Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has become an increasingly popular activity in recent years, as more and more people are discovering the joys of gliding across the water while standing on a large, stable board. Florida is a particularly attractive destination for paddleboarders, thanks to its warm weather, clear waters, and abundance of stunning natural scenery.
RV parks have become an important resource for paddleboarders in Florida, providing a convenient and affordable way for paddlers to access some of the best paddleboarding spots in the state. These parks are typically located near bodies of water, making it easy for paddlers to launch paddleboards and start exploring. In addition, many RV parks offer equipment rentals and amenities that are important for paddleboarders, such as showers and storage facilities.
Florida is home to a variety of RV parks that cater to paddleboarders, from the scenic beaches of the Gulf Coast to the tranquil waters of the state’s inland lakes and rivers. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer looking to try something new, there’s an RV park in Florida that’s perfect for your paddleboarding adventure.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 RV parks in Florida for stand-up paddleboarding, highlighting the features and amenities that make each park a great choice for paddlers. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended road trip, these RV parks offer the perfect combination of convenience, affordability, and natural beauty for an unforgettable paddleboarding experience.
Importance of RV Parks for Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
RV parks are important for paddleboarding purposes because they provide a convenient and affordable way for paddlers to access some of the best paddleboarding spots in Florida. Here are some of the reasons why RV parks are important for paddleboarding:
1. Proximity to water
RV parks are typically located in areas that are close to bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and the ocean. This makes it easy for paddlers to launch their paddleboards and start exploring.
2. Equipment rentals
Many RV parks offer equipment rentals, including paddleboards, which is convenient for paddlers who don’t have their own equipment or don’t want to bring it with them on their RV trip.
3. Amenities
RV parks often offer amenities that are important for paddleboarders, such as showers, restrooms, and storage facilities. These amenities make it easier for paddlers to clean up after their paddleboarding session and store their equipment safely.
4. Accessibility
RV parks are often located near popular paddleboarding spots, making it easy for paddlers to access these areas without having to drive long distances or navigate busy traffic.
5. Community
RV parks provide a sense of community for paddlers, as they often attract other like-minded individuals who enjoy outdoor activities like paddleboarding. This can create a supportive and fun atmosphere for paddlers to enjoy.
Overall, RV parks are important for paddleboarding because they provide a convenient and affordable way for paddlers to access some of the best paddleboarding spots in Florida, while also offering amenities, equipment rentals, and a sense of community that makes the experience enjoyable and memorable.
Here is a list of the Top 10 RV Parks in Florida for Stand-up Paddleboarding
1. Jetty Park Campground, Cape
Jetty Park Campground is an excellent choice for stand-up paddleboarding in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Located on a picturesque barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ba-nana River, Jetty Park offers easy access to some of the most stunning and diverse paddleboarding spots in the area.
The calm waters of the Banana River are ideal for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can head out to the Atlantic Ocean to ride the waves. The park also features a boat ramp and a fishing pier, adding to the overall water-based recreational experience.
Jetty Park Campground offers numerous amenities to make your paddleboarding trip comfortable and convenient, including hot showers, laundry facilities, and full hook-ups for RVs. The park also has a well-stocked camp store that offers everything from groceries to camping supplies and souvenirs.
Whether you’re looking to paddleboard, fish, swim, or just soak up the Florida sun, Jetty Park Campground is an excellent choice for your next camping and paddleboarding adventure. With its prime location, beautiful scenery, and top-notch amenities, it’s no wonder that Jetty Park is one of the top RV parks for stand-up paddleboarding in Florida.
2. Bluewater Key RV Resort, Key West
For those seeking stand-up paddleboarding opportunities in Key West, Florida, Bluewater Key RV Resort is an exceptional option. Situated only a short distance from Key West’s center, Bluewater Key allows for effortless access to some of the most picturesque and clear waters ideal for paddleboarding in the Florida Keys.
The resort boasts a private beach area and marina, making it simple for paddleboarders to launch their boards and explore the surrounding waters, which are home to a wealth of marine life such as dolphins, sea turtles, and vibrant tropical fish, making it an appealing location for both novice and experienced paddleboarders.
Bluewater Key RV Resort provides numerous amenities to make your paddleboarding experience enjoyable and convenient, including a heated pool, hot tub, and fitness center. The resort’s beautifully landscaped grounds, tiki hut, and clubhouse also provide an excellent location to relax and socialize with other paddleboarders.
Whether you are looking to enjoy paddleboarding, snorkeling, or simply basking in the Florida sun, Bluewater Key RV Resort is an excellent choice for your next adventure. Its breathtaking location, top-quality amenities, and easy access to some of the finest paddleboarding spots in the Florida Keys make it one of the best RV parks for stand-up paddleboarding in Florida.
3. Fort De Soto Park Campground, St. Petersburg
Fort De Soto Park Campground provides an exceptional option for stand-up paddleboarding in St. Petersburg, Florida. It is situated on the southernmost part of a barrier island, providing convenient access to the tranquil and crystal-clear waters of Tampa Bay, making it an ideal destination for both novice and experienced paddleboarders.
