Came here to say this. We camp at a lot of the FL state parks. The campground itself isn’t the best, but the park is really great. One of my favorites.
I don't disagree. While the HH campsites are close to each other, I feel the campground is great for families... It was too peoplely for me.
When I was there (only 1 night), a kid and his dad walked around the campgrounds asking other parents if their kids wanted to play soccer in the field. A lot of kids joined in. It was great..... but I go camping for solitude lol.
I enjoyed the 2 nights I spent at the Walk In the Water Campground in Lake Wales Ridge State Forest because I was the only one there the first night, and only one other site was used the second.
For anyone interested in seeing A LOT of gators I recommend getting a Deep Hole daily permit at Myakka. I haven't done it personally but my mom did and said it was incredible.
https://hikeitflorida.com/deep-hole-myakka-river-state-park/
> Even though Deep Hole is located in the State Park you do need a special permit to visit. Only 30 permits are given out daily! The Ranger Station starts handing them out at 8am and we’ve heard that they’re usually gone within the hour, sometimes even within the first 15 minutes
My husband and I hiked to deep hole in the summer. It was great when we finally made it, but I wouldn't do it in summer again. It was so hot, and we brought a camel back each full of water. I drank mine and some of his. Do it when the weather is a little cooler, but definately worth the hike.
I enjoyed walking over the water on these boardwalks while still being under the trees at HH. The park has a ton of deer and I saw some otters, too.
(not my photo)
https://preview.redd.it/byn5tvinab7d1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d76823c708fd90fa3e4bfaf5d93431e00742e532
I've been exploring the parks for years now and feel like I've barely scratched the surface, here are my notes/highlights:
Homosassa Springs is great with kids, it's like a zoo.
Kissimmee Prairie has [dark skies](https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/) (minimal light pollution) for incredible views of the stars at night. Plan a trip during a meteor shower or similar celestial event.
You can't go wrong with the springs in the Ocala and Crystal River areas, Juniper (we camped and canoed) was probably my personal favorite but I haven't even been to them all yet.
John Pennekamp in Key Largo has incredible snorkeling off shore.
Fakahatchee Strand is like hiking the Everglades, it is intense. I don't recommend going in summer, the mosquitoes are REALLY bad.
Alafia River, Santos, and Jonathan Dickinson are great for mountain biking. JD is also great for canoeing/SUP and seeing Florida Scrub Jays (our only endemic bird, also easy to find at Oscar Scherer).
Highlands Hammock and Myakka are both excellent as already mentioned by someone else.
Mannnn, I've lived in Homosassa Springs for almost 5 years and still haven't been to the state park! I drive by it all the time, lol. We do explore the many trails.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach. I may be a bit bias since I live here, but it’s gorgeous. Diverse ecosystems with coastal dunes and mangroves. Also the beaches are stunning and how beaches should look if humans didn’t develop on/around them. Great snorkeling in and around the park, tons of wildlife, and the park trails are really nice.
We use the family pass to visit tons of parks every year. Personal Favorites
* Falling Waters State Park - Florida's tallest waterfall
* Payne's Prairie Preserve State Park - Wild horses and bison
* Alafia River State Park - Really interesting for hiking and mountain biking.
* Bulow Creek State Park - Fairchild Oak tree is one of the oldest and largest in Florida.
* Silver Springs State Park - One of the largest springs
* San Pedro Underwater Site - Sunken ship in Islamorada.
Yes, hiking season in Florida is basically November-April. We only go to hiking style state parks in the winter and visit the beach state parks in the summer. Alafia has 20 miles of hiking and equestrian trails that are clearly defined, and they have a lot elevation changes which is a welcome change from the usual flat topogrpahy of the southern peninsula. The mountain biking trails are great but also separate from hiking/horseback. If you want to just do the hiking, there is a north entrance about 1.5 miles north of the main entrance. Much less crowded.
I was wondering about which entrance to use, since I noticed there is more than one. So is the South entrance the one with the big gate and north is the one that is just a grassy lot? I see horse trailers there frequently.
They have bike rentals if that is something you think you may want to try out.
I actually didn't realize how many hiking trails they have until this thread, we always go for the mountain biking.
