How Many State Parks are there in Florida?

The current number of state parks are accurately 175, they have also won the gold medal to honor the best state park system.

In most of the state parks of Florida, they give visitors access to paddling, bivouacking, fishing, whaling, birding trails, and capturing moments through cameras.

ACTIVITIES TO BE DONE AT THE STATE PARK

Fun-filled Outdoor activities like swimming, Cave diving, boat ride and trams, visiting famous archaeological sites, educational facilities, tour guides, surfing, microbrew, and drum circle.

FEE CHARGES AT THE FLORIDA PARKS

Certain state parks may charge an extra fee, for using particular state park amenities or equipment. And it’s free for children under six.

How long are you permitted to stay?

The stay in Florida state parks is restricted to fourteen days. To mention, few state parks decide their own rules. Within 6 months, one can stay up until 56 days.

TOP 10 STATE PARKS LOCATED IN FLORIDA

OLDEST STATE PARKS

 

• MYAKKA RIVER

 

Myakka river gushes through fresh wetlands, fields, and pinelands. Panoramic rivers. Alligators are found around the river. Overall of 58 square miles, which is why it’s known as one of the oldest yet largest state parks of Florida. It’s the first state that had assigned home for wild and pank as they are ectothermic. Bird watching is fun around the lakes. One of those beautiful sites for wildlife admirers.

 

• FORT CLINCH

Fort clinch state park was stone built in the year 1847 but entertained the public since 1938. 1400 acres, surrounded by coastal hammocks with huge oaks covered with Spanish moss, also a majestic war of the rebellion. 62 campsites for rental visiting, allowing you to explore the vast beaches, historic sites, leisure activities, and natural wildlife provided with explicative events. Dogs are not permitted in the historic areas neither should be spotted on the beaches.

• ALFRED B MACLAY GARDENS

It’s known for its stunning floral architecture, bringing together history and beauty. These lovely gardens were initially planted in the year 1923, Lakes and charcoal – broil was the most enjoyed by the visitors. Throughout the woods, you could experience hiking, biking, and cycling. Also, during the floral blooming season ( January to March) special charges are allocated for the visitors, to visit the wildlife garden and ancient Maclay living.

• WEEKI WACHEE SPRINGS

This is one of the dream places for most nature lovers. Since 1947, the freshwater cave system has been attraction along with various wildlife species. Furthermore, they are known for their spectacular mermaid show. These popular mermaids perform our favorite childhood classics, historical information, and other underwater skills. Buccaneer Bay has four amazing water games, kiddie Pool and lazy river.

• LAKE MANATEE

Lake Manatee State Park is not only known for its stunning lake vistas, but also the view from the trails is beautiful. It was built in the year 1960s, as a dam was built across the river. Boat ramp, Hiking trails, freshwater fishing are permitted. As a hiker, you could walk to five different distanced trails. Marcus flowers, pinelands, butterflies, and native plants could be captured by the photographers. The lake flows through 2400 acres of water.

• CAYO COSTA

The island is only accessible through the boat or ferry. It is considered as a slice of paradise, even though it does not have cellphone connections. Cayo Costa offers 12 camping sites, also 12 wooden compartments. The visitors can explore the private island by birdwatching, swimming, and cycling within the trails. You can rent Kayaks, mountain bikes, and sometimes spot a live conch along the shore of the freshwater. Also, there are several shorebirds, manatees, porpoises and sea turtles that could be spotted offshore.

• KORESHAN STATE PARK

The koreshan park is the place that takes you back to the ancient pioneer colony. This particular park has historic buildings constructed by koreshans during the 19th century. You can also treat your taste buds, just as the koreshan consumed back then. The place is very calm and quiet, as the property is surrounded by bamboo trails and access to the Estero River, where you could canoe and fish. The park is considered as a home for over 100 bird species. Also, every Sunday farmers market is hosted at the park.

• RAINBOW’S SPRING

This park is the most frequently visited, as it has the unique landscape of Florida’s spring for over 10,000 years. Snorkeling, Geo – seeking, Gardens, Wildlife viewing is the gateway to tourist attraction. They also provide educational knowledge for people to gain knowledge about the wildlife and plants, during the spring. Rainbow River is spectacular for swimming and enjoying within the blue freshwater.

