12 Best Beachfront Campgrounds Along Florida’s Coast
Ever fallen asleep to waves and woken up wondering why you don’t live like that all the time? In Florida, that feeling is not just a vacation fantasy.
It is a real option if you know where to look.
There is something about camping by the ocean that changes the whole experience. The air feels lighter.
Mornings arrive softer. Even coffee tastes better when the first thing you see is water stretching to the horizon.
Ever notice how the best trips are the ones where you do less but remember more?
Across Florida’s long coastline, certain campgrounds let you stay just steps from the sand, close enough to hear the tide and watch the sky change colors without leaving your chair. It is simple, relaxed, and surprisingly refreshing.
This is not about luxury. It is about location, atmosphere, and moments that feel easy to enjoy.
If you have ever wanted a trip that slows you down in the best way, this is where it starts.
1. Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key
Picture yourself camping on an island where the water glows in shades of turquoise you didn’t know existed. Bahia Honda State Park sits on Big Pine Key and consistently ranks among the most beautiful beaches in the entire country.
The campground offers both waterfront and inland sites, with some spots so close to the shore you can hear the gentle lapping of waves from your tent.
Snorkeling here feels like swimming in an aquarium, with colorful fish darting around coral formations just offshore. The park features three separate beach areas, each with its own personality and charm.
Sandspur Beach on the Atlantic side offers calmer waters perfect for young swimmers, while the bay side provides stunning sunset views that paint the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks.
The historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge stands as a reminder of the old Overseas Railroad, creating a dramatic backdrop for photos. Kayak rentals are available if you want to explore the mangrove channels and spot wildlife.
Sites fill up months in advance, so book early to secure your slice of paradise. With nature trails, ranger programs, and some of the clearest waters in Florida, this campground delivers an unforgettable Keys experience.
2. Fort De Soto Park, Tierra Verde
Spanning five interconnected islands near St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park transforms camping into a full-blown beach vacation. The campground features 236 sites nestled among palm trees and sea grapes, with many offering water views.
Unlike typical state parks, this Pinellas County gem provides electric and water hookups, making it ideal for RVers seeking comfort alongside nature.
The park’s beaches have earned national recognition, with soft white sand that stays cool even on hot summer days. North Beach regularly appears on lists of America’s top beaches, attracting beachcombers and shell collectors from around the world.
Two fishing piers extend into Tampa Bay, giving anglers chances to reel in snook, redfish, and trout without needing a boat.
History buffs can explore the Spanish-American War era fort, complete with mortars and cannons still in place. A paved trail system winds through the park, perfect for biking or walking while spotting dolphins playing in the bay.
My nephew caught his first fish here last spring, and his excitement still brings smiles to our family gatherings. The dog beach area lets four-legged friends splash in the waves, making this a truly inclusive camping destination for the whole family.
3. Pensacola Beach RV Resort, Pensacola
Emerald green waters meet sugar-white sands at this upscale camping destination on Santa Rosa Island. Pensacola Beach RV Resort redefines what camping can be, offering resort-style amenities while keeping you just steps from the Gulf.
Full hookups, WiFi, and cable TV ensure you stay connected, though the mesmerizing views might make you forget about screens entirely.
The resort features a sparkling pool and hot tub for days when you want a break from saltwater swimming. Boardwalks lead directly to the beach, where the sand feels like powdered sugar beneath your feet.
The shallow, clear waters make this spot particularly family-friendly, letting kids wade and play safely while parents relax under umbrellas.
Downtown Pensacola sits just a short drive away, offering restaurants, shopping, and the National Naval Aviation Museum for rainy day adventures. The Blue Angels practice overhead on select days, treating campers to incredible aerial displays.
Sunset here transforms the sky into a masterpiece of purples, pinks, and golds that reflect off the calm Gulf waters.
Sites are spacious and well-maintained, with many offering direct beach access. The resort atmosphere attracts visitors seeking comfort without sacrificing the outdoor experience, creating a perfect balance for families and couples alike.
4. Long Key State Park, Long Key
Situated between mile markers 67 and 68 in the Middle Keys, Long Key State Park offers a more rugged camping experience than its neighbors. The campground hugs the Atlantic Ocean, providing 60 sites tucked among native hammock vegetation.
Ocean breezes keep temperatures comfortable even during summer months, while the sound of waves creates natural white noise for peaceful sleeping.
Kayaking through the park’s canoe trail reveals a hidden world of mangrove tunnels and shallow flats teeming with marine life. Herons stalk the shallows, while schools of tiny fish shimmer in the sunlight.
The park’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring both the Upper and Lower Keys, with Key West and Key Largo each about an hour’s drive away.
Beachcombing along the rocky shoreline yields interesting finds, from colorful shells to pieces of coral washed ashore. A wooden observation tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding waters, perfect for spotting dolphins or watching weather systems roll across the ocean.
The park lacks the pristine sandy beaches of other Keys destinations, but its natural, undeveloped character appeals to campers seeking authenticity.