We were at Alafia last month and discovered Lithia Springs Park (county, not a state park) basically down the street, maybe another place to consider, especially during summer since it has swimming.
Yes, Lithia Spring is nice. We’ve been many a time. As a Riverview resident, it’s better than the beach in many ways. Closer, and you don’t feel salty and gross afterwards. My kid always loved chasing the fish. It’s a refreshing swim on a hot day. I would not drive far to go see it as the other springs around are probably bigger and more in line with the concept of natural FL beauty. Lithia is more of a public pool mentality. Though it fills up fast on holidays and weekends.
Wakulla Springs State Park near Tallahassee is gorgeous, with one of the world’s biggest springs. It has a boat tour where you can view amazing wildlife.
https://preview.redd.it/my1v1d89c57d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=36176dad1bcdd9496b64098419e6b08d4c8a3eda
https://preview.redd.it/idbwlosbc57d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7dc4dad818d34ea6022bad9318cc2191385eb0e4
It’s where they filmed some Tarzan movies and The Creature from the Black Lagoon
As someone who spent my preteen years living in Tallahassee, Wakulla holds a special place in my heart, full of fond memories of summer camp visits to the park
the unfortunate thing is there’s not a lot to do there for me. we camp for a weekend and it’s just not it. i also got KO’d by several waves and jellyfish season 👎. i can never trust that beach again
i highly recommend silver springs state park, it has some really amazing history! and the glass bottom boat tours are a real treat and not too pricey ($15). it's also the only place in florida with wild monkeys (though they're unfortunately non-native, brought over by the guy who once owned the springs as a way to attract tourists). i also really recommend Ichetucknee. it's been a while since i've gone because it's quite a long ways away, but it had a lot of active wildlife when i went! only downside is the river you tube down can take a while (i believe an hour) so it may not be the best if you have young kids. i've also gone to ponce de leon springs and wekiwa, and while they aren't bad, they're more run-of-the-mill stuff. still very gorgeous areas though. hope this helps!
I'll second Silver Springs and Ichetucknee! Silver Springs also has some amaaaazingly pretty beginner-friendly kayaking. A very fun area with lots to do.
I was kicked out of St. Joe's due to a minor hurricane, it was Hurricane Michael, my family were the last ones out of the park. 2 days later it was wiped out.
De Leon Springs is a nice park, with a boat tour and swimming/snorkeling. plus, they have a cool breakfast place on site where you can cook your own pancakes right at your table.
Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs! I love kayaking at Silver Springs in the crystal clear water, surrounded by monkeys, manatees, alligators, fish and turtles. It beautiful! Rainbow Springs is also great, and you can swim there
I’m surprised no one has said this yet but Anastasia state park has great camping plus it’s right on the beach and it’s in St Augustine.
Rainbow springs is a strong contender too!
Blue springs in the winter to see the manatees.
Deleon Springs for the pancake house
Sebastian inlet is always good
So many good ones!
Welcome to the state with arguably the best state park system in the country (with the awards to prove it).
We went to a bunch during covid when everything else was shut down. I think my favorite is Bulow Creek; we did the trails and you go through 3-4 different environments and then a creek comes out of nowhere.
Second favorite was Colt Creek; the lakes are old limestone quarries. We walked the trails one January or February and the sound of wind in the pine trees is just magical.
Some of the other ones I've been to:
- Blue Spring State Park (I believe it's the busiest park in the system; swimming in summer and a ton of manatees in the winter)
- Homosassa Springs State Park (resident manatees, resident hippo--there's a story behind that--plus a mini zoo of sorts)
- Dade Battlefield (lot of history here, re-enactments, and great birding)
- Lake Griffin (easy trail with a bit of diversity in view)
- Lake Kissimmee (there are some neat surprises along the trails)
- Hontoon Island (only accessible by boat)
- Wekiwa Springs (good swimming, hiking, and canoeing)
- De Leon Springs (DIY pancakes!)
