Car camping can be an enjoyable and affordable way to get the family outdoors, or to travel around the state spending a minimal amount on campsites. Our optimal tent camping season in Florida is November through March. Other times of year, insects, stormy weather, and heat can make your tent camping experience uncomfortable. If you choose a campsite in a breezy spot, like near a lake or coastal area, the wind may keep camping bearable in the off-season.
Some of these selections are within developed campgrounds that permit tent camping. Sometimes you’ll find a separate section of the campground devoted to tents, which is often ideal. Some parks have you park outside the campground and walk in with your gear, which makes for less noise in the camping area.
Favorite Tent Camping Campgrounds
Our favorite destinations for car camping in Florida with your tent. These campgrounds are generally very quiet and some are quite remote. A few that are in busier parts of Florida are chosen for their beautifully canopied campsites.
Car Camping in Florida State Parks
While Florida State Parks have plenty of car camping opportunities, you may find yourself surrounded by RVs unless you select spaces that aren’t near the ones optimized for RVs. Also be aware that gravel pads are common, and as we learned, some campground hosts will not permit you to tent anywhere but ON the gravel pad, which can lead to punctured air mattresses. Click on each park page for details and reservation links.
All Florida State Park reservations are handled by Reserve America, 1-800-326-3521.
