NEWS
Top Five Camping Sites in Florida
Source: StockStudios
With much of the United States experiencing less than sunny weather, it’s no wonder Florida is a hot spot for camping vacations during the winter. From November through May, the weather in Florida is picture-perfect, great for getting out in nature and enjoying the state’s gorgeous beaches or state parks at one of these must-see camping sites.
Bahia Honda State Park, Florida Keys
Considered one of the best campsites in the whole of the United States, Bahia Honda State Park is a veritable tropical paradise thanks to its location in the Florida Keys. Situated on Big Pine Key, the area is a must-see for those who love all kinds of watersports, especially snorkeling and fishing. The park encompasses over 500 acres and campers can rent beach equipment, or sign up for a proper snorkel boat tour to the fabulous Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary. Thanks to its idyllic location, the campsite books up quickly so it’s best to make your reservation in advance.
Turtle Beach Campground, Siesta Key
Siesta Key may be well known for its luxurious waterfront condos, island-vibe Siesta Key Village – and, of course, the MTV reality show of the same name – but it’s also home to a super quaint campground on Turtle Beach, located on the island’s quieter southern end. The small campground features 39 RV sites right alongside the beach and the location is excellent for campers looking to enjoy various watersports, biking and checking out some of the great eateries on the island. Unfortunately, pets are prohibited at Turtle Beach Campground to protect the loggerhead and green turtles that nest on the beaches.
Juniper Springs National Recreation Area, Ocala
Located in north-central Florida in the Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs gives campers a glimpse of Florida away from the beaches and heavy tourist areas. Families will love this location, thanks to the clear, crystal springs and the seven-mile Juniper Run where campers can enjoy a fun-filled kayak trip. Hikers will love the statewide Florida Trail, which passes through the recreation area. Other activities include cycling, picnicking, swimming, snorkeling and bird watching.
Grayton Beach State Park
Located in the Florida Panhandle, Grayton Beach has routinely been named one of the best beaches in the United States thanks to its miles and miles of sugary-white sand. Campers at Grayton Beach not only enjoy the gorgeous beach, but they can also hike along four miles of nature trails, or fish and kayak on The Western Lake. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of a turtle coming onshore to build a nest. The 2000 acre park also offers on-site cabins located in their own gated access area for campers who don’t have an RV and don’t want to stay in a tent. Peak camping season runs from February 1st through July 31st.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Kissimmee
Leave it to Disney to turn a campground into a well-thought-out, clean and safe destination for campers to enjoy a myriad of Disney activities. The securely gated Fort Wilderness Resort offers free transportation to Disney’s parks, horse-back riding, bike rentals, fishing and boating on the huge lake, which links up to several other Disney resorts. Families will love the pool with waterslide, Chip ‘N’ Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue and zooming around the resort in a rented golf cart. No RV? No problem! You can rent an RV from a Disney approved company, pitch a tent, or rent one of Fort Wilderness Resort’s pioneer-themed cabins to ‘glamp’ in style.
