Florida’s natural landscape is absolutely incredible, from stunning beaches to wetlands rich in flora and fauna. The state also has a unique and fascinating history that is well worth learning about. Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing national parks in Florida to highlight the place’s amazing landscapes, animals, and history.
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Everglades National Park
Easily the most well-known of the Florida national parks, Everglades National Park covers an astonishing 1.5 million acres—the largest subtropical wilderness in the entire country! This park is also home to a number of rare and endangered species, making it easy to understand why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While in the Everglades, you can explore slow-moving waters, sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and hardwood hammocks. These features create a unique habitat that supports a number of animals, including American alligators, crocodiles, Florida panthers, West Indian manatees, and a vast array of bird species.
Activities
Visitors can explore the park through various activities, including airboat tours, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and birdwatching. The Anhinga Trail and Shark Valley are popular spots for wildlife observation, and the ranger-led night walk along the Anhinga Trail is an amazing way to see alligators in action.
Everglades National Park RV Camping
Everglades National Park features two RV-friendly campgrounds: Flamingo Campground and Long Pine Key Campground.
Flamingo Campground is open year-round and is located near Homestead. It features two dump stations, solar-heated showers, an amphitheater for ranger programs, and 41 sites with electric hookups.
Meanwhile, Long Pine Key Campground is open from November until May. It offers hot showers, a dump station, and potable water, but no electric hookups.
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Biscayne National Park
Located just south of Miami, Biscayne National Park is a great deal smaller than Everglades, covering only 172,000 acres. That said, it is still plenty big enough to keep you busy for quite some time, and because the park is 95% water and home to the world’s third-largest coral reef, it is a pretty unique place to explore.
The vibrant coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests featured in this watery wonderland are fascinating to observe and photograph. In addition to these gorgeous features, the park is also home to the Maritime Heritage Trail. This trail includes several shipwrecks dating back to the 1800s, offering a unique glimpse into maritime history.
Activities
Boating, fishing, snorkeling, and diving are all popular activities in Biscayne National Park. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center provides educational exhibits and ranger-led programs to enhance the visitor experience. If you hope to take a snorkeling tour (and we recommend you do), book in advance!
Biscayne National Park RV Camping
While Biscayne does host two tent-only campgrounds, there is no RV camping in the park. Fortunately, some great offsite options will put you right by the park.
Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort is our top pick. This RV park offers full-hookup sites, a lovely swimming pool, a unique playground for the kids, and sport courts. It is just minutes from both Biscayne and Everglades and not too far from Big Cypress, making it an ideal homebase for a Florida national parks adventure.
It is also possible to stay in one of the two Everglades campgrounds and still reach Biscayne fairly easily.
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Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is not easy to get to, but it is well worth it once you do arrive. The remote park is set about 70 miles west of Key West. This means crossing water, which can only be done by boat or seaplane. Fortunately, there are ferries that run daily, but you will need to book in advance and should expect to pay a pretty penny for the ride.
Once you do arrive, you will be greeted by seven small islands and Fort Jefferson, a massive coastal fortress. Fort Jefferson was built in the mid-19th century and is one of the largest brick structures in the Western Hemisphere. It was used as a military prison during the Civil War and holds a number of fascinating stories of the past.
In addition to the islands, parts of the park are covered in water. These waters host diverse marine life as well as beautiful coral reefs.
Activities
Snorkeling and diving are two obvious things to do while visiting this park. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching, and exploring the historic fort is a must-do. The park’s remote location offers a peaceful and unique experience away from the crowds.
Dry Tortugas National Park RV Camping
Since you have to take a boat or plane to get to Dry Tortugas, it makes sense that no RV camping is available in the park. Instead, we recommend parking your rig in Key West so you can easily reach the ferry for your trip to the islands.
There are several awesome RV campgrounds in the Keys, including Boyd’s Key West Campground. This park offers waterfront sites, a pool, a marina, and even a tiki hut. The shuttle service into downtown Key West is another amazing amenity that you’re sure to appreciate.
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Canaveral National Seashore
Located on the east coast of Florida, Canaveral National Seashore preserves 57,000 acres of coastline and barrier islands. The beaches here are pristine, and the diverse habitats within the park mean plenty of amazing local animals call the seashore home.