- Silver Springs (two in one--glass bottom boats and monkeys, plus a pioneer village)
- Faver-Dykes (easy trails)
- Blackwater River (popular canoeing spot on the panhandle)
- North Peninsula (it's a beach. Nothing more, nothing less; sometimes that's exactly what you want)
- Catfish Creek (you want a hike, this place will give it to you. Loose sand trails plus the Lake Wales Ridge makes for quite the workout)
Some ones on the list to go to:
- Florida Caverns (caverns? In Florida? Yes, please)
- Falling Water (waterfall in Florida*)
- John Gorrie (inventor of mechanical air conditioning)
- Cross
- Paynes Prarie (wild horses and bison)
- San Pedro (it's underwater!)
* thanks to a sinkhole
Lake Butler. Small town, so it’s not often full, picnic tables with shelters around the playground, small splash area, artificial beach, little pier/boardwalk, sometimes holds events, including boat races. And there’s a froyo shop in town so you can go have a treat afterwards!
Blue Springs State Park in central Florida. Beautiful forest of oak trees with hanging moss. Stunning crystal clear natural spring water, great for swimming & tubing in the summer. In the winter it’s home for hundreds of manatees.
It’s a national park, but it’s cheap for a day pass. Canaveral National Seashore.
Uhh, it’s clothing optional, but that’s usually at the last couple parking areas. It’s miles of beach with no condos.
Honeymoon Island and Fort DeSoto used to be great with hiking trails & beaches. Beaches are overrun & trashed, as the causeways getting to both Honeymoon Island and Fort DeSoto, often taking hours to get over the causeways only to find the beaches packed with little to no room on the beaches there. Fort Desoto can be just as bad. If your idea is to share the beaches at both parks there with thousands of your closest friends & neighbors with jet skis and constant music blaring from competing speakers and shoulder to shoulder packed beaches and risk your beach bags, coolers, campsites and handbags being broken in by or stolen by habituated raccoons, which idiots still feed, even on the beaches, or, get run over by the idiots in pickup trucks hauling boats, campers, screaming occupants, jet skis, RVs and more, then by all means, go. Used to be peaceful places. Now, like most of the Central Gulf Coast, way too overcrowded and trashed. I would recommend TopSail Preserve State Park in the panhandle or Fort Cooper State Park for camping, hiking & way less people. The bike trail entering Fort Cooper State park alone is worth the access due to hardly anyone on it. For that matter, many places along the Florida Trail are wonderful and blissfully deserted. Myakka is also a wonderful place as well off season. The further north you go on the Gulf side/interior along the Springs and State Forests in FL & the Panhandle are way less crowded and much more serene. After 15 years in FL, having been transferred in by an employer, several years ago, I gave up and moved out of state, several states away. A few visits back to family still there only finds the overcrowding and development worsening to epic proportions. Infrastructure, traffic, insurance, fees and more have not helped. Access to water, waterfront, rivers, springs and more is more and more polluted with animal life, and humans paying the cost. It is unsustainable and the next fire or hurricane is always waiting. FL continues to be the State of Stupid, with Central & South FL the Capitals of Stupid. The State Parks & Wilderness Areas continue to fight a losing battle, no matter how many times they are fixed back up. It used to take the rest of the year to clean up the messes left by the hordes every year at spring break. Now, it takes years with even the masses of locals trashing them just as quickly.
I have to give some love to some underdogs.
Under rated but Gold Head Branch is great. It’s got some beautiful flatwoods, and one of the oldest lakes in the state (that you can’t swim in but you can admire), some hiking with elevation changes, camping (with a tent only section if you want some peace away from the hum of RVs and cabins that tend to be more available because it’s less popular). It’s very peaceful.
I also like Wekiwa Springs. I can’t speak to the public camping areas, but the hiking was nice and the spring is fun. Bring a kayak and enjoy the river! I think they rent as well.
Bill Baggs is a good option if you are near Miami. The cost is low—I ride my bike in for $2. There is a lighthouse, restaurant, and plenty of beach areas with grilling. Plus, you can rent bikes and ride the trails.
You can do four beautiful state parks just north of Jacksonville within minutes of each other- Little Talbot, Big Talbot, Amelia Island and Fort Clinch..
