How-To Reserve Florida State Parks Camping Sites
Ready for a wild Florida adventure? Enjoy the thrilling adventures and memories with your favorite people. But, make a reservation!
Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure amidst the natural beauty of Florida's state parks? Imagine waking up to the soothing sounds of nature, embarking on thrilling adventures, and making unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
With Florida's easy-to-use reservation system, securing a spot at one of Florida's picturesque state park campgrounds has never been more convenient. If you are planning a family trip to one of Florida's parks, make sure you secure your spot for exciting outdoor activities, including hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, and more.
Don't leave anything to chance. Book your state park camping adventure in Florida far in advance of your arrival date and discover the wonders of the Sunshine State because there are many. Come along as we walk through the process of how to book your next adventure for your family by phone or on the state park site.
Get your free downloadable camping checklist here!
Why Go to Florida State Parks?
Florida, USA is an outdoor lover's paradise that boasts a ton of activities. Here are some of the main outdoor activities to take part in. A great example is discovering the largest collection of rare and endagered species of any of the state parks in Highlands Hammock State Park.
Tours
Florida has many waterways that invite visitors to boat, paddle, or hike. Visitors can take airboat tours of the Everglades National Park, where they'll witness diverse wildlife, including alligators and waterfowl. The Biscayne National Park offers snorkeling tours where participants can float their way through a colorful, underwater world of tropical fish and coral reefs.
Camping
The state parks in Florida provide year-round camping opportunities that cater to both tent and RV campers for both experienced and beginner explorers. Be sure to book well in advance because camping in Florida is a popular activity. Whether you opt for a primitive campsite, a cabin, or a fully equipped campsite with electricity, water, and fire pit in an RV park, you’ll enjoy the the Fl campgrounds' scenic beauty.
Hiking
Hikers, backpackers, or those who simply enjoy walking through nature, can trek on some of the best trails in Florida. From lush forests, stunning vistas, and refreshing streams, Florida has plenty of great places to explore. Some of the most famous hikes in Florida are the Florida Trail, Wekiva River, and San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park.
Beaches
Florida's beaches are world-renowned for thin, powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. The state has nearly 1,200 miles of coastline, which includes lagoons, bays, and barrier islands that provide something for everyone. Visitors love visiting Miami, Cape Canaveral, Key West, or Sanibel Island, all of which offer their own edition of sun-kissed paradise.
Fishing
Florida has earned a reputation as a world-class fishing destination, where the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico converge to produce an abundant and diverse fish population. Whether you want to fish from a pier, shoreline, boat, or jetty, there are plenty of opportunities to catch that perfect fish. Some of the most popular fishing locations include the Florida Keys, Destin, and Fort Lauderdale.
Camping Reservations
Now that we have the "why" covered, let's dig into the details of how to make it happen. In case you have not read one of our articles before, our goal is to encourage and equip families to get out and camp to build memories. So, that is our entire focus.
National Parks & Forests
Though not the focus here, it would be irresponsible to not give at least the information on how to reserve through the lands managed by the federal government. For national parks and forests, reservations are made through recreation.gov
State Parks in Florida
With so many amazing opportunities to camp and explore in Florida's diverse park system, I am pretty confident you will be able to reserve a site that works well for you and your family. Make sure to read and understand the Florida State Park Camping rules prior to arrival.
It is always best to check the site for the latest updates to any questions you may have before reserving. And, campsites are actually reserved through a state of Florida website at reserve.floridastateparks.org where you can determine the "Florida State Parks near me." You can also call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.
What to Know Before You Call
If you're planning to visit a Florida state park, here's info to gather before making the reservation (like knowing what city is nearby if that is part of the plan😉):
Ron Knezek
Which park
There are over 160 state parks in Florida, so do some research to find one that suits your preferences.
Dates & length of stay
You can reserve a campsite up to almost a year (11 months) in advance, and most parks have a maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.
Types of recreation & availability
Florida state parks offer a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Some parks also have educational programs and guided tours.
Details of campsites
Each park has different types of campsites and lodging available, ranging from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV sites. Check the park's website for details on amenities like water, electricity, and bathrooms/showers.
Details for tent camping
If you're tent camping, make sure to bring all necessary gear and check the park's regulations on campfires and food storage. Some parks have pads that tents are restricted to. If you are looking for beach camping, look to Anastasia State Park.
Details for RV camping
If you're bringing an RV, make sure it fits within the size restrictions of the campsite and that you have all necessary hookups and equipment. You can find an RV resort available outside of the parks to enjoy to get your fix of the Atlantic Ocean even close to West Palm Beach.
Details for camping in cabins
For a more comfortable Florida camping experience, some parks offer rental cabins with electricity, air conditioning, and other amenities as lodging options.
Check-in & check-out Times
Check-in times can vary by park, but are typically in the 3 pm so you don't arrive too early. Check-out is typically 1 pm. Quiet time is 11 pm - 7 am. If arriving late, call prior to 5 pm for gate combination to enter.
Pet Policy
Most Florida state parks allow domesticated pets, but there may be restrictions on certain trails or areas. Make sure to clean up after your pet and keep them under control at all times and leashes no longer than 6'.
Final Thoughts About Reservations in Florida
With so many beautiful and exciting places to explore in the Florida state parks, why wouldn’t you make sure your family has a great outdoor adventure? Making reservations ahead of time is the best way to guarantee that you get to experience everything these parks have to offer. I hope this post has provided some insight into how important and easy it is to make advanced reservations for your camping trip in Florida.
So, here's to hoping you create memories that will last a lifetime with your family and friends. And don’t forget to take plenty of photographs along the way. If you found value in this short article, consider subscribing to be notified when I write about more camping adventures all across the country!
~Ron
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