Have you ever watched a sunset on a Florida beach and wished your beach day didn’t have to end? At all of these campgrounds, you can pitch your tent right on the sand, either directly on the beach or just steps away. And by the beach, we aren’t just referring to the ocean either. Some of the best lake camping in Florida also happens to provide beach access to campers. This refreshingly affordable experience is one thing that makes Florida really special, but it’s also very popular. Check out several of these places well in advance and reserve your night in paradise.

1. Long Key State Park
Long Key State Park, 67400 Overseas Hwy, Layton, FL 33001, USA
TripAdvisor/Amy P
Long Key State Park is in the Keys and has dozens of campsites right on the ocean. The beach isn't the most impressive, but the water here is absolutely stunning.

2. Grayton Beach State Park
Grayton Beach State Park, 357 Main Park Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, USA
TripAdvisor/Serendipitous2
You will have to book well in advance to have any hope of getting a campsite at this highly rated park known as Grayton Beach State Park. Not only is this one of the best beaches in the country, the park has four miles of trails for hikers and a lake for kayakers to explore.
3. Turtle Beach Campground, Siesta Key
Turtle Beach Campground, 8862 Midnight Pass Rd, Sarasota, FL 34242, USA
TripAdvisor/CSmoth
Turtle Beach Campground has 40 campsites mere steps from the lovely Gulf of Mexico. Award-winning Siesta Beach, has the some of the finest sand in the country and views of the jewel-like Gulf. It has been named the best beach in the country many times.
4. Canaveral National Seashore, Titusville
Canaveral National Seashore, S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32796, USA
TripAdvisor/dragonflytw65
From November through April, you can camp right on the Atlantic in this unspoiled natural paradise known as the Canaveral National Seashore. Space is extremely limited, so reserve well in advance.
5. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, Flagler Beach
Gamble Rogers, 3100 S Ocean Shore Blvd, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, USA
TripAdvisor/Walter M
Fall asleep to the sound of the Atlantic lapping at the shore at the very popular Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area in North Florida. It has 34 full-service campsites and a nature trail. Sweet.
6. T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, 8899 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456, USA
Yelp/Vishal P.
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in the Panhandle has more than 100 campsites in two campgrounds, one that's open and breezy (Gulf Breeze) and one that's shady and secluded (Shady Pines). The pristine, white sand beach here is often rated among the best in the country.
7. Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key
Bahia Honda State Park, Florida 33043, USA
Flickr/Delany Dean
Bahia Honda State Park is one of the Keys' most iconic spots, as well as the one of the state's most beautiful parks. 80 campsites in three campgrounds bring you as close as possible to the best beach in the Keys.

8. Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine
Anastasia State Park, 300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA
TripAdvisor/Emily A
Though they're not directly on the beach, Anastasia State Park is known for having some of the nicest, shadiest campsites in the state. This is a great park for hiking, surfing, kayaking, canoeing and fishing.
9. Cayo Costa State Park, Boca Grande
Cayo Costa State Park, Captiva, FL 33924, USA
TripAdvisor/LaniSammons
Cayo Costa State Park gives visitors the experience of a (nearly) deserted island. This wild, unspoiled coastal habitat can only be reached by boat or ferry.

10. Fort Clinch State Park, Fernandina Beach
Fort Clinch State Park, 2601 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034, USA
TripAdvisor/V T
Fort Clinch State Park in Northeast Florida has something for everyone. There are campsites on the ocean and on the Amelia River, and campers can spend the day fishing, hiking, and visiting the 19th-century fort.

What’s your favorite place to camp on the beach in Florida? Any other great places for lake camping in Florida we should add? Let us know! Not so into roughing it? Check out these awesome cabins in Florida that will give you an unforgettable stay.

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Marisa Roman | June 22, 2019

Is it legal to camp on the beach in Florida?

Many states have their own particular laws when it comes to beachside camping. While there are plenty of campgrounds in Florida to choose from, many campers prefer to camp along the ocean’s edge. The truth of the matter is, camping directly on the beach is not considered legal in Florida unless the campground happens to be situated in the sand. The reality is, however, that beach camping in Florida usually does not provide direct access to the sand, but rather close proximity. For instance, campgrounds in Key West offer unobstructed views of the water, yet there is no beach camping provided.

What do I need to bring to camp on the beach in Florida?

When planning to participate in Florida park camping, it is important to know what to bring with you. Depending on the campground in Florida that you choose, amenities might differ. For instance, some of the best family camping in Florida offer showers, bathrooms, water access, and sometimes even electricity. However, there are also primitive sites that offer nothing to the camper, except what they bring. A few essentials to bring with you when you camp include a tent, mallet, sleeping bags, pillows, food, water, headlamps, a small shovel, and fire starters.

What are the best family campgrounds in Florida?

Florida has tons of family-friendly campgrounds to choose from, you’ll practically fill each weekend throughout the year with a new campsite. Some of the best family campgrounds in Florida are peppered up and down the coast and the panhandle. A few to keep in mind, however, include Key West KOA, Luna Sands Resort, Colt Creek State Park, and Sebastian Inlet State Park. It is important to check in advance which campgrounds are considered more resort-style and which are simply located in the neighboring state parks.

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