Whenever we hear the phrase “Florida”, the seashore is the very first thing that involves our thoughts ????
There are numerous choices in the case of Florida’s stunning white sand seashores and wonderful state parks filled with greenery and wildlife. It’s merely a paradise within the United States.
In this text, we have now gathered among the hottest in addition to most stunning Florida’s State Parks you may go to with your loved ones or associates.
We’ve listed just a few FAQs and 22 completely different state parks throughout Florida. We hold our record a bit numerous, so yow will discover seashore parks, lakes, forests, caves, and different wonderful pure highlights of Florida.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, coming to Florida for vacation, or planning a cross-country highway journey, you positively wish to take a look at a few of these wonderful Florida state parks beneath.
State Parks are sorted from South to North Florida
Curry Hammock State Park – Key West
Located midway between Key Largo and Key West, Curry Hammock State Park is uniquely identified for its giant areas of mangrove, rockland hammocks, and seagrass beds making it important to the Florida Keys ecosystem.
The excellent location for any adventurous kayaker or paddleboarder.
With 28 websites to select from, you should have a choice of locations to remain and actions to get pleasure from. Most websites are geared up with grave parking areas for automobiles and RVs.
All campsites provide water and 15/30/50 amp electrical hookups. You could have entry to swimming, a playground, picnic tables, grills, and public showers on the ocean facet of Little Crawl Key.
The waters surrounding the park are often calm and delicate, making them supreme for a lot of actions together with canoeing or fishing.
However, there aren’t any services for powerboats and most waters inside Curry Hammock State Park are a no-combustion zone.
Bahia Honda State Park – KEY WEST
If you’re headed from the southern tip of Florida to the Keys, remember to cease off in Bahia Honda State Park. Bahia supplies guests with the prospect to look at unique birds, benefit from the water and loosen up beneath the celebrities. It’s a pet-friendly spot for leashed animals and gives tenting, cabins, and among the finest RV spots in Florida.
Water followers will put the boat ramp and canoe-kayak launch to good use. You may also spend time on the seashore, sunning, swimming, or simply watching the waves.
Keep an eye fixed out for wildlife whereas at Bahia. Not solely is that this park celebrated by birders, however Bahia helps to avoid wasting the Miami Blue Butterfly from extinction.
Be certain to avoid wasting time for a go to to Fort Zachary Taylor to check the lives of troopers defending the southeastern shoreline through the Civil and Spanish-American wars.
Faver-Dykes State Park
Set simply outdoors of St. Augustine, Faver-Dykes State Park is an ideal place to launch a canoe or kayak into Pellicer Creek. This meandering stream flows to the Matanzas River and is part of one of the vital pristine tidal marshes on the east coast of Florida.
The space is dwelling to each salt and freshwater fish and improbable birding and wildlife-watching alternatives. Spot a deer, hawk, or river otter. During the precise time of the yr, you can too discover wooden warblers, eagles, and falcons nesting.
The campground is about in a hardwood hammock and it gives 30 websites for each tents and smaller RVs (beneath 35 ft). Amenities embody picnic areas, playgrounds, and restrooms.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Located in Key Largo, Florida Keys, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is likely one of the State’s parks that has extra to supply. Book a ticket and are available go to this actually underwater playground!
Stop by John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park to get pleasure from kayaking via the mangroves, and go snorkeling off of Cannon Beach.
Known as the primary undersea park in America, the place is made up of roughly 70 nautical sq. miles of enjoyable. From snorkeling excursions to look at the colourful energetic life in shallow-water coral reefs to Scuba Diving to see and expertise its distinctive wildlife.
But in case you are not feeling like getting moist, the glass-bottom boat tour is what you’re searching for. Learn in regards to the historical past of the reef as you see turtles, sharks, and a whole bunch of sorts of fish from the protection of a ship.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – Near MIAMI
Set on the tip of Key Biscayne, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is a well-liked different to Miami’s metropolis seashores. In reality, this park is likely one of the most visited state parks within the space and its coast is ranked among the many prime 10 seashores nationwide.
But guests don’t come just for the Florida sunshine. The state park additionally gives breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, wealthy fauna and flora, advantageous eating, in addition to a plethora of different actions to have interaction in.
