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Top 10 Family Friendly Campgrounds in Florida

father and son kneeling at campfire

Updated April 2023

Florida is a state full of amazing campgrounds and off-the-grid campsites.  If you want to plan a family camping trip in 2023 – we’ve got the best list of the top family campgrounds –whether in your RV or tent!   We’ve researched and sifted through the hundreds of campgrounds, RV parks, State Parks, and tent sites to come up with a no-fail list of the Top 10 Family Friendly Campgrounds throughout the state of Florida.  Camping in Florida does not HAVE to mean roughing it!  The campgrounds we’ve profiled are chock full of family-friendly features and activities to keep even the tween & teens happy and involved.  Whether you are a seasoned camping pro or going on your FIRST camping trip — we promise – you’ll enjoy these campgrounds.

As parents ourselves, we know what’s important for a successful family camping trip.

  1. CLEAN BATHROOMS – so important for tent campers who rely on clean, well-maintained bathrooms and showers! Even if you have a bathroom with your RV, its essential to have nice bathrooms when you are out and about exploring the parks.
  2. KIDS’ AREAS & ACTIVITIES. While it isn’t essential to have organized activities for children, they are nice to have as an option.  In addition – playgrounds and kid-friendly hiking trails are a must. (Click here for tips on camping with toddlers)
  3. CAMPSITE PRIVACY. No one wants to drive a couple hours from home with all their camping gear to just be crammed into a campsite practically on top of their neighbors!  We know we’re back-packing into the wilderness, but bonus points for those campsites who have a measure of privacy so you can at least pretend you are miles away from society.

With these criteria in mind, here is our suggested list of best campgrounds for families – SORTED GEOGRAPHICALLY NORTH TO SOUTH FLORIDA.

  1. St Augustine Beach KOA – St. Augustine, FL
  2. Hontoon Island State Park – DeLand, FL
  3. The Great Outdoors RV Nature & Golf Resort — Titusville, FL
  4. Disney Fort Wilderness – Orlando, FL
  5. Colt Creek State Park – Lakeland, FL
  6. Sebastian Inlet State Park – Vero Beach, FL
  7. Periwinkle Campground, Sanibel Island – Sanibel, FL
  8. C.B. Smith Park – Pembroke Pines, FL
  9. Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park – Miami, FL
  10. Flamingo Campground – Homestead, FL
map of the top 10 family friendly campgrounds in Florida
three cabins at st augustine KOA campground

Location:
525 W Pope Rd
St. Augustine, FL 32080

Phone:  800-562-4022

E-Mail: staugkoa@aol.com

map of location of st augustine KOA campground

The St. Augustine Beach KOA is located on Anastasia Island walking distance to the beach.  The camp has a full variety of sites for tents, pop-ups, trailers, and large RVs.  They also have 27 cabins (either deluxe or basic) if you don’t want to bring your own shelter!

Wi-Fi gets top ratings and they also offer TV cable.  Kids will enjoy the year-round pool, game room, and playground.  There is even a dedicated dog park for Fido to enjoy!

If you want to visit the historic district of St. Augustine (where there are numerous restaurants, gifts shops, and historical sites) – you can purchase bus tour tickets at the camp office for both the Old Town tour as well as the Ghosts & Gravestones tour.  Both tours have pick up spots at the KOA.

The camp is in the process of building a new bath house.

Facilities/Amenities

Wi-Fi
Cable TV
Year-round Pool
Fishing
Firewood (for purchase)
Tour Shuttle (fee)
Dog Park
BBQ/Fire Grills
Laundry Facilities
Planned Activities
Playground
Gift Shop
Paddle Boats
Banana Bikes

RV/Motorhome sites

Full Hookup Back-In Sites for RVs 29
Pull-thru Sites 36
Premium Pull-thru Sites 25
Site features: Cable – limited channels, full hook-ups

Tent/Pop-Up sites

Campsites 19
Site features Wifi, water/electric, cable hook up if you bring a TV

Cabin Rentals

Cabins 27
Site features Deluxe Cabins include: Queen bed & kids room w/1 set of twin bunks, TV, Micro., Fridge, Bathroom. Linens, pillows & towels are provided. Picnic table & BBQ Grill outside. NO PETS/SMOKING
Basic Cabins: bring your own linens, wifi included
Notes: 1-2 Bedroom Cabins, some cabins are PET FRIENDLY

Location:

2309 River Ridge Road
DeLand, FL 32720

Phone: 386-736-5309

 

map of location of hontoon island state park campground

Hontoon Island campground is located on a real island in the St. Johns River which is accessible only by private boat or park ferry.  Once you are on the island, the park vans will shuttle you and your camping gear to your tent site or rustic rental cabin.  There is also a concession stand which sells ice, firewood, snacks, and souvenirs.  Children will enjoy ranger-led programs, nature walks, fishing, and campfires.  Throughout the island there is evidence of the native Americans who inhabited this location.  There is also boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing for young adventurers.