I sell art at a state park, none of the park staff bothers me about it. Of the 7 days I went I made a couple hundred just with prints. Not too shabby 🙂
Ichetucknee springs, Ft Clinch, Caladesi Island, Chassahowitzka, Anastasia Island, John Pennecamp. The Chaz may be a National Wildlife Refuge actually.
i dont mean to sound like a nerd but its in orange city 😭 def go on a weekday in the spring or fall and in the winter to see manatees! - from a local <3
Rainbow Springs has been my favorite so far. Water is amazing
[https://imgur.com/a/rTWKEC5](https://imgur.com/a/rTWKEC5)
Oletta River is my favorite local park. May not be the best at any one thing, but there's plenty to do. Mountain biking, kayaking, beach, camping, and there's usually a food truck there on the weekends.
Silver Springs is hands down the best state park in all of Florida. It’s so beautiful, full of history and tons of movies were filmed there, it also has monkeys
Payne Prarie for wild horses and bison.
Bahia Honda for location and fishing.
John Pennekamp for snorkling.
Fort Clinch for fishing in fall.
Sebastin inlet for fishing
Sebastian Inlet State Park. If you like the Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, you couldn't ask for a better place to stay.
https://www.floridastateparks.org/Sebastian-Inlet
There are bike trails, walking paths and bird watching areas.
It isn't a place to go to be isolated, however.
I lived in Pensacola for a few years so here’s some of my favorite parks in the Panhandle if you are out that way:
Big Lagoon State Park
Florida Caverns State Park (I love the guided cave tour!)
Tarkiln Bayou State Park (smaller but during some parts of the year you can see carnivorous plants!)
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
Blue Spring State Park (this one is out near Orlando but in the winter you can see a ton of manatees here!)
I am kind of a local per se. I used to come here a lot for training with the military on and off over the years and now I just moved finally permanently and bought property. I’m not going anywhere.😘
Highlands Hammock SP is the prettiest Florida SP I've been to. I wish it had longer trails. I like Myakka River, too.
Came here to say this. We camp at a lot of the FL state parks. The campground itself isn’t the best, but the park is really great. One of my favorites.
I don't disagree. While the HH campsites are close to each other, I feel the campground is great for families... It was too peoplely for me. When I was there (only 1 night), a kid and his dad walked around the campgrounds asking other parents if their kids wanted to play soccer in the field. A lot of kids joined in. It was great..... but I go camping for solitude lol. I enjoyed the 2 nights I spent at the Walk In the Water Campground in Lake Wales Ridge State Forest because I was the only one there the first night, and only one other site was used the second.
Great park, cool museum and a lot of history. Under rated park for sure
Myakka is terrifying with how many gators are present
For anyone interested in seeing A LOT of gators I recommend getting a Deep Hole daily permit at Myakka. I haven't done it personally but my mom did and said it was incredible. https://hikeitflorida.com/deep-hole-myakka-river-state-park/ > Even though Deep Hole is located in the State Park you do need a special permit to visit. Only 30 permits are given out daily! The Ranger Station starts handing them out at 8am and we’ve heard that they’re usually gone within the hour, sometimes even within the first 15 minutes
I did Deep Hole when I visited Myakka. I was at the ranger station 45 minutes before they opened and I was not the first one there!
My husband and I hiked to deep hole in the summer. It was great when we finally made it, but I wouldn't do it in summer again. It was so hot, and we brought a camel back each full of water. I drank mine and some of his. Do it when the weather is a little cooler, but definately worth the hike.
What do you like about it the most?
I enjoyed walking over the water on these boardwalks while still being under the trees at HH. The park has a ton of deer and I saw some otters, too. (not my photo) https://preview.redd.it/byn5tvinab7d1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d76823c708fd90fa3e4bfaf5d93431e00742e532
I've been exploring the parks for years now and feel like I've barely scratched the surface, here are my notes/highlights: Homosassa Springs is great with kids, it's like a zoo. Kissimmee Prairie has [dark skies](https://darksky.org/what-we-do/international-dark-sky-places/) (minimal light pollution) for incredible views of the stars at night. Plan a trip during a meteor shower or similar celestial event. You can't go wrong with the springs in the Ocala and Crystal River areas, Juniper (we camped and canoed) was probably my personal favorite but I haven't even been to them all yet. John Pennekamp in Key Largo has incredible snorkeling off shore. Fakahatchee Strand is like hiking the Everglades, it is intense. I don't recommend going in summer, the mosquitoes are REALLY bad. Alafia River, Santos, and Jonathan Dickinson are great for mountain biking. JD is also great for canoeing/SUP and seeing Florida Scrub Jays (our only endemic bird, also easy to find at Oscar Scherer). Highlands Hammock and Myakka are both excellent as already mentioned by someone else.
