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Best Florida State Parks For RV Camping: Top Spots For Scenic Outdoor Getaways

ByRoadTrip Honeys January 31, 2026

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When you think about RV camping in Florida, state parks really deliver that sweet spot between comfort and natural beauty. Private RV parks? They can get a bit cramped—tiny sites, not much shade, and that packed-in feeling. State parks, though, usually give you more elbow room and a real view of the landscape.

You can settle in somewhere quieter, right up against forests, beaches, or even those crystal-clear springs. I’ve always found that these parks make it easy to get close to nature without giving up the basics.

If you’re thinking about spending the winter down here, Florida’s state parks open up a ton of options. You can explore all over the state, and most sites keep things simple but comfortable.

Facilities at each park make RV camping a breeze, but you still get that wild, outdoorsy vibe. Most parks let you stay for a few nights or even longer—within their limits—so you’ve got time to kick back and soak up the scenery.

Florida State Park Camping Reservations

Scoring a campsite in Florida’s state parks isn’t as easy as just showing up. You’ve got to plan ahead and move fast.

Reservations open 11 months early for residents and 10 months ahead for nonresidents. That means popular parks fill up almost as soon as the window opens.

Wait until a few weeks before your trip? Good luck—those sites are probably long gone.

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To boost your odds, try tools that track campground availability. Arvie is one of those services that’ll hunt down cancellations and send you a heads-up when something pops open.

Sometimes, with the right membership, it’ll even snag the booking for you before anyone else can click the button.

Tip: Hit the Florida State Parks reservation system early in the day. Sometimes new sites get released in the morning, and you don’t want to miss out.

Plan early, use a few handy tools, and you’ll have a much better shot at grabbing a spot in Florida’s scenic campgrounds any time of year.

Best Southern Florida State Parks for RV Camping

Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park sits on Big Pine Key, where teal water wraps around a stretch of quiet shoreline between the Atlantic and Gulf. If you love both land and sea, this spot’s a classic.

You can snorkel right off the beach or hop a short boat ride out to Looe Key’s coral reefs. Rentals for kayaks and snorkel gear make things easy, or hey, just bring your own and go at your own pace.

The Buttonwood Campground draws in most RV folks. Sites come with water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and grills.

They keep the bathhouse clean, and there’s a dump station for easy living. Waterfront sites (12–25) sit right by the shore, so you get those knockout sunset views over the Keys.

Shade is a bit scarce near the water, so some folks bring a canopy or two.

The broad beach gives you easy entry for swimming or paddleboarding. The shallow coastline is great for wading or spotting marine life close to shore.

It’s a simple setup, sure, but the scenery alone makes this one of the most unforgettable Florida state parks for RV camping.

Collier-Seminole State Park

You’ll find Collier-Seminole State Park just outside Naples, tucked inside a massive mangrove forest—part of one of the world’s biggest wetlands. This place is a haven for native wildlife: alligators, ospreys, wading birds. Several short hiking trails give you a front-row seat.

The Blackwater River flows through, making a calm paddling route for canoes and kayaks. The park mixes tropical and temperate plants, so you get a real taste of South Florida’s wild side.

The 105 RV sites at Collier-Seminole come with water and electricity, plus picnic tables, grills, and plenty of shade. The campground offers bathhouses with hot showers, laundry, and a handy dump station.

The tree canopy keeps things cooler, and the overall vibe is quiet—perfect if you want to unwind and feel connected to the outdoors.

Highlights:

• Four nature trails, two through cypress stands
• Close to the Everglades
• Big-rig friendly
• Lots of tree cover for those hot days

If you’re into nature photography or birdwatching, this spot’s a goldmine. The mix of wildlife, water, and wetlands means you’ll spot something new every time you wander out.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo gives you a shot at adventure both above and below the waterline. As the nation’s first underwater park, it covers 70 square miles of protected ocean.

You can join guided scuba or snorkeling trips to see coral reefs packed with tropical fish, sea fans, and sponges. If you’d rather stay dry, glass-bottom boat tours let you check out the reefs without getting wet.

The on-site campground has 42 full hookup sites with electricity, water, and sewer. Each site comes with a picnic table, grill, and a level gravel pad—good for rigs up to 40 feet.

Restrooms and showers are close by, and there’s a short walking trail starting near the campsites.

Staying here means you can chase adventure all day and still have a comfy, shaded spot to crash at night. The quiet of the Keys after dark is something special.

