Beach Camping in Central Florida — 5 RV Parks Near the Ocean
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Beach camping is one of those experiences that makes RV life worth every challenge. Sandy beaches for Gina. Rocket launches and NASA for Tony. And when you are camped in Central Florida, you can have all of it within a 40-minute drive.
We have spent a lot of time exploring Florida’s coast, and we put together this list of 5 RV parks that get you as close to the beach as possible. Three are on the Space Coast (east side), and two are on the Gulf Coast (west side). All of them offer something a little different, depending on what your beach camping trip looks like.
What’s in This Guide
- East Coast — Space Coast Beach Camping
- 1. Indian River RV Park (Titusville)
- 2. Jetty Park (Cape Canaveral)
- 3. Manatee Hammock (Titusville)
- West Coast — Gulf Beach Camping
- 4. Hickory Point RV Park (Tarpon Springs)
- 5. Dunedin RV Resort (Dunedin)
- Beach Camping Tips We Have Learned the Hard Way
- Gear That Makes Beach Camping Better
- Beach Camping FAQ
East Coast — Space Coast Beach Camping
Central Florida’s Space Coast is one of the best kept secrets for beach camping. You get ocean beaches, NASA launch viewing, and easy access to Orlando attractions — all from one base camp. We love this stretch of coast because it has that old Florida feel without the tourist chaos of South Beach or Daytona.
1. Indian River RV Park
Location: 5 Broad Street, Titusville, FL 32796
Phone: 844-473-3347
Rates: Check their website for current pricing — rates vary by RV size and season
This privately owned campground is nestled in the downtown historic district of Titusville. It is a city location with plenty of walkable amenities, including groceries and restaurants, while still providing lots of trees and cooling breezes for a naturally tranquil getaway.
The property is adjacent to Space View Park, a county park with multiple historic memorials, an 85-foot fishing dock, and a covered pier. There is a 2-night minimum and high-speed WiFi is available. If you are into space launches, this is one of the best spots on the coast to watch them from your campsite.
2. Jetty Park
Location: 9035 Campground Circle, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Phone: 321-783-7111
Rates: Check their website for current pricing — rates vary by season
This city-sponsored park is a premium favorite with locals, and for good reason. You get direct ocean beach access, a fishing pier that does not require a fishing license, an on-site bait shop, 218 campsites, and a snack shop.
Jetty Park is located directly across from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the NASA rocket launch sites, and the Port of Canaveral. There is always something to watch — whether it is a SpaceX launch or a massive cruise ship heading out to sea. The campground is dog friendly, has bike and nature paths, and a playground for the kids.
3. Manatee Hammock
Location: 7275 S. US Highway 1, Titusville, FL 32780
Phone: 321-264-5083
Rates: Check their website for current pricing — one of the more budget-friendly options on this list
Manatee Hammock is a county park on 26 acres with wooded lots, river shoreline, and a 197-foot pier for fishing. It has a pool, pavilions, fire pits, laundry facilities, shuffleboard, and horseshoes. With 166 full RV sites and group camping areas, there is plenty of room.
The big bonus here is launch pad viewing. You can watch rockets go up from your campsite. For the price, this is one of the best deals on the Space Coast for beach camping.
West Coast — Gulf Beach Camping
The west coast of Florida offers a completely different beach camping experience. The calm waters and white sands of the Gulf of Mexico beaches are unmatched. You are close to Busch Gardens, the Florida Aquarium, and a zoo — plus it is about a 90-minute drive to Orlando attractions. The art and museum scene on the Gulf side is strong too.
4. Hickory Point RV Park
Location: 1181 Anclote Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Phone: 727-937-7357
Rates: Check their website for current pricing — rates vary by season
Hickory Point has 65 campsites and 10 boat slips on 12 acres. It is near Busch Gardens, Lowry Park Zoo, and the Florida Aquarium. The park is pet friendly and offers kayak rentals, volleyball, lawn darts, and cornhole.
The park is near Anclote River Park with playgrounds and fishing. It is about 6 miles from Fred Howard Park, where there is a mile-long walk across a causeway right into the Gulf of Mexico. That walk alone is worth the trip. You are also close to Tampa and St. Petersburg, so you have no shortage of things to do on a rest day.
5. Dunedin RV Resort
Location: 2920 Alternate 19 North, Dunedin, FL 34698
Phone: 844-727-1507
Rates: Check their website for current pricing
This is the most resort-style option on our list. Dunedin RV Resort has a heated pool, shuffleboard, horseshoes, a fitness room, and a large clubhouse. With 230 sites on concrete pads and large 45-foot pull-through sites, there is room for bigger rigs.