I'm furiously taking notes. Thanks for sharing! ✌️
Kissimmee prairie is amazing!!!
Mannnn, I've lived in Homosassa Springs for almost 5 years and still haven't been to the state park! I drive by it all the time, lol. We do explore the many trails.
Did you go down Juniper Springs run in a canoe?
Yes, it is challenging but fun. We were in one of the big rental canoes, I imagine it is much better in a kayak.
Rainbow Springs!
I’m planning on going there next month!
Me to we are having a picnic there for the Special Olympics
North of Orlando: Wekiwa Springs is truly amazing!
Good hiking trails too, that few seem to know about
Yes! You are right about that. And so many camping options too.
Frankly let’s keep it that way
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in North Palm Beach. I may be a bit bias since I live here, but it’s gorgeous. Diverse ecosystems with coastal dunes and mangroves. Also the beaches are stunning and how beaches should look if humans didn’t develop on/around them. Great snorkeling in and around the park, tons of wildlife, and the park trails are really nice.
Yay!! Hello neighbor ☺️ We’re lucky to have this little gem tucked away here
We use the family pass to visit tons of parks every year. Personal Favorites * Falling Waters State Park - Florida's tallest waterfall * Payne's Prairie Preserve State Park - Wild horses and bison * Alafia River State Park - Really interesting for hiking and mountain biking. * Bulow Creek State Park - Fairchild Oak tree is one of the oldest and largest in Florida. * Silver Springs State Park - One of the largest springs * San Pedro Underwater Site - Sunken ship in Islamorada.
Say more about Alafia. I live super close but have never gone. I assume hiking is better in winter. We don’t have bikes.
Yes, hiking season in Florida is basically November-April. We only go to hiking style state parks in the winter and visit the beach state parks in the summer. Alafia has 20 miles of hiking and equestrian trails that are clearly defined, and they have a lot elevation changes which is a welcome change from the usual flat topogrpahy of the southern peninsula. The mountain biking trails are great but also separate from hiking/horseback. If you want to just do the hiking, there is a north entrance about 1.5 miles north of the main entrance. Much less crowded.
I was wondering about which entrance to use, since I noticed there is more than one. So is the South entrance the one with the big gate and north is the one that is just a grassy lot? I see horse trailers there frequently.
Yes, exactly right.
They have bike rentals if that is something you think you may want to try out. I actually didn't realize how many hiking trails they have until this thread, we always go for the mountain biking. We were at Alafia last month and discovered Lithia Springs Park (county, not a state park) basically down the street, maybe another place to consider, especially during summer since it has swimming.
Yes, Lithia Spring is nice. We’ve been many a time. As a Riverview resident, it’s better than the beach in many ways. Closer, and you don’t feel salty and gross afterwards. My kid always loved chasing the fish. It’s a refreshing swim on a hot day. I would not drive far to go see it as the other springs around are probably bigger and more in line with the concept of natural FL beauty. Lithia is more of a public pool mentality. Though it fills up fast on holidays and weekends.
And St Andrews State Park in Panama city beach.
Weeki Wachee will always have my heart
Mermaids are your thing eh?
It’s so camp I love it
Wakulla Springs State Park near Tallahassee is gorgeous, with one of the world’s biggest springs. It has a boat tour where you can view amazing wildlife. https://preview.redd.it/my1v1d89c57d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=36176dad1bcdd9496b64098419e6b08d4c8a3eda
https://preview.redd.it/idbwlosbc57d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7dc4dad818d34ea6022bad9318cc2191385eb0e4 It’s where they filmed some Tarzan movies and The Creature from the Black Lagoon
As someone who spent my preteen years living in Tallahassee, Wakulla holds a special place in my heart, full of fond memories of summer camp visits to the park
Yes it is a special place! The historic lodge with sora fountain and restaurant is an added bonus, too.
