Campgrounds with wildlife in Florida

Lake Kissimmee State Park is a unique institution located in Lake Wales, Florida. This campground, lodging, park, and tourist attraction offers a one-of-a-kind experience with their Luxury Pioneer Tents. These tents provide all the comforts of home while allowing guests to enjoy the fun of camping in a beautiful setting that would make any Florida Pioneer proud. One of the highlights of visiting Lake Kissimmee State Park is the opportunity to go kayaking on the Zipperer Canal or into the Mouth of Lake Kissimmee. The stunning scenery, untouched natural environment, and abundant wildlife make every moment on the water a truly breathtaking experience.

Located at 1880 Williams Road in Moore Haven, Florida, Meadowlark Shores RV Park is a peaceful campground and lodging destination for those aged 55 and over. Situated along the Caloosahatchee River, guests can enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets while observing the local wildlife such as otters, gators, tarpon, and manatees. Fishing enthusiasts will delight in the abundance of fish in the river, including snook, bass, tilapia, and pan fish. Whether you prefer fishing from the river bank or taking your boat out on the water, Meadowlark Shores offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Watch as boats of all sizes pass by on the intercoastal waterway, providing a picturesque backdrop for your stay. This family-owned and operated RV park is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature in Florida.

Encore Miami Everglades is a picturesque campground and lodging facility located in the heart of the beautiful Everglades in Miami, Florida. Situated at 20675 Southwest 162nd Avenue, this institution offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and serenity of the Everglades while enjoying modern amenities and comfortable accommodations. Whether you are looking to pitch a tent, park your RV, or stay in a cozy cabin, Encore Miami Everglades has something for everyone. With plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, bird watching, and fishing, this park is the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Come and explore the wonders of the Everglades at Encore Miami Everglades.

Riverside Camping is a tranquil retreat nestled along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River in LaBelle, Florida, United States. Offering a serene and picturesque setting, this institution provides a perfect escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy camping under the stars, fishing, kayaking, and hiking along the riverbanks. With spacious campsites and modern amenities, Riverside Camping ensures a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all visitors. Whether seeking a peaceful getaway or an adventurous outdoor experience, this institution is the ideal destination for those looking to reconnect with nature.

St. Andrews State Park, located at 4607 State Park Lane in Panama City, Florida, is a popular tourist attraction and park. The park offers a unique experience with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and St. Andrews Bay on the other, providing opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Visitors can purchase tickets for the shuttle to Shell Island online or at the park, with credit cards accepted. The park has a rich history, with Theodore Tollofson, also known as "Teddy the Hermit," homesteading in his shipwrecked boat at the park for 25 years after a hurricane in 1929. Today, visitors can enjoy the sugar white sands, emerald green waters, and diverse wildlife that drew Teddy to St. Andrews.

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is a beautiful park and tourist attraction located at 8899 Cape San Blas Road in Port St. Joe, Florida, United States. Effective Oct. 25, 2023, the new Shady Pines campground has opened at the park, offering 46 sites for visitors to enjoy. Reservations can be made through the Florida State Parks website or by calling 800-326-3521. Stretching 20 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, St. Joseph Peninsula is a wildlife haven with sandy white beaches, tall dunes, and marsh areas. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including beach nesting birds, sea turtles, and the endangered St. Andrews beach mouse.

Little Manatee River State Park, located at 215 Lightfoot Road in Wimauma, Florida, is a hidden gem in Hillsborough County. This park is a nature lover's paradise, with rare ecosystems such as sand pine and oak scrub, oxbow wetlands, and the beautiful Little Manatee River flowing through it. Designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, the river is part of the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and camping. The park features a 6.5-mile hiking trail loop in the wilderness area, as well as a 1-mile Oxbow Nature Trail along the main river.

