6 of The Best Places to Camp in Florida

There is nothing quite like the great outdoors. The fresh air, the warm glow of the sun, the sounds of wildlife, the smell of a campfire, quite nights under the stars.

You just can't beat it.

Being a lifelong Floridian has allowed me to enjoy all those things without leaving my backyard. We spend time taking in our states beauty and unspoiled wilderness, while most people are visiting theme parks and resorts. To often forgetting to take advantage of the beautiful campgrounds, state parks, numerous springs, and world famous beaches.

I compiled this list to help you find the best places to go camping in Florida. The places on this list have been chosen by me because I have visited them all.

Everyone of the locations is family friendly, reasonably priced, and offers some the best outdoor experiences anywhere in the state of Florida.

***The List is in No Particular Order***

410 Rodman Dam Road

Palatka, Fl 32177

PH: (386) 326-2846

Rodman Campground is located on the northern edge of the Ocala National Forest.

This campground is a great stop for primitive campers and RV enthusiast alike.

The campground is just a short drive away from the Rodman Reservoir. The area boast some awesome fishing spots as well as boat ramps so you can enjoy an outing on the water.

The primitive camping area has campgrounds of various size. Some are big and open, while others are smaller and more secluded. Each campsite has a fire ring for your campfire and a bench.

The campground offers a restroom facility with hot showers and an area to do your laundry.

During the day you can spend your time hiking down one of the countless trials or fishing in the reservoir.At night I suggest you bring a telescope because the stars come out in full force. The darkness of the surrounding forest allows for some breathtaking views at night.

All in all, Rodman Campground is a great spot to go camping in Florida. However, it is far from any kind of store or bank. So you may want to stock up on everything you might need ahead of time. We had to keep making trips into town for fire wood because you can not gather it on site.

1800 Wekiwa Circle

Apopka, Fl 32712

PH: (407) 884-2009

Wekiwa Springs State Park is by far one of the best springs to go camping at in the state of Florida.

This state park offers everything you could need to enjoy your time in Florida.

Boasting some of the clearest waters in the state, the swimming areas in this park our second to none.

If swimming isn't your thing, you might want to take advantage of the numerous hiking trails through out the park.

This park is bike and pet friendly and has a ton of amenities to make your stay that much more pleasant.

Wekiwa Springs State Park is located just North of Orlando. This make it easy to enjoy the theme parks and restaurants of the city, all the while enjoying the seclusion and beauty of the park.

While this park is not known by many tourist. The locals know it well! sometimes it can get crowded so its always good to book ahead and avoid weekends during the summer months.

19158 SW 81st Place Road

Dunnellon, Fl 34432

PH: (352) 465-8555

This is one of the most beautiful places to camp in Florida.

Rainbow Springs State Park has the most amazing views of the huge swimming area, as well as a huge area where you can set up you chairs and belongings.

The park has over 60 campsites, a visitors center, playgrounds, and an RV park.

Spend the day exploring the countless hiking trials, swimming in the beautiful waters, or rafting down the river.

Whether you're into snorkeling, fishing, hiking, bird watching, star gazing, tubing, camping, or canoeing, this place has something for everyone.

My biggest complaint about this park is that the swimming area is really deep. There aren't any shallow spots available for little kids. So if you do bring the little ones make sure they have appropriate safety gear on.

300 Anastasia Park Road

St. Augustine, Fl 32080

PH: (904) 461-2033

Anastasia State Park is nestled just a few minutes away from the main tourist attractions in St. Augustine.

The beaches at this Florida campground are absolutely gorgeous and the water is as blue as can be.

This is one of my favorite places to go camping. You're a short drive from sites like The Castillo de San Marcos, The St. Augustine Lighthouse, and all the other historic landmarks.

The campground itself has everything you could want, showers, swimming, fishing, picnic tables, and more.

Keep in mind that this is a popular beach and campground so it's always wise to book in advance and avoid popular holiday weekends if you're looking for solitude.

The campsites themselves are not on the beach, but rather tucked back a few hundred yards from the shoreline. I wouldn't consider this a bad thing because you a just a few minutes walking distance to the amazing waters and views.

67400 Overseas Highway

Long Key, Fl 33001

PH: (305)-664-4815

There is nothing like camping in the Florida Keys.

The white sands, crystal clear waters, and warm sunshine are a little slice of paradise.

The warm sunny days are accompanied by breezy, star filled, nights.

Make sure to bring your telescope because the crystal clear skies off the coast offer some breath taking views of the night sky.

This campground is situated right on the beach making it a short walk from your campfire to the waters edge.

The campsites themselves are hugging the shoreline.

You just pull your vehicle up, pitch a tent, build a fire, and enjoy!

The way the campground is set up doesn't allow for much privacy. You potentially have neighbors on both sides of your camp.

1425 NE 58th Avenue

Ocala, FL 34470

PH: (352) 236-7148

Silver Springs State Park is a must see for any nature lover camping in Florida.This beautiful state park is home to one of the last uninhabited spring runs in Florida.

The state park itself offers plenty to do during your stay.Through the main entrance is where you can take in the views from the headsprings viewing deck.

You will also find that they have paved trials that allow you to comfortable take in the sites along the Silver River.

The camping area is where you will find the hiking trails, pavilions and grills. The camping area also houses 10 modern cabins and nearly 60 campsites.

Also, no trip would be complete without taking the glass bottom boat tour. This tour has been bringing people to the Silver River for over 120 years.

All in all, this is a great spot to spend some time camping. My only real complaint was that you can't really swim in the Silver River. There are WAY too many alligators to even risk it!