This is another entry into our traveling series, where our lifestyle reporter, Anthony, travels around the world to discover new places. This time, he’s beach camping in Florida.
I’ve always loved Florida’s beautiful beaches, so when I planned a short trip there, I knew I wanted to make the most of it. What started as a day trip quickly turned into several days of beach camping. This was my first time camping on the beach, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience.
If you’re thinking about spending more time on Florida’s sandy shores, keep reading. I’m here to share all the best tips from my trip to help you plan your own beach camping adventure.
Preparing a Florida Beach Camping Trip
My adventure began long before I landed in Florida. It started when I planned my trip, which honestly, was a bit overwhelming, considering I have not planned a camping trip before.
Select Your Destination
Okay, Florida is home to a bunch of gorgeous beaches – Siesta, Clearwater, Amelia Island, Pensacola, and many more. And that’s a great thing as it gives you a variety of destinations to choose from.
Sadly for me, I was torn between these options. I did my research and saw that all these beaches are fantastic. I’m not usually indecisive, but it took me days to make a final choice.
My decision was only partially my own, as I consulted my friends for suggestions. Unsurprisingly, they all vouched for the beach they’d been to, none other than Anastasia State Park. I’d seen the beauty of its white sandy shores many times through photos and videos, so it was easy for me to try it.
Additional tip: When you pick a destination, check out the activities it offers as well. I discovered that you can fish, hike, paddle, surf, bird-watch, kayak, and bike around Anastasia, which is pretty great since it means I’ll never get bored camping in this paradise.
Pack Only the Essentials
This one’s a no-brainer.
I planned to camp in Anastasia for at least three nights, so I made sure I had everything I needed. Here’s everything I prepared for my adventure:
- Tent: A sturdy, waterproof, well-ventilated, and durable tent is a must-have when camping. Even with an RV, a tent will give you an authentic outdoor adventure vibe.
- Sunscreen: Florida’s sun is unforgiving, so protection is a must.
- Sleeping bags: These must be lightweight and portable but thick enough to protect you from the cold breeze.
- Bug spray: Bites can ruin your mood the next day, so don’t forget this.
- Cooking supplies: I cooked my own food to save money during my camp.
- Beach gear: Towels, umbrellas, totes, coolers, hats, flip-flops, and beach chairs.
- Toiletries: Toothbrush, bath soap, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and hairbrush.
I might have missed something above, but you get the point – bring everything that will make your camping comfortable, safe, and fun.
Book the Trip
The booking process is online, and it was pretty easy as the entire process was laid out clearly on the park’s official website. I made my reservation about one month in advance to ensure I’d have a good spot around the campground.
Camping costs around $28 per night, with an additional fee of around $14 covering reservations, rental vans, boats, and yurt units. Overall, I think I spent more than $120 on my three-night camping trip.
Experiencing My First-Ever Florida Beach Camping
After over a month of preparation, I finally headed to Anastasia State Park and started my first-ever camping adventure. Here’s my chronicle of how it went.
With two friends by my side, we drove along State Road 312 up to the park’s entrance. It was 9:30 AM when we reached the park’s main gate, and the place was sun-drenched and gorgeous.
We unpacked our stuff in the RV and had a quick snack. Even inside the RV, I could feel the mild breeze touching my skin. That’s when it finally hit me – my camping adventure had begun!
Highlights of My Beach Camping Adventures
The park is magnificent. Everywhere I looked, white sand stretched along the coast. The water was crystal-clear, forming strong waves that hit the shoreline. We were very fortunate that it wasn’t too hot and humid that day, so it was easy to savor the beach’s beauty.
Biking Along the Coast: We rented bikes at the Island Beach Shop and rode along the four-mile stretch of gorgeous beach. It was super relaxing to just pedal along the sandy path and marvel at the beautiful shore. As we bantered and laughed during our ride, we took countless photos until we got tired and headed back to the RV.
Swimming: We dipped into the mildly cold water of the Atlantic Ocean, and I absolutely loved it. It was refreshing and relaxing. My friends told me we might spot some dolphins, but alas, we weren’t able to find any during our trip.
