Top 10 Spring Camping Destinations in Florida: Eco-Friendly Adventures for 2025

Spring in Florida is nothing short of magical. With its mild weather, blooming landscapes, and diverse wildlife, Florida offers some of the most breathtaking camping experiences in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-time explorer, Florida camping in the spring presents the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature, recharge, and embrace eco-friendly outdoor adventures.

As more travelers seek sustainable ways to explore the outdoors, Florida state parks camping and Florida wilderness camping have become popular choices for those looking to experience the Sunshine State’s natural beauty while minimizing their environmental impact. Many of these parks and conservation areas offer eco-conscious facilities, and by following “Leave No Trace” principles, campers can help preserve these precious ecosystems for future generations.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 spring camping destinations in Florida for 2025 — from famous spots like Bahia Honda State Park and Everglades National Park to hidden gems like Colt Creek State Park and Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park. Whether you’re interested in hiking scenic nature trails, camping near Florida springs, or paddling down serene rivers, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences for every nature lover.

1. Everglades National Park Camping: A True Florida Wilderness Experience

Everglades National Park tops the list for an unforgettable Florida wilderness camping adventure. As one of the most iconic and biologically diverse national parks in the United States, the Everglades offers campers a chance to immerse themselves in one of Florida’s most unique ecosystems — an intricate network of wetlands, mangroves, and slow-moving waters that stretch across 1.5 million acres.

Camping Options in Everglades National Park

Whether looking for a developed campsite or a backcountry escape, Everglades National Park camping has options to suit every adventurer. Two main front-country campgrounds—Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground—offer accessible sites for tents and RVs, and some areas feature eco-friendly amenities like solar-powered bathhouses.

For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, the park offers wilderness camping opportunities on remote beach sites and elevated “chickee” platforms accessible only by kayak or canoe. This makes Everglades a premier choice for anyone looking for a Florida eco-friendly camping experience that embraces the wild.

Eco-Friendly Adventures and Wildlife Viewing

Spring is an ideal time to camp in the Everglades. The dry season (December to April) brings cooler temperatures and fewer mosquitoes, making outdoor adventures more enjoyable. Campers can explore miles of nature trails, paddle through mangrove tunnels, and join ranger-led programs emphasizing the importance of Florida conservation areas and the park’s role in preserving critical wildlife habitats.

Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the incredible biodiversity — from roseate spoonbills and herons to alligators, manatees, and even the elusive Florida panther. It’s an unbeatable destination for Florida spring outdoor activities that blend adventure with education on local ecosystems.

2. Bahia Honda State Park Camping: Beachfront Eco-Friendly Getaway

Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys is a must-visit if you dream of Florida camping destinations with stunning ocean views. Known for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters, this park offers a unique blend of Florida state parks, camping, and coastal adventure.

Beachside Camping in the Keys

Bahia Honda features tent and RV campsites just steps from the beach. For those looking for Florida eco-friendly camping, Bahia Honda emphasizes conservation, offering low-impact camping areas that help preserve the fragile ecosystems of the Keys.

Activities for Nature Lovers

Spring campers can take full advantage of the warm weather and calm waters — ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The park is home to various marine life, including tropical fish, dolphins, and sea turtles. Land-based activities include hiking along nature trails that wind through mangroves and coastal hammocks.

Bahia Honda is also a key part of Florida conservation areas, protecting rare species and coastal ecosystems. Rangers offer educational programs on marine conservation and preserving Florida’s coral reefs.

3. Anastasia State Park Camping: Coastal Forest Meets the Beach

Located near historic St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park is a haven for campers looking to blend Florida’s eco-friendly camping with beach and forest experiences. With miles of pristine coastline and rich maritime hammocks, it’s one of the most diverse Florida camping destinations.

Diverse Camping Options

Anastasia offers a range of campsites tucked within the coastal forest, providing privacy and shade. These sites are ideal for tents and small RVs, and the park’s commitment to eco-conscious practices makes it a leading choice for Florida conservation area enthusiasts.

Outdoor Activities and Nature Trails

From swimming, surfing, hiking, and birdwatching, Anastasia is perfect for Florida spring outdoor activities. The park’s nature trails take you through sand dunes, salt marshes, and ancient oaks — a great way to see Florida’s natural beauty up close.

For water lovers, kayaking along Salt Run offers chances to spot dolphins and wading birds, while the wide beaches provide opportunities for shelling and sunbathing.