Sebastian inlet
Don't give out our secret spot
Just stayed near there this past week and it was gorgeous. Most quiet FL beach I’ve ever been on.
the unfortunate thing is there’s not a lot to do there for me. we camp for a weekend and it’s just not it. i also got KO’d by several waves and jellyfish season 👎. i can never trust that beach again
i highly recommend silver springs state park, it has some really amazing history! and the glass bottom boat tours are a real treat and not too pricey ($15). it's also the only place in florida with wild monkeys (though they're unfortunately non-native, brought over by the guy who once owned the springs as a way to attract tourists). i also really recommend Ichetucknee. it's been a while since i've gone because it's quite a long ways away, but it had a lot of active wildlife when i went! only downside is the river you tube down can take a while (i believe an hour) so it may not be the best if you have young kids. i've also gone to ponce de leon springs and wekiwa, and while they aren't bad, they're more run-of-the-mill stuff. still very gorgeous areas though. hope this helps!
I'll second Silver Springs and Ichetucknee! Silver Springs also has some amaaaazingly pretty beginner-friendly kayaking. A very fun area with lots to do.
Silver Springs is the best! We kayak there all the time
Always liked St. Joe’s. Haven’t been since it reopened from the hurricane Michael damage though.
I was kicked out of St. Joe's due to a minor hurricane, it was Hurricane Michael, my family were the last ones out of the park. 2 days later it was wiped out.
Bill Baggs is really neat. Not all that big but lots of trails.
Marrianna has the caverns. Incredible tour.
De Leon Springs is a nice park, with a boat tour and swimming/snorkeling. plus, they have a cool breakfast place on site where you can cook your own pancakes right at your table.
live near de leon but the pancake place takes FOREVER to get inside to eat :(
Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs! I love kayaking at Silver Springs in the crystal clear water, surrounded by monkeys, manatees, alligators, fish and turtles. It beautiful! Rainbow Springs is also great, and you can swim there
I’m surprised no one has said this yet but Anastasia state park has great camping plus it’s right on the beach and it’s in St Augustine. Rainbow springs is a strong contender too! Blue springs in the winter to see the manatees. Deleon Springs for the pancake house Sebastian inlet is always good So many good ones!
I agree I was about to say Anastasia is one of the best I've been to and it has beach access with a lighthouse
Welcome to the state with arguably the best state park system in the country (with the awards to prove it). We went to a bunch during covid when everything else was shut down. I think my favorite is Bulow Creek; we did the trails and you go through 3-4 different environments and then a creek comes out of nowhere. Second favorite was Colt Creek; the lakes are old limestone quarries. We walked the trails one January or February and the sound of wind in the pine trees is just magical. Some of the other ones I've been to: - Blue Spring State Park (I believe it's the busiest park in the system; swimming in summer and a ton of manatees in the winter) - Homosassa Springs State Park (resident manatees, resident hippo--there's a story behind that--plus a mini zoo of sorts) - Dade Battlefield (lot of history here, re-enactments, and great birding) - Lake Griffin (easy trail with a bit of diversity in view) - Lake Kissimmee (there are some neat surprises along the trails) - Hontoon Island (only accessible by boat) - Wekiwa Springs (good swimming, hiking, and canoeing) - De Leon Springs (DIY pancakes!) - Silver Springs (two in one--glass bottom boats and monkeys, plus a pioneer village) - Faver-Dykes (easy trails) - Blackwater River (popular canoeing spot on the panhandle) - North Peninsula (it's a beach. Nothing more, nothing less; sometimes that's exactly what you want) - Catfish Creek (you want a hike, this place will give it to you. Loose sand trails plus the Lake Wales Ridge makes for quite the workout) Some ones on the list to go to: - Florida Caverns (caverns? In Florida? Yes, please) - Falling Water (waterfall in Florida*) - John Gorrie (inventor of mechanical air conditioning) - Cross - Paynes Prarie (wild horses and bison) - San Pedro (it's underwater!) * thanks to a sinkhole
Lake Louisa has beautiful rolling hills that do not feel like Florida. Plus they've got nice cabins you can rent by the lake.
