Most Florida beach campsites are located in the slightly sheltered area behind the sand dunes.  Camping right next to the ocean is normally not permitted in order to protect vulnerable vegetation and wildlife like nesting sea turtles and seabirds.  We’ve listed the best campgrounds with tent sites either on or within close walking distance to the water.  Some campgrounds are for primitive camping only and require a personal boat or ferry to access.  As with all beachfront camping, be especially careful around vulnerable vegetation on the dunes and nesting sea animals.  If you plan to spend time at the shoreline, consider bringing a waterproof beach mat which will help keep your gear sand free.

West to East

1. Fort Pickens
2. Andrews State Park
3. Joseph Peninsula State Park
4. George Island State Park
5. Fort De Soto Park
6. Cayo Costa State Park
7. Tiger Key in the Ten Thousand Islands
8. Dry Tortugas National Park
9. Bahia Honda State Park
10. Curry Hammock State Park
11. Long Key State Park
12. Sebastian inlet State Park
13. Canaveral National Seashore
14. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
15. Anastasia State Park
16. Little Talbot Island State Park

 1.  Fort Pickens at Gulf Islands National Seashore
200 campsites are located on the west end of Santa Rosa Island.  All sites have electrical and water.  There are several miles of beach as well as a historic fort to explore.

2.  St. Andrews State Park
St Andrews State Park has the Gulf of Mexico on one side and St. Andrews bay on the other – the ultimate beach camping destination!  Note – the campground was severely impacted by Hurricane Michael and as reconstruction continues on the campsites, availability will vary.  Check with the State Park for campground status.

3.  St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Home to gorgeous white sand beaches and impressive dunes.  NOTE: DUE TO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE MICHAEL – THERE IS NO CAMPING AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

4.  St. George Island State Park
9 miles of white-sand beaches that are typically uncrowded.  60 campsites are located just beyond the dunes only a 10-minute walk from the surf.

5.  Fort De Soto Park
238 campsites with mature trees, electricity, water, picnic tables, grills, and access to bathhouses.  Most campsites are situated on the calm backwater.  The beach is a short distance away.

6.  Cayo Costa State Park
Cayo Costa State Park is located on a barrier island at the south entrance to Charlotte Harbor.  This is an isolated camping ground with over 9 miles of pristine beaches.  There aren’t any roads or bridges to the island, but there is boat service available to shuttle you (and your gear) over.  Camping is right behind the small beach dunes.  Primitive campsites without electrical or water, but a bathhouse is available with showers, flush toilets, and drinking water. NOTE: DUE TO SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE IAN – THERE IS NO CAMPING AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

7.  Tiger Key in the Ten Thousand Islands
If you want to camp on Tiger Key you’ll need your own boat to reach this remote island.  You must obtain a backcountry camping permit from the Gulf Coast Ranger Station – which is where you’ll be able to launch out of.  Campsites are primitive with no amenities.  Best time to camp is the winter (summers are too hot, muggy, and too many mosquitos).

8.  Dry Tortugas National Park
You’ll need to take the ferry from Key West to reach this national park which is somewhat expensive.  Camping is primitive – and no amenities are provided (including potable water).

9.  Bahia Honda State Park
80 campsites near tall palm trees, white sand beaches, and clear, warm waters.  The beaches at Bahia Honda State park are widely regarded as the best in the Florida Keys.

10.  Curry Hammock State Park
28 campsites only 100 ft from the Atlantic Ocean.  This is a secluded beach area halfway between key largo and key West.

11.  Long Key State Park
The campsites at Long Key State Park are within 100 feet of the Atlantic Ocean.  ** CAMPGROUND IS CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RECONSTRUCTION DUE TO HURRICANE DAMAGE **

12.  Sebastian inlet State Park
Located at one of the top surfing and fishing spots in Florida.  The campsites are located within easy walking distance to the beach which stretches 3 miles.

12.  Canaveral National Seashore
You can camp right on the beach at Canaveral National Seashore.  Campsites are only ¼ mile from the parking area and within walking distance to restrooms.  For campers who wish to wild beach camp – back-country camping permits are available for campsites on the surrounding islands (accessible by paddling).

13.  Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
34 campsites situated just behind the dunes.  Electrical and Water are provided at each site.

14.  Anastasia State Park
139 campsites are located within a short walk to the beaches.  All campsites have electricity, water, and in-ground grill.  Activities available are hiking, paddling, geo-seeking, fishing, boating, birding, biking, surfing, and swimming.

16.  Little Talbot Island State Park
One of Florida’s more undeveloped barrier islands in the Northeast.  5 miles of beach is only ½ mile from the campsites.  There is also a 4 mile Dune Ridge Trail worth exploring.