As an example, the dunes at Canaveral National Seashore are perfect nesting sites for sea turtles, and visitors are given a chance to watch for hatching turtles during the months of June and July. You are also likely to see wildlife in the Indian River Lagoon. This is part of the national seashore and is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in all of North America.
Activities
As you might imagine, this is one of the national parks in Florida that is perfect for beach-lovers. Visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing on the beautiful beaches. Other activities enjoyed in the park include fishing, kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching.
Canaveral National Seashore RV Camping
RV camping is not permitted at the national seashore. That said, there are camping options around.
Indian River RV Park is one good option. This lovely RV park is located in Titusville, meaning everything you need is nearby—plus, it’s a short drive to the national seashore, Kennedy Space Center, and more.
Amenities include full-hookup sites, a laundry room and bathhouse, and plenty of shade.
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Gulf Islands National Seashore
Located on the opposite side of the state, Gulf Islands National Seashore stretches along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida and on into Mississippi. Santa Rosa Island and Perdido Key are a part of this Florida National Parks site, and are both wonderful places to escape.
As you might already know, this seashore’s beaches are renowned for their sugar-white sand and emerald-green waters. They are not only gorgeous but also ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
In addition to having some beach day fun, visitors can also explore historic forts such as Fort Pickens, which played a role in the Civil War and other historical events.
Activities
As mentioned above, swimming and sunbathing are among the most popular recreational activities at Gulf Islands National Seashore. Other options include hiking, biking, birdwatching, picnicking, and water sports.
Gulf Islands National Seashore RV Camping
RV camping is available on the Florida side of the seashore at Fort Pickens Campground. This is one of the top ten busiest campgrounds in the entire NPS system, so be sure to reserve your campsite early.
The campground features potable water, a dump station, sites with electric hookups, hot showers, and an amphitheater with ranger programs.
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Big Cypress National Preserve
Not far from Everglades National Park, you’ll find Big Cypress National Preserve. This beautiful preserve covers over 720,000 acres of the Big Cypress Swamp and plays host to numerous plants and animals. Because the preserve is so close to the Everglades, you can expect to see many similar ecological characteristics.
Big Cypress plays a crucial role in the health of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Some key features of the park include cypress swamps, hardwood hammocks, prairies, and mangrove forests. Animals that call the park home include (but definitely aren’t limited to) alligators, Florida panthers, and wading birds.
Activities
Visitors can explore the preserve through scenic drives, hiking trails, and waterways. The Loop Road and Turner River are popular routes for wildlife viewing. We also recommend stopping at at least one visitor center to explore exhibits or watch a film about the ecosystems found in Big Cypress.
Big Cypress National Preserve RV Camping
There are several campgrounds in Big Cypress National Preserve, and five of these can host RVs.
These include:
- Bear Island Campground
- Burns Lake Campground
- Midway Campground
- Mitchell Landing Campground
- Monument Lake Campground
Of these, only Midway Campground offers electric hookups, making it the most comfortable and convenient place to camp in an RV while visiting the preserve.
Rent an RV near Big Cypress National Preserve!
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
An amazing place to learn about Florida history, Castillo de San Marcos was built by the Spanish between 1672 and 1695 in the already established town of St. Augustine. The fort was built to protect the interests of the Spanish when they settled in La Florida and was crucial for defense against pirates and other rival powers.
Through the years, the fort provided protection during British sieges, saw a period of reconstruction as well as a period of British occupation, and more. The stories of the people who passed through the fort are shared through exhibits within the Castillo.
Activities
Despite being a small NPS site, one could easily fill a couple of hours exploring this historic fort and hearing the stories told there. Stroll the grounds, explore exhibits, and chat with the knowledgeable staff about the history of the place. Be sure to attend a cannon firing during your visit, and encourage the kids to participate in the Junior Ranger program!
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument RV Camping
Because Castillo de San Marcos is a small NPS site, there is no in-park camping. Instead, you’ll need to look into offsite options.
One of our favorite places to camp in the area is Anastasia State Park. Like all Florida state parks, this beautiful park offers tons of opportunities for outdoor recreation. It’s home to a gorgeous beach and a number of hiking trails, as well as campsites with electricity and water.
