8 spots for cozy winter camping in Florida

Discover winter camping in Florida, from luxurious glamping sites to primitive wilderness spots, and enjoy the state’s mild seasonal temperatures.

While the rest of the country huddles inside, gripping a hot cup of cocoa, Floridians bask in the resplendent sunshine, gentle breezes, and comfortable temperatures that mark each winter in the Sunshine State. Winter is the perfect time of year to gather your loved ones for an outdoor, overnight adventure at one of several state, national, and privately owned parks, which offer a variety of camping options ranging from primitive campsites so secluded you won’t even have cell service to glamping sites so luxurious you might feel as though you’re in a swanky hotel. As many campsites require reservations, start planning your next winter camping trip today with this selection of camper-approved sites to visit.

1. Sebastian Inlet State Park

Enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep under the stars following a day spent surfing, fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking at Sebastian Inlet State Park, located about 90 miles southeast of Orlando in Brevard County. Campers arrive in droves to the inlet’s central tent and recreational vehicle, or RV, campground, where 51 sites await with water and electric hookups, grills, and picnic tables. If it’s solitude you’re after, opt for the primitive campsite, an off-the-grid—as in, you’ll likely lose cell service—enclave located near the bayside marina. Either way, you’ll wake refreshed to the sounds of the Atlantic’s waves and the mouth-watering smells of Surfside Grill, the park’s own seafood and burger stand.

Photo by Russ Mick courtesy of Visit Florida.

2. Anastasia State Park

With its pristine, powdery white sand beaches and shady maritime hammocks, Anastasia State Park feels like a place time forgot. After setting up your campsite, adventure calls: Imagine you’ve stepped into the past and traverse the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail, or cruise the estuarine tidal marsh by canoe or kayak, both available to rent. Anastasia State Park is home to 139 campsites for tents and RVs, including some paved and accessible sites. Anastasia’s most unique camper amenity is its Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library, a collection of picture books for children ages 4-9, available to rent at the park ranger station.

3. Three Rivers State Park

At Three Rivers State Park, located in Sneads, on the Georgia border about 60 miles northwest of Tallahassee, the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers converge, creating the dreamy Lake Seminole. This peaceful body of water provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend spent freshwater fishing, boating, hiking hilly miles of upland pine habitat, and birding. (Be sure to look out for American bald eagles!) The park’s campgrounds, located on the banks of Lake Seminole, feature full-facility sites and a rustic cabin paired with a boat ramp and fishing pier.

4. St. Andrews State Park

Sandwiched between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay in Panama City, St. Andrews State Park boasts emerald green seas, sugary white sands, and a campsite complete with lagoon views and sewer hookups. Be sure to reserve a campsite in advance with Florida State Parks, or consider upgrading to the glamping experience offered by St. Andrews State Park Adventures. Each eco-tent is equipped with a queen-sized bed, a twin-sized cot, electricity, a coffee pot, and a charcoal grill. After a restful sleep, hop on the Shell Island Ferry to surf, swim, snorkel, or scuba dive at Shell Island, or bring your binoculars to Gator Lake Trail and Overlook to spot the lazing reptiles.

Photo courtesy of Visit Florida.

5. Manatee Springs State Park

The most challenging demand of winter camping at Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland might be quelling your anticipation enough to get some shut-eye before the sunrise beckons you to paddle out on crystal-clear waters and greet the manatees who call this oasis home during the cooler months. Luckily, getting a good night’s rest comes in many varieties at this state park: Glampsites, which has rates that change seasonally (between $90-225 per night), offer queen beds, bath towels and bed linens, extra outlets for charging devices, fire pits, cooling and heating units, and one spectacular chandelier to drive home the luxury of this experience. Campers looking to rough it in the traditional sense will find 80 sites complete with private hot showers and electricity.

Photo by Maurice Rivenbark courtesy of Visit Florida.

6. Big Cypress National Preserve

Take the Tamiami Trail due west from Miami, and you’ll land in Ochopee’s Big Cypress National Preserve, a sprawling environment containing 729,000 acres of tropical and temperate plant communities that the endangered Florida panther, the Florida black bear, and the massive Big Cypress fox squirrel call home. Camping opportunities in Big Cypress abound, from eight traditional campgrounds booked in advance through the Florida National Parks Association to less populated, backcountry campsites accessible to off-road vehicles. Note that to reserve a backcountry camping site, a permit must be filled out online and handed in to park rangers.

7. Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park, located in South Florida’s Homestead, provides campers of all skill levels ample opportunities for adventure in resplendent nature. Novice campers might opt for a front country campsite like Flamingo Campground, a drive-in site offering solar-heated showers, and an amphitheater hosting seasonal educational programs. Seasoned overnight explorers might choose to sleep in a chickee, or elevated camping platform—many of which are only accessible by canoe, kayak, or motorboat. For those who prefer optimum solitude in a chickee, a wilderness camping permit is required, and it will be issued the day before or the day of your excursion.

8. Bahia Honda State Park

There’s no need to worry about frosty temperatures when planning your winter camping trip at Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys. Upon arriving at Bahia Honda, you’ll be greeted by balmy ocean air, scores of soaring seabirds, and gently rustling palm trees. Let the serene surroundings lull you to sleep from either Buttonwood Campground, a collection of 48 sites that can accommodate small tents to large RVs; Sandspur Campground, just a short jaunt from the beach; or Bayside Campground, which comprises eight primitive sites far from amenities like electricity and hot showers.

Photo by Emergent Media courtesy of Visit Florida.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.