If you love getting underwater, you can’t skip this park on a South Florida RV road trip.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Jonathan Dickinson State Park sits along the Atlantic Coast near Hobe Sound, stretching over sand hills, scrub forest, and river wetlands. Trails here welcome hikers, cyclists, and even horseback riders.

Cooler months bring guided horseback tours, so you don’t need to haul your own horse. The Loxahatchee River runs through, offering a peaceful paddle for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.

You’ve got two RV campgrounds: Pine Grove and River Campground. Pine Grove’s 90 sites are near the entrance with full hookups.

The River Campground has 52 sites near the water, tucked into native plants. Both campgrounds feature laundry, bathhouses with hot showers, picnic areas, and grills.

You get to pick: easy access to the park’s main roads at Pine Grove, or quiet riverside views at the River Campground. Both are well-kept, shaded, and designed for easy parking.

Outdoor fun is the name of the game here. Whether you’re cycling the trails or renting a paddleboard at the river, you’ll find open space and calm scenery made for slow-paced exploring.

The park’s mix of activities and solid campground setup makes it a reliable favorite for anyone rolling through South Florida’s top state parks with camping by RV.

Best Central Florida State Parks for RV Camping

Central Florida really shines for RV travelers. You’ll find parks here that are comfortable, scenic, and just right for a little peace and quiet.

Each park offers something different—hiking, paddling, birdwatching, swimming. The blend of natural Florida and modern camping comforts makes these spots great for a quick weekend or a longer stay.

Colt Creek State Park

Colt Creek State Park, just outside Lakeland, has rolling pine forests, cypress swamps, and quiet lakes that pull in nature lovers all year.

Longleaf pine flatwoods give deer, otters, and a ton of birds a home. The lakes are perfect for watching herons or casting a line from your canoe.

The campground features 27 RV-friendly sites, all with full hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Big gravel pads make parking a cinch, even for large rigs—up to 60 feet at most sites.

Two accessible sites have concrete pads and paved walkways to the bathhouse, which is a nice touch. You’ll also find a dump station, clean showers, and most campsites offer pretty views.

If you like to explore, 15 miles of multi-use trails wind through pine groves and wetlands. You can hike, bike, or even ride horseback through quiet stretches of Florida’s wild side.

Canoes and kayaks are available to rent, so you can paddle through the park’s peaceful lakes and creeks.

Amenities Overview:

Little Manatee River State Park

Head south of Tampa and you’ll hit Little Manatee River State Park, where a 4.5-mile stretch of river winds through oak hammocks, sandhills, and pine flatwoods. The shady banks and calm water make this place a favorite for RVers who want some time both on and off the river.

You can paddle the designated water trails or just kick back for a picnic by the water.

The campground loop has 30 mixed-use sites for tents and RVs. Each site comes with water and electric, plus picnic tables and fire rings.

Bathhouses have hot showers and laundry, and there’s a central dump station for RVs. The biggest site fits rigs up to 75 feet—not bad for those monster Class As or big tow-behinds.

Hikers will like the 6.5-mile loop trail that weaves through lowland forest and scrub. It’s not too long, but the scenery makes it a great morning or afternoon stroll.

If paddling’s more your thing, the gentle current here is perfect for both newbies and seasoned kayakers.

Points to Remember:

• Electric and water hookups on all RV sites
• Laundry and hot showers in restrooms
• One site fits up to 75-foot rigs
• Trail system crosses 11 unique habitats

Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park, down in Sarasota, is one of Florida’s oldest—and biggest—parks. It’s a real taste of wild Florida, no question. The Myakka River winds its way for 14 miles through oak hammocks, marshes, and open prairies. You’ll spot alligators, osprey, turtles, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a limpkin or two along the water’s edge.

The park’s trail system runs almost 39 miles, connecting a tangle of backcountry roads. You can hike as much or as little as you want, which is always nice.

RV campers have three campground choices: Old Prairie, Big Flats, and Palmetto Ridge. Palmetto Ridge has full hookups and laundry, while the other two give you water and electric. All of them offer clean restrooms with hot showers, and every site comes shaded or at least partly shaded—trust me, you’ll appreciate that in the Florida sun.

Depending where you park, you’ll get either gravel or dirt pads. Makes parking a breeze, or at least not a headache.

If you’re itching to get out on the water, you can rent canoes or kayaks and paddle some quiet stretches of the river. Rather keep your feet dry? Wander among the palms and live oaks, snap some photos of the wildlife, or just kick back by one of the observation towers overlooking the wetlands.

