Camping Opportunities at Florida State Parks

Florida state parks camping opportunities are not to beWhere to Begin Your Search for Florida State Parks
missed if you are looking for an amazing opportunity toCamping Sites
ensure the benefits of the Florida weather and diverseAs noted Florida state park camping opportunities are
ecosystems. Florida state parks camping is an activityquite varied with the larger parks including modern
the entire family can enjoy, even the dog. Avidconveniences such as cabins, RV parking and even
campers know that this is the way to get away fromlaundry and bathing facilities. What follows is a small
the frustrations of everyday life and the hustle thatlisting of some of the more popular sites with details
often accompanies vacations to the more heavilywhich may assist you in deciding what is best for your
marketed tourist destinations where most travelersupcoming vacation experience. I highly recommend you
know and visit.spend a few hours online and involve yourself and
When scouting for uniqueness you will discoveryour traveling partners before making that final
opportunities for your personal family event abound indecision. You won't be disappointed.
state parks, so consider enjoying the quietness ofCayo Costa State Park near Ft. Myers is accessible
Florida state park camping when planning your Floridaonly by private boat or ferry. The park boasts nine
vacation.miles of beautiful beaches, acres of pine forests,
Things to Consider When Planning a Camping Trip Inoak-palm hammocks and mangrove swamps. It is
Floridalocated on a barrier island and can truly be called a
When looking at Florida state parks campingGulf Coast paradise. For campers there are primitive
opportunities there are a few things to keep in mindcabins and tent spaces. In addition to the usual fishing,
and consider. First and foremost is the weather.swimming and shelling available this unique island park
Depending upon what area and time of year you planhas an amphitheater which provides educational
to visit the Sunshine State the weather varies fromprograms about the island's ecology and history.
chilly (below freezing nights for a few days eachEconfina River State Park located along the northern
winter in the north) to very warm (mid nineties duringGulf Coast in northern Taylor County. With 4,543
the southern summertime) and unpleasantly humid.acres and nine miles of wooded trails visitors have
Most of the year, however, the weather is perfect forplenty of opportunity to explore by hiking or horseback.
enjoying the outdoors and camping.Kayakers and canoers will enjoy the river as it
Nearly as important as time of year when looking attraverses through pine flatwoods, oaks and palm
Florida camping is location. There are about 50 stateforests eventually emptying into the Gulf of Mexico 2.2
parks listed as "Full Facilities" and more than 100 withmiles south of the park's boat ramp. Two small
limited or no facilities. Many also have cabins available if"efficiency style" rental units are available. Florida state
tenting isn't your style. These parks are scatteredpark campers are reminded that all plants, animals and
throughout Florida with parks such as Lafayette Bluecultural features in the park are protected. Visitors are
Springs Park located in the more forestedasked to take nothing but photographs.
northeastern region to John Pennekamp Coral ReefJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park located off
State Park (first underwater state park) located in thethe coast of Key Largo in the Florida Keys is the first
southern region just north of Key Largo in the Floridaunderwater park in the U.S. The park encompasses
Keys.about 70 nautical square miles with the reefs located
How do you enjoy being touched by nature? Withbetween 3 and 8 miles offshore. Snorkeling, boating
such diversity available year round Florida state parksand scuba tours are offered. The reefs are protected
camping allows you to enjoy a sub-tropical paradiseand are shallow with an average depth of 5 to 15 feet
with fishing and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean or Gulffor the snorkelers and up to 45 feet for scuba divers.
of Mexico or you can follow a more traditional forestFor the landlubbers mangrove swamps and tropical
style camping with or without lakes or rivers.hammocks in the park's upland areas offer visitors
What to Consider In a Camping Locationunique experiences.
So gather your family and friends and make yourLafayette Blue Springs State Park located on the
plans now to visit and campout at one of Florida'sSuwannee River 7 miles west of Mayo in Florida's
greatest treasures. Considering today's economynortheast region has attracted people for thousands of
experiencing Florida state parks camping is anyears. Bird watchers and camera buffs may be
affordable way to keep the entire family entertained.treated to viewing incredible Red-Shouldered Hawks,
The four parks listed above are offered just to peakPileated Woodpeckers and Barred Owls. Swimmers
your interest with a variety of unique opportunitiesand snorkelers can cool off in the spring on a hot day.
found only in the Sunshine State. And you can see theIf you are a certified cave diver plan to enjoy the
offerings vary immensely depending upon the location.underwater caves. For Florida state park camping
Once you have compiled your list of campingcampers there is a walk-in campground (tents only)
opportunities, remember to look closely at what theseavailable or rent one of the five fully-furnished cabins.
Florida state park camping sites offer.Visitors can also enter the park by boat from the
For your special outdoor events be sure to investigateSuwannee River.
the local plant life which can be very important for aThe visitor center boasts several small saltwater
healthy and memorable experience. This is especiallyaquariums with many live examples of reef creatures.
true if you are looking to capture your event orPlus you will discover nature trails, canoe and kayak
vacation on film. Florida has so much to offer, fromtrails, Largo Sound beaches, playground and
sea and sun, incredibly beautiful beaches and islands tocampground. Birds migrate through the area depending
Florida state parks camping sites that are moreon the time of year and water temperatures are
traditional for those seeking a quieter setting. A widetypically in the 70s or 80s. Since it is in the Florida Keys
range of rewarding photographical opportunities arethe balmy breezes help to keep visitors comfortable
everywhere so come on down.year round.