What’s the point of living on a peninsula if you can’t do things like pitch a tent just feet away from the ocean? Now’s your chance to take advantage of Florida’s great outdoors with these hidden beach camping spots.
Photos via Adobe, except where noted.
St. George Island State Park
1900 E. Gulf Beach Drive, St. George Island, FL 32328 | 850-927-2111
This campsite has 60 sites with water, electricity and other amenities, but for campers looking to step out into the real wilderness, two primitive sites can be reached by a 2.5 mile trail or by kayak.
Photo via fl.stateparks/InstagramSebastian Inlet State Park
9700 South Highway A.1.A., Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 | 321-984-4852
The ultimate weekend vacay calls for a beautiful beach perfect for campers looking to swim, snorkel, kayak, fish and sunbathe their cares away. Just make sure you reserve one of the 51 campsites early: They fill up fast during peak months.Curry Hammock State Park
56200 Overseas Hwy., Marathon, FL 33050 | 305-289-2690
This park is the largest uninhabited parcel of land between Key Largo and Big Pine Key, perfect for the camper looking to get away from the responsibilities of civilization for a few days. Just make sure you make a reservation for one of the 28 sites before you make the drive.Peanut Island
6500 Peanut Island Road, Riviera Beach, FL 33404 | 561-845-4445
This island is famous for being the home John F. Kennedy’s Cold War bunker. Visitors nowadays are worried less about a missile crisis and more about scoping out the best beach spot to set up camp.St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
8899 Cape San Blas Road, Port St Joe, FL 32456 | 850-227-1327
A beachside campground might just be the best place in the world to watch a rosy sunset stretch over the horizon on the Gulf of Mexico.St. Andrews State Park
4607 State Park Lane, Panama City Beach, FL 32408 | 850-233-5140 x5141
Many centuries ago, Native Americans visited these beaches to catch the shellfish which then abounded along the shore. Now, campers can visit the same seaside locales and stay overnight to gaze up at the same stars.Long Key State Park
67400 Overseas Hwy, Layton, FL 33001 | 305-664-4815
This was once the site of Henry Flagler’s famous high-class fishing camp, but now even the common masses can pitch a tent, cast their lines and catch themselves some dinner.Little Talbot Island State Park
12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226 | 904-251-2320
Located on one of the state’s few remaining undeveloped barrier islands, this campground is nestled among ancient dunes in a lush grove of live oaks, American holly and southern magnolias. Sounds like the perfect place to string up a hammock and take a long nap.Anastasia State Park
300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080 | 904-461-2033
Located just a short walk from four miles of pristine beach and estuarine tidal marshes, this campground fits 139 sites, available by reservation, nestled in a maritime hammock.Bahia Honda State Park
36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043 | 305-872-2353
Whether you’re the type to stick to a camper, stretch out in a tent or rough it in a swinging hammock in the open, this park has the ideal site to enjoy some killer ocean views.Grayton Beach State Park
357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 | 850-267-8300
Grayton is one of the most picturesque beaches on the Gulf coast, so campers looking for that fire Instagram shot won’t even have to use a filter to show off their stay at one of these beautiful sites.Dry Tortugas National Park
Key West, FL | 866-758-6420
Instagram shots of your camping weekend from this site will make all your friends jelly: How many people can say they’ve slept just feet away from an actual masonry fort from the 1800s? Spots are limited though, so make sure you book this trip well in advance.John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
102601 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037 | 305-451-6300
Camping just a short walk away from the water in this park has its perks. You’re sure to be first in line to dive in and explore Pennekamp’s beautiful coral reefs.Fort De Soto Park
3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL 33715 | 727-582-2267
This 1,136 acre-park is made up of five interconnected islands, filled with a variety of different campsites for novice to experienced wilderness explorers.Cayo Costa State Park
Cayo Costa, FL 33922 | 941-964-0375
This island is only accessible by boat, but the complicated trip over is worth it just to stay a night surrounded by an ocean breeze and the sweet song of the sea to lull you to sleep.Biscayne National Park
9700 SW 328th Street, Homestead, FL 33033 | 786-335-3609
You’ll only be able to get to these campsites by boat, but nothing beats roughing it seaside with nothing between you and the wild world but a plastic tent. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you arrive early.