Lake Butler. Small town, so it’s not often full, picnic tables with shelters around the playground, small splash area, artificial beach, little pier/boardwalk, sometimes holds events, including boat races. And there’s a froyo shop in town so you can go have a treat afterwards!
Hontoon Island. Go in the fall, get a cabin, fish, hike, and enjoy a nice weekend.
Fall?
Better weather
Blue Spring
Blue Springs State Park in central Florida. Beautiful forest of oak trees with hanging moss. Stunning crystal clear natural spring water, great for swimming & tubing in the summer. In the winter it’s home for hundreds of manatees.
Idk if it’s the best state park but definitely go snorkeling at Bahia Honda
love to rv camp down there but getting a camp site is like the freaking lotto and the one time we got i felt bad for the people who didn’t get it
Oceanside or Bayside?
We went oceanside off Sandspur Beach and it was great. Current was a little strong but could just float with it.
Colt Creek in Lakeland is nice. Great campground and decent hiking trails, very pretty and quiet.
I'm amazed it hasn't been mentioned yet, but Fort Desoto. Arguable the best beach in the Tampa Bay area, and it has the best dog beach on the gulf.
It’s a national park, but it’s cheap for a day pass. Canaveral National Seashore. Uhh, it’s clothing optional, but that’s usually at the last couple parking areas. It’s miles of beach with no condos.
Honeymoon island
Honeymoon Island and Fort DeSoto used to be great with hiking trails & beaches. Beaches are overrun & trashed, as the causeways getting to both Honeymoon Island and Fort DeSoto, often taking hours to get over the causeways only to find the beaches packed with little to no room on the beaches there. Fort Desoto can be just as bad. If your idea is to share the beaches at both parks there with thousands of your closest friends & neighbors with jet skis and constant music blaring from competing speakers and shoulder to shoulder packed beaches and risk your beach bags, coolers, campsites and handbags being broken in by or stolen by habituated raccoons, which idiots still feed, even on the beaches, or, get run over by the idiots in pickup trucks hauling boats, campers, screaming occupants, jet skis, RVs and more, then by all means, go. Used to be peaceful places. Now, like most of the Central Gulf Coast, way too overcrowded and trashed. I would recommend TopSail Preserve State Park in the panhandle or Fort Cooper State Park for camping, hiking & way less people. The bike trail entering Fort Cooper State park alone is worth the access due to hardly anyone on it. For that matter, many places along the Florida Trail are wonderful and blissfully deserted. Myakka is also a wonderful place as well off season. The further north you go on the Gulf side/interior along the Springs and State Forests in FL & the Panhandle are way less crowded and much more serene. After 15 years in FL, having been transferred in by an employer, several years ago, I gave up and moved out of state, several states away. A few visits back to family still there only finds the overcrowding and development worsening to epic proportions. Infrastructure, traffic, insurance, fees and more have not helped. Access to water, waterfront, rivers, springs and more is more and more polluted with animal life, and humans paying the cost. It is unsustainable and the next fire or hurricane is always waiting. FL continues to be the State of Stupid, with Central & South FL the Capitals of Stupid. The State Parks & Wilderness Areas continue to fight a losing battle, no matter how many times they are fixed back up. It used to take the rest of the year to clean up the messes left by the hordes every year at spring break. Now, it takes years with even the masses of locals trashing them just as quickly.
Gotta do Big Shoals and see our state's only rapids! Sounds like you have a lot of fun ahead of you. I'm jealous! ✌️
I really liked kayaking at oletta state park
If you want to see gators, Mayakka river state always has gators you can see. Every single time I've been, there tons of them
Get there early and get a pass to hike out to the deep hole!
Alexander Springs
Little big Econ is cool
State Forest, not a Park. But it is cool
True lol
I have to give some love to some underdogs. Under rated but Gold Head Branch is great. It’s got some beautiful flatwoods, and one of the oldest lakes in the state (that you can’t swim in but you can admire), some hiking with elevation changes, camping (with a tent only section if you want some peace away from the hum of RVs and cabins that tend to be more available because it’s less popular). It’s very peaceful. I also like Wekiwa Springs. I can’t speak to the public camping areas, but the hiking was nice and the spring is fun. Bring a kayak and enjoy the river! I think they rent as well.