If you are a family who enjoys hiking, there are miles of hiking trails to explore.  Top reviews go to the three-mil round-trip, self-guided trail that begins at the Ranger Station and follows the Hontoon Dead River to the large Indian mound in the SW corner of the island.  In addition the park has 42 accessible boat slips available, with their largest berth being able to accommodate a 60′ yacht (in case you are the sort of camper/hiker who travels by yacht!).  No advance reservations for boats.

Facilities/Amenities

ADA Accessible restroom
Fishing
Picnic Areas
Bike Trails
Canoe Rental (fee)
Gift Shop
Hiking trails
Playground

Tents

Tent Sites: 12
Site features: Up to 2 tents per campsite allowed.  Maximum number of people per campsite: 8.  Pets allowed.  Tent sites have a grill/fire ring and picnic table.

Cabins

Cabins 6
Site features Cabins are rustic.  Cabins have ceiling fans, lighting, 1 electrical outlet, bunk beds, screened porch, table & chairs.  Linens are NOT provided.  Outside the cabins – there is a picnic table, water faucet, and campfire circle.  All cabins are <30 yards to the restrooms.  Pets are not allowed in any Florida state park cabins or cabin areas.

Location:

125 Plantation Drive
Titusville, FL 32780

Phone: 321-269-5004

map location of The Great Outdoors RV Park

The Great Outdoors RV Campground is truly a resort!  There are swimming pools, a golf course, tennis courts, 2 restaurants, dog park (complete with doggy wading pool), pickleball courts, catch-and-release fishing lake with dock, recreation fields, exchange library, fitness center, hiking trails, nature center/museum, and more!

Once you’ve had your fill of activities on the campground, head over to Kennedy Space Center and plan to spend an entire day learning about the USA’s Space Program!

Facilities/Amenities

Big Rig Access
Full Hookup
Restrooms/Showers/Laundry
Pet Area
Pool
Recreational Trails
Restaurants
Gym/Workout Facilities
Fishing

Campsites

Trailer/RV campsites 600
Site Features: All RV sites have level concrete pads with 30/50 amp electric hookups, water, and sewer.
Disney's Fort Wilderness Trading Post building

Location:

4510 North Fort Wilderness Trail
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Phone: 407-824-2900

 

map location of Disney's Fort Wilderness

Whether you are planning a trip to Disney or just want to experience the Orlando area – you cannot beat the experience of camping at Fort Wilderness.  Like all other Disney resorts and attractions – the cost of entry is higher than competitors, but the amenities, the service, the staff, and the entire experience is worth every penny.  This campsite gets consistent high reviews by visitors – you will not be disappointed (and if you are, just contact Disney customer support and they can probably make it right!)

There is transportation throughout the camp provided as well as to and from Disney parks and other resorts.  Children of all ages will enjoy the community campfires, appearances of Chip N Dale, the pools, horseback riding, playgrounds, café, biking, boating, recreation room, café, and more.

Restrooms and showers get top marks for cleanliness and space.  As far as camping goes – this is like dipping your big toe into a lake – it’s a long ways off from a lean-to in the Artic wilderness.  But if that’s your (or your family’s) thing – you can’t go wrong.

Facilities/Amenities

750 acres of pine & cypress forest
Pool with water-slide
Golf carts (fee)
Pet-Friendly
Archery
Horseback riding
Canoe & Kayak Rentals
Bike Rentals
Chip ‘N’ Dale Campfire Sing-A-Long
Wagon Rides
Pony Rides
Holiday Sleigh Rides
Jogging Trails
Playgrounds
Basketball Courts
Childcare Services (fee)
Free Wi-Fi
Laundry & Dry Cleaning
& more

Campsites

Tent, Trailer, RV campsites 847
Site Features: Lush wilderness provides site privacy.  Water, electricity, wifi, cable TV hookups, charcoal grill & picnic tables.

Cabins

Cabins 363
Site Features: Air Conditioned, 504 sqft.  Full bathroom & kitchen

Location:

16000 SR 471
Lakeland, FL 33809

Phone: 863-815-6761

 

map location of Colt Creek State Park campground

Colt Creek is a newer state park and campground that has both primitive campsites and RV pads.  The park itself is home to many species of plans and animal including: Bald Eagles, white-tailed deer, American alligators, otters, and all types of birds and butterflies.  Families can enjoy over 15 miles of hiking/equestrian/biking trails as well as abundant wildlife sightings!  The park lakes offer sightings of wading birds and alligators, as well as a 75 foot accessible dock for fishing.

Restrooms are rated high marks by almost all visitors.  There are also a large variety of educational interpretive progams including ranger-guided hikes, tram tours, and other special events.