Oscar Scherer State Park, located at 1843 South Tamiami Trail in Osprey, Florida, is a popular tourist attraction and park offering a variety of recreational activities for visitors. The park is currently experiencing some closures due to American Bald Eagle nesting season, with sections of the Red Trail closed until further notice. Additionally, Campground restroom No. 2 is closed for construction, limiting available campsites. Despite its location surrounded by urban areas, Oscar Scherer State Park serves as a peaceful oasis for nature lovers, offering 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The park is home to the endangered Florida Scrub Jay and provides habitat for bald eagles in the winter. Lake Osprey is a popular spot for fishing and swimming, while South Creek attracts anglers, canoers, and kayakers.

Big Cypress National Preserve, located at 33100 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee, Florida, is a vast park and tourist attraction dedicated to preserving the unique ecosystem of the Big Cypress Swamp. This preserve plays a crucial role in supporting the health of the neighboring Everglades and the marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. Covering over 729,000 acres, Big Cypress National Preserve is home to a diverse range of tropical and temperate plant communities, providing a habitat for a variety of wildlife including the endangered Florida panther. Visitors can explore the preserve through swamp tours, ranger chats, and canoe rendezvous, gaining a deeper understanding of this important ecosystem.

Located at 52105 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee, Florida, the Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center is a must-visit tourist attraction and travel agency. This institution showcases the importance of the Big Cypress Swamp in maintaining the health of the neighboring Everglades and supporting marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast. With over 729,000 acres of preserved land, visitors can explore a diverse range of plant communities and wildlife, including the Endangered Florida panther. At the Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center, you can participate in swamp tours, attend ranger chats, and join canoe rendezvous to learn more about the unique ecosystem of the area. Whether you're interested in camping, hiking, or simply enjoying nature, this visitor center provides all the information you need to plan your next adventure in Big Cypress National Preserve.

The Guy Bradley Visitor Center at Flamingo is a must-visit destination located at 1 Flamingo Lodge Highway in Homestead, Florida. This park and tourist attraction offers a variety of activities and services to enhance your experience in the stunning Everglades National Park. At the Activities Booth near the Marina fuel pumps, visitors can rent bicycles, canoes, kayaks, motorboats, and even reserve houseboats for a unique stay on the water. The booth is open daily from 8 am to 3 pm, with equipment rentals available until 5 pm. Boat tours led by knowledgeable naturalists or park rangers depart from the Marina, providing a 90-minute journey through the park's diverse ecosystems.

Big Lagoon State Park, located at 12301 Gulf Beach Highway in Pensacola, Florida, is a diverse natural oasis offering a range of outdoor activities. From saltwater tidal marshes to pine flatwoods, the park attracts a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching during migration seasons. Effective February 1, 2025, the campground at Big Lagoon State Park will be closed for renovations until August 1, 2025. However, visitors can still enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and paddling during this time.

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, located at 4281 Florida 20 in Niceville, Florida, is a stunning natural landscape that was once a WWII gunnery and bombing practice range. The park is shaded by majestic longleaf pines, some of which are over 300 years old. The centerpiece of the park is Rocky Bayou, a trailing arm of Choctawhatchee Bay, which is popular for boating and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, canoeing, and observing the diverse wildlife communities that call the park home.

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, located in Port St. Joe, Florida, is a picturesque destination stretching 20 miles into the Gulf of Mexico. This wildlife haven is home to sandy white beaches, tall dunes, and marshlands, providing habitat for various species including beach nesting birds and sea turtles. Visitors can stay overnight at the newly opened Shady Pines campground, cabins, or primitive campsites in the Wilderness Preserve. With opportunities for swimming, fishing, and enjoying Florida's Gulf Coast, this park is the perfect getaway for nature lovers. Don't miss the chance to witness spectacular sunsets over the Gulf at this stunning state park.

Located in Cape San Blas, Florida, the T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offers a Boat Ramp and Kayak Access for visitors to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area. Effective Oct. 25, 2023, the Shady Pines campground has opened at the park, providing a great accommodation option for those looking to stay overnight. Stretching 20 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, the St. Joseph Peninsula is a wildlife haven with sandy white beaches, tall dunes, and marsh areas. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including beach nesting birds, sea turtles, and the endangered St. Andrews beach mouse.