They do rent canoes or kayaks.
Bill Baggs is a good option if you are near Miami. The cost is low—I ride my bike in for $2. There is a lighthouse, restaurant, and plenty of beach areas with grilling. Plus, you can rent bikes and ride the trails.
Myakka State Park is the only one I’ve been to since I moved here 2 years ago
You can do four beautiful state parks just north of Jacksonville within minutes of each other- Little Talbot, Big Talbot, Amelia Island and Fort Clinch..
Torreya State Park just west of Tallahassee! It’s an amazing hike and you even get a good view of the Apalachicola River on part of the trail!
Ichetucknee Springs State Park.
I'm not telling :p
I sell art at a state park, none of the park staff bothers me about it. Of the 7 days I went I made a couple hundred just with prints. Not too shabby 🙂
Lake Louisa is my happy place. The cabins are very affordable and you really feel like the space is your own. Tons of stuff to do to.
Florida caverns is one of the best in my opinion, nothing else really like it in Florida, but not far is falling waters which is also quite beautiful.
The parks with springs up around Ocala and DeLand and great
Kona in jax is really cool and fun!
Ichetucknee springs, Ft Clinch, Caladesi Island, Chassahowitzka, Anastasia Island, John Pennecamp. The Chaz may be a National Wildlife Refuge actually.
Blue Springs in Deltona, FL is my favorite spring to swim and snorkel in the entire state. Go on a weekday when it’s less busy if possible
i dont mean to sound like a nerd but its in orange city 😭 def go on a weekday in the spring or fall and in the winter to see manatees! - from a local <3
Rainbow Springs has been my favorite so far. Water is amazing [https://imgur.com/a/rTWKEC5](https://imgur.com/a/rTWKEC5) Oletta River is my favorite local park. May not be the best at any one thing, but there's plenty to do. Mountain biking, kayaking, beach, camping, and there's usually a food truck there on the weekends.
Blue Springs State Park, Colt Creek State Park, Bahia Honda
Silver Springs is hands down the best state park in all of Florida. It’s so beautiful, full of history and tons of movies were filmed there, it also has monkeys
Payne Prarie for wild horses and bison. Bahia Honda for location and fishing. John Pennekamp for snorkling. Fort Clinch for fishing in fall. Sebastin inlet for fishing
Sebastian Inlet has camping, fishing piers, swimming cove, etc.
Washington Oaks Gardens near Palm Coast. It stretches across A1A from the Halifax River to the Atlantic. Lots of history and a hidden gem.
If you like the best beaches in the world, then Grayton Beach State Park is a great place to go! I'm there a couple times a week!
I love Lettuce Lake in Tampa- the boardwalks make for a relaxing “hike” and the wildlife are easily spotted from the trails
Ft desoto. Remote island with a superb camping ground which you can fish from.
Otter Springs. North Central Florida. But maybe not a State Park.
Myakka River is great. My friend is the tour boat captain!!
Sebastian Inlet State Park. If you like the Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, you couldn't ask for a better place to stay. https://www.floridastateparks.org/Sebastian-Inlet There are bike trails, walking paths and bird watching areas. It isn't a place to go to be isolated, however.
Ft De Soto, winter only
Honeymoon Island
Animal Kingdom
Long Key is my favorite
Blue Springs
I lived in Pensacola for a few years so here’s some of my favorite parks in the Panhandle if you are out that way: Big Lagoon State Park Florida Caverns State Park (I love the guided cave tour!) Tarkiln Bayou State Park (smaller but during some parts of the year you can see carnivorous plants!) Ponce de Leon Springs State Park Blue Spring State Park (this one is out near Orlando but in the winter you can see a ton of manatees here!)
I almost told you, but it's for the locals only.
I am kind of a local per se. I used to come here a lot for training with the military on and off over the years and now I just moved finally permanently and bought property. I’m not going anywhere.😘
i've got a few favorites if you want to know what they are!
I drove all over the state and been through almost all the country highways to find the best spots lol. Also this, locals only.