Campground Comparison Table:

Rainbow Springs State Park

Head north of Tampa, and you’ll find Rainbow Springs State Park near Dunnellon. The star here is the Rainbow River—crystal-clear and spring-fed. The water keeps a steady 72°F, so you can swim or snorkel year-round without freezing your toes off.

Short walking paths wind through gardens full of magnolias, azaleas, and a few little waterfalls. It’s a nice spot to stretch your legs.

The campground sits a few miles down the river. Every RV site has full hookups, picnic tables, and level pads. Some of these sites can handle seriously long rigs—up to 103 feet, which is almost unheard of in Florida state parks.

Amenities include showers, restrooms, laundry, a playground, and a small campground store that keeps the basics in stock. It’s friendly, too, which is always a plus.

You can swim, fish, or snorkel right from the campground. If you want to take it easy, grab a tube and float the gentle current, or launch a kayak and paddle upstream to the headsprings. The mix of water fun and comfortable camping is tough to beat in Central Florida.

Quick Facts:

• Full hookup sites for all RVs
• Direct river access from campground
• Easy kayak and tubing access
• Campground store and laundry facilities

If you’re after forest trails, river paddling, and solid amenities, these parks in Central Florida really deliver. The wildlife and scenery aren’t bad, either.

Best Florida Panhandle State Parks for RV Camping

Rolling through the Florida Panhandle in your RV, you’ll discover state parks that blend comfort, history, and wild beauty. Each park offers modern campgrounds with water and electric, quiet trails, and easy access to the outdoors. I’ll run through a few of my favorites for RV travelers—they’re all worth a stop.

Florida Caverns State Park

Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna is a bit of a surprise. Instead of water, you get caves—real ones, filled with limestone formations like stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours run all year, but you’ll need to grab tickets early at the gift shop.

Above ground, trails wind through shady woods, perfect for hiking or biking. The Blue Hole Campground has 32 RV sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups. Each site comes with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill sunk into the ground.

RVs up to about 32 feet fit just fine, and the tall trees overhead give you plenty of shade. Bathhouses and a dump station sit nearby, and you can walk to the trailheads without breaking a sweat. Between the quiet setting and the cool cave tours, this park sticks with you.

Amenities Overview

You’ll find more details in this guide to Florida Panhandle campgrounds in state parks.

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park sits in Niceville and mixes history with natural beauty. Once, this spot was a WWII gunnery range. Now, ancient longleaf pines—some over 300 years old—shade the trails and the Bayou.

The Bayou connects to Choctawhatchee Bay, so you can fish for saltwater species or paddle for a lazy afternoon. Canoes and kayaks are available to rent. Trails wind through pine, cedar, and coastal shrubs.

The campground offers 42 roomy sites for RVs and tents. Each has electric and water, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Bathhouses and laundry are clean and close by. Some sites look right over the Bayou, and trails start right by the camping area.

Key Campground Details

• 42 campsites with electric and water hookups
• Laundry and restrooms available
• Bayou access for paddling and fishing
• Hiking trails start near the campground

You can check out more RV parks along the Florida Panhandle Gulf Coast.

Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park, right on the Emerald Coast, offers some of Florida’s best beach camping. The sand is white and soft, the Gulf is clear, and the inland lakes are perfect for kayaking or fishing.

There’s a four-mile trail system winding through coastal forests, with scrub oaks and magnolias shaped by salt breezes. The scenery’s hard to beat.

The campground has 59 sites, each with electricity and water. Some even have sewer hookups, which makes longer stays much easier. Most sites offer gravel pads, and a handful back right up to Western Lake for peaceful water views.

RVs up to 40 feet fit easily, and the shaded sites help keep things cool during the warmer months.

At a Glance

If you want more beachside options, check out these top-rated RV parks in the Florida Panhandle.

Best Northeast Florida State Parks for RV Camping

Exploring Anastasia Park by RV

When you roll into Anastasia, you can feel the peace and quiet right away. The park covers over 1,600 acres—white sand beaches, tidal marshes, and sea grass dunes shaped by wind and time.

Spend your mornings walking the beach, picking shells, or paddling the calm estuary in a rented canoe or kayak. The Ancient Dunes Trail loops through shaded hammocks and shows off the park’s inland side.

RV folks stay in a big campground tucked into the maritime hammock. There are 139 sites with electricity, water, picnic tables, and fire rings. RVs up to 38 feet fit without trouble.

You can walk or bike to the beach, which makes sunrise surf sessions or evening strolls a breeze. Families love the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library—kids can pick up picture books at the ranger station for a night around the fire.