Golden Orb spiders weave impressive webs among the trees, creating natural art installations that glisten with morning dew. Fishing from shore or the old bridge remains popular, with snappers and jacks frequently biting.
5. Beverly Beach Camptown Resort, Flagler Beach
Nestled between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, Beverly Beach Camptown Resort delivers old Florida charm with modern conveniences. The campground sprawls across both sides of A1A, with oceanfront sites offering unobstructed Atlantic views.
Wake up to dolphins surfing the morning waves, a sight that never gets old no matter how many times you witness it.
The resort caters to families with a game room, playground, and heated pool for cooler months. Fishing enthusiasts appreciate the proximity to excellent surf fishing spots, where pompano and whiting run seasonally.
The beach here remains relatively uncrowded compared to nearby tourist hotspots, giving campers a sense of having discovered a secret getaway.
Flagler Beach’s charming downtown sits just minutes away, featuring locally owned restaurants and shops that reflect authentic coastal culture. The historic Flagler Beach Pier extends into the ocean, perfect for evening strolls or trying your luck at pier fishing.
Sites accommodate everything from small tents to large RVs, with full hookups available at premium spots.
Nature trails wind through coastal hammock, where you might spot gopher tortoises plodding along or painted buntings flashing brilliant colors. During turtle nesting season, rangers lead nighttime walks to observe these ancient creatures laying eggs, creating magical memories for children and adults alike.
6. Turtle Beach Campground, Siesta Key
Siesta Key’s famous quartz sand beaches extend to this county-run campground, offering budget-friendly access to world-class shores. Turtle Beach Campground provides 40 sites just across the street from the Gulf, where the sand truly does squeak when you walk on it.
The powdery white beach stays remarkably cool even under the blazing Florida sun, making barefoot strolling comfortable all day long.
This campground attracts a laid-back crowd seeking simplicity over luxury amenities. Sites are basic but well-maintained, with picnic tables and fire rings for classic camping experiences.
The beach itself remains less crowded than the famous Siesta Beach to the north, appealing to families wanting space to spread out and play.
Shelling here can be excellent, especially after storms stir up the Gulf floor and deposit treasures along the tide line. Shark teeth hunting becomes an obsession for many visitors, with patient searchers often finding prehistoric specimens.
The nearby Turtle Beach boat ramp provides access to Midnight Pass and Little Sarasota Bay for kayakers and boaters.
Sarasota’s cultural attractions sit just a short drive away, including the Ringling Museum and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Last summer, my friend’s daughter built a sandcastle so elaborate that other beachgoers stopped to take photos, creating a memory that still brings joy to recall.
7. Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound
Where the Loxahatchee River meets the Atlantic coast, Jonathan Dickinson State Park preserves over 11,000 acres of diverse ecosystems. The campground offers sites in pine flatwoods and river hammock settings, with some spots providing water views.
While not directly on the ocean beach, the park’s proximity to both river and sea creates unique camping opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Loxahatchee River, Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River, flows through the park offering exceptional kayaking and canoeing. Paddle upstream to spot alligators sunning on banks, river otters playing in the current, and countless wading birds stalking prey in the shallows.
Guided boat tours to Trapper Nelson’s historic camp provide fascinating glimpses into early Florida frontier life.
Mountain biking trails challenge riders with sandy terrain and root obstacles, while hikers can explore miles of pathways through scrub habitat. The observation tower provides sweeping views across the landscape, perfect for sunset photography or bird watching.
During winter months, manatees sometimes venture into the river seeking warmer waters, delighting visitors lucky enough to spot them.
Beach access requires a short drive, but the park’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife make the location special in its own right. Sites accommodate tents and RVs, with amenities including hot showers and a camp store stocked with essentials and souvenirs.
8. Camping On The Gulf, Miramar Beach
Living up to its straightforward name, Camping On The Gulf places you right on the stunning Emerald Coast shoreline. This family-owned campground in Miramar Beach has been welcoming visitors for decades, offering a more intimate alternative to larger resorts.
The emerald green waters here look almost too beautiful to be real, shifting from deep jade to pale aquamarine depending on the sunlight and depth.
Sites range from primitive tent spots to full hookup RV spaces, with the most coveted locations sitting directly on the beach. Fall asleep to waves and wake to dolphins feeding just offshore, sometimes so close you can hear them breathe.
The shallow, gentle slope of the beach makes swimming safe for children, while the clear water invites snorkeling adventures.
Destin’s attractions lie nearby, including harbor boardwalks, charter fishing operations, and restaurants serving fresh Gulf seafood. The campground maintains a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere that appeals to visitors seeking authentic beach experiences over polished perfection.
Campfires on the beach create magical evenings, with marshmallow roasting and storytelling under star-filled skies.
The sugary sand here compacts perfectly for sandcastle construction, inspiring architectural ambitions in builders young and old. Local beach service companies rent umbrellas and chairs if you prefer shade and comfort, though many campers simply spread towels and soak up the Florida sunshine naturally.
