Camping in comfort: Florida state park cabins (2024)

They are one of the best things about Florida state parks

Florida cabins in state parks will surround you with wildness and beauty. They offer the benefits of camping, but you don’t need camping gear or to experience the discomforts of rain and bugs.

Compared to Airbnb and hotels, Florida state park cabins are a bargain. BUT, and this is a big but, you will have to plan way ahead, travel at less popular times or just get lucky to snag a reservation.

Today, 16 Florida state parks offer cabins you can rent. They range from new, well-equipped cottages that are like modern two-bedroom two-bath homes (like Lake Louisa, near Disney and Orlando) to more rustic cabins (like those Oleta River State Park, where the bathroom is in a separate facility and cooking is over an outdoors grill.)

All are moderately priced, ranging from $55 for the most rustic to $160 for the largest best-equipped ones that are suitable for large families or groups.

The negative: They are so popular it is increasingly difficult to book these cabins. Forget about being spontaneous; you might have to make getting the reservation a weeks-long campaign.

For weekends in the most popular cabins, like Bahia Honda in the Florida Keys, you need to book the cabin the moment reservations become available. At other parks, like Lake Louisa, there are enough cabins (17) with a slightly higher price tag ($120 a night plus tax) so that you sometimes can book a cabin with shorter notice on weekdays or Sunday-Monday “weekends.”

As of May 2023, the rules were changed to give an advantage to Florida residents. Florida residents now get a one-month head start making campground and cabin reservations in Florida State Parks.

The new law allows residents to book sites up to 11 months in advance, while non-residents will have to wait another 30 days. An official Florida drivers license or state-issued ID are required for proof of residency.

Because reserving cabins requires such advance planning, it’s good that the cancellation fees aren’t substantial. I had reserved two nights at Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys one stormy August, but canceled when the forecast was for nonstop rain. I got my money back except a $17.75 cancellation fee and a $6.70 reservation fee. If I had just changed the date, the fee would have been $10.

Tips for renting cabins in Florida state park: Do your research first

Snagging a cabin reservation is the hard part. Even if you look at the very furthest-away available date 11 months out, you will find many cabins are already booked. That’s because on the day 11 months away when a cabin becomes available, someone can reserve that cabin for two weeks. That means the next vacancy doesn’t occur until 11 months and 14 days in the future.

A useful tip: New sites in Florida State Parks reservation system become available daily at 8 a.m.  Any new sites that become available throughout the day due to a cancellation are released back into inventory following the cancellation, according to the Florida State Parks website.

Got a cabin? Great. Know what to bring. Some require you bring bed linens, cooking gear and everything else. Others come with everything from linens to dishwashers to microwaves. Information is on the park reservation website.

I’ve stayed many nights in nearly every Florida State Park that offers cabins and if you plan to cook, count on the cabin having the only minimal supplies. There are usually coffee filters. But bring paper towels, salt and pepper, cooking oil and any gear that isn’t common and basic. (Example: A lasagna pan or tupperware for leftovers.) They do not come with shampoo or soap either.

Know the capacity. There are big cabins — Lake Louisa’s cabins have a queen, a double and two singles, two bathrooms and sleep six quite nicely. And there are smaller ones with limited capacity — some at Topsail Hill in picturesque Santa Rosa Beach, are one-bedroom cabins with a four-person maximum. (Those Topsail cabins are gems, though!)

Know what to expect from the weather. Hontoon Island State Park north of Orlando is lovely. But if you book a January weekend, you may get a cold snap and be staying in an unheated, drafty cabin on a night the temperatures plunge into the 30s. Similarly, mosquitos and no-see-ums can be fierce there in the summer.

Be prepared to live without phones, TVs and wifi. Most cabins lack electronics. In most cases, cell phones work and there is electricity.

Unlike Air BnB and VRBO, you do not pay a (sometimes sizable) fee for housekeeping or a large transaction fee. Visitors pay a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee (per reservation, not per night.) Bahia Honda cabins also have a Monroe County surcharge of $2.50 per night.

As such, state park cabins are a bargain. Two nights at a comparable cabin on vacation rental sites would probably cost you at least $75 a night more.

All state park cabins now require two-night minimums, which reduces the number of people who get access to the cabins. (When you look at a park’s calendar for the cabins, you’ll see a lot of unused single days. In the past, at popular parks, they would be snatched up.)