• WASHINGTON OAKS GARDENS

Washington oaks are famous for their formal and unique gardens, also considered as the home to the shoreline of coquina rock formations. The center of the Park has a coastal community that transfers into the lush hammock. Oaks and magnolia trees are surrounded by trails. The hammock is the picturesque tidal marshes of the Matanzas River. 20 acres of these gardens are sculpted from the landscape to produce a relaxing place and enjoy nature. The Young’s had also organized their winter retire, the historic buildings and formal gardens of the Washington Oaks are a segment of Young’s heritage.

Florida Caverns State Park

This is one of Florida’s oldest state park and this state park is located in Florida Panhandle near Marianna

 

• • Florida Caverns state park is the only state park where guided tours are available and the park gates close at sunset so make your plan accordingly
  • In this state park; the caves are loaded with limestone, stalagmites, and stalactites which are rising from the ground and dripping from the ceiling that took millions of years to form
  • This state park offers 35 campsites and you can also enjoy camping, paddling, fishing, hiking, golf, biking and boating
  • In this Florida state park, we can also see floodplains, sinkholes, rivers, and wildlife such as Herons, Egrets, Beavers, and Alligators
  • It is also believed that the first Floridians used this cave
  • Florida Caverns State Park is situated at Marianna, known for its tour of a huge cave system. The most appealing and main attraction to the park is the campsites, boating, and golf fields. The park is 1300 acres, which features sinkholes, limestone bluffs, and springs. At the caverns, you can rent the boat up to the Chipola River and further experience the biking. These cave formations were evolved through the naturally acidic rainwater. Visitors get to walk across various LED rooms designed within the cave, understanding about its history and formation over 38 million years ago.

 

 

Caladesi Island State Park

• • If you are a beach lover and you want to see the perk of Florida in a single place, then Caladesi Island state park is the right place for you. It is located in West of Dunedin, Florida
  • This state park is the only natural island and also rated as one of the best beaches in America
  • You can also find best and comfortable 4-star to 5-star hotels in this Caladesi Island which is not very expensive
  • This state park is the best tourist place with white powdery sand and emerald water where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing
  • There is a picnic area near the island and surf fishing also permitted here

 

 

Blue Spring State Park

• • If you are residing near the Orlando and looking for a perfect destination for the day trip then Blue Spring state park is the best place
  • This Florida’s state park is especially famous during the winter months as the West Indian manatee spends their winter season here by enjoying the warmer and shallow water of Blue Spring. Due to the visiting of manatee, this state park is closed from November to the end of March
  • This is the best adventurous place for scuba divers, swimmers, kayakers, canoers, and snorkelers
  • The crystal clear natural water is the biggest attraction here and a variety of outdoor activities is also available here like camping, fishing, boating, and hiking

 

 

Henderson Beach State Park

• • This sugar sand and warm beach water is located in North-Western Florida near Destin
  • This is the best place for you to choose as there are 60 campsites available here and we can also enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and fishing here
  • This Florida state park is a gem as it has one of the last remaining scraps of coastal dune scrub along the Emerald coast parkway
  • This park also has the umbrella and chairs for the day looking like a real paradise and it also referred to as a pet-friendly area for the furry members of the family

 

 

Grayton Beach State Park

• • The most beautiful and unblemished beach is located in the Santa Rosa Beach, United States
  • This state park covers over a 2000 acres with sapphire water and glorious white sands with plenty of space spread out to spend a lazy day in the sun
  • There are more than 59 campsites available here and it is also ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing, and fishing
  • This state park is also a place for natural flora and fauna. It is also a home for plenty of birds like Ospreys, Bald Eagles, and shorebirds who also live here. You can also notice Deer, Grey foxes, Elusive, and rare Florida black bear.

 

 

Some of the best RV parks in Florida, so you know exactly where to park your RV to get the best out of your trip:

1. Anastasia State Park

If St. Augustine is your destination of choice to explore in Florida, then Anastasia State Park would be the perfect spot for you to park your RV in, for only $28 per day. The downtown area is only ten minutes away while the beach is a short walk from the park. Setting up camp here will mean you can have the option to both enjoy all that the town of St. Augustine has to offer, while also being close to nature. You can rent everything from bicycles to canoes and sailboats to make the most out of the beach, or you can head over to the grill and cook yourself up a nice dinner. And when you want to relax and unwind, there is always free WiFi to make sure you don’t lose contact with the outside world.

