Florida is a wonderful place to enjoy a getaway. From amusement parks to incredible beaches, this state truly has a little bit of something for everyone. On top of that, it’s a very RV-friendly place, meaning RV camping in Florida is not only possible, it’s recommended!
Not sure how to start planning your RV camping in Florida adventure? No worries, we’re here to help! In this guide, we will give you all the information you need to plan an amazing getaway that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Preparing for RV Camping
Obviously, you will need to start by doing a bit of prep work. For those who have gone RVing before, this is relatively easy—and for those who own an RV, it’ll be even easier. However, if you’ve never been RV camping, you might not know where to start.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs
Don’t have an RV of your own? In this case, our recommendation is to start by finding the perfect rental RV.
To narrow down your options, decide whether you’d like the RV delivered or not. From there, decide whether you’d like a motorhome or a towable RV. Think a towable looks good? If you plan to tow it, make sure your vehicle can handle it safely.
Once you know the type of RV you’re looking for, you can decide on things like size, floor plan, and included amenities. Make sure you choose a rig that your family can comfortably stay in for the duration of your trip!
Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip
Now you will need to start packing that perfect rental RV. Clothes, soap, and a toothbrush are obvious must-haves, but they are far from the only things you’ll need to pack.
We’ve compiled a basic RV packing list below:
- Clothes
- Toiletries
- Medications
- First aid kit
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Tools
- Entertainment (books, games, movies, toys for kids)
- Outdoor recreation gear
- Electronics and chargers
- Pots, pans, and dishes
- Paper towels
- Groceries
- Flashlights
- Folding chairs
- Bed sheets
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Pet gear
- RV leveling blocks
- Sewer hose and adapter
- Freshwater hose
- RV surge protector
We recommend using this list as a foundation and adding things as you see fit. It’s also a good idea to see if your rental RV includes any of the things above before you start packing.
For more suggestions on things to pack, make sure to check out this RV packing list.
Considerations for Camping in Florida
While RVing laws are roughly the same from state to state, there are usually some small differences to be aware of when you cross state lines. For this reason, we highly recommend learning Florida’s laws surrounding RVing before you head out on your trip.
For example, the total length of your rig should never exceed 65 feet in Florida. Trailers must not be more than 40 feet, and motorhomes can’t be longer than 45 feet. Your RV width should always be 8.5 feet or less, and your setup cannot be taller than 13.5 feet high.
Triple towing (i.e. towing something behind your towable RV) is not allowed in Florida. Safety chains, a breakaway switch, and fire extinguishers are required on all RVs. Additionally, trailers over 3,000 lbs must have trailer brakes.
Lastly, it’s good to note that overnight parking is not allowed in state rest areas, so you will need to make other arrangements for those quick overnight stops.
Finding Campgrounds
Next on your to-do list: finding the perfect Florida campground. Here’s the thing though, Florida has a ton of amazing campgrounds, so finding a great one shouldn’t be a problem. From luxury campgrounds to primitive camping to urban camping options, there is something for everyone in this state.
The one thing that could be an issue? Snagging a reservation at your desired park. During the winter, Florida’s campgrounds book up quickly, so be sure to reserve your campsite as far out as possible.
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Florida
Some of our favorite campgrounds in Florida are the public campgrounds. These include state parks (Florida’s state parks truly are stellar) as well as camping in national forests and national parks. These options tend to be more rustic than private parks, but the beauty they offer is well worth the tradeoff.
National Park Camping
Florida is home to three national parks, along with several national monuments, memorials, seashores, and preserves. What does this mean for you? Tons of awesome places to explore, as well as some pretty great camping options.
The national parks in Florida are:
Of these, only Everglades offers RV camping. To camp in an RV in Everglades National Park, you will need to stay in Flamingo Campground or Long Pine Key Campground. Both are in excellent locations, but neither offers hookups, so you will want to arrive prepared to dry camp.
National Forest Camping
Looking for more public camping options in Florida? Head to Florida’s national forests!
These include:
All three of these forests offer RV camping, meaning you can easily spend several weeks hanging out in forests in your RV.
Ocean Pond Campground in Osceola National Forest, Camel Lake Recreation Area in Apalachicola National Forest, and Alexander Springs Campground in Ocala National Forest all offer awesome RV campsites.
