Top 10 Family Friendly Campgrounds in Florida

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

RV/Motorhome sites

Tent/Pop-Up sites

Cabin Rentals

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

Tents

Cabins

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

Campsites

Cabins

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

Tents

RV and/or Tents

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

RV/Trailer/Tent Sites

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

Tent, Trailer, & RV campsites

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

Tent, Trailer, & RV campsites

RV/Trailer/Tent Regular Sites  200

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

Tent, Trailer, & RV campsites