Located in Panama City, Florida, United States, the Camping Area at St Andrew's State Park offers a picturesque setting for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay. With a variety of camping options, lodging accommodations, and park amenities, guests can immerse themselves in nature and outdoor activities. Please note that as of April 20, 2022, a portion of the gulf fishing pier is closed due to storm damage, but will reopen once repairs are complete. Visitors can also purchase tickets for the shuttle to Shell Island online or at the park, with credit cards accepted.

Located at 1900 East Gulf Beach Drive in Saint George Island, Florida, Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is a campground, lodging facility, and park all in one. This barrier island park offers visitors a slice of paradise, with miles of undeveloped beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water activities like canoeing and kayaking. The park is also popular for bird-watching, fishing, hiking, and nature study, with abundant wildlife including dolphins, wading birds, and saltwater fish. Nature trails wind through scrub and pine forests, providing opportunities to spot red-cockaded woodpeckers, bald eagles, and blue five-lined skinks. The park is known for its excellent shelling and beachcombing opportunities, and during the summer months, visitors may see sea turtles and shorebirds nesting on the shoreline. With stunning Gulf of Mexico sunsets and clear blue waters, Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Ochlockonee River State Park, located on Sopchoppy Highway in Sopchoppy, Florida, is a serene and picturesque park that offers visitors a glimpse into the Real Florida. The park is known for its beautiful longleaf pine forests, diverse wildlife, and natural communities such as pine flatwoods and sandhill. Visitors can explore the park's trails, which provide opportunities to spot the red-cockaded woodpecker and other wildlife. A boat ramp offers easy access to the Ochlockonee River, where visitors can fish for largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and speckled perch.

Silver Springs State Park, located in Silver Springs, Florida, is a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. The park is known for its famous glass bottom boat tours, allowing visitors to explore one of America's largest springs and witness an underwater world teeming with life. Surrounded by serene gardens and historic structures, Silver Springs State Park offers a glimpse into the past when the area was a major tourist destination for Northerners arriving by steamship. The park is also home to the annual Springsfest, a celebration of the protection and restoration of Florida's springs and waterways.

Nature Coast Landings RV Resort is a picturesque campground nestled along the North Suncoast Boulevard in Crystal River, Florida. This charming resort offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With spacious RV sites, cozy lodging options, and pristine park amenities, guests can enjoy a relaxing stay surrounded by the beauty of the Florida wilderness. Whether you're looking to explore the nearby parks and wildlife sanctuaries or simply unwind by the campfire under the starlit sky, Nature Coast Landings RV Resort provides the perfect setting for a memorable vacation.

Payne’s Prairie, located in Gainesville, Florida, is a unique and diverse preserve where visitors can witness wild roaming bison and horses, along with nearly 300 species of birds. This institution offers eight trails for hiking, horseback riding, and bicycling, including the popular 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. The park also features a 50-foot high observation tower for panoramic views, fishing and canoeing on Lake Wauburg, and a shaded campground for overnight stays. With over 20 distinct biological communities, Paynes Prairie provides a rich array of habitats for wildlife and livestock, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

La Chua Trailhead is a park and tourist attraction located at 4270 Southeast 15th Street in Gainesville, Florida, United States. This unique institution offers visitors the chance to see wild horses and bison roaming the prairie, along with nearly 300 species of birds, alligators, deer, and other wildlife. The park features eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, for exploring and observing wildlife. A 50-foot high observation tower provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is one of Florida's first state parks, showcasing the incredible artistry of the Civilian Conservation Corps from the 1930s. Located on 600 acres of rolling sandhills in Keystone Heights, Florida, this park boasts a stunning old-growth stand of longleaf pines and a unique head ravine with seepage springs. Visitors can explore the park's nature trails and a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing. Little Lake Johnson offers swimming and fishing opportunities, while canoeing is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. The park also features a large picnic area, pavilions, playground, and three campgrounds with water and electricity.