The park offers several launch areas for paddleboards, including a boat ramp and a designated launch spot close to the beach. Paddlers can explore the five interconnected islands within the park, each with its unique natural beauty and a wealth of marine life that call the surrounding waters home.
Fort De Soto Park Campground provides various amenities to ensure a comfortable and hassle-free paddleboarding experience, such as a well-stocked camp store, hot showers, and laundry facilities. Additionally, the park features a range of recreational options, including a playground, dog park, and fishing pier.
Whether you are looking to engage in paddle boarding, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beach, Fort De Soto Park Campground offers a fantastic opportunity for your next paddle boarding adventure. Its stunning location, diverse recreational opportunities, and exceptional amenities make it one of the top RV parks for stand-up paddleboarding in Florida.
4. Anastasia State Park Campground, St. Augustine
Anastasia State Park Campground presents a superb option for stand-up paddleboarding in St. Augustine, Florida. Nestled on an unspoiled barrier island, Anastasia State Park provides convenient access to the tranquil waters of Salt Run, making it an ideal location for novice paddleboarders.
The park boasts a kayak and paddleboard rental facility, enabling visitors to rent the necessary equipment to enjoy a day of water-based activities. Paddlers can explore the park’s diverse natural attractions, including marshes, dunes, and tidal pools, as well as the numerous species of bird and marine life that inhabit the area.
Anastasia State Park Campground offers various amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient paddleboarding experience, such as hot showers, laundry facilities, and full hook-ups for RVs. Moreover, the park features additional recreational activities, such as a playground, nature trail, and beach, enhancing the overall experience.
Whether seeking paddleboarding, hiking, or a day at the beach, Anastasia State Park Campground provides an exceptional choice for your next adventure. With its awe-inspiring location, diverse recreational options, and exceptional amenities, it’s evident that Anastasia State Park stands out as one of the top RV parks for stand-up paddleboarding in Florida.
5. St. George Island State Park Campground, St. George Island
St. George Island State Park Campground in St. George Island, Florida, is a prime location for stand-up paddleboarding. This barrier island park offers easy access to the serene waters of Apalachicola Bay, providing a suitable spot for both beginners and seasoned paddleboarders.
The park has various launch areas for paddleboards, including its sandy beach, giving paddlers the chance to explore the bay and its several islands, such as Dog Island and St. Vincent Island. The area is also a habitat for numerous marine creatures, such as sea turtles, dolphins, and a variety of fish, which makes it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and paddleboarders alike.
The St. George Island State Park Campground offers several amenities, such as hot showers, laundry facilities, and full RV hookups, to ensure visitors have a comfortable and convenient paddleboarding experience. Additionally, the park features a playground, a nature trail, and a fishing pier, adding to the overall recreational experience.
If you’re planning your next paddleboarding adventure, St. George Island State Park Campground is an excellent choice, whether you want to paddleboard, fish, or unwind on the beach. With its breathtaking location, diverse recreational opportunities, and first-class amenities, it’s no surprise that St. George Island State Park is among the best RV parks for stand-up paddleboarding in Florida.
6. Grayton Beach State Park Campground, Santa Rosa Beach
Grayton Beach State Park Campground is a popular camping destination located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The campground is situated within the 2,000-acre Grayton Beach State Park, which boasts pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and natural dune lakes.
Grayton Beach State Park is a great place for paddleboarding. The park is home to several rare coastal dune lakes, which are only found in a few places in the world, and paddleboarding on these calm, freshwater lakes is a popular activity in the park.
In addition to the dune lakes, the park is also located on the Gulf of Mexico, which provides more opportunities for paddleboarding. The park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals, so visitors can easily rent equipment and explore the waters of the park.
Overall, if you enjoy paddleboarding, Grayton Beach State Park is definitely worth a visit. The calm and clear waters of the dune lakes provide a unique paddleboarding experience, while the Gulf of Mexico offers more opportunities for adventure.
7. Bahia Honda State Park Campground, Big Pine Key
Bahia Honda State Park, located on the southern end of Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys, is an ideal destination for stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts. The park’s crystal-clear waters, which are surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, make it a perfect spot for paddleboarding.
Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. However, stand-up paddleboarding is one of the most popular activities among visitors due to the calm and clear waters of the park. The waters are perfect for beginners, while more experienced paddlers can explore the nearby channels and mangrove forests.
The park provides easy access to stand-up paddleboarding equipment through its rental shop and also offers lessons to help beginners get started. In addition, the park organizes guided SUP tours that provide an educational and unique experience by taking visitors through the mangrove forests and channels.
Bahia Honda State Park has a campground that features 80 campsites, some of which come with water and electric hookups. The campsites are conveniently located near the beach and other park amenities, providing easy access to visitors. Overall, with its serene waters, unique ecosystem, and various recreational opportunities, Bahia Honda State Park is a must-visit destination for stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts visiting the Florida Keys.