For reservations at Florida State Park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

There are more photos of state park cabins at this Florida Rambler page.

Florida cabins in state parks in central region

Blue Spring State Park cabins, Orange City

Blue Spring State Park has something special every season of the year, thanks to the stunning spring and its clear water.

There are manatees to view (sometimes hundreds of them) from November to March, and in summer, it is wildly popular for swimming and tubing in the 73-degree water. For two weeks in springs, the woods fill with fireflies at night. (We were lucky enough to have a cabin during firefly season; it was magical!)

Blue Spring also has top-notch cabins. With only six cabins and the park’s popularity, however, snagging a cabin here takes planning and patience.

The two bedroom cabins are secluded from the busy spring and its parking lot by their location in a thick oak hammock. Cabins can accommodate up to six people with two bedrooms (one double bed and two twins) plus a sleeper sofa in the living room. There’s one bathroom. Kitchens have dishwashers and microwaves. The cabins have a screened porch, and an outdoor grill with a picnic table, heating and air conditioning. Price: $95 per night.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story about Blue Spring.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Silver Springs State Park cabins, Ocala.

These cabins are the best I’ve stayed in within Florida parks and I’ve returned to them over and over, bringing friends and family too.

The beauty of these cabins starts with the setting. Each “cabin” – and these are really houses more than cabins – is situated in the woods surrounded only by big trees and vegetation, separated from neighboring cabins.

Out back, there’s a fire ring for campfires and s’mores. The metal roofs and big porches make these structures look like Florida Cracker houses.

The screened porches are massive. You could hold a sit-down luncheon for 40 in the porch if there were tables and chairs. Instead, there is a big picnic table, a few rocking chairs and solitude.

Inside, there are two bedrooms, one with a double bed; one with twins. A sleeper sofa increases capacity to six. The bathroom is designed to work well with multiple guests.

These accommodations would lend themselves to two families or even three couples sharing. (Warning: The mattresses are pretty awful. If you have an air mattress or compact mattress topper, you might consider bringing it and stacking them princess-in-the-pea style.)

There are 10 cabins. Price: $110 per night.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story about Silver Springs State Park, which is great for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and canoeing on the beautiful Silver River.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Lake Louisa State Park, Clermont

The cabins in Lake Louisa are terrific — among the best in Florida state parks. Each of the 17 cabins is located on a hill overlooking Dixie Lake. Each has a huge screen porch, perfect for watching sunsets over the lake.

What is also exceptional is that they have two bathrooms, making them suited for two families or two couples or a gathering. Maximum capacity is six people, using a sofa bedin the living room.Cabins have heat and air conditioning and ceiling fans. (Sadly, the gas fireplaces no longer can be used.)

The cabins are well equipped with the exception of offering absolutely no toiletries. (Bring your own bar of soap, dish lotion and paper towels.)

Be aware: Not a deal-breaker, but the beds aren’t great and the lack of fitted sheets will give you new appreciation for this bedding innovation.

But here’s a plus: Because there are 17 cabins, Lake Louisa is one of the easier of the state parks in which to find a reservation. (With the extra plumbing, these cabins are bit more costly — $120 a night plus tax.)

Here’s a Florida Rambler story on Lake Louisa State Park.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Myakka River State Park, Sarasota

This is one of the oldest state parks and biggest state parks with lots of wildlife and extensive recreational possibilities. Florida state parks have a lot of great cabins, but these CCC-built ones made out of palm-tree trunks, have to be among the most picturesque.

The cabins are set back in the woods, separate from each other and away from the road. They have big stone wood-burning fireplaces. Cabins have heat and air conditioning and bathrooms, but few extras. Bring your own dishes, pots, pans, soap and paper towels. (Basically, pack like your camping except there’s a stove and refrigerator.) We fell in love with these cabins because of their history and charm. Cabins are $70 a night.

We stayed in these cabins before they were severely flooded in Hurricane Ian in 2022. They’ve been refurbished and we’re anxious to stay in them again this fall, when we have reservations.