Walk or bike the paths, fish, lease a ship or a kayak. You may also delve into historical past on guided excursions via 1825 Cape Florida Lighthouse or the keeper’s cottage.
Note that Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park will get crowded on the weekends. Therefore, we advocate you arrive early or come on a weekday.
Oleta River State Park – Near MIAMI
Oleta River State Park is simply north of Miami and gives guests a little bit of wilderness with loads of entry to metropolis facilities. The park is crisscrossed by many waterways, together with the Oleta River.
You can lease a canoe and take a look at the deeper recesses of the park, or fish off the pier and revel in enjoyable alongside the water.
There’s an ideal seashore for a fast dip, bathe services for cleansing up, and loads of wildlife to check. Bring your bike and take a look at the paths. Don’t overlook your binoculars so you may scope out the birds.
Oleta River State Park is a superb spot for households with youngsters. If Miami is feeling a bit too crowded, you may simply escape to Oleta for a quiet stroll or paddle among the many mangrove bushes. Thanks to the sandbar to the east, the coast of this park is protected. If you’re a novice kayaker or paddleboarder, you may take a look at your oars right here!
You can usher in a picnic and set out a desk at one of many pavilions, or simply unfold a blanket on the seashore.
Lovers Key State Park Florida – SOUTHWEST
Well-named for its romantic setting, Lovers Key State Park is situated on Lover’s Key and three barrier islands, Black Island, Inner, and Long Key, and lies throughout the metropolis limits of Bonita Springs. With only one go to, it’s straightforward to see why this place is standard as a marriage vacation spot.
Featuring a two-mile-long seashore on Lovers Key, campers are welcome to walk and benefit from the native wildlife. This contains West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, osprey, snowy egrets, and over 40 chook species that decision this place dwelling.
Amenities embody trails, picnic areas, a boarding ramp, and two playgrounds for household use.
The services additionally provide canoe, bicycle, and kayak leases for these touring gentle however looking for to profit from what Lovers Key has to supply.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park – SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Its wonderful pure sources must be sufficient so that you can pay a go to to Jonathan Dickinson State Park this yr.
Located on the north of Burt Reynolds’ state the park gives two campgrounds. Pine Grove is located on the east facet of the park and The River Campground is located round 4 miles from the park entrance.
At both campground, you’ll be near water, energy, a desk, and flame broil, but sewer hookups are simply supplied at Pine Grove. In the occasion that you’ve an equestrian open air buddy, there are 5 campgrounds that may fit your steed.
There are simply two crude exploring campgrounds off the Florida Trail, that are moreover accessible by reserving.
Simply make some extent to pack a range, as kindling gathering isn’t allowed in Florida state parks.
Caladesi Island State Park – close to TAMPA
Caladesi Island State Park is situated on the Island of Caladesi within the Gulf of Mexico. It is situated within the west of Dunedin, Florida.
If you ask for any particular level to go to in 2022 the place you may get pleasure from the perfect time of your life, we are going to recommend you go to probably the most wonderful seashores of Caladesi Island State Park. This Caladesi Island State Park is the proper location for individuals who wish to spend a while on the peaceable seashores of Florida.
You don’t want to fret about staying on Caladesi Island. The accommodations on this Island are actually comfy and obtainable at completely different charges.
You can guide any lodge in Caladesi Island starting from 4 to 5-star accommodations. The worth of the keep can fluctuate relying upon the situation and the environment. A keep in Caladesi Island is often not very costly.
Alafia River State Park
Are you a biking fanatic dwelling or touring round Tampa? Then, Alafia River State Park is a spot for you.
This state park is about about 45 minutes southeast of town and boasts 20 miles of hilly trails via forests and flatwoods, an ideal possibility for mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians alike. There are additionally a number of lakes round providing fishing and canoeing alternatives.
Wanna spend greater than only a day there? You can keep within the full-facility campground. Should you would like for a bit extra consolation, there are additionally luxurious glamping tents obtainable.
Troubles together with your bikes? No worries. There can also be a full-service bike store and its workers is able to help you with something you may want.
