By Robin Lewis
Florida has an array of natural areas and campgrounds scattered about its 58,560 square miles. Coastal areas and inland waters abound with 11,000 miles of rivers, streams and waterways. There is plenty to see and do in Florida, and approximately 700 campgrounds with 100,000 campsites let you stay in the midst of it all.
The Best Primitive Florida Campgrounds
Primitive camping is classified here as tent camping without on-site access to water and electricity. There may be restroom facilities on the premises in this classification.
• Ginnie Springs Outdoors LLC
7300 N.E. Ginnie Springs Road
High Springs, FL
(386) 454-7188,
http://www.ginniespringsoutdoors.com/.
Two hundred wooded acres along the banks of the Santa Fe River in Florida. Seven natural springs of crystal-clear water keep the water at a constant 72 degrees F all year.
• Huguenot Memorial Park
10980 Heckscher Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32226
(904) 251-3335
Connected on three sides by the mouth of St. John's River, Fort George Inlet and the Atlantic Ocean, water views are available at all campsites.
• T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
8899 Cape San Blas Road
Port St. Joe, FL 32456
(850) 227-1327
http://www.floridastateparks.org/STJOSEPH/.
Primitive camping is available along one of Florida's best-rated beaches in a wilderness preserve.
• Anclote Key Preserve State Park
No. 1 Causeway Blvd.
Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 469-5942
http://www.floridastateparks.org/Anclotekey/.
Accessible by boat only, this primitive campsite is on an island that is strictly preserved in its natural beauty. Truly primitive camping only. No dogs are allowed on the island.
• St. Andrews State Park in Panama City
4607 State Park Lane
Panama City, FL 32408
(850) 233-5140
http://www.floridastateparks.org/StAndrews/
One-and-a-half miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon.
Best Florida Tent Camping with Amenities
• Suwanee River Hideaway
P.O. Box 1135
1218 S.E. 346 Highway
Old Town, FL 32680
(352) 542-7800
http://www.riverhideaway.com/
Located on the historic Suwannee River, this campground feels like a step back in time.
• Blue Spring State Park
2100 West French Ave.
Orange City, FL 32763
(386) 775-3663
http://floridastateparks.org/bluespring/
Blue Spring State Park has St. Johns River Nature cruises, swimming, snorkeling, fishing and excellent manatee viewing.
• Juniper Springs
26701 East Highway 40
Silver Springs FL 34488 (352) 625-3147
http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Juniper_Springs_Rec_Area_Fl/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74036&topTabIndex=CampingSpot.
Located within the Ocala National Forest. Meet "Fred," the resident alligator who lives in the "no-swim" natural springs area. Other areas of other springs are there for swimming too.
• Oscar Scherer State Park
1843 S. Tamiami Trail
Osprey, FL 34229
(941) 483-5956
http://www.floridastateparks.org/oscarscherer/default.cfm.
Canoe and kayak along South Creek's black water stream.
Best Florida Full-Service Camping and RV Sites
• Navarre beach Campground,
http://www.navbeach.com/.
Rated 9/10/10 by Trailer Life and 5 W's by Woodalls. Navarre Beach is beachfront camping with all the comforts of a great resort.
• Walt Disney World's Fort Wilderness Campground
4510 N. Fort Wilderness Trail
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939-6244
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/.
It is not necessary to visit the Disney World Theme Parks. Fort Wilderness is camping in pure Disney style. All the comforts of a resort plus the magic of Disney.
Resources
About the Author:
Robin Lewis is a freelance artist, designer and writer. Her articles have appeared in newspapers, national magazines and on several self-help areas of the Web. Lewis specializes in gardening articles, publishing frequently on a variety of websites.
