Top 6 of Florida’s Fantastic Beach Campgrounds

Sep 29, 2021 | News

Top 6 of Florida’s Fantastic Beach Campgrounds

By Sara Sheehy

When that first cold snap of winter hits, you may be thinking—why aren’t I somewhere warmer? As far as warm-weather destinations go, you’d be in good company if Florida is at the top of your list. With 1,350 miles of coastline and plentiful attractions, the Sunshine State is a popular haven for vacationers and snowbirds alike.

Between the Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, and the Keys, Florida has some of the best beach camping in the United States. Here are the top-rated Florida beach campgrounds, according to our Campendium community.

Ivy covered stone wall looking through iron gate into courtyard with statues.

Anastasia State Park | St. Augustine, FL – Photo by: Bob Nemens

Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park’s campground, located on the Atlantic coast in St. Augustine, is the top-rated Florida beach campground on Campendium. With an average rating of five stars across the board, this camping destination is as good as it gets.

Reviewers love the campground’s private-feeling sites, easy access to wide and spacious beaches, and the park’s bikeable distance to historic St. Augustine. This park is understandably popular, so be sure to book in advance.

“Anastasia State Park is the perfect meld of a tourist-friendly city and a state park campground. Located almost wholly within the city of St Augustine, the state park’s principal advantage is its location,” said traderboynh. “But once inside the state park boundary, you are sequestered in a world of old Florida growth forest bounded by wide and vast coastline beaches.”

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

Just down the coast from Anastasia State Park is the Campendium community’s second favorite coastal campground, located in Flagler Beach’s Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. This campground features camping right along the ocean, as well as riverside sites that reviewers loved.

“We were initially disappointed we could not get beachside reservations, only riverside,” said ClayE. “As it turns out the riverside sites are MUCH nicer than beachside, and the beach is less than 5 minutes from the riverside campground.” People also rave about the kind and helpful camp hosts at this spot.

St. George Island State Park

Hopping over to the Gulf Coast is our community’s next favorite beachfront destination at St. George Island State Park. “If you like beaches, this is the park for you!” said Zamia Ventures.

Though the road into the campground is long, that seclusion landed solidly on the “pro” list for many campers. So do the well cared for campsites, clean bathrooms, and great accessibility for wheelchairs and mobility aids. If you’re lucky, you may also see a release of rehabilitated sea turtles on the park’s beach.

Sand castle on a beach at sunset.

Grayton Beach State Park | Santa Rosa Beach, FL – Photo by: puck family

Grayton Beach State Park

Sticking around on the Gulf Coast, check out Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach. The park’s campground is situated on the banks of Western Lake, with ocean access just a short bike ride or walk away. Reviewers love the secluded campsites, close proximity to restaurants and shops, and the park’s sugar-white sand beach with beautiful emerald waters.

“This is our first time camping here and I’m sure it won’t be the last,”  said Boonshiners. “Secluded nice sites, a quiet beach, and endless biking. Clean, modern bathroom facilities and excellent park staff.”

Women sitting in front of a river surrounded by palm trees.

Fort De Soto Park Campground | Saint Petersburg, FL – Photo by: Currently Wandering

Fort De Soto Park Campground

There’s a little something for everyone at Fort De Soto Park in St. Petersburg. This large campground has miles of beaches and trails, a large boat launch, kayak and bike rentals, a dog beach, and a museum.

“There is so much to do and see,” said CinnamonTravelers. “We took our bike and rode for miles. The beach was lovely and on some days it was clear enough to snorkel. There are dolphins! We didn’t have enough time to fish but there are plenty; fish are jumping out of the water here. There are waterways so you could rent a kayak overnight or longer.”

Pet owners take note: though this park has many amenities for your pup, dogs are only allowed in one section of the campground, so take care when making your reservations.

White sandy beach and blue ocean.

Curry Hammock State Park | Marathon, FL – Photo by: LivingOurDreamNow

Curry Hammock State Park

Curry Hammock State Park is a Campendium community favorite, but be warned—it’s hard to snag a spot! This diminutive campground in the Florida Keys only has 28 campsites, and securing a reservation requires carefully planned timing and a good dose of luck. If you do manage to book a spot, get ready for roomy campsites, great kayaking, and a short walk to a secluded beach.

“This is the cleanest state park in the Keys,” said Judy B. “Even has a beach on the Atlantic. Kitesurfers love it. Close to Marathon stores, fishing charters, restaurants, bars, and shopping. Kayaking around the island is a treat or go out a .25 mile to the sandbar.”

Tell us, what is your favorite beachfront campground in Florida?

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