Boondocking, or camping on public lands without amenities, is legal in Florida in certain areas. While Florida does not have any BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands, there are other options for boondocking, such as national forests, wildlife management areas, and water management districts. These areas typically allow dispersed camping, but you should always check the specific rules and regulations for the location you are interested in.Additionally, you can find private landowners who offer boondocking sites through platforms like Hipcamp. Just always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the land and property owners when boondocking.
FAQs
Is boondocking legal in Florida? | Hipcamp? ›
Yes, primitive camping is allowed in Florida in some state parks, national forests,
Boondocking, or camping on public lands without amenities, is legal in Florida in certain areas. While Florida does not have any BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands, there are other options for boondocking, such as national forests, wildlife management areas, and water management districts.
Where can I park my RV overnight for free in Florida? ›- Curry Hammock State Park. ...
- Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area. ...
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. ...
- Picayune Strand Horseshoe Primitive Campground. ...
- Pine Creek Landing. ...
- Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area. ...
- Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area.
Free RV camping in Florida can be found at dispersed campsites in national forests and some public lands, in addition to Walmart parking lots, Cracker Barrel parking lots, and some rest areas along highways. Here are a few options for free RV camping in Florida: Apalachicola National Forest. Osceola National Forest.
Can you Boondock on the beach in Florida? ›Yes, you can go beach camping in Florida in certain areas, typically on some BLM land and in dozens of state parks including Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys, Grayton Beach State Park outside Destin, and eastern Florida's Sebastian Inlet State Park.
Can you sleep at truck stops in Florida? ›Yes. Can I park and sleep all night at Florida's rest areas? Florida Administrative Code (FAC) Rule permits a period of three hours for the general public, and a period of ten hours for commercial motor vehicle operators subject to hours-of-service regulations.
Can I park my RV at Walmart in Florida? ›While we do not offer electrical service or accommodations typically necessary for RV customers, Walmart values RV travelers and considers them among our best customers. Consequently, we do permit RV parking on our store parking lots as we are able.
Can you sleep at rest stops in Florida? ›The State of Florida's Welcome Centers, Rest Areas and Turnpike Service Plazas are generally equipped with phones for use by travelers in case of emergency. Overnight camping is not permitted, but visitors may stay for up to three hours.
Can you sleep overnight in an RV at a Walmart parking lot? ›Walmart allows overnight parking as a way to say “thank you” to RVers. In a statement on its website, Walmart says that stores permit overnight RV parking “as we are able.” This varies based on store managers, availability, and local laws.
Can you camp overnight on Florida beaches? ›Some of the best and most popular campgrounds are located at the beach. Most beach campsites are located in the slightly sheltered area behind the sand dunes. Camping right out on the beach near the waves is not usually permitted for safety reasons and to protect wildlife like sea turtles and nesting birds.
Where can I sleep in a tent in Florida? ›
Some popular beach camping destinations in Florida where you can sleep in a tent include Bahia Honda State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, and Sebastian Inlet State Park.
Is it safe to tent camp in Florida? ›In an established campsite, unless you're in a place like the Ocala National Forest that allows random camping except during general gun hunting seasons. To protect yourself, don't camp on the banks of a stream, lake, river, or pond. Alligators do roam at night.
Where can you park overnight in Florida? ›- WALMART. At one time Walmart stores offered at most of their locations an open invitation to RV Camper owners to park at their stores overnight as long as parking was in the uncongested areas of the parking lots (Not in front). ...
- INTERSTATE REST AREAS. ...
- CRACKER BARREL. ...
- TRUCK STOPS. ...
- OTHER PLACES.
Land managed by the BLM is any adventuresome soul's dream. Folks in search of an off-grid experience without the hassle of permits or fees will be thrilled to know that the BLM administers more than 247.3 million acres of public land in the U.S. which constitutes nearly one-eighth of the country's landmass.
Can you camp for free in national forests in Florida? ›Free camping in Florida can be found in its national forests, such as Apalachicola National Forest, Osceola National Forest, and Ocala National Forest. These campsites are usually primitive and dispersed, with no facilities or amenities, so you'll need to come prepared.
Can I park my RV anywhere in Florida? ›The RV must be on land that belongs to or is rented by the owner, or at the very least, one of the tenants. If you're not a Florida resident, you can't park the RV for more than 14 days. RVers must park their vehicles either on the side of a house or at the back.