Lake Kissimmee State Park – Central Florida
Nestled within the well-known cow nation in Central Florida, Lake Kissimmee State Park is a family-friendly park that boasts a country environment. It’s additionally dwelling to the 1876 Florida Cow Hunters Camp the place cowboy heritage comes alive with dwelling historical past demonstrations.
But not simply that. Enjoy boating, canoeing, or fishing in one of many three surrounding lakes – Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie. Whereas nature fanatics will respect greater than 13 miles of trails the place they’ll observe plentiful plant and animal life, together with bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and even bobcats. 6 miles of the paths are additionally accessible to equestrians.
The campground has each full hook-up campsites, in addition to primitive tenting services, and is ideal for stargazing.
Honeymoon Island State Park
Just just a few miles from Tampa, seashore lovers and journey stickers can discover this pure island, dwelling to eagles, osprey, nice horned owls, and rather more!
The island covers 4 miles of seashores and three miles of climbing trails with picnic areas geared up with restrooms and playgrounds.
The services at Honeymoon Island State Park are top-notch. Although, the seashore entry could be a bit tough now and restricted because of erosion brought on by Tropical Storm Eta.
The heart additionally counts with ranger packages, fishing areas, biking trails, and -one of our favourite ones – a canine seashore!
Pro-tip: remember that it is a pure park and never a vacationer place precisely. So the seashore could be a bit rocky, however it may be simply solved by packing a pair of water sneakers!
Also, be able to study in regards to the park’s historical past and its pure sources so you may get pleasure from it to the fullest!
Myakka River State Park – close to TAMPA
If your purpose is to discover the pure fantastic thing about Florida, Myakka River State Park is a superb spot for you. It is likely one of the largest and oldest state parks in Florida. This state park is dwelling to turkeys, gators, and panthers. This is likely one of the few state parks the place you may discover panthers.
Wildlife is the primary attraction in Myakka River State Park and hikers may also benefit from the lengthy path of virtually 39 miles. There are boat excursions which can be organized for vacationers each day.
The Deep Hole is probably the most well-known spot if you wish to see gators. In easy phrases, this state park is a paradise for pictures lovers.
There are a number of campsites within the Myakka River State Park and all of the services and companies are offered close to these. Some campsites are away from these services so it’s at all times a good suggestion to carry additional meals and water for you whereas going climbing.
Rainbow Springs State Park – close to Orlando
Get your gears prepared as you will dive deep into the historical past of Florida in Rainbow Springs State Park. As per historical past, this state park was first visited round 10,000 years in the past.
Today, the Rainbow River attracts vacationers for its regular all yr lengthy 72-75 temperature levels.
The campground gives three RV or trailer-just locations and 44 plots that take RVs or tents. A tip for the tent campers — the ground is rocky so carry good groundsheet.
Campers on the tent or RV locations can count on picnic tables and water and electrical hookups.
Blue Spring State Park – close to Orlando
Blue Spring State Park is an ideal vacation spot for a day journey and it’s positively one of many finest state parks close to Orlando, FL.
Natural waters of Blue Spring State Park are the most important attraction right here and a lot of the vacationers go to right here simply to see the manatee migration.
If you’re into swimming then Blue Spring State Park has rather a lot to supply to your adventure-loving soul.
Anastasia State Park – NORTHEAST
Anastasia State Park is filled with historic historical past.
This state park is situated in Northeast Florida. If you want to go to historic landmarks and buildings, Anastasia State Park is an ideal vacation spot for you.
There are a number of climbing trails and most of them are within the loop so you’ll most likely find yourself in your place to begin.
This state park is finest for vacationers preferring privateness as Anastasia State Park isn’t too crowded and you may get pleasure from some alone time right here in a peaceable atmosphere.
Big Talbot Island State Park – NORTHEAST
Big Talbot Island is simply East of Jacksonville close to the Northern Florida border. This park is beloved by birders and hikers alike, and photographers won’t ever run out of material right here!
Go for a hike on Boneyard Beach. Take your mountain bike down one of many many trails obtainable, or discover a spot within the picnic pavilion to benefit from the solar and the views.
Be able to pack out no matter you usher in, as Big Talbot is primarily a nature reserve, meant to be explored and treasured.
Be conscious that Big Talbot closes at sunset, although the boat launch is open 24 hours. You might want to get a spot to your RV outdoors the park. Here are the perfect campgrounds in Jacksonville.