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Fort Matanzas National Monument
Not far from Castillo de San Marcos, you’ll find Fort Matanzas National Monument. Like Castillo de San Marcos, this watchtower was made using coquina—an excellent, long-lasting building material made using seashells.
The fort was built in 1742 and was used to defend the southern approach to St. Augustine. These days the NPS protects the fort, as well as the surrounding 300 acres of dunes, marshes, maritime forests, and beaches. Visitors are welcome to tour the fort and enjoy all that its natural areas have to offer.
Activities
Obviously, the number one thing to do at this Florida national park is tour Fort Matanzas itself. To do this, you must take a free ferry ride, which is offered every day except Tuesday. Other things to do in the park include picnicking, walking the nature trails, exploring the visitor center, fishing, and enjoying the beach.
Fort Matanzas National Monument RV Camping
Once again, we recommend the campground at Anastasia State Park when visiting this area in an RV. That said, this is far from the only option.
For instance, St. Augustine Beach KOA Holiday is an excellent pick. Set just outside of town, this RV park is near both of the national monuments above, as well as all the other attractions in St. Augustine. It offers all sorts of amenities including full hookups, clean bathhouses, a pool, a playground, a dog park, and more.
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De Soto National Memorial
Want to step even further back in time? De Soto National Memorial is an excellent place to do just that. One of the smaller Florida national parks, this site focuses on conquistador Hernando de Soto and his four-year quest for gold and glory that would help shape the history of what is now the United States of America.
The memorial features a living history camp, which often hosts volunteers in period garb, as well as presentations on a variety of topics. Additionally, the park is home to beaches and other natural areas, helping preserve the state’s ecosystem.
Activities
Make sure to visit this park between January and April; this is when the living history camp is up and running. If you can, visit during a special event for an extra memorable experience.
Other things to do in the park include walking the nature trail, picnicking, bird watching, fishing, boating, paddling (check out the guided kayak tours), and enjoying the beach.
De Soto National Memorial RV Camping
There is no camping at De Soto National Memorial, but there is plenty of camping nearby.
One of our favorite spots is Winter Quarters Manatee RV Resort. This wonderful park features all kinds of amazing amenities including full-hookup sites, beautiful landscaping, clean bathhouses, a pool and hot tub, sports courts, and more. The campground is 30 minutes from the national memorial and just outside the town of Bradenton and all it has to offer.
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Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
Home to both Fort Caroline National Memorial and the historic Kingsley Plantation—as well as salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks—Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve is one of the last stretches of unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. This park is the perfect place for those who wish to immerse themselves in nature while learning a bit about the history of Florida.
Fort Caroline National Memorial plays host to the Timucuan Preserve visitor center, where you can learn about the local ecosystems. It also memorializes the short period of time in the sixteenth century that the French had a presence in Florida. Information is offered through audio tours, living history events, and more.
About 40 minutes away, Kingsley Plantation tells stories from another part of Florida’s past. Here you’ll learn about Zephaniah Kingsley and the ways in which many other people’s lives were shaped by the plantation.
Lastly, there are the natural areas of the park. The Theodore Roosevelt Area features a variety of ecosystems and hiking trails. Meanwhile, Cedar Point offers a boat ramp and even more trails, and American Beach offers exhibits on African American history in 1930s Florida.
Activities
As you can see, there are tons of ways to explore the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. We highly recommend visiting during a living history event if possible. You’ll also want to take the time to explore the visitor center. Besides that, make sure to get in a hike or two and consider checking out Kingsley Plantation and American Beach.
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve RV Camping
Although the National Park Service does not operate any campgrounds in the preserve, there are some places to camp onsite:
- Little Talbot Island State Park is located on the preserve and can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet long. Each site has electricity and water.
- Huguenot Memorial Park also offers onsite camping. All campsites include electricity. Potable water and a dump station are both available for camper use.
Rent an RV near Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve!
As you can see, the national parks in Florida are incredible. They offer opportunities for all sorts of learning and recreation. Whether you prefer snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, or exploring historic forts, there is something for you at these wonderful Florida national parks.
Which one will you visit first?
