Best Camping Beaches in Florida

Located in the city of Fernandina Beach, Fort Clinch State Park is a white sand beach. The park also features Fort Clinch that is was built in the 19th century and has various informative military exhibits. 

Located in the town of Melbourne Beach, Sebastian Inlet State Park is a state park that has an unnamed white sand beach. There are two museums near this park which are called the McLarty Treasure Museum and Sebastian Fishing Museum. 

Located in the small town of Islamorada, Long Key State Park has a long and narrow beach situated at the center of the island city of Key West. The beach is in front of Long Key Bight Bay and is surrounded by coconut trees. Long Key State Park has beautiful beige-colored sand and has shallow waters making it a perfect destination for swimming.  Long Key State Park is very popular among kiteboarders, jet skiers, sailors, and paddleboarders. 

Located between the City of Marathon and Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda State Park sits upon 500 acres of Bahia Honda Pine and offers the quintessential “Florida experience” - palm studded white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, breathtaking sunsets and starry nights. The park is gradually recovering from damage by Hurricane Irma and parts of its 2.5 mile beach area are still being reconstructed for public use. However, this doesn’t mean that the park has lost its charm, as it offers numerous activities for visitors along with amenities like showers, restrooms, concession stands and picnic pavilions. The beach allows pets on leash and provides accessibility to people with disabilities. Although the park has parking facilities, it may be really hard to find a spot during vacations.

The site has two open beaches – Calusa Beach and Loggerhead Beach, having loads of activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, swimming, fishing and boat tours to nearby reefs. Paths for cycling and walking are also present. The picnicking sites in the area have several facilities to make your experience comfortable. The park is frequented by nature aficionados for exploring the vibrant biodiversity of the island, home to several rare species of plants and animals. Birdwatchers can look out for exotic shore birds. Hiking excursions are also available including one leading to the iconic Old Bahia Honda Bridge, which gives a picturesque view of Calusa Beach. The park also gives a clear view of the night sky for stargazing.

If you get hungry, you can visit the concession store in the park for snacks. The neighboring Keys also have great eateries, one being the iconic No Name Pub, named in the ZAGAT Survey as “the best casual dining experience in Florida Keys''. The Pub, 15 minutes away from the beach by car, is famous for its quirky dollar bill laden walls and treats like dips, burgers and its signature pizzas. Another popular joint less than a 10-minute drive away from the park is the Big Pine Rooster. The restaurant is popular for its diligent staff, airy ambience and an innovative menu. Be sure to visit Coco’s Kitchen, a family friendly place. Situated a short drive away from the park, the place offers great cubano cuisine at modest prices.

If you are looking for a place to stay near Bahia Honda State Park, don’t look further than their onsite campgrounds and cabins for an unforgettable experience with wilderness. Facilities like electricity, tables, grills and well-furnished cabin rooms make it ideal for lodging. The adjacent Keys also have nice accommodations, like Barnacle Bread and Breakfast, nine minutes away from the park by car. It is famous for its lavish rooms, great amenities. You might also encounter friendly key deer here! Another option is the Isla Bella Beach Resort, a 24 acre 4-Star resort 10 minutes away from the park by car and having luxuries including a 4000 square foot Spa, multiple fine dining options and a beautiful beachside bar.

Located along the South-western portion of the Floridian shoreline, Cayo Costa State Park Beach is a large and long white-sand beach. This beach is situated on an island called Cayo Costa and it is a part of a state park named Cayo Costa State Park. This beach is nine-and-a-half miles long and a forest is present near it. 

Located near the city of St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park is a 1600-acre state park that has a four mile-long unnamed beach. This unnamed beach is also known as Anastasia State Park Beach. This beach is situated on an island named Anastasia Island. Tropical vegetation and sand dunes are also present near this beach. 

Located near the community of Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach is a mile-long beach with white sand.  It is part of Grayton Beach State Park.  Travel+Leisure magazine has listed it as one of the best beaches in Florida, and Lonely Planet magazine has listed it as one of the best beaches in the United States.  It is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.  Because of its cleanliness, it has received a Blue Wave certification. 

The beach is open between 8 am and sunset.