Florida State Parks Camping Opportunities

Florida state parks camping opportunities are not to be missed if you are looking for an amazing opportunity to ensure the benefits of the Florida weather and diverse ecosystems. Florida state parks camping is an activity the entire family can enjoy, even the dog. Avid campers know that this is the way to get away from the frustrations of everyday life and the hustle that often accompanies vacations to the more heavily marketed tourist destinations where most travelers know and visit.

When scouting for uniqueness you will discover opportunities for your personal family event abound in state parks, so consider enjoying the quietness of Florida state park camping when planning your Florida vacation.

Things to Consider When Planning a Camping Trip In Florida

When looking at Florida state parks camping opportunities there are a few things to keep in mind and consider. First and foremost is the weather. Depending upon what area and time of year you plan to visit the Sunshine State the weather varies from chilly (below freezing nights for a few days each winter in the north) to very warm (mid nineties during the southern summertime) and unpleasantly humid. Most of the year, however, the weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors and camping.

Nearly as important as time of year when looking at Florida camping is location. There are about 50 state parks listed as “Full Facilities” and more than 100 with limited or no facilities. Many also have cabins available if tenting isn’t your style. These parks are scattered throughout Florida with parks such as Lafayette Blue Springs Park located in the more forested northeastern region to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (first underwater state park) located in the southern region just north of Key Largo in the Florida Keys.

How do you enjoy being touched by nature? With such diversity available year round Florida state parks camping allows you to enjoy a sub-tropical paradise with fishing and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico or you can follow a more traditional forest style camping with or without lakes or rivers.

Where to Begin Your Search for Florida State Parks Camping Sites

As noted Florida state park camping opportunities are quite varied with the larger parks including modern conveniences such as cabins, RV parking and even laundry and bathing facilities. What follows is a small listing of some of the more popular sites with details which may assist you in deciding what is best for your upcoming vacation experience. I highly recommend you spend a few hours online and involve yourself and your traveling partners before making that final decision. You won’t be disappointed.

Cayo Costa State Park near Ft. Myers is accessible only by private boat or ferry. The park boasts nine miles of beautiful beaches, acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks and mangrove swamps. It is located on a barrier island and can truly be called a Gulf Coast paradise. For campers there are primitive cabins and tent spaces. In addition to the usual fishing, swimming and shelling available this unique island park has an amphitheater which provides educational programs about the island’s ecology and history.

Econfina River State Park located along the northern Gulf Coast in northern Taylor County. With 4,543 acres and nine miles of wooded trails visitors have plenty of opportunity to explore by hiking or horseback. Kayakers and canoers will enjoy the river as it traverses through pine flatwoods, oaks and palm forests eventually emptying into the Gulf of Mexico 2.2 miles south of the park’s boat ramp. Two small “efficiency style” rental units are available. Florida state park campers are reminded that all plants, animals and cultural features in the park are protected. Visitors are asked to take nothing but photographs.

Lafayette Blue Springs State Park located on the Suwannee River 7 miles west of Mayo in Florida’s northeast region has attracted people for thousands of years. Bird watchers and camera buffs may be treated to viewing incredible Red-Shouldered Hawks, Pileated Woodpeckers and Barred Owls. Swimmers and snorkelers can cool off in the spring on a hot day. If you are a certified cave diver plan to enjoy the underwater caves. For Florida state park camping campers there is a walk-in campground (tents only) available or rent one of the five fully-furnished cabins. Visitors can also enter the park by boat from the Suwannee River.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park located off the coast of Key Largo in the Florida Keys is the first underwater park in the U.S. The park encompasses about 70 nautical square miles with the reefs located between 3 and 8 miles offshore. Snorkeling, boating and scuba tours are offered. The reefs are protected and are shallow with an average depth of 5 to 15 feet for the snorkelers and up to 45 feet for scuba divers. For the landlubbers mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks in the park’s upland areas offer visitors unique experiences.

The visitor center boasts several small saltwater aquariums with many live examples of reef creatures. Plus you will discover nature trails, canoe and kayak trails, Largo Sound beaches, playground and campground. Birds migrate through the area depending on the time of year and water temperatures are typically in the 70s or 80s. Since it is in the Florida Keys the balmy breezes help to keep visitors comfortable year round.

What to Consider In a Camping Location

So gather your family and friends and make your plans now to visit and campout at one of Florida’s greatest treasures. Considering today’s economy experiencing Florida state parks camping is an affordable way to keep the entire family entertained.

The four parks listed above are offered just to peak your interest with a variety of unique opportunities found only in the Sunshine State. And you can see the offerings vary immensely depending upon the location. Once you have compiled your list of camping opportunities, remember to look closely at what these Florida state park camping sites offer.

For your special outdoor events be sure to investigate the local plant life which can be very important for a healthy and memorable experience. This is especially true if you are looking to capture your event or vacation on film. Florida has so much to offer, from sea and sun, incredibly beautiful beaches and islands to Florida state parks camping sites that are more traditional for those seeking a quieter setting. A wide range of rewarding photographical opportunities are everywhere so come on down.

Bookmark this site and return frequently as we will write about Florida state parks and towns and provide information that may be of interest to you when planning your next Florida visit. Remember to “Think Outside the Mouse.”

Contact us when your needs include a professional freelance photographer.




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