If you like a campground that blends comfort with a real sense of nature, Anastasia nails it. The coastal views, shady camping, and family-friendly touches make it a favorite near St. Augustine.

For more on top-rated RV parks, check out Travels with Ted’s list of the best Florida state parks for RV camping.

Quiet Shores of Faver-Dykes

About half an hour south of Anastasia, Faver-Dykes delivers a whole different vibe. The park hugs Pellicer Creek, one of Florida’s cleanest tidal marshes. Salt and fresh water mix here, creating a haven for trout, mullet, and wading birds—herons and egrets are regulars.

You can slip a kayak or canoe into the creek and paddle quietly, watching fish jump and osprey dive overhead.

The campground at Faver-Dykes is small and tucked away. There are 30 shaded RV sites set among hardwoods, each with water, electric, picnic table, grill, and fire pit. Sites handle RVs up to 35 feet.

Natural growth separates most spots, so you get more privacy than the bigger parks offer. There’s a central bathhouse and dump station for convenience.

Faver-Dykes runs at a slower pace than most coastal parks. The shady campsites and peaceful water make it a solid pick for birders or anyone craving a simple, quiet camping experience.

You can also check out nearby parks in listings like Florida Rambler’s guide to North Florida camping.

Fort Clinch and Its Coastal History

If you keep heading north toward Georgia, you’ll hit Fort Clinch State Park near Fernandina Beach. This place blends history with classic Florida coast.

The Civil War fort, fully restored, sits right along the St. Mary’s River. You can wander the brick corridors and open courtyards, and sometimes you’ll see folks in period uniforms for living history programs. It’s a real window into the past.

The rest of the park sprawls over a thousand acres—maritime forest, beach, and rolling dunes. Trails weave through shaded oaks heavy with Spanish moss. Cyclists and hikers move from dense hammocks to open sand, catching glimpses of the river.

Fort Clinch has two separate campgrounds, each with its own feel:

All sites have water and electric. Both campgrounds offer laundry, dump stations, and modern bathhouses. Most RVs fit comfortably.

Fort Clinch is perfect for folks who want both nature and history. Watching the sunset behind the fort or along the beach never gets old.

For even more options, CheapRV’s list of Florida parks for RV camping puts Fort Clinch near the top for coastal camping in the state.

Natural Beauty on Little Talbot Island

If you head south toward Jacksonville, Little Talbot Island State Park grabs your attention as one of the last wild, undeveloped barrier islands around here. The place boasts five miles of untouched shoreline and plenty of bike paths winding through dunes and thick forest.

As you wander, you’ll spot bleached driftwood—old cedar and palm trunks and their tangled roots, all shaped by years of wind and surf. These weathered trees line the sand, giving the whole beach a look you won’t forget.

Folks come out here to surf, paddle a kayak, cast a line, or just wander the trails. On still mornings, tidal pools mirror the sky, and shorebirds poke around in the shallows looking for breakfast.

The bike trail runs for about three miles, making it a pretty easy ride through shady maritime forest. If you keep your eyes open, you might catch a glimpse of a gopher tortoise, an armadillo nosing around, or maybe a migratory bird passing through.

RV campers have it good here with 36 campsites tucked near the island’s western edge. Each spot comes with power, water, a picnic table, and a fire ring—just what you need after a long day outside.

They built two bathhouses with hot showers, and there’s a laundry room if you need it. Kids usually end up at the playground near the campground, burning off whatever energy they’ve got left.

A short dock juts into the tidal creek, and you can drop in a kayak or canoe right from there.

If you want to plan more Florida RV trips, check out StateParks.info’s overview of RV camping in Florida. Little Talbot really stands out because it’s stayed wild while so many other barrier islands have seen development.

For a quick side-by-side, here’s how the four parks compare:

Camping up here in Northeast Florida puts you right by beaches, marshes, old towns, and tons of wildlife. Each campground matches its surroundings—oaks shade the roomy sites at Faver-Dykes, ocean breezes sweep through Fort Clinch, hammocks of maritime forest wrap around Anastasia, and Little Talbot just feels peaceful and remote.

You’ll find electrical and water hookups, solid bathhouses, and easy access to the coast at every park.

Honestly, these parks show off how Northeast Florida balances fun and nature. You can stay close to the wild without giving up the basics. Whether you’re paddling creeks, wandering through history, or just sitting by a fire listening to the waves, you’ll find a spot that feels just right.