Florida’s parks prove you can find more than alligators, rollercoasters, and orange groves in the Sunshine State.
And while not all parks have hookups, many do. You won’t have to sacrifice your comfort to explore some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.
Today, we’re sharing seven of the best state parks in Florida with full or partial hookups for you and your rig.
Let’s go!
Enjoy the Great Outdoors at Florida State Parks
Florida State Parks is one of the largest systems in the country, with 175 units. It encompasses roughly 800,000 acres and approximately 100 miles of beaches. In a typical year, they serve more than 32 million visitors, which generates nearly $85 million in revenue.
With weather that makes it ideal for year-round recreation, the infrastructures are some of the best in the nation. They offer plenty of opportunities for all ages to get outdoors and enjoy fishing, hiking, and exploring.
Officials have done a remarkable job preserving the region’s history, culture, and landscapes. They’ve received multiple gold medals from the National Recreation and Parks Association. When it comes to state-owned and operated networks, it’s hard to top Florida State Parks.
When you decide to take your RV to the Sunshine State, consider stopping in at one of these highly-rated destinations.
#1 Anastasia State Park
Anastasia State Park covers 1,600 acres on Conch Island, near St. Augustine, Florida. Visitors can enjoy four miles of beautiful white quartz sand. In addition, many people come to swim, watch wildlife, and enjoy paddle sports.
It’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular locations in the entire system.
While you’re here, be sure to check out Coquina Quarry. It’s where Queen Regent Mariana of Spain mined rock to construct the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
Visiting the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum from here is also easy. However, prepare yourself for the 219 steps you must conquer to reach the top.
About the Campground
Anastasia State Park’s campground features 139 sites for RVs and tents. If you book a spot here, you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves. It’s just a short walk or bike ride to put your toes in the sand.
The maximum RV length here is 38 feet. Sites come with water, electricity, a picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. While you may not have sewer hookups, a community dump station is free for campers.
Go beyond the budget-friendly state parks to Free Camping in Florida: The 7 Best (Secret) Spots.
#2 Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is about 80 miles southwest of Tallahassee, Florida. It’s open year-round and is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, and hiking.
The entire island is over 1,900 acres. While it has nearly nine miles of beautiful beaches, only four are available by car. Drivers with off-roading vehicles can get a permit to access the remaining stretch. You can also get there on foot if you’re up for a challenge.
About the Campground
You’ll likely want to stay as long as possible once you arrive here. Luckily, the campground offers 60 sites with water and electricity. This is another park where you won’t have a sewer connection, but a dump station is nearby.
With a maximum RV length of 43 feet, there’s room for just about any size rig. Additionally, every spot has a place to hang a hammock. They accept reservations 11 months in advance, so don’t wait to book yours.
#3 Grayton Beach State Park
Grayton Beach State Park is 2,000 acres of rugged beauty located 23 miles from Destin, Florida. It sits just off the iconic 30A highway, a popular tourist destination in the panhandle. Grayton Beach features massive dunes, a 100-acre lake, and plenty of wildlife to enjoy.
Like many other parks in Florida, you’ll want to bring your bathing suit. The Gulf of Mexico’s sandy beaches are great for swimming, sunbathing, and surf fishing. Whether you prefer sunrises or sunsets, the views are outstanding. When you’re ready to work up a sweat, you can easily explore the pine flatwoods on four miles of trails.
About the Campground
This year-round campground has 59 sites, which are some of the best on the Gulf Coast. Each one has water and electricity, and a few have a sewer connection.
You’ll have easy access to the boat ramp, public showers, and seasonal ranger-led programs. Just ensure you stay under the 40-foot length restriction so you don’t end up in hot water.
#4 Highlands Hammock State Park
This massive 9,000-acre state park contains a variety of rare and endemic species in Central Florida. Deer, alligators, black bears, and panthers live within its boundaries. The old-growth forests and swamp lands give you a taste of what the state was like before the development.
Popular features include nine trails and a three-mile bike loop. However, another favorite is the elevated boardwalk that takes you through the thick cypress swamp. Keep your eyes out for alligators and other creatures lurking in the water.
About the Campground
You’ll find 143 sites at Highlands Hammock State Park. They offer water and electricity at each one, with a dump station, restroom, and shower facilities for all campers.
Spots range from 20 to 50 feet long, and some are well-shaded. The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and a playground are a short walk away. We think you’ll enjoy the scenery as well as the exhibits.
Try these 7 Spectacular Motorcycle Rides in Florida (for Cars Too!)
#5 Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Jonathan Dickinson State Park combines 16 distinct natural habitats to form a gigantic 10,000-acre unit in South Florida. With several trails, you’ll have plenty of options for getting out and exploring the outdoors. Birding, boating, fishing, geocaching, paddling, and swimming are popular activities.
If you want to see wildlife, this is the place to be. Guests frequently spot deer, raccoons, foxes, otters, and an occasional bobcat. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles and alligators when you’re near the river.
About the Campground
When making a camping reservation at Jonathan Dickinson State Park, you’ll have 142 sites to choose from at two locations. Pine Grove, with 90 spots, is the largest option. On the other hand, the River Campground is near the Loxahatchee and has 52.
Both offer restrooms, hot showers, and laundry facilities for guests. All sites have water and electricity, but only those at Pine Grove have sewer connections. This location is also more accessible for bigger rigs. It has a maximum RV length of 40 feet compared to the 36-foot restriction at River Campground.
#6 Silver Springs State Park
Just 40 miles south of Gainesville, Florida, is the 4,600-acre Silver Springs State Park. With 30 artesian vents, it’s home to one of the largest freshwater springs in the world. The 5.4-mile Silver River is crystal clear and great for canoeing and kayaking. It’s an incredible natural environment to experience.
If water isn’t your thing, hiking, biking, and other activities are also available. Some popular hiking routes include the Sinkhole, Swamp, and River trails.
Additionally, Pioneer Village is a great spot within the park to step back in time. It features schoolhouses, churches, and a blacksmith shop from the 1840s to 1890s.
About the Campground
The maximum RV length at Silver Springs State Park is 50 feet. Between their two campground loops, you’ll find 59 sites. They provide water and electricity at every spot. As an added benefit, they recently upgraded to 50-Amp electrical service, which you’ll appreciate if you visit during the summer.
#7 Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is another hidden gem in the Florida panhandle. A short drive from Destin, it has 1,600 acres to explore. You can wander over three miles of beaches or 15 miles of trails. Whether you want to build a sandcastle or venture through forests, wetlands, and scrublands, a trip here can be unforgettable.
Biking, hiking, swimming, and fishing are local pastimes. Anglers often catch bass, bream, panfish, and catfish. Just ensure you have the proper license to stay on the right side of the law.
About the Campground
Camping at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is an incredible experience. It offers 156 RV sites with water, electricity, and sewer. They have a mixture of 30- and 50-Amp connections, so be sure to book the right one for your rig. Their 45-foot maximum RV length makes it big-rig-friendly. And the free trolley means getting to the beach is a breeze.
Discover more with the Florida Travel Guide on a Budget!
Florida’s State Parks Don’t Disappoint!
While we’ve listed seven of the best state parks in Florida, there are many more. The Sunshine State has hidden gems all over the place. With so many different units, exploring them all will take decades. However, even if you don’t see every single one, you’ll make incredible memories in the process.
Keep these incredible destinations in mind the next time you head south!
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