Anastasia State Park focuses heavily on environmental education, offering programs about coastal ecology and local wildlife conservation. Campers are encouraged to use minimal-impact camping methods to help protect the area’s delicate habitats.

4. Wekiwa Springs State Park Camping: Crystal-Clear Springs and Forest Adventures

For those looking to cool off in crystal-clear waters while enjoying Florida springs camping, Wekiwa Springs State Park is the perfect choice. Located just a short drive from Orlando, this park is a hidden gem for Florida spring outdoor activities and eco-friendly camping.

Camping Near Natural Springs

Wekiwa Springs offers shaded campsites nestled among pine forests and oak hammocks, with easy access to the park’s famous freshwater springs. Whether pitching a tent or parking an RV, you’ll enjoy proximity to some of the state’s most beautiful Florida hiking trails and swimming areas.

Spring Outdoor Adventures

From swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear springs to kayaking and canoeing along the Wekiva River, Wekiwa Springs is an adventure lover’s paradise. The park’s nature trails wind through diverse habitats, providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting — including deer, otters, and various bird species.

As one of Florida’s most beloved conservation areas, Wekiwa Springs State Park is committed to protecting its springs and surrounding ecosystems. Visitors are encouraged to follow eco-friendly guidelines, including respecting wildlife and practicing responsible camping.

5. Ocala National Forest Camping: Florida’s Ultimate Wilderness Escape

For an authentic Florida wilderness camping experience, Ocala National Forest is a top destination. As the southernmost national forest in the continental U.S., Ocala spans over 600 square miles of diverse ecosystems, including pine forests, cypress swamps, and crystal-clear springs. It’s a dream location for those seeking Florida camping destinations that offer adventure and solitude.

Camping Options in Ocala National Forest

Ocala National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, from developed campgrounds with amenities to primitive, backcountry sites for those who want to immerse themselves fully in nature. Popular campgrounds include Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, and Salt Springs, all located near beautiful freshwater springs perfect for swimming and paddling.

For a truly rugged, eco-friendly camping experience in Florida, dispersed camping is available in designated areas throughout the forest. These spots give you access to some of the best Florida nature preserves and hiking trails, surrounded by towering pines and abundant wildlife.

Spring Activities and Adventures

Spring is one of the best times to camp in Ocala National Forest — temperatures are pleasant, and the forest is alive with blooming wildflowers and active wildlife. Campers can hike miles of Florida hiking trails, including segments of the Florida National Scenic Trail, or paddle through crystal-clear spring runs surrounded by lush vegetation.

Wildlife viewing is spectacular in spring. Expect to see deer, black bears, otters, and various birds, from hawks to herons. The forest is also home to some of Florida’s most famous springs, making it ideal for those interested in Florida springs camping.

6. Colt Creek State Park: Hidden Gem for Florida Nature Lovers

If you’re seeking a peaceful Florida state park camping destination away from the crowds, Colt Creek State Park is a hidden gem in Central Florida. This newer addition to Florida’s park system offers a stunning mix of pine flatwoods, cypress domes, and freshwater lakes, perfect for eco-conscious campers looking for Florida eco-friendly camping options.

Camping in Florida’s Heartland

Colt Creek features spacious, well-maintained campsites for tents and RVs, including some that are fully primitive for those seeking a more rugged Florida wilderness camping experience. Campsites are surrounded by native vegetation, providing a tranquil setting to reconnect with nature.

Springtime Outdoor Activities

Spring brings vibrant wildflowers and active wildlife, making it a perfect time for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. The park boasts over 12 miles of hiking and nature trails, including paths around the park’s scenic lakes. These trails are ideal for spotting deer, turkeys, and a variety of waterfowl—perfect for anyone interested in Florida spring outdoor activities.

Fishing is also popular in Colt Creek’s freshwater lakes, and kayaks and canoes are welcome for a peaceful paddle through natural surroundings.

7. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park: Coastal Panhandle Paradise

Located along the scenic Emerald Coast, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is a fantastic Florida camping destination for those looking to enjoy Florida State Park camping and coastal recreation. Known for its beautiful bayou and towering longleaf pines, this park offers a unique blend of forest and water-based Florida spring outdoor activities.

Camping Along the Bayou

Rocky Bayou offers shaded campsites perfect for tents and RVs, with easy access to the water for kayaking and fishing. The park’s campgrounds are set among old-growth pines, providing a peaceful setting for Florida eco-friendly camping enthusiasts. The campsites are designed to minimize environmental impact, in line with Florida conservation area best practices.

