Thanks to Florida’s year-round warm weather and wide range of alternative accommodations that include tree houses, houseboats, and tiny homes, the state is a dream destination for glamping. In fact, glamping has become so popular that the state has added glampsites to 10 state parks, including three tents at Manatee Springs State Park, one of the best places in Florida for manatee sightings. But beyond the state park offerings, which tend to be a tad less glamorous, the state is home to a selection of private glamping resorts.
Here are 7 of the top places to go glamping in Florida.
Coldwater Gardens, Milton
Courtesy of Coldwater Gardens
Coldwater Gardens is an eco-resort north of Pensacola with 385 acres of gardens, orchards, and wetlands set along a creek. Each piece of planted flora is selected to support local and migratory butterflies, so it’s truly a nature lover’s paradise. Fruits and vegetables are grown on-site, and there’s a bee apiary and chicken coop.
For lodging, Coldwater has it all, from luxe climate-controlled cabins, cabanas, and tiny houses to stilted, above-ground canopy cottages and a modern tree house. An above-ground stargazer platform for tent campers rounds out the offerings.
Live Oak Landing, Freeport
Courtesy of Live Oak Landing
Live Oak Landing is the ultimate Gulf Coast getaway. It’s set on a creek, just a short drive from a renowned string of Emerald Coast beaches. There’s an outdoor pool, a playground, and boat rentals for visitors who want to get out on the water. While technically an RV resort, Live Oak Landing has over 30 glamping cottages, most of which are set right on the water. Each cottage is fully furnished with a kitchen (or kitchenette in the smaller units), linens, and an outdoor fire ring. The one-bedroom cottages also have a private bathroom plus a washer and dryer.
Related: 20 Best Beaches in Florida
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, River Ranch
Courtesy of Westgate River Ranch
At first glance, the Westgate River Ranch looks like something you’d find in Wyoming, but this proud Florida dude ranch promises a “not-so-touristy adventure experience” with safari tents set beneath an oak tree canopy, cottages and cabins, and a lineup of covered wagons.
The popular glamping property is set on one of the few untouched pieces of Florida wilderness. It boasts endless outdoor fun — including a ropes course, a zip line, and a rock climbing wall. A mechanical bull, horseback riding, and a petting farm bring a taste of the West — complemented by a weekly rodeo with bull riding, calf roping, and barrel racing in a 1,200-seat arena.
Island Oaks RV Resort, Glen St. Mary
It’s all about the water at Island Oaks RV Resort in Glen St. Mary. There are plenty of lakes, ponds, and pools for cooling off, as well as mini golf, sports courts, and a fitness center. As its name suggests, there are many RV sites at this resort, but glampers will want to turn their attention to the tiny house rentals, which are clean and modern with covered terraces, outdoor picnic tables, and fire rings.
It’s worth noting that Island Oaks was one of the top trending private campgrounds in a 2023 report by Campspot, a booking engine for glampsites.
The Crystalmarine Houseboat Suite, Key West
Courtesy of Airbnb
Spend a night out at sea in what is arguably the most romantic suite in all of Florida. This houseboat is anchored around five minutes from shore, providing complete privacy. And while you may be sleeping on a boat, luxury abounds in The Crystalmarine Suite. The main room has floor-to-ceiling windows providing endless ocean views, and the glampspot has a kitchenette and a full en-suite bath with a rainfall shower. There’s a sandbar and a tiny island nearby, and a kayak, hammocks, and snorkel gear are provided.
Related: T+L’s Guide to the Florida Keys
Blue Ocean Yacht Charters, Key West
Boat camping isn’t the most obvious form of glamping, but it’s a must-try in Florida, the land of clear water and sandy shores. Pretend, even just for a night, that you live aboard a yacht that’s anchored in the Caribbean. The folks at Blue Ocean Yacht Charters rent their boats out overnight, so you can “camp” on the water. The views — both of the night sky above and the surrounding sea — are impossible to replicate on land.
Treehouse Cabin Retreat, Old Town
Courtesy of HipCamp
This tiny property has just two offerings — a tree house and a cabin — yet it is a favorite on the Hipcamp booking site with a 98 percent approval rating from past guests. The property is located a few minutes from the Suwannee River with freshwater springs that are perfect for swimming and paddling. The property boasts an outdoor shower, a campfire ring, and a hammock that’s positioned for stargazing.