RV Camping Experts Share Their Favorite Campgrounds in Florida

The most important thing you need to know about camping in Florida is that everyone is doing it between the months of December and April. There are times when folks cannot seem to find a single campsite in the whole state during the season when an additional one million snowbirds head south to enjoy the mild winter. However, if you plan ahead, you can enjoy some of the best camping in the United States. 

The Florida state park system is ridiculously popular on account of both the desirable locations and modern, though varied, amenities. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, and camping enthusiasts boot up their laptops and try to snag spots the second they become available.

There are other public camping options available as well. County parks, national forests, and national preserves offer less competitive booking opportunities. Everglades National Park has two campgrounds open to RVs and tent campers. Just remember to stock up on the bug spray before your adventure.  

Private campgrounds and resorts are also abundant in the Sunshine State. Fort Wilderness at Walt Disney World may just be the most popular and well-loved campground in the entire country. There are also places like Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort, Camp Gulf, and Bluewater Key RV Resort where you can pay a pretty penny to camp just steps from the beach. 

Stephanie and Jeremy's Campground Picks in Florida

Jeremy and Stephanie Puglisi are the hosts of The RV Atlas podcast, which has been downloaded more than 12 million times by RV and camping enthusiasts. They are also the authors of the popular "Where Should We Camp Next?" book series, including "Where Should We Camp Next?", "Where Should We Camp Next? National Parks", "Where Should We Camp Next? Budget Camping", and "Where Should We Camp Next? Camping 101". As bestselling authors and longtime RV travelers, they share expert campground recommendations, road trip inspiration, and practical advice for families and adventurers who love the great outdoors.

Here are their picks for family-friendly, budget-friendly, and public campgrounds in Florida:

Family-Friendly: Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, Orlando

Site types: RV, tent, and cabin rentals

You can camp at Walt Disney World? We get this question quite often when sharing our epic Fort Wilderness adventures. The answer is a resounding yes, there is actually a camping resort in Disney World. And Fort Wilderness is as amazing as you would expect a Disney campground to be. The Fort (as it's affectionately known by regulars) is located on the Walt Disney World property in Orlando, Florida. The campground borders Lake Buena Vista, which means you can take boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom.

You can also easily access the other resorts near the Magic Kingdom. The Fort is officially a Disney resort property, so you get all the benefits of staying onsite at Disney World, including early dining reservations, extra magic hours, and free transportation. There are partial, full, preferred, or premium campsites. There are also designated pet-friendly loops. 

The campground’s organized around three main locations. The Outpost Depot is the entrance of the resort and also the transportation hub for accessing other Walt Disney World locations. The Meadows Depot is in the middle of the property and hosts a pool and recreation area as well as a trading post. The Settlement Depot is at the other end of the resort and has dining options, entertainment, a trading post, and the boat docks.

Fort Wilderness has an incredibly scenic feel, considering this is Disney World. The wildlife is legendary. Wild turkeys wander through your site, and folks regularly report seeing deer, armadillos, peacocks, and rabbits. There are towering cypress and pine trees on pristinely clean and manicured grounds. This is our happy place, and it could be yours too.

Budget-Friendly: Henderson Beach State Park, Destin

Site types: RV and tent

Henderson Beach State Park in Destin is a little slice of heaven in the Florida Panhandle. The white sand beaches and the warm emerald waters directly adjacent to the campground are downright seductive. The 60 campsites here are carved into the landscape and most are spacious, shaded, and private—and all of them also have water and electricity hookups. These sites are perfect for tents or larger motorhomes and fifth wheels.

Amenities here are limited but natural wonders abound. The park is good for biking and great for fishing and swimming and spending time relaxing in the sand however you want to do it. 

The clock slows down when you camp here. Everything about this place is peaceful and relaxing, but all of the madcap fun in Destin is just a short drive away. There are amazing options for seafood nearby and a gigantic Bass Pro Shops (along with dozens of other stores) is just 5 minutes away. The only imperfection here is that this campground is incredibly difficult to book—but someone has to get a site—and we think it might as well be you.

National Park Gateway: Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Holiday, Sugarloaf Key

Site types: RV, tent, cabins, and deluxe patio

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable Florida Keys camping adventure, the Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA Holiday is a top-tier option. Just 20 miles from Key West, this waterfront campground offers stunning ocean views, a private beach, and all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay—including a full-service marina, poolside tiki bar, and kayak rentals.

One of the biggest draws of this location is its proximity to Dry Tortugas National Park. The ferry to Dry Tortugas departs from Key West, just a 30-minute drive from the KOA, making this an ideal basecamp for travelers wanting to experience the park’s remote beauty and historic Fort Jefferson. After a long day of snorkeling and exploring, you can return to camp, kick back by the fire, and soak in the island vibes.

Explore More Campgrounds in Florida

From the white sand beaches of the Panhandle to the tropical waters of the Florida Keys, the Sunshine State offers an incredible variety of camping experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you prefer beachfront RV resorts, secluded state park campgrounds, or family-friendly destinations packed with amenities, Florida has something for everyone. Just make sure you book early because Floridians love their camping!

Where Should We Camp Next?

If you're looking for even more inspiration, the "Where Should We Camp Next?" series features dozens of additional campground recommendations across Florida and beyond—helping you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

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