Top 10 Florida State Parks With RV Camping To Explore

Are you and your family all set for a fun-filled trip to the Sunshine State? 

With its blissful beaches, exciting theme parks, and bountiful natural areas, it’s no wonder that RV travelers from around the country flock to Florida for that perfect getaway.

As you plan your trip to Florida, why not consider one of the state’s beautiful state parks to set up camp? 

Whether you’re looking for hiking, wildlife watching, fishing, or exciting water sports, Florida’s state parks offer experiences of a lifetime for RV travelers young and old!

We’ve compiled these top 10 Florida state parks that feature all the amenities and adventures you need for your ideal RV camping trip!

Top 10 Florida State Parks With RV Camping

With so many state parks to choose from in the Sunshine State, it can be challenging to determine which one best suits your camping and recreational needs.

But no worries!

Here’s our top 10 list of state parks in Florida that offer RV camping, enjoyable activities for all ages, and beautiful natural surroundings.

1. Alafia River State Park – Central Florida

Do you enjoy mountain biking? Then this park’s for you!

Most of central Florida contains flat terrain, good for your typical easy-breezy bike riding.

But if you’re looking for a true mountain biking adventure, take a trip to Alafia River State Park! 

The park is located at the site of a former phosphate mine, which accounts for the challenging terrain that mountain bikers come from all around to experience.

But don’t worry if you’re not into biking – the park features many other outdoor recreation activities! These include fishing, horseback riding, wildlife watching, and hiking on more than 20 miles of trails. 

If you’re craving days spent on the water, you’ll love canoeing or enjoying boat tours along the Alafia River or on one of the many sparkling lakes scattered throughout the state park.

RVers rave about the spacious campsites and beautiful natural surroundings. It’s recommended that you book your site well in advance because they fill up quickly.

Basic Amenities:

Rates: Daily rates starting at $22.00 – For full rates visit HERE.

Location: 14326 S County Rd 39, Lithia, FL 33547

How to make a reservation?

Call 1-800-326-3521 or visit HERE.

2. Bahia Honda State Park – Florida Keys

Visit a pristine island paradise on the Florida Keys? Yes, please!

If you value beautiful beaches and stunning waterfront views, Bahia Honda State Park is the place for you!

Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, snorkeling in the keys, and relaxing walks on the nature trail are all on the itinerary.

Bird-watching enthusiasts will be excited to know that Bahia Honda is home to several species of beautiful and endangered waterfowl and other birds.

Kayakers, bicycle riders, and fishing lovers will all have plenty to enjoy at this remote island paradise.

The historic Old Bahia Honda Bridge provides visitors with a panoramic view of the island and all its natural wonders.

RV travelers book sites up to 11 months in advance, so plan ahead and book early if you want to enjoy a relaxing getaway at Bahia Honda!

Basic Amenities:

Rates: Daily rates starting at $36.00 – For full rates visit HERE.

Location: 36850 Overseas Hwy, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

How to make a reservation?

Call 1-800-326-3521 or visit HERE.

3. Blue Spring State Park – Orange City 

Famous for the 72° Blue Spring waters and designated manatee refuge site, Blue Spring State Park is one of Florida’s most popular tourist destinations.

Visitors are always excited to spot a manatee (or a few!) enjoying the comfortable spring waters during their peak season.

Other popular activities include canoeing, scuba diving, wildlife touring, and swimming. 

Keep in mind, though, that water activities are prohibited during peak manatee season, which is from mid-November to March.

During those months there’s still no shortage of things to do, such as hiking through historic sites and nature trails.

Visitors also rave about a spectacular “firefly season” from mid-March to early April.

RV campers enjoy the convenience of having a boat ramp, concession stand, gift shop, and firewood right there on site.

Basic Amenities:

Rates: Daily rates starting at $24.00 – For full rates visit HERE.

Location: 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763

How to make a reservation?

Call 1-800-326-3521 or visit HERE.

4. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park – Northwest Florida

Beach lovers, this is your park!

Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park features over 9 miles of flawless undeveloped beaches.

Visitors appreciate the refreshing lack of large crowds on the beach. So if you’re looking for peaceful, get-away-from-it-all tranquility, you’ve found the right spot.

When you visit the park, be sure to plan some time for stargazing. Since St. George Island State Park is isolated from the city lights, you will have the opportunity to witness a perfectly dark sky.

