From Swamps to Seashells: The Sunshine State for Nomads
Florida isn’t just theme parks and retirees—it’s also a surprisingly fantastic place to live the van life. Whether you're into white-sand beaches, quiet forests, crystal-clear springs, or unique wildlife, the Sunshine State has something for every car camper and van lifer.
I’ve spent many months vanlifing in Florida during the winter (and dodging hurricanes), and here are my top 10 favorite places to sleep, explore, and unwind in a vehicle-friendly way.
1. Ocala National Forest (Dispersed & Campgrounds)
Region: Central Florida
Type: Free dispersed + low-cost campgrounds
Ocala is hands down one of the best van life hubs in the entire state. It's huge, wild, and full of beautiful places to park for the night—whether you want free dispersed camping or primitive forest campgrounds with vault toilets.
💧 Don’t miss Juniper Springs or Alexander Springs—perfect for a morning swim or paddle.
🛑 Check fire restrictions and be bear-aware.
2. Osceola National Forest
Region: North Florida (near Lake City)
Type: Dispersed and designated campgrounds
Quieter than Ocala and less developed, Osceola is great for solitude seekers. There are remote roads and multiple free campsites deep in the woods, especially near the Florida Trail.
🌲 East Tower Hunt Camp is a good base spot.
🦉 You’ll hear owls, not traffic here.
3. Everglades National Park (Flamingo Campground)
Region: South Florida
Type: Paid campground
Want to experience the Everglades without the bugs eating you alive? Head to Flamingo Campground during dry season (Dec–April). It’s spacious, remote, and full of wildlife. Plus, there are van-friendly, no-hookup spots with epic sunrise views.
🐊 Gators, manatees, and spoonbills, oh my!
💡 Solar works great here—plenty of sun.
4. St. George Island State Park
Region: Florida Panhandle
Type: Paid campground
This barrier island on the Gulf is dreamy: soft white sand, zero crowds, and a peaceful vibe. The state park campground has clean facilities, beach access, and shaded spots under pines.
🌅 You can walk to the beach from your site and watch dolphins at sunset.
5. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Region: Near Destin
Type: Developed campground
This is one of Florida’s most polished state parks—with paved paths, showers, and laundry. But it’s also connected to pristine dune lakes and unspoiled beaches.
🏖️ A great balance of comfort and nature. Just book early—it's popular.
6. Silver Springs State Park
Region: Central Florida
Type: Developed campground
Famous for its glass-bottom boats and wild monkeys (yes, actual monkeys), Silver Springs is a vanlife favorite. The campground is wooded and quiet, with electric and water hookups if you need a recharge day.
🛶 Rent a kayak and paddle over ancient springs full of fish and turtles.
7. Bahia Honda State Park
Region: Florida Keys
Type: Paid campground (reservations required)
This is one of the few places in the Keys where you can camp legally and affordably. Space is tight, but the payoff is big: turquoise water, snorkeling, and epic sunrises.
🗓️ Sites sell out fast—book as far in advance as you can (up to 11 months).
8. Big Cypress National Preserve
Region: Near Everglades
Type: Free and paid camping
This underrated gem has multiple van-friendly campgrounds and backroads to explore. Midway and Mitchell’s Landing are solid choices with toilets and beautiful scenery.
🐾 Watch for panther crossing signs—they’re not kidding.
9. Withlacoochee State Forest
Region: Central-West Florida
Type: Primitive camping + some dispersed options
If you're trying to stay under the radar, this is a good forest to explore. Primitive sites are scattered and low-cost. You can bike, hike, and stargaze without the party crowds.
🔥 Check out Croom Motorcycle Area if you're into dirt biking too.
10. Cracker Barrel, Truck Stops, and Walmarts (Urban Options)
Region: Statewide
Florida isn’t the easiest place to stealth camp, especially in coastal cities. But Cracker Barrel and Pilot/Flying J truck stops are often safe bets if you need a free night with AC access and restrooms.
🚐 Look for towns away from the tourist hubs for more tolerance and less hassle.
🗝️ Florida Van Life Tips:
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Avoid stealth camping near beaches—local ordinances can be strict.
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Use bug screens—mosquitoes and no-see-ums are relentless year-round.
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Stay hydrated—Florida heat is no joke, even in winter.
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Hurricane season is June–November—have a backup exit plan.
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Solar panels thrive here—sunshine state, remember?
Final Thoughts
Florida is full of surprises for vanlifers—yes, even outside of the tourist traps. From tropical Keys to shaded forests, you can build a route that gives you beach days, swamp adventures, and peaceful nights parked under the palms.
Have a hidden Florida spot I should check out? Drop it in the comments—but don’t give away all the secrets 😉
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