We’re in a bit of a Florida Pickle today, folks.
On one hand, the rest of the country is starting National Camping Month—a storied pastime of our great state parks and protected wildlife.
On the other, it’s hot as the dickens down here. And the only living things that relish this type of heat and humidity are bugs. What does one do when our inlands are touching 100 and our public pools and beaches are packed to the gills?
You go camping—at the beach.
Just you, a pitched tent, a cool breeze and miles of open water. And there’s a handful of great places to do so just a short drive away.
Cayo Costa State Park
This offshore gem is only accessible by boat and remains a true, secluded paradise of the Florida Gulf Coast. Campsites can be feet away from its crystal blue waters and untapped forestation. The name of the game here is scenic exploration—bring a kayak and a snorkel for the tide pools.
Anclote Key Preserve State Park
This 11,773-acre park consisting of four islands sits roughly three miles off the coast of Tarpon Springs. Which is far enough to feel like you’re in a tropical Mark Twain novel and close enough to boat over your water and essentials.
Shell Key Preserve
Shell Key is the ultimate kayak sanctuary and an ideal locale for getting “away from it all” while also not really being that far from anything. Boating, camping, and beach-going activities are permitted in public use areas of the preserve, though if you need a restroom facility, you’ll need to skivvy across the inlet to Fort De Soto.
Fort De Soto
This one you know—the easiest and most efficient local park to hit a quick outdoor getaway. The coastal 236-site camp area touts facilities including picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, restrooms, showers, and special camp sites for pets. Oh, and miles of white sandy beach.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Sebastian Inlet is worth a quick jaunt across the state. It’s a bona fide surf epicenter that boasts campsites on both sides of the inlet. Watch pros catch some of the best waves on the east coast—ride some for yourself. And if surfing’s not your bag, it’s also ripe for saltwater fishing and kayaking along the Indian River Lagoon.