Summary
The reason to camp is to “get away from it all,” and Florida’s State Parks provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, that doesn’t imply they lack excitement. These parks offer a diverse range of activities, including:
- Beaches
- Bicycling
- Birding
- Boating
- Canoeing
- Equestrian Trails
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Inline Skating
- Kayaking
- Museums
- Picnicking
- Playgrounds
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Tubing
- Camping
Camping Experience Overview
Below are the camping options available at Florida’s State Parks:
- Primitive Camping: Offers a more rugged experience in some parks, typically requiring a trek from a parking area. Amenities are minimal, often featuring only a fire ring and a picnic table. These campsites are usually budget-friendly.
- Full-Facility Camping: Includes tent, trailer, and RV camping with modern amenities, such as electric hookups, fire rings, and water access. Comfort stations with flush toilets and hot showers are common.
- Camping Cabins: Some parks feature cabins, which may come fully equipped, allowing you to simply pack clothing, food, and toiletries. These cabins generally accommodate up to six guests, though pets are not allowed.
Finding and Reserving a State Park Campsite
Camping is available in approximately 50 of Florida’s 161 State Parks. To start, you can explore parks by visiting their official website at www.FloridaStateParks.org. Here, parks are categorized by types of camping, such as:
- Cabins
- RV Camping
- Full Facility Camping
- Pet Camping
- Group Camping
- Primitive Camping
- Youth Camping
After selecting a park, look for specific details, and you will typically find an option to reserve a campsite. Reservations can be made from one day prior up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica.com.
This platform is user-friendly and provides valuable information about campground amenities, size, and type of camping units permitted. Upon reservation completion, your credit card will be charged, and be aware that a cancellation fee applies for changes before your arrival date.
Important: Florida residents aged 65 or older or those with a 100% disability may be eligible for a discount, but you must mention this when reserving and provide proof at check-in.
Checking In
Florida’s State Parks generally open at 8:00 a.m. and close at sunset. If arriving late, please call the park in advance for gate access. Identify yourself and be prepared to present any required proof of discount at check-in. While verifications of pet vaccinations are typically not requested, having them on hand is advisable. Additionally, if you bring horses, proof of a negative Coggins test will be necessary.
Rules and Regulations
Observing common rules across most of Florida’s State Parks is essential, including:
- Check-in: 1:00 p.m.; Check-out: 11:00 a.m. (Cabin check-in: 3:00 p.m.)
- Quiet time is generally set between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
- Protection of all plants and animals is mandated; feeding wildlife is prohibited.
- Supervision of children under 16 is required at all times.
- Helmets are necessary for children under 16 riding bicycles.
- Gray water and sewage must be disposed of at designated dump stations.
- Alcoholic beverages are allowed only within specific campsites or cabins.
- Fires are confined to grills or fire rings; firewood should not be collected within the park.
- Pets must be leashed (maximum six feet) and well-behaved, confined within your camping unit during quiet hours.
- Proof of a negative Coggins test is required for horses.
Experience the beauty of camping in Florida’s State Parks; leaving your campsite clean will ensure this natural paradise endures for generations to come. A reminder at Hillsborough River State Park reads, “Please Take Nothing But Pictures… Leave Nothing But Footprints.”