Facilities/Amenities

5000 acres native Central Florida habitat
Accessible campsites
Bath Houses
Dump Stations
3 large pavilions (one screened in)
Walking Trails

Tents

Primitive Sites for Groups (up to 10) 2
Site features: Hike in/out
Primitive Site for Organized Youth Groups 1
Site features: Hike in/out
Equestrian campground 10 sites

RV and/or Tents

Sites for RV or Tent 24
Site features Electric hook-ups, Pets OK
picture of sign at Sebastian State park

Location:

9700 South Highway A.1.A.
Melbourne Beach, FL 32951

Phone: 321-984-4852

 

map location of Sebastian Inlet State Park

If you want to camp at Sebastian Inlet State Park, you need to make reservations – now!  The campground is located next to the inlet and a short walk from the beach.   Your family can keep occupied for hours and hours at the beach – fishing, swimming, body-surfing, snorkeling, boating, and making sand castles.

For history buffs there is a museum on the site of the 1715 Spanish Treasures Fleets salvors’ camp and the Sebastian Fishing Museum chronicles history of the are’s fishing industry.

Camp facilities are reported as clean and well maintained.

Facilities/Amenities

Premier saltwater fishing location on FL’s east coast
Surfing
Swimming
Boating
Bike Trails
Butterfly Garden
Café
Hiking Trails
Laundry Facilities
Restrooms w/hot showers
Boat marina with boat rentals

RV/Trailer Only Sites

Tent Only Sites: 4
Site features: Electric hook-ups, Pets OK

RV and/or Tents

Sites for RV or Tent 48
Site features Electric hook-ups, Pets OK

1119 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel, FL 33957

Phone: 239-472-1433

 

map location of periwinkle campground, FL

Periwinkle Campground is located centrally on Sanibel island and is full of wildlife and also parrots in cages to visit.  A couple times a week there is an informative bird-show put on by volunteers that guests love.  It’s a 10-minute walk to the white, sandy beaches where families can enjoy all the water activities.

Bring your bikes because the campground is close to shops and restaurants in town.

Facilities/Amenities

Full Hookups
Picnic Tables
Restrooms/Showers
Laundry Facility
Pavilions for private & public functions
Beach, Golf, Shops & Dining within walking distance
Walking trails
Propane availableNote: Dogs not allowed
Note: Campfires not permitted
Note: Payment by CASH/CHECK only

RV/Trailer/Tent Sites

Campsites 200
Site features: Water, 30/50 Electric, Sewer

900 North Flamingo Road
Pembroke Pines, FL 33028

Phone: 954-357-5170

 

map location of CB Smith State Park

C.B. Smith Park is located in Pembroke Pines, FL and features 83 campsites with full hookups.  There is so much for children and families to do you won’t want to leave the campground!  Playgrounds, tennis center, volleyball courts, golfing and even a water park!  The water park (open seasonally) is a big draw for this campground as it features two water playgrounds, a lazy river, and water slides.  The campground is close to restaurants, shops, and the interstate.  Cellular service is great and WiFi is available.

Facilities/Amenities

Pets Allowed
Full Hookups
WiFi
Restrooms/Showers
Laundry Facilities
Playground
Fishing
Hiking/Biking Trails
Clubhouse
Picnic Shelter
Water park w/4 50-ft water slides
Miniature Golf
Batting Cages

Tent, Trailer, & RV campsites

Campsites 83
beach at Larry and Penny Campground FL

12451 SW 184th Street
Miami, FL

Phone: 305-232-1049

 

map location of larry and penny thompson campground FL

Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park Campground is adjacent to the Miami Zoo and has 270 acres of natural South Florida woodland.  The campground is large and divided into 11 pods of 15-20 sites.  Each pod shares bathroom/laundry/shower facilities.  In addition there are 20 primitive tent camping sites.  Bathrooms are clean – nothing too fancy – but quite adequate.

There are numerous hiking/jogging trails, picnic shelters, and a large freshwater lake with its own beach and water slides (seasonally open).  Close to the campground is the Miami Zoo, city parks, restaurants, and shopping.

Facilities/Amenities

Beaches
Bike Trails
Facility Rentals
Picnic Shelter/Pavilion
4 Restrooms/laundry facilities
Camp Store
WifiNote: Pets OK in RV sites, Not allowed in Tent Sites

Tent, Trailer, & RV campsites

Primitive Sites 40

RV/Trailer/Tent Regular Sites  200

Location:

1 Flamingo Lodge Hwy
Homestead, FL 33034

Phone:

 

If you are a ‘winter’ camper Flamingo Campground is a treat!  Its located in Everglades National Park.  There are both RV and tent sites available and there are community bath houses with solar heated showers.  Your family will have plenty to do – hiking, fishing, and boating.  Ranger programs are held seasonally (in the cooler months) and include guided canoe trips, birding adventures, and a discovery walk.

Word of caution: in the summer months — the bugs are intense!

Facilities/Amenities

Solar-heated showers
Dump stations
Picnic tables
Grills
Some sites have electrical hook-up
Pets allowed

Tent, Trailer, & RV campsites

Campsites 234

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