Florida is usually related to theme parks, seaside resorts and expensive trip leases. However there’s one other facet to the Sunshine State that’s much more reasonably priced and simply as memorable. From pine forests and freshwater springs to Gulf Coast seashores and subtropical wetlands, tenting in Florida is likely one of the greatest methods to discover the state with out draining your pockets. Whether or not you’re roadtripping in an RV or pitching a tent below the palms, there are many choices for tenting on a funds that don’t sacrifice consolation or surroundings.
State Parks — Inexpensive and Scenic
Florida’s state park system is likely one of the greatest values within the nation. With 175 state parks to select from, you’ll discover campsites tucked behind crystal-clear springs, shaded by stay oaks or steps away from the ocean.
Tent websites and RV websites sometimes vary from $16 to $42 per evening, relying on hookups and placement. Many parks supply water, electrical hookups, clear restrooms, scorching showers, picnic tables and hearth rings, making them supreme for learners and skilled campers.
Well-liked budget-friendly websites embody:
- Hillsborough River State Park close to Tampa
- Manatee Springs State Park in North Florida
- Anastasia State Park close to St. Augustine
What actually units state parks aside is the entry they supply. Climbing trails, kayaking launches, wildlife viewing and swimming areas are sometimes included along with your campground charge, which implies fewer further prices when you arrive. In case you’re seeking to stretch your {dollars} whereas nonetheless having fun with memorable out of doors experiences, state parks make tenting in Florida reasonably priced and rewarding.
KOA Campgrounds — Price range-Pleasant Consolation
KOA campgrounds are a terrific center floor between conventional tenting and resort-style stays. With places all through Florida, KOA websites supply tent tenting, RV hookups and even funds cabins at choose places.
Whereas KOA charges are sometimes barely greater than state parks, they supply constant facilities like laundry amenities, camp shops, Wi-Fi, swimming pools and arranged actions. For households, first-time campers or vacationers who need predictable consolation whereas tenting on a funds, KOA is a dependable selection.
One other benefit of KOA is availability and scale. Close to Cortez, Florida alone, there are 1,117 KOA campsites, giving vacationers loads of choices near the Gulf Coast with out the premium price ticket of beachfront inns. Many places additionally accommodate late arrivals, supply simple pull-through RV websites and sit near main roads or points of interest, making it a sensible and cost-effective possibility for tenting in Florida.
Nationwide Forests — Low-Price and Much less Crowded
In case you want a quieter, extra rugged expertise, Florida’s three nationwide forests spanning 1.2 million acres are a superb possibility. Ocala Nationwide Forest and Apalachicola Nationwide Forest each supply developed campgrounds in addition to dispersed tenting areas.
Developed websites are comparatively reasonably priced, and dispersed tenting is often free, although facilities are minimal. That is tenting in Florida at its most pure — good should you’re comfy being a bit extra self-sufficient and need to save much more.
Nationwide forests are perfect for vacationers who worth area and solitude. Campsites are sometimes farther aside, noise is minimal and the evening skies might be beautiful. For budget-conscious campers who don’t thoughts buying and selling luxurious for peace and privateness, this is likely one of the greatest methods to expertise tenting on a funds within the state.
County and Metropolis Campgrounds — Hidden Gems
Many Florida counties and cities function their very own campgrounds, and so they’re typically neglected. These websites might be surprisingly reasonably priced and well-maintained, with nightly charges much like and even decrease than state parks.
County campgrounds are particularly widespread close to seashores, rivers and lakes, providing prime places at a fraction of the price of close by inns. Facilities range, however many embody hookups, restrooms and easy accessibility to native points of interest.
As a result of they’re much less well-known, these campgrounds are sometimes simpler to guide and fewer crowded, even throughout peak season. In case you’re versatile along with your itinerary and keen to perform a little analysis, county-run websites might be a few of the best-kept secrets and techniques for tenting on a funds in Florida.
Suggestions for Tenting on a Price range in Florida
Tenting affordably in Florida is much less about sacrificing consolation and extra about making intentional decisions earlier than you arrive. From timing your journey to choosing the suitable campsite, a couple of good selections can considerably scale back prices whereas nonetheless delivering a terrific expertise. Listed here are a couple of tricks to have the most effective expertise:
- Journey through the shoulder seasons: Late spring and early fall often supply decrease nightly charges and extra availability. You’ll additionally keep away from peak season crowds and luxuriate in milder temperatures in lots of elements of the state.
- Guide longer stays when doable: Many campgrounds supply weekly or extended-stay reductions. Staying put for a number of nights can dramatically decrease your common nightly value and scale back gasoline bills.
- Select the suitable web site kind: Tent websites are often essentially the most reasonably priced possibility, and RV campers can save by choosing water-and-electric hookups as a substitute of full hookups. Matching your must the positioning facilities helps preserve prices in verify.
- Carry your personal provides: Groceries, firewood and fundamental tenting gear are sometimes less expensive exterior of campground shops. Planning meals forward of time additionally reduces the temptation to dine out.
- Look ahead to further charges: Some campgrounds cost extra prices for pets, further automobiles, weekend stays or premium places.
Inexpensive Adventures Await within the Sunshine State
Florida doesn’t should be costly to discover. In reality, a few of its most memorable experiences come from slowing down, spending time open air and selecting lodging that put you nearer to nature.