Nature Trails and Outdoor Adventures

Campers at Rocky Bayou can enjoy miles of nature trails that meander through the pine forest and along the shoreline. These trails provide great opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Spring is a prime time for birdwatching, with migratory birds returning to the region.

The bayou’s calm waters make for excellent paddling and fishing. Whether exploring by kayak or casting a line, Rocky Bayou is perfect for Florida spring outdoor activities that blend relaxation and adventure.

8. Koreshan State Park: Unique Camping with a Historic Twist

For a Florida state parks camping experience that combines history, nature, and Florida eco-friendly camping, Koreshan State Park in Estero offers something truly special. Once home to a 19th-century utopian community, the park now serves as both a Florida nature preserve and a fascinating historic site — perfect for campers looking to mix cultural heritage with Florida spring outdoor activities.

Camping Among the Pines and Palms

Koreshan’s shaded campsites are nestled among towering pine trees and historic bamboo groves planted by the community’s original settlers. Sites accommodate tents and RVs, offering a quiet, nature-filled atmosphere. This park is ideal for those seeking Florida camping destinations that emphasize both environmental preservation and cultural exploration.

Outdoor Recreation and Nature Trails

Spring is an excellent time to camp here, with cooler mornings and warm afternoons perfect for hiking and paddling. The park’s nature trails meander along the Estero River, providing a scenic route for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Kayakers and canoers can paddle down the gentle river, spotting wildlife like manatees, wading birds, and otters.

For those interested in history, guided tours of the Koreshan Unity Settlement offer a glimpse into the park’s unique past — blending nature and culture in a way few other Florida camping destinations can.

9. Silver Springs State Park: Iconic Springs and Forest Camping

Known for its world-famous glass-bottom boat tours, Silver Springs State Park is one of Florida’s most iconic Florida springs camping destinations. With crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and abundant wildlife, it offers an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in Florida eco-friendly camping and spring outdoor activities.

Shaded Campsites Close to the Springs

Silver Springs features a well-equipped campground with spacious sites for tents and RVs, tucked away in shady oak hammocks and pine forests. It’s a peaceful setting to enjoy Florida state parks camping while staying close to one of the state’s most famous natural attractions.

Outdoor Adventures and Nature Trails

Spring is a great time to visit, with perfect weather for paddling along the Silver River. Kayaking and canoeing through the crystal-clear waters offer incredible opportunities to see manatees, alligators, turtles, and even wild monkeys — a famous feature of Silver Springs.

The park also features miles of nature trails for hiking and biking, taking visitors through varied landscapes, including floodplain forests and upland pine areas. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will find springtime especially rewarding.

10. Suwannee River Wilderness: Remote Camping Along a Legendary River

For a more rugged, remote Florida wilderness camping experience, the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail offers an unforgettable journey along one of Florida’s most famous rivers. Perfect for adventurous campers and paddlers, this trail features a series of river camps and Florida nature preserves, ideal for those looking to connect with untouched natural beauty.

River Camps and Primitive Camping

The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is unique because it’s designed around a series of river camps — fully equipped camping platforms along the river that cater to paddlers and hikers. These sites offer screened sleeping platforms, restrooms, and picnic areas, providing a comfortable yet rustic Florida eco-friendly camping experience.

For those who prefer even more solitude, primitive campsites are scattered along the trail, allowing visitors to explore Florida conservation areas and untouched forests in greater depth.

Outdoor Activities Along the Suwannee River

Springtime is perfect for paddling and exploring the river’s winding course. Canoeing or kayaking along the Suwannee lets you discover hidden springs, limestone bluffs, and lush riverbanks teeming with wildlife. Hiking trails along the river offer additional opportunities to explore and see deer, otters, and countless bird species.

Whether on the water or hiking the banks, this is one of the best camping spots Florida offers for nature lovers seeking adventure.

Ready to Explore Florida’s Eco-Friendly Camping Gems?

From the wild landscapes of Everglades National Park to the crystal-clear waters of Silver Springs State Park, Florida is home to some of the most breathtaking and diverse camping destinations in the country. Whether you’re searching for Florida state parks camping, secluded wilderness camping, or family-friendly spots surrounded by nature, the Sunshine State offers something for everyone — and spring is the perfect time to explore it all.

So pack your gear, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to experience the best Florida spring outdoor activities — from Ocala National Forest to Bahia Honda State Park, and everywhere in between. Whether you’re chasing hidden springs, exploring dense forests, or relaxing by a river, these best camping spots in Florida will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper connection to the state’s wild side.