State Park Camping
We mentioned before that Florida has excellent state parks. These parks are so, so beautiful and do a wonderful job of highlighting the unique beauty found in Florida’s natural areas. From springs to beaches to forested areas, it’s hard to pass up these amazing parks.
One of our favorite Florida state parks for RV camping is Anastasia State Park, which puts you right outside of St. Augustine and all the city has to offer. We also really love camping at Bahía Honda State Park in the Keys, and at Lake Louisa State Park where you can camp just minutes from Disney World.
Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Hoping for some glamping while in Florida? Looking for something with playgrounds, a laundry room, a pool, and a dump station? Not to worry, there are plenty of amazing private RV campgrounds in Florida as well!
Wanting to head to Disney World during your stay? Be sure to check out Disney’s Fort Wilderness campground. This is easily one of the best RV parks in the country, offering multiple pools, waterslides, onsite dining options, pony rides, archery, and of course, transportation to the Disney parks.
Another great option is Fiesta Key RV Resort in the Florida Keys. This is an absolutely beautiful campground with a private marina, an amazing pool with a view of the ocean, an onsite store, and easy access to all the awesome fun the Florida Keys have to offer.
Boondocking in Florida
Prefer to rough it a little bit? Hoping to save some money on lodging so you can spend more on having fun? If so, boondocking in Florida might be for you.
Some people believe there is no boondocking in Florida. Fortunately, this isn’t the case. The national forests offer some free camping spots for smaller rigs, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife has a handful of options as well. Meanwhile, the Water Management Districts have several free dry camping spots throughout the state. Just be aware that the Water Management District spots must be reserved in advance.
Researching Campground Options and Making Reservations
Whether you want to do some more research before making your final decision or prefer to book your campsite online, we have several website suggestions for you. Use these sites as tools to find and book the perfect campsite for your RV camping in Florida adventure.
Hipcamp and Harvest Hosts are two awesome choices if you’re looking for unique spots. Meanwhile, KOA and Jellystone offer good selections for families with kids. Other great campground research and booking sites include BookOutdoors, RoverPass, CampSpot, and The Dyrt.
Planning Your Itinerary
Now for the fun part—it’s time to start planning your itinerary! There are so many amazing things to see and do in Florida, you might just have trouble choosing. Hopefully we can help by mentioning our absolute favorites in the sections below.
Features and Attractions in Florida
In our opinion, everyone should start every visit to a new state with a scenic drive. This gives you a good feel for the place you’re visiting and really allows you to appreciate its beauty and unique features. There are a few great scenic byways in Florida that are perfect for this.
Obviously, you’ll also want to visit some of Florida’s iconic landmarks. These include places like the Southernmost Point in Key West, the excellent Tampa Zoo, and of course, Walt Disney World.
Want even more awesome options of things to do in Florida? The NPS sites are always a good bet! The aforementioned Everglades National Park is an excellent place to spend some time. Meanwhile, Canaveral National Seashore presents opportunities to explore the east side of the peninsula, and Castillo de San Marcos offers an interesting history lesson.
Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Florida
Planning your trip around an event is always a good idea, and Florida has tons of awesome annual events to choose from.
In the market for an RV? The Tampa RV Show in January will give you plenty to choose from. The Florida Folk Music Festival in White Springs is perfect for lovers of folk music, and the Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale is the ideal way to celebrate the winter season.
Exploring Outdoor Activities
We highly recommend exploring the great outdoors during your time in Florida. This state may not have the majestic mountains found out west, but the forests, wetlands, and beaches are pretty fantastic in their own right.
Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails
Planning to hike or bike while in Florida? You’ll be pleased to learn that the state has a number of great trails to choose from. These wind their way through the state’s natural areas, offering a great way to get to know Florida’s plants and animals.
