Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by JJ
Florida isn’t just for beaches and theme parks. With eleven stunning national parks and preserves, the Sunshine State is a haven for outdoor adventurers—and RV travelers in particular. From subtropical swamps to remote Gulf islands, Florida’s national parks offer scenic, well-equipped, and unforgettable RV camping experiences. Whether you want full hookups or primitive solitude, there’s something for every road warrior. Below are the top RV-friendly national park destinations across Florida, complete with camping details, links to reservations, and ideas for local attractions.
Big Cypress National Preserve – Ochopee
Big Cypress National Preserve is a sprawling wilderness covering more than 729,000 acres of swamp, prairie, and cypress forest. Located just north of Everglades National Park, it offers several RV-accessible campgrounds, including Midway Campground, which features paved RV pads and electric hookups. The preserve is known for its incredible biodiversity—you might see alligators, wading birds, and even the elusive Florida panther. RV campers will love the spacious, shaded sites and proximity to scenic drives like Loop Road and Turner River Road. Midway is the most developed campground, with a dump station, flush toilets, and easy access for larger rigs. More rustic options like Monument Lake or Bear Island Campground cater to boondockers who want more solitude. The preserve also allows dispersed camping in designated backcountry areas with a free permit. During your stay, consider kayaking the Turner River or hiking the Gator Hook Trail. Cell service is limited, which makes it a great place to unplug. For dining or supplies, head to nearby Everglades City or Naples.
Everglades National Park – Homestead, Miami & Naples
Everglades National Park is a legendary destination for wildlife viewing, airboat rides, and vast subtropical wilderness—and it’s surprisingly accessible to RVers. The two primary RV-friendly campgrounds are Long Pine Key Campground near Homestead and Flamingo Campground further south. Long Pine Key offers a tranquil, pine-shaded setting without hookups, making it ideal for self-contained rigs. Flamingo Campground, however, has made huge strides in recent years, offering electric hookups in several sites and scenic bayside views. Visitors can enjoy paddling the Florida Bay, hiking through sawgrass marshes, or taking a ranger-led tour through mangrove tunnels. Wildlife sightings here include everything from manatees and crocodiles to roseate spoonbills and otters. RV spaces are generous and generally flat, and online reservations are available for both sites. If you’re looking to explore more, Everglades’ southern entrance is only an hour from Miami. Stock up on supplies in Homestead before heading deep into the park’s interior.
Gulf Islands National Seashore – Gulf Breeze
Stretching along the Florida Panhandle, Gulf Islands National Seashore offers sparkling white beaches, emerald waters, and a deep sense of coastal history. The top RV camping option is Fort Pickens Campground, located on Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola Beach. This well-developed campground features electric and water hookups, paved sites, and easy beach access. History buffs will enjoy exploring the nearby Fort Pickens, which dates back to the Civil War. The area is also excellent for swimming, surf fishing, and birdwatching, with over 300 species recorded. Campers appreciate the balance of beachy relaxation and modern amenities, with clean bathhouses and a campground store. Summers can be hot and buggy, but the shoulder seasons—spring and fall—are perfect for RVers. The campground is extremely popular, so reservations are highly recommended via Recreation.gov. Pensacola Beach, just across the bridge, offers restaurants, shopping, and scenic boardwalks for off-site adventures.
Canaveral National Seashore – Titusville/New Smyrna
Canaveral National Seashore is one of Florida’s most untouched coastal landscapes, with over 24 miles of pristine shoreline and critical wildlife habitat. While Canaveral itself doesn’t have traditional RV campgrounds, nearby parks and private sites make it a basecamp-worthy destination. RV travelers often stay at Manatee Hammock Campground, operated by Brevard County Parks, just minutes from the park’s southern Apollo entrance. The seashore is ideal for nature lovers, offering quiet beaches, scenic trails, and a chance to see nesting sea turtles (in season). The northern end, near New Smyrna Beach, also has RV parks within 15–20 minutes of the park entrance. Canaveral is close to Kennedy Space Center, so if you time it right, you may even watch a rocket launch from your campsite or the beach. Keep in mind that the park has no concessions or fuel, so come prepared. There are no hookups inside the park boundaries, but day-use RV parking is available at some beach access points. This is an ideal location for those seeking quiet, undeveloped beauty close to Florida’s Space Coast.
Dry Tortugas National Park – Key West (No RV Access but Worth Mentioning)
While RVs can’t reach Dry Tortugas National Park—since it’s 70 miles off the coast of Key West and only accessible by boat or seaplane—it’s a unique experience often added to Florida road trips. Many RVers stay in Key West campgrounds like Boyd’s Key West Campground or Bluewater Key RV Resort, then take a day trip to Dry Tortugas. The park is famous for its crystal-clear waters, historic Fort Jefferson, and remote beauty. It’s a snorkeler’s dream and a bucket-list stop for many Florida adventurers. Though it doesn’t have traditional camping or RV access, its inclusion here serves road trippers planning multi-day stops with side adventures.
Tips for RV Camping in Florida’s National Parks
• Reserve early. Many campgrounds fill up months in advance, especially in winter.
• Watch the weather. Summer can bring intense heat, bugs, and thunderstorms.
• Carry bug spray, sun protection, and extra water—even in developed areas.
• Pack your park pass or buy the America the Beautiful pass for discounts.
• Follow Leave No Trace principles, especially in sensitive ecosystems.
• Use Recreation.gov or NPS.gov to find RV length restrictions and amenity details.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s national parks are more than just beautiful backdrops—they’re immersive destinations with rich ecosystems, cultural heritage, and endless opportunities for RV adventure. Whether you’re paddling through mangroves, spotting rare wildlife, or simply enjoying a sunset by your rig, these parks offer a deeper connection to the state’s natural heart. From the swamps of Big Cypress to the serene shores of the Gulf Islands, RV camping in Florida’s national parks is the perfect way to see the state at your own pace—with home always just a few steps away.