This provides stargazers the chance to see spectacular celestial bodies, such as the planets Jupiter and Saturn. 

RVers enjoy spacious campground sites and convenient access to the beach and trails. As with all of the Florida state park campgrounds, it’s recommended that you reserve early.

Basic Amenities:

Rates: Daily rates starting at $24.00 – For full rates visit HERE.

Location: 1900 E Gulf Beach Dr, St George Island, FL 32328

How to make a reservation?

Call 1-800-326-3521 or visit HERE.

5. Falling Waters State Park – Northwestern Florida

Who doesn’t love a beautiful, serene waterfall? Well, Falling Waters State Park boasts the highest waterfall in the state of Florida – the 73 foot tall Falling Waters Falls.

But the uniqueness doesn’t end there. The Falls drop straight into a 100 foot deep, 20-foot wide cylindrical sinkhole called Falling Waters Sink.

From there, the waters mysteriously disappear into who-knows-where.

This is probably one of the only campgrounds where rain is appreciated; the spectacular cascade of waters relies on recent precipitation as its water source.

In addition to viewing the waterfall from one of the two observation decks, campers enjoy fishing and swimming in the lake or participating in periodic fireside chats hosted by the park’s rangers. 

There’s also a butterfly garden where you can see local and migrating butterflies converge upon the flowering plants they are attracted to.

RVers like that the campground is peaceful and quiet, with convenient walking trails to the waterfall and lake.

Be aware: There are only 24 RV campsites at Falling Waters State Park. So while it’s definitely not crowded there, be sure (as always) to make your reservation early to ensure there’s a spot for you.

Basic Amenities:

Rates: Daily rates starting at $18.00 – For full rates visit HERE.

Location: 1130 State Park Rd, Chipley, FL 32428

How to make a reservation?

Call 1-800-326-3521 or visit HERE.

6. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – Key Largo

Well, go ahead – dive right in!

That’s right, you can dive right in at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, otherwise known as America’s first underwater park!

Adventurous visitors explore the park’s coral reefs with its marine life by snorkeling or scuba diving.

Divers can also encounter the 8 ½ foot, 4,000-pound bronze statue called Christ of the Abyss.

Located about 25 feet under the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the statue is one of three identical underwater statues in the world.

If you don’t want to get face-to-face with the sea creatures, you can also view the Atlantic’s underwater offerings on a glass-bottom boat tour.

RVers report that this is one of the more popular Florida state parks, so don’t expect a secluded getaway.

But, perhaps due to its popularity, this state park is a bit more convenient to local restaurants and shops than some of the others.

Basic Amenities:

Rates: Daily rates starting at $36.00 – For full rates visit HERE.

Location: 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL 33037

How to make a reservation?

Call 1-800-326-3521 or visit HERE.

7. Jonathan Dickinson State Park – Central Coast

History meets nature at this largest state park in Southeast Florida.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park spans almost 11,500 acres and is located on the former site of a World War II secret training school.

History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the remnants of those buildings, as well as learning about the shipwrecked Quaker merchant the park was named for.

On the nature front, park visitors can experience 16 unique natural environments along the Loxahatchee River. These habitats teem with a variety of wildlife and rare bird species.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park has 2 RV campgrounds: Pine Grove Campground and The River Campground. RVers enjoy spacious, level campsites convenient to park activities.

Basic Amenities:

Rates: Daily rates starting at $26.00 – For full rates visit HERE.

Location: 16450 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455

How to make a reservation?

Call 1-800-326-3521 or visit HERE.

8. Myakka River State Park – Sarasota County

How would you like to watch wildlife from high above the treetops? If that’s a yes, then plan a trip to Myakka River State Park!

One of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks, Myakka River features a canopy walkway, the first in North America.

The Walkway is a 100-foot suspension bridge raised 25 feet from the ground. Visitors enjoy walking across and getting up close and personal with the canopy wildlife.

On either side of the bridge is a wooden tower – the taller of the two is over 74 feet tall. From there, you get a bird’s-eye view of the entire park.

Other activities at Myakka River State Park include bicycling, fishing, canoeing, birdwatching, horseback riding, and hiking.

There are three campgrounds for RV travelers: Palmetto Ridge, Old Prairie, and Big Flats. RVers enjoy the plentiful shade and level, spacious sites.