At this point, very few weekends are available in 2024. Florida residents can book good dates next year, however, in that eleventh month out when out-of-state visitors do not yet have access to reservations.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story on Myakka River State Park.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Florida cabins in state parks in the southeast region

Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key

These cabins on stilts overlook Florida Bay and are equipped with kitchen appliances, utensils, linens plus heat and air conditioning.

These cabins fill up immediately a full 11 months in advance, so if you want to stay here, plan to really work at it.

A ranger from Bahia Honda told me: “You have to vulture the internet. Just keep hitting refresh on that page. We see cancellations and we see them fill up almost immediately.”

Bahia Honda is a spectacular park and are a great base for much to do in the Keys. But these weren’t the coziest or most commodious cabins we’ve stayed in. The Keys is an expensive destination and these cains have the highest rate for high season.

Prices: $120 per night May 1 to Oct. 31; $160 per night Nov. 1 to April 30.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story about Bahia Honda State Park.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound

Dickinson is a large park with hiking, biking, kayaking, swimming and fishing.

It’s a stretch to call these 10 units cabins, actually. They are miniature trailers/modular homes. They are quite small and lack that rustic cabin ambiance, but they do have complete kitchens; small bathrooms, plus heat and air conditioning. Price is $95 a night for up to six people.

We love this park and have stayed here several times to kayak and hike.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story about Jonathan Dickinson State Park.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Oleta River State Park cabins, North Miami Beach

You’d never guess you were in the middle of the city when you take up residence in one of these 14 little cabins, each with covered porch and picnic table. Most cabins are equipped with one double bed, a bunk bed and air conditioning. Linens are not provided and these cabins do not have kitchens or bathrooms within the units. Consequently, they cost less than others: $55 per night, and they are more available than many others.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story about Oleta River State Park.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Florida cabins in state parks in the northwest region

Fanning Springs State Park cabins, Fanning Springs

Located along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail with access to the Suwannee River, hiking trails and a second magnitude spring, two-bedroom cabins have central heating and cooling, an electric fireplace, screened porch and kitchenette. Cabins are equipped with linens and kitchen utensils. Each cabin can accommodate up to six people. Price: $100 per night.

This is small state park that doesn’t get a huge number of visitors. It’s also in an off-the-beaten-track location. But the spring here and at nearby Manatee Springs State Park plus the Suwanee River make it a rewarding destination.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story on Fanning Springs.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Grayton Beach State Park cabins, Santa Rosa Beach

Grayton Beach cabins are nestled in the pine woods only minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico and a mile of sugar-white beaches.

These cabins are different in that the park land on which they are located has a separate entrance for which you require a code. This means they are within walking distance of that exceptional beach and there is nobody else there except those staying in the cabins.

The cabin area was originally to be developed commercially, and the blacktop roads for those streets now winds through beautiful woods where nothing was built; they’re great for walking, running or biking. While staying here, we saw several deer.

The cabins accommodate six people using the sleeper sofa. Grayton Beach State Park offers 30, two-bedroom, one-bath duplex cabins. Each cabin is equipped with a gas fireplace (available November through March), central heating and cooling, kitchen with basic cooking and dining utensils and outdoor grill. The screened-in porches overlook lovely woods. Linens, pillows, blankets and towels are provided.

These cabins are terrific bases for enjoying the popular stretch of Gulf beaches along Highway 30A.

Price: $110 per night Aug. 1 – Jan. 31; $130 per night Feb. 1 – July 31.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story on Grayton Beach Stae Park.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Lafayette Blue Springs State Park cabins, Mayo

Lafayette Springs’ five cabins are expansive two-bedroom houses on stilts set in lovely quiet woods.They’re a short stroll to the Suwanee and the spring but the thick forest is all you see from the wraparound screen porch, which is its most spectacular feature.

Each cabin has an electric fireplace, a full kitchen, one bedroom with a queen bed, and one bedroom with twin beds. It would easily accommodate a family or two couples.

Price: $100 per night.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story on Lafayette Blue Springs State Park.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Suwannee River State Park cabins, Live Oak

Located along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, these cabins are excellent bases for touring springs and paddling the Suwannee River. Each of five oak-shaded cabins accommodates up to six people.

