Anastasia State Park expands lodging options with ‘glamping’ cabins
By Noah Hertz / JAXToday
Published on May 4, 2026
Campers looking for something more than a tent have new options at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine: bungalows. They’re the first foray into what the state park’s concessionaire calls its new “glamping” offering.
The first three of the six planned cabins are available now, and concessionaire Cape Leisure says three more cabins — including one with ADA-accessibility — will become available this summer.
The bungalows, which replace several open camping areas at the park, boast amenities that aim to put the “glamour” in the portmanteau “glamping.”
The cabins have:
- Air conditioning and heating
- A microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker
- Electrical outlets
- A dedicated water spigot
The cabins do not include an indoor shower or bathroom. Glampers will have to use the same bathhouse facilities as campers in tents.
The new accommodations come nearly two years after state officials announced a plan to build a 350-room lodge in the environmentally sensitive park.
The office of Gov. Ron DeSantis led the charge to develop state parks across the state, according to the Tampa Bay Times. But after massive protests, the state axed the plan and DeSantis signed a bill that now prevents the construction of lodges and sports facilities on land inside state parks.
Monitoring glamping
Compared to a 350-room lodge, the bungalows operated by Cape Leisure are much smaller. Alexandra Kuchta, communications director for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, says the state will still keep an eye on things for a time.
“Over the coming months, the park will monitor use and visitor demand compared to traditional RV camping,” Kuchta says. “Because the accommodations are located on existing campsites and use current infrastructure, there is no additional environmental impact, and they can be removed or secured as needed during weather events.”
The brightly colored bungalows sleep up to six people and are offered for $150 per night. The cabins slated to open this summer will sleep eight people and cost $169 per night.
If you’re not sold on needing a microwave while you camp, reserving a campsite through Florida State Parks costs around $35.
Siri really bungled my comment, I need to proofread before posting.
That seems to be the least invasive way to open Florida’s natural resources to more people who don’t own campers and do not wish to do primitive o camping. It may also offer a revenue boost to the park for improvement without disturbing what exist there now. I am anll for improving access to state parks without building 350 room luxury hotels, glad that travesty is now outlawed
It’s a shame that even state parks can’t have some undeveloped greenspace, But, no . . . every dollar possible must be squeezed out of some of the precious little remaining natural areas in Florida. Grrrr!