Making the great outdoors even greater for the people who know it best.
For Florida residents looking to enjoy the great outdoors, a new policy change is offering a significant advantage:
priority access to state park campsites. Starting this month, Florida residents will have exclusive access to book
campsites 30 days in advance of non-residents. This change, part of the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection’s (DEP) ongoing efforts to enhance visitor experience, aims to make it easier for locals to explore their
own state parks without the worry of out-of-state visitors beating them to the punch.
Why This Matters.
Florida is home to some of the country’s most popular state parks, from the lush trails and wildlife of Everglades
National Park to the pristine beaches of Fort Pickens and the historic charm of places like St. Andrews State Park.
Each year, millions of tourists flock to these sites, which, while boosting the local economy, can also make it difficult
for Florida residents to secure a campsite during peak times, especially in the winter months when visitors from
other states flock to Florida to escape colder climates.
The new policy gives Florida residents a leg up, allowing them to reserve spots before out-of-state visitors even have
the chance to book. For those who love camping and outdoor activities but don’t want to compete with the influx of
tourists, this new system is a much-welcomed relief.
How It Works.
Under the new system, Florida residents can make reservations for campsites up to 30 days ahead of the scheduled
date of arrival. Non-residents, by comparison, will only be able to book their campsites starting 30 days before their
arrival, putting locals at the front of the line for prime spots in their favorite parks.
This priority booking system is set to apply to all 175 state parks, including well-known sites like Silver Springs,
Wakulla Springs, and the many coastal parks along Florida’s Gulf Coast. The new policy also applies to the diverse
range of campgrounds across the state—whether you’re looking for rustic, tent-friendly sites or more developed RV
accommodations.
To take advantage of this policy, Florida residents will need to verify their residency when booking. This can be done
by entering a valid Florida driver’s license number or state-issued identification card number when making the
reservation online or over the phone.
A Game Changer for Local Adventurers.
The introduction of priority booking for Florida residents is a game changer for state park enthusiasts. The state
boasts over 800,000 acres of parkland, offering a diverse array of natural settings—from coastal beaches and
wetlands to dense forests and wildlife refuges. Now, residents can secure campsites at the most popular parks with
greater ease, making spontaneous getaways or long weekend trips far less stressful.
In the past, locals found themselves scrambling for reservations at peak times, only to face the frustrating reality that
out-of-state visitors had already filled up campsites long before they had a chance to book. This new policy levels the
playing field and supports the state’s residents in enjoying what’s often touted as one of the most scenic and diverse
natural landscapes in the country.
A Win for Local Economy and Conservation.
In addition to giving Floridians a fair shot at enjoying their local parks, the new policy is also expected to benefit the
state’s tourism and conservation efforts. More bookings by residents mean more revenue for the state parks system,
which reinvests those funds into maintenance, upgrades, and educational programs aimed at preserving the state’s
natural beauty.
By giving residents priority access, Florida aims to create a balance between serving out-of-state visitors and
ensuring that locals have ample opportunity to enjoy the public lands they help fund. As a bonus, local campers are
often more likely to return and become repeat visitors, contributing to the long-term sustainability and health of the
parks system.
Looking Ahead.
With Florida’s state parks offering everything from hiking, fishing, and boating to birdwatching and educational
programs, the new priority booking system is expected to encourage more residents to take advantage of the outdoor
experiences right at their doorstep. Whether it’s a weekend camping trip with family, a solo escape into nature, or a
group retreat, Floridians can now plan their visits with confidence—knowing they’re getting a head start on the
reservation process.
The new policy officially went into effect in early November, so if you’re a Florida resident planning to camp this
winter or spring, now is the time to start booking your next adventure!
By providing locals with the first opportunity to enjoy their state’s natural treasures, Florida is strengthening the
connection between residents and the land they call home—making the great outdoors even greater for the people
who know it best.
