Explore the Best Child-Friendly Campgrounds & Hotels in Florida

Embarking on a three-week journey through Florida, we discovered a treasure trove of experiences. From renowned attractions like Disney World and Kennedy Space Center to vibrant cities, pristine white beaches, charming islands, and awe-inspiring nature, Florida has it all. If you’re planning a family trip to Florida, consider exploring in a camper. To help you plan, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 child-friendly campgrounds in Florida:

Top 10 Child-Friendly Campgrounds in Florida

1. Key West KOA, Sugarloaf Key*

Upon arrival at this campground, a pirate greets you, setting the tone for a fun-filled stay. We secured a fantastic spot opposite a playground, which was a pirate ship. As soon as we parked our camper, the kids were off exploring. We spent several days here, enjoying beach relaxation, fishing (with gear rented on-site), swimming in the pool, and renting go-karts for the kids. The campground is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Key West. You can either drive your camper (be mindful of parking restrictions) or take the bus, with the bus stop just a 5-minute walk from the campground. Discover more about what you can do with kids on the Florida Keys.

*As of December 2018, Sugarloaf KOA was severely affected by Hurricane Irma and is currently being rebuilt.

2. Kennedy Space Center KOA, Mims

Our first stop after picking up the camper was this delightful campsite. We were fortunate to find a lush, green spot under a large tree. During the day, we visited the Kennedy Space Center. After a day of exploration, the kids enjoyed the playground next to the camper, and we cooled off with a refreshing dip in the pool.

3. Experience the Magic at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground

When it comes to child-friendly campsites in Florida, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground is a real treat! While you can book a hotel when visiting Disney World with kids, it’s far more fun and practical to stay on this Disney campsite when travelling by camper. Although it may be quite expensive, you certainly get a lot in return.

Unforgettable Experiences at the Campground

The first thing you’ll notice upon arrival is the sheer size of the campsite. It’s too large to walk everywhere, but they have two solutions: buses that take you across the whole campsite and golf carts you can rent.

After a long day of driving, your kids can enjoy a campfire singalong with guest appearances from Chip and Dale. After singing songs and meeting the friendly squirrels, they can watch a movie on a big screen while enjoying roasted marshmallows and popcorn under the starry sky. This could be your child’s best night ever.

Activities at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground

While the main reason to stay at this campsite is to visit the Disney Parks, there’s plenty to do if you want to spend a day at the campsite itself. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy:

A magnificent pool with a fun secluded paddling pool
Horseback riding
Dining with entertainment
A lovely playground

Don’t forget the boat taxi to Magic Kingdom, which is not only convenient but also offers a spectacular view at night! You can read all about our Disney World adventure here.

4. Orlando KOA, Kissimmee

If you’re looking to save money while staying near Disney World, Orlando KOA is a highly recommended campground. Located just a 15-minute drive from the parks, it offers numerous facilities for children, including a playground, an inflatable bouncer, and a lovely pool. Our camp spot was luxurious, complete with a wooden swing, table, chairs, and even a BBQ. The Mickey Mouse-shaped lamps added the perfect Disney touch. If you’re seeking a day trip away from the parks, the campground is also close to Makinson Island Park, one of the most beautiful state parks in Florida. Read about our stay at Orlando KOA here.

5. Periwinkle Campground, Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island was a delightful surprise on our trip. Unlike Key West, this island is smaller, quieter, and less crowded with tourists. The centrally located Periwinkle Campground is abundant with greenery and even houses a small zoo. You can spot various water birds in the large pond, parrots in their cages, and even some little monkeys. The campsite is spacious, allowing for activities like bike riding. It’s a great choice if you’re searching for child-friendly campgrounds in Florida!

6. Miami Everglades RV Resort, Miami

Located just a 45-minute drive from Miami, the Miami Everglades RV Resort is a family-friendly campsite with plenty to offer. The resort features:

Various sports fields
A large pool
A playground

The campsite is spacious and well-maintained, providing a clean and comfortable environment for your family. For more fun activities in Miami, check out our guide on what to do in Miami with kids.

7. West Palm Beach KOA, Loxahatchee

Imagine waking up to the sounds of roaring lions and chattering monkeys. At the West Palm Beach KOA in Loxahatchee, Florida, this unique experience can be yours. Situated next to a zoo, guests at the campsite can enjoy discounted zoo admission. Even if you decide to skip the zoo, the campsite itself offers plenty of fun with:

Multiple sports fields
A playground
A pool for a refreshing dip

8. Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park & Campground, Miami

Upon our arrival at this campsite, we were disappointed to find the pool, famous for its rock-made slides, was closed. With temperatures soaring above 35 degrees, we decided to cancel our stay and head to the Miami Everglades RV Resort. It was a missed opportunity as this campsite is renowned for its unique slides that lead into a refreshing pool.

9. Madeira Beach KOA, St. Petersburg

Although we had planned to visit this campsite, a last-minute change in our itinerary meant we couldn’t make it. However, it seems to be an excellent place for kids, offering a pool (complete with bubble bath), mini golf, bike rentals, fishing, and a playground. They also host a variety of fun activities throughout the year, including live music.

10. Clearwater Lake Tarpon KOA, Palm Harbor

Clearwater Lake Tarpon KOA, the final entry on our list of child-friendly campsites in Florida, was another location we had to skip due to our extended stay on Sanibel Island. However, if you’re heading towards Clearwater, this campsite seems highly recommended. It’s located near several beautiful beaches, boasts a lovely pool, and offers bike rentals for exploring the local area.

For more inspiration on Florida campgrounds and RV parks, check out this comprehensive list.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Hotels in Florida

If you prefer the comfort of a hotel over a campground, here are our top 5 child-friendly hotels in Florida:

For more details about these hotels, check out our article on the Top 5 Family-Friendly Hotels in Florida.

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This article “Top 10 Child-Friendly Campgrounds in Florida” is sponsored by KOA.