Summer is here in Florida, which means it’s time to make some memories in the great outdoors. If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity that will guarantee adventure, we recommend taking the whole crew camping.
The world moves pretty fast these days, so everyone can benefit from some time off the grid and under the stars.
What do you need to do to plan the perfect camping trip in Florida? Keep reading our guide to find out the top five steps you need to take before you can hit the open road.
1. Pick the Perfect Spot
Florida offers tons of different camping options, so the first thing you need to do is pick the type of trip you want to take. Here are the different types of places you can camp in the Sunshine State:
- The beach
- National parks
- State parks
- Recreational areas
- City and county parks
- Private campgrounds
To choose where you camp, think about the activities you want to do on your trip. Do you want to check out the coral reefs, or are you more interested in the rainforests?
Is fishing a big priority, or would you rather have access to challenging hiking trails?
Once you know what you want your trip to look like, you can choose the right spot near you to camp. If you’re camping in an RV, this campground in Wauchula, Florida is a great choice.
Speaking of RV camping, the next thing we need to talk about is how to choose your temporary home.
2. Pick the Perfect Temporary Home
Your camping lodging determines a lot about what kind of trip you’re going to take. Here are your main options:
- A tent
- A Camper
- An RV
For beach camping in Florida, a tent is a way to go. The soft sand underneath you makes a great place to sleep, and you’ll hear the soothing sounds of the waves crashing all night.
Tents are also a good option if you are doing a long hiking or backpacking trip and need to keep your home on your person.
If you want a little more comfort, a camper is a great temporary home. They are less expensive and smaller than RVs, which makes them perfect for couples or small families.
Keep in mind that campers need to be towed, so you have to have access to a truck for your trip.
RV Camping
For the ultimate camping comfort, an RV can turn your trip from a backwoods adventure to an exotic vacation. An RV offers luxury and will make you feel the most at home.
If sleeping on the ground doesn’t sound appealing to you, an RV is like your own little condo in the woods. Plus, you can still have plenty of outdoor adventures during the day and then come home to a real shower and bathroom.
An RV is an investment; however, once you have one, endless adventures await you. If you don’t want to buy one, you can rent RVs just for a weekend camping trip.
Keep in mind that you have to drive RVs, which takes some practice. You also need to check in advance that your camping spot allows RV parking.
3. Pick the Perfect Time to Camp
Here’s the thing, Florida may be called the Sunshine State, but it sure does get a lot of rain.
Florida’s wet season typically spans from May through October, so if you want to camp in the summer, you need to be prepared for the chance of rain. That may mean light showers every afternoon, or all-day rain and storms.
If you have a comfortable camper or RV to retreat to when it rains, a little water won’t hurt you. However, if you’re beach camping, the rain can quickly sour the trip.
When you consider the weather, think about your camping party. Will your kids complain if it rains, or will they take full advantage of puddle jumping? If you’re prepared with rain jackets and rain boots, a couple of showers in the forecast shouldn’t cancel your whole trip.
Off-Season Camping
However, if you want to avoid rain altogether, go camping during Florida’s dry season. The amazing thing about Florida is that you can camp all year round thanks to the warm temps.
In fact, a winter break camping trip is the perfect way to take advantage of the kids being out of school. If you do camp in the winter, remember that the temps can drop at night, especially in North Florida. Pack plenty of layers so you can dress for warm weather during the day and bundle up at night.
4. Pack the Right Supplies
Now that you know where, how, and when you’re going to camp, it’s time to get packing. Here are the basic supplies you need for any Florida camping trip:
- Bug and mosquito spray
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Flashlights
- Water
- Cooking equipment
- Food
- First-aid kit
- Flip flops if you’re using public showers
- Radio
- Fire starting tools
- Blankets and sleeping bags
- Raincoats
- Rain boots
- A change of clothes for everyday
- Fishing gear
- A trail map
- Plenty of snacks
Being prepared is the best way to guarantee a great camping trip. When you have everything you need, you can set your mind at ease and enjoy the great outdoors.
5. Prepare for the Unexpected
Florida is a wild state with many different terrains. Anything could happen on a camping trip, so hold your plans loosely and go with the flow. The whole point of getting out of the city is to disconnect, so don’t go into it with a strict schedule in mind.
In fact, the more you’re open to spontaneous adventures, the more fun the whole family will have on your camping trip. Maybe you’ll see some exotic wildlife, find a waterfall off the beaten path, or invent a new type of skittles s’mores since you forgot the chocolate.
If you do your pre-camping prep right, you can let loose and enjoy the actual trip even more.
Plan the Perfect Camping Trip
No matter where you are in Florida, there are amazing ways to experience nature through camping. Your kids will cherish the camping trip memories forever, and it’s a great way to bond as a family.
Plus, a little less screen time and a little more outdoor time are good for everyone.
For more camping resources, check out our other blogs.