caves with limestone stalagmites and stalactites dripping from the roofs, see along scenic trails, or paddle along the Chipola River before retiring to your camp.
16. Hontoon Island State Park Campground
Florida state parks
Hontoon Island State Park is situated on an island in the St. Johns River and is only open to private boat or ferry services. It’s the perfect space to get away as a family and truly enjoy the outdoors.
On-site, there’s a concession stand selling ice, firewood, snacks, and souvenirs, and kids can enjoy supervised programs that include hikes with the rangers, fishing, and the use of campfires. As is true for younger adventurers: you can also enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
The park has 42 slips available for boat use – the largest dock can accommodate up to a 60′ yacht if you’re a camper or hiker lucky enough to have one!
17. Lake Louisa State Park Campground
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Lake Louisa State Park is located in Clermont, 30 minutes west of Orlando.
In the park, three lakes offer activity options for campers, including fishing, swimming, canoeing, jet skiing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. Family activities include hiking, biking, and geocaching.
Cabin rentals and glamping tents can also be rented at the park.
The campground offers 60 RV sites with full hookups and can reserve for up to 11 months.
What to Remember When Going with Your Family at Florida State Parks Camping
When staying at a family campground in Florida, remember to pack essentials such as flashlights, lanterns, and water for adults and children. Remember to bring bug spray, sunscreen, and a comfortable camping chair—all are crucial to making the experience more comfortable with young children or babies.
The number one reason kids don’t want to go camping is that they feel bored. So plan activities like reading books together before bed, playing games like Yahtzee or Monopoly (if your camp doesn’t have Wi-Fi!), watching movies, or doing other fun stuff for families.