8. Gulf State Park Campground, Gulf Shores
Gulf State Park Campground is a fantastic camping destination located in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The campground is nestled within the 6,150-acre Gulf State Park, which features two miles of white sandy beaches, freshwater lakes, and a wide range of recreational activities.
Paddleboarding is a popular activity at Gulf State Park, and visitors can rent paddleboards from the park’s rental shop. The park’s freshwater lakes provide a serene and calm setting for paddleboarding, making it ideal for beginners or those who prefer a more relaxed paddleboarding experience.
In addition to paddleboarding, the park offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking. The park has over 28 miles of trails that wind through the park’s diverse ecosystems, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the park’s unique natural beauty.
Gulf State Park Campground has over 400 campsites, including sites with full hook-ups, water and electric hookups, and primitive camping areas. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring, and visitors have access to restrooms and showers.
The campground also features a pool, a nature center, and a camp store where visitors can purchase camping supplies, snacks, and souvenirs. Overall, Gulf State Park Campground is an excellent destination for camping and paddleboarding enthusiasts. The park’s beautiful natural scenery, diverse ecosystems, and wide range of recreational activities make it a must-visit destination.
9. Henderson Beach State Park Campground, Destin
Located in beautiful Destin, Florida, Henderson Beach State Park Campground is an amazing camping destination that stretches along the Gulf of Mexico. With over 6,000 feet of pristine white sand beaches, coastal dune lakes, and natural vegetation, the park is a paradise for nature lovers.
One of the most popular activities at Henderson Beach State Park is stand-up paddleboarding. Visitors can rent paddleboards from the park’s rental shop and enjoy exploring the calm and clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico while taking in the park’s unique natural beauty.
The park also offers a range of other recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking. Visitors can wander along several nature trails that wind through the park’s diverse ecosystems, offering an opportunity to fully appreciate its natural beauty.
Henderson Beach State Park Campground boasts 60 campsites, including those with water and electric hookups, as well as primitive camping areas. Each campsite features a picnic table and a fire ring, with restrooms and showers readily available for visitors.
In addition, the campground also features a playground, a picnic area, and a camp store, which offers a variety of camping supplies, snacks, and souvenirs. Overall, Henderson Beach State Park Campground is an ideal destination for both camping and stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts. Its natural beauty, calm waters, and wide range of recreational activities make it an absolute must-visit for anyone looking to explore the Florida Gulf Coast.
10. Long Key State Park Campground, Long Key
Long Key State Park Campground is a beautiful camping destination located in Long Key, Florida. The park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the unique natural beauty of the Florida Keys and the surrounding waters.
Long Key State Park Campground is an ideal destination for stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts. The waters surrounding the park are calm and clear, providing a perfect setting for paddleboarding. Visitors can rent paddleboards from the park’s rental shop and explore the beautiful natural surroundings of Long Key State Park from a unique perspective. With the park’s diverse ecosystems and the abundance of wildlife that inhabits them, stand-up paddleboarding at Long Key State Park is an experience that is not to be missed.
This park is a great destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the park’s natural wonders, Long Key State Park Campground has something for everyone.
Summary
RV parks have become an essential resource for paddleboarders in Florida, providing easy access to some of the state’s most beautiful and exciting paddleboarding spots. Whether you’re looking to explore the calm waters of a tranquil lake or tackle the waves of the Gulf Coast, these RV parks offer everything you need for an unforgettable paddleboarding adventure. From equipment rentals and amenities to stunning natural scenery and a sense of community, these parks are the perfect basecamp for your next paddleboarding trip. So pack up your board, hit the road in your RV, and get ready to experience the best that Florida has to offer for stand-up paddleboarding.
Happy Paddling!
FAQs
1. What is stand-up paddleboarding?
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a water sport that involves standing on a large board and using a paddle to propel yourself through the water.
2. Why are RV parks important for stand-up paddleboarding?
RV parks offer a convenient and comfortable place for paddleboarders to stay while exploring the waters of Florida. They provide amenities such as easy access to launch sites, shower and laundry facilities, and storage for paddleboards.
3. Can I rent a paddleboard at these RV parks?
Some RV parks offer paddleboard rentals, while others require visitors to bring their own equipment. It’s best to check with the park ahead of time to see what equipment is available.
4. Do I need experience to paddleboard at these RV parks?
No, many of these RV parks offer calm waters that are suitable for novice paddleboarders. However, taking a lesson or having some experience before venturing out on your own is always a good idea.
5. Are these RV parks family-friendly?
Yes, these RV parks offer a range of amenities and activities that are suitable for families, including playgrounds, beaches, and nature trails.
6. What other activities can I do at these RV parks besides paddleboarding?
These RV parks offer a range of activities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking. Some also offer boat rentals, kayaking, and snorkeling.