The resort is pet friendly with a playground, laundry, planned activities, and WiFi. It is near Honeymoon Island in Clearwater — one of the most beautiful beach areas in all of Florida. You are 23 miles from Tampa and St. Petersburg. This is part of the Sun RV Resorts community, and they offer both 30 and 50 amp service sites. There is even a luxury hotel on site if family comes to visit and does not want to rough it.
Beach Camping Tips We Have Learned the Hard Way
Beach camping in Florida is incredible, but the sand, sun, and bugs will test you if you are not prepared. Here are the things we wish we had known before our first beach camping trip.
Dealing with Sand
Sand is going to get inside your RV. Period. No matter what you do. But you can reduce it significantly. Lay towels or an old rug at the top and base of your RV steps. Keep a small hand broom handy for knocking sand off chairs and coolers before bringing them inside. Consider an outdoor foot rinse station — even a simple bucket of water by the door makes a difference.
Remember that sand in the sun gets extremely hot, and shells can be sharp. Protect your feet with sandals or water shoes whenever you are walking around camp.
Sun Protection is Not Optional
When beach camping in the summer, pick campgrounds with trees and shaded lots whenever possible. Plan your sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, a good beach umbrella, and a hat. The Florida sun is intense, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM. We have learned to do our beach time early in the morning and again in the late afternoon.
Bugs at the Beach
People assume the beach means no mosquitoes. That is not true in Florida. The moment the sun starts going down, they come out. We never go beach camping without our Thermacell mosquito repeller. It creates a 15-foot zone of protection and actually works. We have a full review of how we use it here.
Bring a Clothesline
This sounds small, but bring a clothesline and some clips for wet swimsuits and beach towels. You do not want wet, sandy towels draped over everything inside your RV. A simple line strung between your awning and a tree solves this instantly.
Gear That Makes Beach Camping Better
We are not going to overwhelm you with a huge gear list. These are the items we actually bring every time we go beach camping.
Sand-Free Beach Blanket & Towel Set
This beach travel set comes with a sand-proof beach blanket and towel. They are lightweight and super quick drying. The double-sided prints fold down really tiny, and best of all, sand does not stick to it. We bring ours everywhere.
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
This speaker has a built-in high-capacity battery and a silicone casing that is shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof. Perfect for the beach. We clip it to our chair and do not worry about it getting wet or sandy.
For a more complete list of everything you should have with you on any RV trip, check out our RV Camping Checklist — the bare essentials that do not come with your RV.
Beach Camping FAQ
Can you camp directly on the beach in Florida?
Very few beaches in Florida allow you to park your RV directly on the sand. Most beach camping in Florida means staying at an RV park near the beach with easy access. The parks on this list all have beaches within walking distance or a very short drive.
What is the best time of year for beach camping in Central Florida?
October through April is the sweet spot. The temperatures are mild, the humidity drops, and campground availability is better (except around the holidays). Summer beach camping works too, but you will want shade, fans, and a solid bug strategy.
Are these parks good for families?
All five parks on this list are family-friendly. Jetty Park and Manatee Hammock are especially good for kids — Jetty Park has a playground and a fishing pier, and Manatee Hammock has a pool and fire pits. Dunedin RV Resort has the most resort-style amenities if your family wants planned activities.
Do I need to book beach camping reservations in advance?
Yes, especially during peak season (November through March). These parks fill up quickly, particularly Jetty Park and Manatee Hammock. We recommend booking at least 2-3 months ahead for winter dates.
What about free beach camping in Florida?
Free camping options on Florida beaches are extremely limited. Most require you to be self-contained and are not directly on the beach. Check out our guide to free boondocking spots near you for other options.
Which coast is better for beach camping — east or west?
It depends on what you want. The east coast (Space Coast) gives you ocean waves, NASA launches, and a wilder beach feel. The west coast (Gulf side) gives you calm water, white sand, and sunsets over the water. We love both, but if we had to pick one for a first beach camping trip, we would say the Space Coast because there is so much to see and do beyond the beach.
More Florida Travel Guides
If you are planning a Florida trip, check out these other guides we have put together:
- Top 5 RV Parks in Florida
- 6 Orlando Photo Spots for Stunning Wildlife Photos
- Free Boondocking Near Me — How to Find Free Camping
Thanks for reading. If this guide helped you plan your beach camping trip, we would love for you to share it. Happy camping!
Tony & Gina
RV Boondocker