Henderson Beach State Park – NORTHWEST
If you end up in northwestern Florida and searching for a state park with sandy seashore views, Henderson Beach State Park is the place to go to.
Located close to Destin, this state park options white sand seashores and greater than 6,000 ft of scenic shoreline in addition to 60 campsites so that you can select from.
Campsites function water and electrical hookups in addition to bathhouse services geared up with air con and warmth making tenting fairly comfy.
A boardwalk permits for straightforward entry to the seashore for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. You may also make use of 4 giant and two small pavilions for picnicking or grilling.
The boardwalk additionally permits for ADA accessibility for those who want it and pet-friendly areas for furry family members.
Florida Caverns State Park – NORTHWEST
If you’re feeling notably adventurous, Florida Caverns State Park gives a novel sight with air-filled caves accessible to the general public.
This gem is situated within the Florida Panhandle close to Marianna and gives 33 campsites so that you can reserve. However, remember that park gates shut at sundown so ensure to plan your arrival and exit accordingly.
You is not going to wish to miss their probability to see the one state park in Florida with guided excursions. Cave excursions can be found on a first-come, first-serve foundation and now function a brand new state-of-the-art LED lighting system.
Visitors are actually capable of benefit from the limestone formations with out impacting the delicate ecosystem throughout the caves.
Florida Caverns additionally function horse stalls and horse trails for equestrians searching for stunning trails to experience.
Big Lagoon State Park – NORTHWEST
Your go to to Big Lagoon State Park will put you proper alongside the Gulf of Mexico. This park is loaded with enjoyable and family-friendly choices, together with geo-seeking hikes, a playground and campfire circles.
Enjoy your time on the seashore and discover a spot for a picnic at one of many pavilions. Bring your canine on their leash and allow them to take a look at the world.
This park is dwelling to lots of the vegetation native to northeastern Florida, and volunteers are working exhausting to advertise their progress. Bring your binoculars and hold an eye fixed out for birds.
Camping is out there, and there’s entry to water and electrical energy. There’s additionally entry to primitive tenting if you happen to’re able to go for it. Take an extended stroll alongside the boardwalk, or lease a kayak to verify issues out farther from the shore.
Blackwater River State Park – NORTHWEST
Blackwater River is known all around the world because it is likely one of the purest sand-bottom rivers throughout the globe. When you go to Blackwater River State Park, you’ll know that this state park is value visiting as soon as in your lifetime.
The river is actually distinctive because of black and darkish water. The river isn’t the one cause to go to Blackwater River State Park, there’s a pure forest too.
There are many enjoyable issues to do in Blackwater River State Park and you’ll need some power to do all of those prime issues in Blackwater River State Park. There are a number of tenting websites on the seashore and it’s a nice alternative to spend some high quality time on a peaceable seashore.
Fort Clinch State Park
Fort Clinch State Park is likely one of the oldest state parks in Florida situated within the North, simply earlier than the border with Georgia.
Parks provide combos of nature and historical past that guests can get pleasure from daily! The first weekend of each month you may expertise varied soldier performances with firing cannons and demonstrating battlefields expertise.
There are alternatives for varied actions similar to climbing, fishing, tenting, shelling, or shark tooth looking.
If you’re visiting North Florida, you must positively go to Fort Clinch!
FAQs about State Parks in Florida
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, often called the Amazon of North America, is with its 77, 000 acres the most important state park in Florida. It’s principally swamp forest containing round 160 partial state parks.
You can keep in a lot of the Florida state parks for as much as 14 consecutive days. However, among the state parks have established their very own weekly/month-to-month limits however the most you can keep in a single park is as much as 8 weeks inside a interval of 6 months.
You can get a person annual move for all Florida state parks for about USD $60 per individual and USD $120 per a 6-member household.
Myakka River State Park and Fort Clinch State Park are the two oldest state parks in Florida.
Conclusion
We hope that you’ve chosen your subsequent vacation spot for the tour to Florida. These 18 finest state parks in Florida have their very own distinctive points of interest and pure landmarks.
There are some state parks like Caladesi Island State Park that have to be a part of each traveler’s must-see record.