It’s no secret that Florida has some of the most stunning beaches in the United States. With tons of rad activities like skimboarding, shelling, and tanning, there are plenty of ways for Sunshine Staters to hang out on the sand in broad daylight. But what about at night? We’ve done some digging and found six of the best Florida beaches for camping.
Pitch a tent, fill your cooler with cold brews and marshmallows, and soak in the sound of the waves. There may be no better way to experience Florida.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Price per night: $38.50
Address: 102601 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo, FL
Why You Need To Go: If you’re into glass-bottom boat tours, kayaking over stingrays, and snorkeling through coral reefs, this is the park for you. An added plus for families and marine nerds alike includes a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium at the Visitors’ Center. Folks who are worried about staying connected don’t need to worry — there’s even free WiFi.
Henderson Beach State Park
Price per night: Varies depending on season and group size.
Address: 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL
Why You Need To Go: People who are about those gorgeous white sands cannot miss out on the 30-ft. dunes that look like piles of sugar. Wander on a boardwalk that zig-zags through the dunes, take a stroll on a hiking trail, or just layout under the sun and watch the waves crash on the shore.
Fort Clinch State Park
Price per night: Varies based on the type of camping & season.
Address: 2601 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, FL
Why You Need To Go: Hunt for shark teeth on the ocean shore, hike on the Willow Pond Nature Trail and explore the abandoned Union Army Civil War fortress. History lovers will love seeing this spot, where beachy vibes come together with a little piece of America’s past.
Big Lagoon State Park
Price per night: $20 per RV or tent
Address: 12301 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL
Why You Need To Go: Dive into the intercoastal waterway to splash around, then head back to one of the parks many grills to cook some delicious treats with your crew. Five miles of hiking trails are perfect for the most active members of the squad, while top-quality star gazing could be the best way to wrap up an incredible day.
Bahia Honda State Park
Price per night: Varies based on the type of camping
Address: 36850 Overseas Hwy., Big Pine Key, FL
Why You Need To Go: The beach offers stunning views of a bridge that makes for some awesome photos. Snorkeling tours will give you the chance to dive deep into the stuff that the Florida Keys are really made of. Since the island’s location is far from city lights, stargazing may give you a view of the sky that you’ve never seen before.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Price per night: $24 for a tent, $42 for an RV or camper, $120 to $145 to rent a cabin per night.
Address: 7525 W. County Hwy 30 A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Why You Need To Go: If you’re in the mood to appreciate something rare and beautiful, this is the spot for you. The park is named for its super Instagrammable sand dunes that look like sails next to the blue ocean waters, with a variety of flora and fauna dotting the landscape.
Whether you want to collect shark teeth, explore a bit of history, or snorkel in the Florida Keys, at least one of these places is going to be an exciting place to escape daily life for a day or two.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
Courtesy of Narcity USA
