Travel Guides
Travel Guides
Florida’s Gateway Parks: RV Campgrounds Near State and National Treasures
Explore Florida’s natural beauty from RV parks near state and national treasures like Everglades National Park and Henderson Beach. From snorkeling and paddling to glamping by the Gulf, enjoy camping with comfort and convenience.
Overview
With its stunning beaches, winding rivers, vibrant wetlands, and lush forests, Florida is packed with scenic public lands. And while state and national park campgrounds often book up months in advance—especially during the winter season when snowbirds flock south—there’s good news for RV travelers. Dozens of privately owned campgrounds throughout Florida serve as excellent “gateway” basecamps, offering full hookups and resort-style amenities perfect for fans of glamping, just minutes from your favorite parks.
Whether you're looking to hike through shaded forests, paddle crystal-clear springs, or stroll the sandy shores of the Gulf or Atlantic, these Florida parks offer unforgettable experiences—and the nearby private RV parks make access easy and enjoyable.
1
Torreya State Park (Near Tallahassee)
Tucked along the Apalachicola River in northern Florida, Torreya State Park is known for its sweeping bluff-top views, deep ravines, and dense hardwood forests. This park is a hiker’s dream, with over 16 miles of trails that wind through one of Florida’s most rugged landscapes. In the fall, Torreya’s hardwood canopy bursts into color—a rare treat in the Sunshine State
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Ingram's Marina (Quincy, FL): A rustic, waterfront campground with boat slips, fishing docks, and peaceful views.
Tallahassee East RV Park (Monticello, FL): Full-hookup sites with shade trees and easy access to I-10.
Tallahassee RV Park (Tallahassee, FL): A well-maintained park with paved roads, full hookups, and great customer service just minutes from downtown.
2
Florida Caverns State Park (Marianna)
Florida Caverns State Park is one of the most unique parks in the state. It's the only Florida state park that offers guided cave tours through stunning underground limestone passages. Above ground, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, horseback riding, and paddling the nearby Chipola River.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Florida Caverns RV Resort (Marianna, FL): Situated along the banks of the Chipola River, this campground offers kayak rentals, full-hookup sites, and riverside picnic spots.
Flat Creek Family Campground (Chattahoochee, FL): A quiet, family-friendly campground with spacious sites and a convenient location.
3
Henderson Beach State Park (Destin)
Located along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Henderson Beach State Park features 6,000 feet of white-sand shoreline and sand dunes that rise up to 30 feet tall. The turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico are ideal for swimming, fishing, and beachcombing. A boardwalk, nature trail, and picnic pavilions round out this pristine beach park.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Camping on the Gulf (Miramar Beach, FL): One of the few beachfront RV parks in the U.S., offering direct access to the Gulf, a pool, and beachfront patios.
Destin RV Beach Resort (Miramar Beach, FL): A boutique-style park with upscale amenities and a short walk to the beach
Destin West RV Resort (Fort Walton Beach, FL): Waterfront sites and access to resort pools and the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
Geronimo RV Park (Miramar Beach, FL): Pet-friendly and affordable with full-hookup sites near restaurants and shopping.
4
St. Andrews State Park (Panama City Beach)
A favorite on Florida’s panhandle, St. Andrews State Park sits between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. It offers a perfect mix of beach and bay activities—swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing are all popular. Paved trails and nature walks wind through the park’s dunes and pine flatwoods.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Camper’s Inn RV Park (Panama City Beach, FL): A family-friendly park close to beaches, shopping, and dining.
Panama City Beach RV Resort (Panama City Beach, FL): Offers luxury sites, a pool, fitness center, and walkability to the beach.
PineGlen Motorcoach & RV Park (Panama City Beach, FL): Nestled in a wooded area, offering peace and quiet just minutes from the beach.
Sun Outdoors Panama City Beach (Panama City Beach, FL): A full-service resort with family-friendly activities, pools, and spacious sites.
5
Silver Springs State Park (Ocala)
A legendary Florida attraction since the 1870s, Silver Springs State Park is famous for its crystal-clear spring and glass-bottom boat tours. Visitors can paddle the Silver River, visit the Silver River Museum, or explore hiking trails through sandhill forest ecosystems.
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Champions Run RV Resort (Ocala, FL): A top-rated, modern resort with large pull-thru sites and high-end amenities.
Ocala Sun RV Resort (Ocala, FL): Offers full-hookup sites, a pool, and close access to both Silver Springs and downtown Ocala.
Silver Springs RV Park (Silver Springs, FL): Just minutes from the state park entrance with shaded sites and friendly service.
6
Terra Ceia Preserve State Park (Palmetto)
Spanning more than 2,000 acres of mangrove and salt marsh habitat, Terra Ceia Preserve State Park offers a peaceful retreat for kayakers, hikers, and birders. Though it’s mostly undeveloped, the preserve’s natural beauty is worth exploring—just be prepared for wet trails and bring bug spray!
Nearby Private Campgrounds:
Encore Terra Ceia Village RV Resort (Palmetto, FL): Offers shaded sites, a clubhouse, pool, and access to nearby preserves..
Fisherman’s Cove RV Resort (Palmetto, FL): A waterfront resort with kayak launches, boat slips, and beautiful bay views.
The Surf RV Resort (Palmetto, FL): A new, luxury RV destination with a resort-style pool and upscale amenities.
The Tides RV Resort (Palmetto, FL): Designed for Class A motorcoaches, this upscale resort features pickleball courts, a clubhouse, and sweeping water views.
Plan Your Florida RV Getaway
Whether you’re exploring ancient cave systems, paddling spring-fed rivers, or lounging on sugar-sand beaches, Florida’s parks offer unforgettable experiences. Skip the stress of booking in-park campgrounds and stay at nearby private resorts that offer spacious sites, modern amenities, and easy access to nature.
When the sun sets on your next Florida RV adventure, you’ll be glad to return to a comfortable, full-hookup site with everything you need—plus a pool, Wi-Fi, and maybe even a sunset view.