Basic Amenities:

Rates: Daily rates starting at $26.00 – For full rates visit HERE.

Location: 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241

How to make a reservation?

Call 1-800-326-3521 or visit HERE.

9. Lake Kissimmee State Park – Central Florida

Get ready to unwind and unplug; Lake Kissimmee State Park is another beautiful option for a peaceful excursion in nature.

The park is located on the shore of three surrounding lakes – Lakes Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie.

This makes Lake Kissimmee State Park an ideal destination for those who are seeking recreation on the water, with ample space for fishing, boating, and kayaking.

Visitors are delighted by the wildlife they encounter, such as white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and even turkeys.

Lake Kissimmee State Park is known for bringing Florida’s cowboy heritage to life with its 1876-era cow camp, which depicts the lives of “cow hunters” during that time.

As of this writing, the park’s website lists the regular weekend cow camp as closed until further notice.

However, check back for updates on special upcoming schedulings of the camp, as one is listed for Monday, September 6, 2021.

RVers enjoy the spacious sites separated by vegetation for privacy and shade. But, as the park manager’s message page admits, get ready for a real opportunity to unplug, as the park’s cell service can be hit or miss!

Basic Amenities:

Rates: Daily rates starting at $20.00 – For full rates visit HERE.

Location: 14248 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898

How to make a reservation?

Call 1-800-326-3521 or visit HERE.

10. Silver Springs State Park – North Central Florida

The underwater world of the Silver Springs comes into clear focus during a glass-bottom boat tour at Silver Springs State Park – Florida’s oldest attraction!

Since the 1870s, guests have enjoyed peering into the turquoise waters of the Silver Springs and other springs that feed into the Silver River.

They are amazed to see the many species of fish, as well as historic artifacts and even sunken props from the 1960s TV show “I Spy.”

Other activities include bicycling, horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking.

RVers appreciate that the campground sites are very spacious and level and that the grounds are tree-covered for a good amount of shade.

Basic Amenities:

Rates: Daily rates starting at $24.00 – For full rates visit HERE.

Location: 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488

How to make a reservation?

Call 1-800-326-3521 or visit HERE.

RVing In Florida – Frequently Asked Questions

As we can see from the above, Florida is definitely an RV-friendly state. It’s a top destination for brief road trips as well as an ideal long-term location for full-time RVers.

RVers can experience delightful weather year-round and some of the best RV campgrounds in the country.

Let’s answer some frequently asked questions to prepare us for that sweet trip to the Sunshine State.  

Can You Park Your RV Anywhere In Florida?

It varies depending on the specific city or county. Some areas have ordinances prohibiting RV parking on residential streets.

Also, not all big box stores and rest stops in Florida allow overnight parking. 

One rule of thumb is that it’s easier to find free overnight RV parking in the less “touristy” parts of the state, further inland from the beach.

On the other hand, with a bit of online homework, it’s possible to locate free RV parking spots in Florida. Just get ready to roll up your sleeves and do some detective work.

What Is The Average Daily Cost For RV Parks In Florida?

You’re going to find lower daily rates for RV camping at state parks. As noted above, the state parks’ daily rates are usually well below $50.

Of course, the more resort-type RV parks in Florida with luxury amenities can run from about $70 to over $100 per night.

So how much you’ll pay for your stay will vary greatly based on what you’re looking for in terms of amenities and location.

The average daily rate at Florida state parks is about $25 before any applicable fees are added. 

What Are The RV Size Restrictions For Florida Highways?

The maximum motorhome length on Florida highways is 45 feet; maximum trailer length is 40 feet.

A trailer and tow vehicle combined must not exceed 65 feet in Florida. Maximum RV height is 13.5 feet.

Are Pets Generally Allowed At Florida RV Parks?

We RVers love our pets! And well-behaved pets are allowed at all the state parks listed above, as well as most privately owned campgrounds in the state.

Each park has its own rules, such as size restrictions or pet number limits. Be sure to check in advance.

Tell Us About Your Florida State Park Experience!

Have you had an awesome Florida state park camping experience you’d like to share? Or, are you planning to take a trip to the Sunshine State and would like to take in the natural wonders of one of Florida’s state parks? Tell us all about your Florida trip or your future plans in the comments below!