9. Sun Outdoors Key Largo, Key Largo
Formerly known as Riptide RV Resort, Sun Outdoors Key Largo brings upscale camping to the northern Keys. The resort sits on the bay side of Key Largo, offering stunning sunset views across Florida Bay toward Everglades National Park.
Modern amenities include a waterfront tiki bar, multiple pools, and a marina for guests arriving by boat or wanting to rent watercraft.
The resort caters to families with planned activities, entertainment, and a sandy beach area perfect for building sandcastles or simply wading in calm waters. Kayak and paddleboard rentals provide opportunities to explore nearby mangrove islands where birds nest and juvenile fish find shelter.
The location serves as an ideal base for exploring Key Largo’s famous attractions, including John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the African Queen boat from the classic movie.
Sites accommodate large RVs with full hookups, and some premium spots offer direct water views worth the extra cost. The resort atmosphere creates a vacation feel, with neighbors often gathering to share stories and recommendations.
Dive shops throughout Key Largo offer trips to the only living coral reef in North America, where underwater adventures rival anything found on land.
The Keys’ laid-back vibe permeates the resort, encouraging guests to slow down and embrace island time. Fresh Key lime pie from local bakeries becomes a camping tradition worth continuing long after returning home.
10. Bluewater Key Luxury RV Resort, Near Key West
Calling this place a campground feels like calling a yacht a boat, technically accurate but missing the full picture. Bluewater Key Luxury RV Resort near Key West redefines camping with amenities that rival fine hotels.
Each site features concrete pads, full hookups, and many offer direct waterfront access where you can dock your boat steps from your RV.
The resort boasts three pools, including an adults-only infinity pool overlooking the water, perfect for sipping morning coffee while watching herons hunt in the shallows. A modern fitness center, clubhouse with organized activities, and concierge services ensure every need gets met.
The location on Geiger Key provides easy access to Key West’s famous attractions while maintaining enough distance to escape the tourist crowds.
Fishing from your campsite becomes reality here, with snook, tarpon, and bonefish cruising the waters surrounding the resort. The on-site tiki bar serves tropical drinks and light fare, creating a vacation atmosphere that makes leaving difficult.
Sunset celebrations happen naturally as guests gather to watch the sky explode in color over the Gulf.
My cousin stayed here during her anniversary trip and swears the luxury camping experience rivaled their honeymoon resort stay. Sites book up quickly during peak season, so planning ahead ensures you secure a spot at this tropical paradise where camping meets five-star comfort.
11. Coral Sands RV Park, Ormond Beach
Just north of Daytona Beach, Coral Sands RV Park offers a quieter alternative to the bustling tourist areas while maintaining easy beach access. The park sits across the street from the Atlantic Ocean, with a private boardwalk leading campers directly to the sand.
Ocean breezes keep temperatures comfortable, and the sound of surf provides a constant, soothing backdrop.
The park caters primarily to RVers with full hookup sites, though the welcoming atmosphere makes everyone feel at home. A heated pool offers a freshwater swimming option, while the beachfront location means you’re never more than a short walk from saltwater adventures.
The beach here allows driving in designated areas, a unique Florida tradition that lets you park your vehicle right on the sand.
Ormond Beach’s historic downtown features antique shops, local restaurants, and The Casements, John D. Rockefeller’s former winter home now open for tours.
The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail provides beautiful drives and bike rides through canopied roads dripping with Spanish moss. Fishing from the beach produces whiting, pompano, and occasional bluefish runs that get anglers excited.
The park maintains a clean, well-organized appearance that reflects pride in providing quality experiences for guests. Many visitors return year after year, creating a community atmosphere where new friendships form easily and old ones continue growing stronger with each shared sunset.
12. Coastline RV Resort, Eastpoint
Tucked away on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, Coastline RV Resort in Eastpoint offers a more remote camping experience than many beachfront options. The resort sits on St. George Sound, providing water access and views while remaining close to pristine barrier island beaches.
This area escaped much of Florida’s overdevelopment, preserving a glimpse of what the entire coast looked like generations ago.
St. George Island State Park lies just across the bridge, featuring nine miles of undeveloped beach where you might walk for hours without seeing another person. The white sand beaches here rival any in Florida, yet remain blissfully uncrowded even during peak season.
Apalachicola, famous for oysters and historic charm, sits just minutes away offering excellent restaurants and quirky shops.
The resort provides modern amenities including a pool, fishing dock, and boat launch for guests wanting to explore the sound. Kayaking through the area reveals hidden coves and channels where dolphins often play and sea turtles surface to breathe.
The slower pace of the Forgotten Coast appeals to campers seeking genuine relaxation rather than theme park excitement.
Seafood here comes straight from local waters to your plate, with shrimp, scallops, and oysters so fresh they taste like the ocean itself. Sites accommodate RVs of all sizes, with some offering water views that make morning coffee a contemplative ritual worth waking early to enjoy.