Camping in Florida: The Best Spots to Go Camping in Fall!
As the weather begins to cool and the summer crowds disperse, fall is the perfect time to explore Florida’s vast and diverse camping destinations. The Sunshine State offers an array of natural landscapes, from coastal islands to inland forests, each offering a unique camping experience that shines during autumn. Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach retreat, a scenic hike, or a cozy campsite tucked into the woods, these spots are perfect for fall camping adventures.
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
This barrier island off the Panhandle boasts some of the most pristine beaches in the state, making it a favorite for campers looking for peaceful ocean views. In the fall, St. George Island State Park’s beaches are serene and uncrowded, offering the perfect backdrop for camping. With 60 campsites featuring electric and water hookups just steps from the beach, you’ll enjoy access to both the ocean and the island’s unique ecosystems.
Fall campers can enjoy shelling, beachcombing, and birdwatching along the shore with fewer crowds than during the busier summer months. The park also offers hike-in or paddle-in campsites for those looking for a more rustic experience. Fall is a great time to spot migratory birds or take in the spectacular sunsets that light up the Gulf.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Located along the Loxahatchee River in South Florida’s Martin County, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a fall favorite for campers looking to enjoy cooler temperatures while exploring Florida’s ecosystems. The park offers a variety of camping options, from riverside campsites to more secluded spots in the pine forests. With two family campgrounds—Pine Grove and River Campgrounds—campers can enjoy modern amenities like hot showers, laundry facilities, and electricity.
Fall offers the perfect time to take advantage of the park’s eight miles of multi-use trails, ideal for hiking or horseback riding. The cooler weather also makes wildlife watching more pleasant, with opportunities to spot deer, birds, and maybe even an alligator sunbathing along the riverbanks.
Turtle Beach Campground
For a beachfront camping experience in Sarasota County, Turtle Beach Campground offers the perfect mix of natural beauty and convenience. Located on Siesta Key, this charming campground provides direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, making it one of the few campgrounds in Florida where you can camp just steps away from the beach.
Established as a Gulf Beach Campground in 1921 and later acquired by Sarasota County in 2006, Turtle Beach Campground boasts a long history of offering a prime location for beach lovers. One of its most unique features is its proximity to Siesta Beach, and the free Siesta Key Trolley makes getting to and from the iconic white sands of Siesta Beach easy. If you visit during sea turtle season, which runs from May 1 to October 31, you might have the rare opportunity to spot loggerhead and green sea turtle nests along the shoreline. It’s an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts, as you camp just a short stroll from these beautiful creatures’ nesting grounds.
The campground offers various amenities to make your stay comfortable, including full hookups for RVs, crushed shell-padded sites, Wi-Fi, restrooms, hot showers, and coin-operated laundry facilities. For recreation, there’s a kayak launch, fishing spots, a playground, and picnic areas with grills. While pets and campfires aren’t allowed, up to six guests are permitted per site, making it a great choice for family gatherings or group trips.
Collier-Seminole State Park
Collier-Seminole State Park is the perfect destination for campers looking to experience the Everglades in the fall. Located near Naples, this park offers a glimpse into the unique ecosystems of the Everglades region, where mangrove forests meet the Gulf of Mexico. Fall is ideal for exploring the area, with milder temperatures and fewer mosquitoes.
The park’s campground includes 104 sites with modern amenities like hot showers and laundry. For those seeking adventure, the park also offers primitive camping options, including hike-in and canoe-access sites. Popular activities include kayaking through the mangrove tunnels or hiking coastal trails, which are particularly enjoyable in the crisp fall air.
Hillsborough River State Park Campground
Hillsborough River State Park Campground, located near Thonotosassa, Florida, is a perfect fall camping destination for those who want to experience nature while enjoying modern amenities’ comforts. The campground offers spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings, providing an ideal setting for cozy evenings by the fire after a day full of outdoor activities.
Visitors consistently praise the campground’s serene atmosphere and lush surroundings, with towering trees offering plenty of shade and creating a peaceful retreat. The well-maintained facilities, including restrooms and showers, add to the convenience, making it easier to relax and recharge after hiking or paddling. As one camper noted, “The campsite is very clean, and there are a lot of sites sized for big rigs,” making it a versatile option for different campers.
The Hillsborough River is a key attraction, providing excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing, with rentals readily available nearby. If you’re a fan of hiking or biking, the park also boasts numerous trails that allow you to explore its rich wildlife and scenic landscapes.
Fort Clinch State Park
Situated along the northeastern coast near Jacksonville, Fort Clinch State Park is the perfect destination for those who enjoy a mix of history and nature. Fall is ideal for exploring miles of peaceful beaches that stretch along the Atlantic Ocean. The cooler weather makes hiking and biking the park’s extensive trail system more comfortable while keeping mosquitoes at bay.
Campers can choose between the shady Amelia River campground inland near the St. Mary’s River and the Atlantic Beach campground, which offers tent and RV sites close to the beach. Fall’s pleasant temperatures and tranquil atmosphere make Fort Clinch an excellent destination for relaxing by the shore and exploring Florida’s history.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Nestled along Florida’s southeast coast near Melbourne, Sebastian Inlet State Park is a haven for water enthusiasts, and fall is a fantastic time to visit. The cooler weather makes outdoor activities like swimming, fishing, and kayaking more enjoyable. Known for its excellent surf fishing, Sebastian Inlet is also a great spot for those looking to reel in a big catch as fish migrate through the area during fall.
The park’s main campground features 51 sites between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, allowing easy access to water activities. Primitive camping along the lagoon is also available for those looking for a more rustic experience.
Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park, located near historic St. Augustine, is a coastal gem that shines in the fall. The park’s 1,600 acres feature four miles of pristine beaches, maritime hammocks, dunes, and salt marshes. With the summer heat gone, fall is the perfect time to explore the park’s hiking trails or enjoy water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding.
The park’s campground includes 139 sites for tents and RVs, all set within a beautiful maritime hammock. Fall is the perfect time to visit, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it easier to enjoy the park’s natural beauty.
Bahia Honda State Park
Located in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park offers some of the most picturesque campsites in the state. Fall is the ideal time to visit, with cooler temperatures and fewer visitors. The park’s white sandy beaches and turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing by the shore.
Bahia Honda offers three campgrounds: Buttonwood, Sandspur, and Bayside, with various sites for tents and RVs. The fall season also brings fewer crowds, meaning you’ll have more space to enjoy the park’s stunning views, whether lounging by the beach or exploring the nature trails.
Why Fall is the Perfect Time for a Florida Camping Adventure
Whether you prefer beachside camping or a forested escape, fall is the ideal season to explore Florida’s diverse camping destinations. Cooler weather, stunning sunsets, and peaceful surroundings await, so grab your gear and start planning your autumn camping adventure today!