Paddling: On our second day, we went paddling along Salt Run in a canoe, snapping plenty of photos of the incredible views. Initially taking it slow, I soon pushed for a quicker pace through the moderate waves, which was exhilarating but left me quite tired. The next day, we switched to kayaks, which I found more relaxing due to the added back support.
Surfing: I’m not really a good surfer, so I horribly tried to surf the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Thankfully, the waves where we surfed weren’t that huge, so I managed somehow. My two friends are quite capable, so I think they found this more enjoyable than I did.
My Night Camping Experiences in Florida
Outdoor adventures are fun, but the most unforgettable for me was the night camping. And when I say “camping,” we didn’t spend our nights in the RV. We went into “survival mode” (alright, I’m exaggerating a bit) by setting up our tent outside.
We got an amazing spot for our campsite. There were plenty of trees around, and we were just a few steps from the ocean. We set up a hammock about five feet off the ground, which took us an hour or so. It was physically exhausting but super rewarding because I got to chill out there after swimming.
We unwound at around 6:30 PM after the sunset, and this is when the fun started. We lit a bonfire, grilled some fish, and popped open the fruit wines we’d brought along. My friend also brought a guitar with her, so we sang our hearts out while waiting for the fish to cook.
Those nights felt like a true “reconnection” with nature. I promised myself I’d stay away from my phone during our camping trip so I could feel grounded and fully “in the moment.” I encouraged my friends to do the same, but I caught them using their phones twice, so we ended up checking them occasionally.
Of course, living with minimal modern amenities can be a pain sometimes. Our campsite was quite far from the restrooms, which stressed me out, as it felt like a hassle to make the walk. I eventually got used to it, though, and learned to appreciate that small trip to the restrooms.
I can’t forget how chilly it was during our last night. I remember shivering slightly when I got too far from the bonfire. Fortunately, my great friends loved huddling closer to me when I felt cold while wrapping ourselves in a blanket.
Looking for more camping spots? Check out this page about camping in NJ.
Tips and Recommendations for Your Next Beach Trip in Florida
Are you planning to camp at the beautiful beach coasts of Florida? Take a look at some of my tips below:
- Be Weather-Prepared: We were lucky that Florida was warm and humid (but a bit chilly at night) when we camped. However, I did my due diligence and checked the weather forecast before our trip.
- Sunscreen is Your Friend: Don’t forget to bring and apply a high-SPF sunscreen regularly during the trip. I shudder to think what could have happened to my skin without it.
- Prepare Easy-to-Cook Foods: There are some eateries around the park, but they can be quite pricey. Fortunately, we brought along many easy-to-cook meals and snacks, as well as a portable grill and stove to prepare our food.
This is What I Learned from My Beach Trip in Florida
Reflecting on my beach camping trip at Anastasia State Park, my only regret is not staying longer.
Three nights simply weren’t enough to fully savor the daytime adventures and the peaceful evenings under the stars, which provided a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
If you’re considering beach camping but haven’t made up your mind yet, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It truly could be one of the best decisions you make, bringing unforgettable experiences and much-needed relaxation.
Beach Camping in Florida – FAQs
Can I Fly a Drone When Beach Camping in Florida?
Most state parks in Florida prohibit drone flying as a measure to protect wildlife and natural habitats. Nesting birds around the beaches see drones as potential predators, so flying a drone is generally restricted.
Are Alcoholic Beverages Allowed When Beach Camping in Florida?
Alcohol consumption is not allowed in public locations in most state parks and beaches in Florida. However, there are certain locations where alcohol is permitted, such as reserved overnight accommodations (e.g., campsites, lodge rooms, cabins) or restaurants around the parks. Note that you must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcohol in Florida.
Is Smoking Allowed When Beach Camping in Florida?
Most state parks have designated areas where smoking is prohibited, clearly indicated by signage. Generally, smoking is permitted in outdoor areas throughout the park, but all tobacco waste must be completely extinguished and disposed of properly.