7 Unique Camping Experiences in Florida for a Cool Outdoor Adventure

Whether you like stargazing, music concerts, snorkeling or theme parks, there’s a campground for that in Florida.

Camping in Florida can look like an RV pulled up next to a palm tree near a white sand beach in the Keys. It can also look like a luxurious glamping tent at a dude ranch in Central Florida, or a nearly 100-year-old log cabin in the middle of the wilderness. It just goes to show that in the Sunshine State there is a camping experience to suit almost everyone.

Here are seven fun and unique camping experiences in Florida.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Okeechobee

Bring your telescope because this state park isn’t just known for its grasslands and abundant wildlife, but also its certification as the state’s first Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association. In other words, the park is far enough from light pollution that the stars, planets, and even the Milky Way galaxy shine extra bright. 

Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Like Oak

Here, on the banks of the Suwannee River, you’ll find over 800 acres of unspoiled forests for hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, and kayaking. But this park is most known for its popular music festivals, attracting thousands of visitors. Campsites for tents and RVs are available as well as cabins.

Myakka River State Park, Sarasota

This is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. As you might imagine, the wild and lush land that hugs the river is a haven for alligators, so there is no swimming in this park. Aside from observing the abundant wildlife, you can kayak, boat, fish, hike or canoe. But what is really special about this park is the opportunity to stay in one of the original palm log cabins built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, River Ranch

If roughing it isn’t your thing, you might want to try glamping, and this is the perfect place for it. This dude ranch, just one hour south of Orlando, features horseback riding and rodeos on Saturday nights. But it’s the accommodations that make this place extra special. The ranch offers a range of levels of comfort and convenience, from primitive tent camping to covered wagons and luxurious tents with AC, real beds with quality linens, and morning coffee delivered.

Everglades Adventure Tours Chickee Huts, Ochopee 

If you don’t want to bother with camping gear while visiting the Everglades, consider staying in one of these huts styled after the Native American chickee huts and built by the local Miccosukee indigenous people in the area. Their thatched roofs allow air to circulate while remaining impervious to rain. There is no running water but there are restrooms and showers nearby.

Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key

If you want to pitch your tent in the middle of an iconic Florida Keys postcard scene, look no further. The palm trees, crystal-clear waters and spectacular sunsets make it a popular destination, so make sure to reserve in advance. You can rent kayaks or schedule boat trips to the reef for a snorkeling excursion.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Lake Buena Vista

This is the perfect option for families that want to camp but also visit Orlando’s theme parks–it’s also a great option for those who want to save on accommodations. The resort is on 750 acres of pine and cypress forest, with woodland trails, a pool with a waterslide, archery, horseback riding, and canoeing. Bring a tent or your RV.