For hiking, we recommend the following trails:
- Black Bear Wilderness Area Trail in Black Bear Wilderness Area — Moderate
- Kolokee Loop Trail in Little Big Econ State Forest — Easy
- Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park — Easy
- Wekiwa Springs Volksmarch Trail in Wekiwa Springs State Park — Easy
- Bayard Trail and Seminole Trail in Hillsborough River State Park — Easy
Cyclists should head to one of the trails below:
- Julington Durbin Creek Preserve Yellow and White Loop in Julington Durbin Creek Preserve
- Circle B Bar Reserve Trail in Circle B Bar Preserve
- Honeymoon Island: Osprey and Pelican Trail in Honeymoon Island State Park
- Spoonbill Trail and Osprey Loop in Robinson Preserve
- The Riverbend Park Loop in Loxahatchee River Bend Park
Of course, these are far from the only trails in the state. For more great options, check out the listings on AllTrails.
Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities
Want to take advantage of Florida’s numerous bodies of water for your outdoor recreation? Good call! You’ll love the state’s many awesome fishing, kayaking, and swimming spots.
When it comes to fishing in Florida, we have to recommend Dog Island Reef for Spanish mackerel, pompano, tarpon, and cobra. Meanwhile, those who prefer bass might want to head to Apalachicola River for striped bass, white bass, shoal bass, black bass, and more.
Obviously, you’ll also want to hit the beaches while in the Sunshine State. Clearwater Beach is great for families with young kids, as the water is quite warm and calm. For soft sand and fun drum circles, head to Siesta Key Beach. Hoping for some awesome waves? Cocoa Beach might be the spot for you.
Hoping to see some waterfalls? Florida isn’t really known for its falls, but it does have a few. Some of the best waterfalls in Florida include the falls in Falling Waters State Park, Weeping Ridge in Torreya State Park, and Falling Creek Falls just north of Lake City.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
Be sure to pack the binoculars because Florida is home to some fantastic wildlife. To see some gorgeous animals in their natural habitats, simply head to one of the many state parks or national parks we’ve already mentioned.
Snorkeling allows you to see underwater creatures, the Anhinga Trail in Everglades often plays host to alligators, swimming in Crystal River might reveal manatees, and all kinds of birds can be spotted across the state.
Other great places to see wildlife include Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, and Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Taking the kids along? Pretty much any place we’ve mentioned above will be awesome for them. That said, there are a number of other family-friendly attractions in the state as well.
Historical Sites and Museums
Want to wrap some education up in your family vacation? NPS sites such as De Soto National Memorial, Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, Fort Caroline National Memorial, and Fort Matanzas National Monument all offer excellent learning opportunities.
Museums are another great way to learn something new while having a great time as a family. The Frost Science Museum in Miami is a great pick for learning about science. Meanwhile, the Ringling in Sarasota offers both circus exhibits and an art gallery. The Orlando Science Center has hands-on fun, and the History of Diving Museum is a fun niche museum in the Keys.
Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
Most people are well aware that Florida plays host to some of the best amusement parks on Earth. We mentioned Disney World already, but parks such as Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld, Aquatica, and LEGOLAND all deserve a mention as well.
Zoos are a big deal in Florida too, and they are a great way to entertain the whole family. ZooTampa is probably the best in the state, but we also love Zoo Miami, Brevard Zoo, and Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Florida
Of course, you will want to be safe during your time in the Sunshine State. Fortunately, this is easy enough to do with the tips and reminders below.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
It’s no secret that Florida summers are hot. Therefore, if you visit during the summertime, you will want to be prepared with an RV that has air conditioning and a campsite with electric hookups for running the A/C. Drink plenty of water and be sure to wear sunscreen while outdoors!
Another thing to be aware of when visiting Florida? Severe weather. June through November is hurricane season. Additionally, the state sees large thunderstorms and small tornadoes throughout the year.
To prepare for these things, be sure to download weather apps and allow push notifications. Heed any alerts that your apps push through, and evacuate or take shelter when necessary. Some people also like to pack a “bug out” bag in case they need to leave their RV quickly.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
Florida is full of wildlife. Alligators are found in pretty much every body of water, and it’s not uncommon to see venomous snakes throughout the state. Additionally, there are some Florida beaches that are notorious for shark sightings.
In order to stay safe, avoid swimming in murky ponds and lakes, and stick to rivers and springs that are popular with swimmers. If you see a gator, leave the water immediately. Never let children wander into bodies of water alone or without supervision.
For the most part, sharks will leave you alone, but some feel more comfortable avoiding beaches where shark sightings are common. Of course, you’ll also want to watch your step to avoid walking on snakes.
