Florida Campgrounds on the Atlantic Ocean

When it comes to Florida's Atlantic coast, big cities like Miami, Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale are often the first thought that come to mind. Despite being one of the most developed areas in the state, large portions of Florida's eastern shore are still wild, providing ample opportunities for outdoor relaxation and recreation of all kinds. In addition to being a major draw for fishermen, swimmers and surfers, the coast is also home to numerous camping options, from modern RV parks to quiet, secluded tent sites.

  1. Where the River Meets the Ocean

    • Fort Clinch once stood watch over the mouth of the St. Mary's River during the Civil and Spanish American wars. Today, this well-preserve fortress still overlooks Florida's far northeastern corner as part of Fort Clinch State Park. In addition to the fortress itself, which is open to tourists, the park is home to 6 miles of hiking trails, ample open shoreline for fishing, swimming and sea kayaking, and two campgrounds with more than 60 campsites. The secluded Amelia River campground sits inland along its namesake river, while the smaller Atlantic Beach Campground is just footsteps away from the ocean. Sites at both campgrounds are open to tents and RVs, and include campfire rings, picnic tables, 20- to 30-amp electrical hookups and access to modern restrooms and showers.

    Campsites on the Space Coast

    • Jetty Park Campground is close enough to Cape Canaveral that campers can watch rocket launches from the beach. More than 300 campsites are available, ranging from rustic tent sites to paved RV sites with water hookups and up to 50-amp electricity. Tent sites tend to be wooded and shady, while RV sites are a bit more open. A large group tent area is also available, and all campers have access to modern restrooms and showers. During your stay, explore the park's bike path, play a game of horseshoes or volleyball, pack a lunch at the oceanfront picnic area, take a swim at the beach or cast a line from the fishing pier.

    South Florida Seashore

    • Nestled along the coast 30 minutes north of West Palm Beach, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is home to a diverse natural landscape of pine forest, mangroves, wetlands and flatwoods along the banks of the The Loxahatchee River. Two family campgrounds in the park provide around 90 tent and RV sites with water and electrical hookups, picnic tables, campfire rings and modern restrooms with hot showers. The Florida Trail runs through the park, and campers in search of solitude can pitch a tent at two backpack camps along the trail. The park also offers equestrian camping. The equestrian camp includes five campsites with water, electricity, tie poles, and access to 8 miles of multi-use trails that are open to horseback riders as well as hikers and cyclists.

    Camping in the Keys

    • Florida is home to several national parks and forests, but Biscayne National Park is unique in that most if its 173,000 acres are underwater. The park preserves vast expanses of coral reef, coastal mangrove forest and open water, making it a major destination for diving, snorkeling, fishing and nature photography. Elliott Key, the park's largest island and the northernmost of the Florida Keys, includes an oceanfront campground and a second campground farther inland. Picnic tables and grills are available, along with restrooms and sinks with cold water. Visitors should bring their own water as a precaution in case the system fails. The island is only accessible by boat, so camping is restricted to tents. Nearby Boca Chita Key has an open, grassy tent camping area near the ocean. There is no drinking water at this campground, and all campsites are first-come, first-served.