The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway Park is a unique and diverse institution located at 8282 Southeast Highway 314 in Ocala, Florida, United States. This park is part of one of the nation's largest incomplete public works projects, now transformed into a 110-mile linear park spanning Central Florida from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River. Covering more than 70,000 acres of land formerly known as the Cross Florida Barge Canal, the Greenway offers over 300 miles of trails for paddling, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian activities, and paved multi-use paths. It is also a wildlife corridor, with a "land bridge" across a major interstate that both trail users and wildlife utilize. Black bears are known to use the Greenway as a major corridor, especially near the Ocala National Forest.

Kelly Park - Rock Springs is a picturesque campground, lodging, and park located in Apopka, Florida. Situated at 400 East Kelly Park Road, this institution offers visitors a serene and natural setting to relax and unwind. The park is known for its crystal-clear Rock Springs run, perfect for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. The campground provides a variety of camping options for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. With lush greenery, towering trees, and abundant wildlife, Kelly Park - Rock Springs is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Plan your next getaway at this charming institution and experience the beauty of Florida's natural landscapes.

Little Manatee River State Park North Trail Head is a hidden gem located at 17837 U.S. 301 in Wimauma, Florida. This park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, and camping. Visitors can explore the rare ecosystems of sand pine and oak scrub, as well as oxbow wetlands along the 4.5-mile stretch of the Little Manatee River within the park. The park features a 6.5-mile hiking trail loop in the wilderness area, as well as a 1-mile Oxbow Nature Trail that offers scenic views of the river and wetlands. Equestrians and hikers can enjoy over 15 miles of shared-use trails that meander through the southern half of the park, including the Dude Lake Trail that passes through pine flatwoods and goldenrod fields.

Fort De Soto County Park, located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway South in Tierra Verde, Florida, is a campground, lodging, and park all in one. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the park, which consists of five interconnected islands home to various ecosystems such as beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, and palm hammocks. The park is also a haven for wildlife, with over 328 species of birds documented by ornithologists and nesting loggerhead sea turtles on the beach. Named America's Top Beach in 2009 by Tripadvisor and the nation's No. 1 Beach by "Dr. Beach" in 2005, Fort De Soto offers visitors a chance to relax and explore the diverse natural environment. The park also has historical significance, with a 12-inch mortar battery listed in the National Register of Historic Places and British breech-loading rifles from the 1890s on display.

Myakka River State Park Youth Camp offers a unique and exciting camping experience for young adventurers in Sarasota, Florida. Nestled within the stunning Myakka River State Park, this campground provides a beautiful natural setting for kids to explore and learn about the environment. With a variety of lodging options available, including tent camping and cabins, campers can immerse themselves in the great outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of home. The park offers a range of activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, allowing campers to connect with nature and create lasting memories. Located at 13209 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida, Myakka River State Park Youth Camp is the perfect destination for a fun and educational camping experience.

CREW Cypress Dome Trails is a unique institution located at 3980 Corkscrew Road in Immokalee, Florida. This campground, lodging, park, and tourist attraction is dedicated to preserving and protecting the water resources and natural communities of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed. With over 70,000 acres of land, CREW is the largest intact watershed in Southwest Florida, spanning Lee and Collier Counties. In partnership with the South Florida Water Management District, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Conservation Collier, and Lee County 20/20, CREW works towards advancing land acquisition, management, and public use of the watershed. They also provide environmental and watershed education to all ages to cultivate future generations of stakeholders and advocates.

Bee Island Primitive Campsite is a secluded and tranquil campground located in Myakka City, Florida. Nestled in the heart of nature, this campsite offers primitive camping options for those looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the great outdoors. Surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife, visitors can enjoy a peaceful and serene setting for their camping experience. With basic amenities and a focus on simplicity, Bee Island Primitive Campsite is the perfect retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent, relax in a hammock, or explore the nearby park, this hidden gem offers a unique and unforgettable camping experience.