These two bedroom cabins have central heating and cooling, a gas fireplace, screened porch and kitchenette. Cabins are equipped with linens and kitchen utensils. Price: $100 per night.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story on Suwanee River State Park.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park cabins, Port St. Joe

The park has one of Florida’s top rated beaches. Located on the bayside of the park, eight cabins each accommodate up to seven people with a fold-out futon and a day bed on the main floor and two queen-sized beds in the loft. The kitchen is complete with a stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee-maker, basic dishes, cookware, silverware and a dining table. A screened porch with rocking chairs and a picnic table faces St. Joseph Bay. Each cabin has central heat and air, as well as a wood burning fireplace. A grill and shower are located outside each cabin. Linens are provided.

Price: $100 per night.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Three Rivers State Park cabins, Sneads

A single cabin is available: A one bedroom, one bathroom log cabin with air conditioning, heating and a wood-burning fireplace overlooking Lake Seminole. There is a queen size bed in a downstairs bedroom and two smaller beds in the loft. A fully equipped kitchen includes an electric stove, microwave, refrigerator and utensils. Bring linens, pillows, food and fishing gear. Price: $65/night.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story on Three Rivers State Park.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park cabins, Santa Rosa Beach

Topsail Hill has a lot of cabins compared to other state parks – 32. They come in two styles – 16 smaller bungalows and 16 larger cabins.

The bungalows, which sleep four, are smaller, closer together and located in an older forest. The cabins, which sleep six if you use the sleeper sofa, are laid out on a loop that looks like a suburban street with small young trees. Both bungalows and cabins are located in the same area and are served by the same tram stop that takes people to the beach a little more than a half mile away.

The best part of the cabin is a wrap around screen porch with rocking chairs and a picnic table, and, of course, the location in this spectacular park.

A tram runs from the cabins to 3.2 miles of white sandy beaches. Each bungalow is fully furnished and equipped with all appliances, cable TV (unusual for Florida State Parks) and linens. A sleeper sofa in the living area provides additional sleeping accommodations.

Each bungalow has a carport, full kitchen, bathroom, living room and utility room. Cabins accommodate up to six people with two bedrooms and two baths, full kitchen and a living/dining area. Cabin amenities include a screened porch, picnic table and grill. Linens are provided. Price: $100 to $120 per night.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story on Topsail Preserve State Park.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Florida cabins in state parks in northeast region

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park cabins, Keystone Heights

Sixteen cabins overlook Little Lake Johnson. Linens and towels are provided. All cabins have rocking chairs, a picnic table, a ground grill and fully equipped kitchen. Cabins include historic Civilian Conservation Corps cabins, concrete-block cabins and modern cabins. Price, depending on cabin type, is $65 to $100 per night.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park cabins, White Springs

Located along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, each of five riverside cabins accommodate up to six people. These are big, well-equipped cabins with two bedroom, heating and cooling, a gas fireplace, screened porch and kitchenette. They are equipped with linens and kitchen utensils. Price: $100 per night.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story on Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

Cabins closed due to Hurricane Ian

Cayo Costa State Park, off Pine Island

Sadly, these cabins are not likely to reopen.

Staying in the little rustic cabin in Cayo Costa steps from the beach on a wild island was one of my favorite Florida experiences.

Unfortunately, the cabins were wiped off the island by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Ian’s eye came ashore right on Cayo Costa Island.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story about visiting Cayo Costa State Park now.

Hontoon Island State Park cabins, Deland

Hontoon was hit hard by flooding in 2022: The park is open for day use only in 2024. We’ve included information on the cabins from the pre-flood era in case they are reopened.

Located on the St. Johns River, the park is accessible only by boat or the free park ferry, which is not operating in 2024.

Therustic cabins were beautifully situated in a secluded, shady hammock and made a good base for a kayaking or canoe trip on the St. Johns River.These six one-room rustic cabins had bunk beds with vinyl-covered mattresses, a ceiling fan, overhead lighting and one electrical outlet. In addition to a picnic table and ground grill, each cabin has a screened porch with table and chairs. Visitors provide sleeping bags/linens.

There were no restrooms, cooking facilities, or heat and AC units in the cabins. Cabin residents used the same central bath facility as campers and, indeed, these cabins will be most popular with folks who want a camping-like experience with a few comforts. Price: $30 to $35 per night.

Here’s a Florida Rambler story on Hontoon Island.

For reservations at state park cabins, visit thestate park reservation systemor call(800) 326-3521.

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