By Kevin Mims

It's no secret that Florida is one of the most popular destinations for RV'ers, especially in the winter months. RV parks in Florida are easy to find and range from rustic retreats all the way up to high-end private resorts.

The typical RV'er is changing, too. More and more, working couples and young families are discovering the lifestyle, hitting the road on weekends and vacations – with a few even deciding to ditch their sticks-and-bricks home in favor of full-time wandering. 

Heading to the Sunshine State? Here's a list of some of the best RV parks in Florida you should visit on your travels that offer a well-rounded experience that's affordable and fun for everyone in your crew.

1. Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna

We’ve got more than our fair share of natural wonders, but one of the most interesting has to be Florida Caverns State Park. See colorful stalagmites, stalactites and other formations on the cave tour. Hiking, biking, equestrian camping and kayaking on the Chipola River can be done right at the park, plus there is a 9-hole golf course located at the entrance.

2. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Santa Rosa Beach

Hook up at one of 156 big-rig friendly sites at Gregory E. Moore RV Resort (it’s in the park) and take a tram down to one of the most unbelievable beaches in the state. Hiking trails showcase Morris and Campbell Lakes, two ultra rare coastal dune lakes that can only be found in a handful of places in the entire world.

3. Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine

If you’re planning to explore St. Augustine, you won’t find a better spot to set up base camp. Downtown is only 10 minutes away, but you’ll definitely want to set aside plenty of time to relax in the park too. Hit the beach, the trails or just relax in camp. You’ve got lots of options.

 

4. Fort Pickens Campground, Pensacola

The further you drive back on Fort Pickens Road in the Gulf Islands National Seashore, the further back in time it feels. 200 sites are nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay, offering a great location for hiking, beach activities (Langdon Beach is awesome), or exploring Fort Pickens and other military gun batteries nearby.

5. St. George Island State Park

It’s located in a section of Florida known as the Forgotten Coast, but camping here is anything but forgettable. St. George Island always gets plenty of love from Dr. Beach (it’s currently ranked as the third best beach in the U.S.), so you can imagine why it's one of the best RV parks in Florida. Bring boats, swim trunks and plenty of sunscreen for this one.

6. Juniper Springs National Recreation Area, Ocala

No trip to Florida is complete without checking out a crystal-clear freshwater spring. Set up camp at Juniper Springs in the Ocala National Forest, and you’ll see what the fuss is all about. Don’t miss a kayak or canoe trip down seven-mile Juniper Run, one of the most breathtaking and popular paddling trips in the country.

7. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, Orlando

Disney, you say? Yep, RV camping at Fort Wilderness is pretty darn nice. Of course, it’s about as family friendly as it gets – pet friendly, too – and is an affordable lodging choice if you are planning to visit the theme parks. You’ll have easy access to the Magic Kingdom and the ability to see fireworks right from the campground. Give it a shot; you’ll definitely be surprised.

8. Bahia Honda State Park, Florida Keys

Located at Mile Marker 36.8 on Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda State Park is one of the most sought after camping locations in the country. It can be a little tricky to get a reservation (this goes for everywhere in the Keys) so make sure to do some advance planning if you are looking to get a spot in paradise. There’s only one problem: you can’t stay forever.

 

9. Lion Country Safari KOA, Loxahatchee

It’s not common to hear lions roaring from your campsite – in Florida, anyway – but that’s exactly what you’ll hear at Lion Country KOA, making it one of the most unique, best RV parks in Florida. Big-rig friendly sites give you easy access to all the fun next door at Lion Country Safari, plus the campground is located about halfway between West Palm Beach and the eastern shore of Lake Okeechobee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Fisherman's Cove, Tampa Bay

This RV resort backs up to paradise. Terra Ceia Bay is a playground for paddlers and anglers. Across the bay is Terra Ceia Preserve State Park and nearly 2,000 acres of mangroves, hiking trails, and waterways. Visitors can stay home and stay fit in the pool and on the pickle ball courts. Or, the day trip options are infinite. You are 25 minutes from downtown St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, and miles of Gulf-coast beaches.

 

For more information about RV camping in the Sunshine State, check out CampFlorida.com.

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