2. Bluewater Key RV Resort

Head on down as south as you can go to make your camp at the beautiful campground of Bluewater Key RV Resort, named after the deep blue waters you see across the beach. You’ll find a lot of tropical and shading plants on the campsites, and you can camp either at one of the canal spots or on the Bay. The resort is pet-friendly, with a dog park, and has many other amenities, such as an activities park, a pool, laundry services and much more.

3. Camp Gulf

You might be going to Florida to see its many fabulous beaches, but have you considered actually staying on a beach in your RV? Park your RV in Camp Gulf to wake up to the sound crashing waves in the morning. You can spend your days reading an excellent book, with your toes in the sand and a refreshing drink in your hand. The campground offers a spa, heated pools, golf cart rentals and more. If that’s not enough, you can also walk down to Destin to experience all that the scenic town has to offer.

4. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort

Planning to take your family to see the Disney World? Then, what better place to make camp for the duration of your visit than Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort? In the middle of the vast expanse of Disney’s parks, Fort Wilderness gives you easy access to all four parks through bus or ferry. You also get to experience some of the Disney magic with a musical country dinner show and sing-alongs around the campfire. If all that isn’t enough, you even get access to free Wi-Fi, a pool, horseback rides, archery and more.

5. Flamingo Campground

Taking a road trip down to Florida in your RV doesn’t have to be too heavy on your pocket, not when you make camp at one of the most affordable RV parks; the Flamingo Campground. You only have to shell out about $20 per day for a spot in one of its many campsites, and you get a whole lot of adventure and fun with that. For instance, there are hiking trails, canoeing and saltwater fishing, and even plenty of opportunities to witness the magnificent wildlife of Florida such as the crocodiles and manatees.

6. Lion Country Safari KOA

If the sounds of nature entice you, then you are sure to love the campground at Lion Country Safari KOA. One of the best RV parks in Florida, having won awards for its fantastic camping ground, Lion Country Safari KOA is next to a safari theme park where you can hear the lions roaring through the night. If visiting a petting zoo, hand-feeding wild animals and riding the Rio Grande Train is on your agenda, then you can’t go wrong with this campground. And if you still want some of that great Florida vibe, then West Palm Beach isn’t too far from the RV park either.

7. St. George Island State Park

For those who want to get away from their lives entirely and go to a secluded place where they can forget the woes of this world, St. George Island State Park is the perfect spot. It is not only one of the best RV parks in Florida but also one of its most private ones along the “Forgotten Coast,” where you have miles of undisturbed beaches to explore. Despite being mostly isolated, you still get to enjoy activities like swimming and fishing or taking a trip down the many hiking and biking trails. If you want a simple, quiet time, you can just spend your nights stargazing at this beautiful island park.

 

 

FAQ

Q: Can I camp in Florida’s state parks? A: Yes, you can! Many parks offer camping facilities, both for traditional tent camping and RVs. But remember, ‘camping’ does not mean ‘moving in permanently’. Leave the kitchen sink at home.

Q: Are there entrance fees? A: Most state parks in Florida do have an entrance fee, but it’s generally quite affordable – much cheaper than a theme park, and with way more squirrels!

Q: Can I bring my pet? A: In many parks, yes, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. Just remember, your pet might think that a raccoon is a funny looking dog, but the raccoon might not agree.

Q: What’s the deal with alligators? A: Alligators are common in Florida, and you may see them in the parks. Always keep a safe distance. Contrary to popular belief, they are not there for a photo op and definitely do not appreciate selfies.

Q: Can I swim in the parks? A: Many parks offer swimming in designated areas, some even in amazing springs. Remember, ‘swimming’ and ‘splashing around like a hyperactive dolphin’ are not the same thing – let’s keep it peaceful!

Q: What wildlife might I see in Florida’s state parks? A: Besides the well-known alligators, you might spot deer, raccoons, armadillos, and a variety of birds, among others. However, it’s not a zoo – don’t expect them to pose or perform tricks!

Q: Are the parks wheelchair accessible? A: Many Florida state parks do offer wheelchair-accessible facilities and trails. However, not all areas may be accessible due to the natural terrain. Always check ahead with the individual park. It’s nature, not a paved city sidewalk!

Q: Can I have a barbecue or picnic in the park? A: Many parks offer picnic areas and barbecue grills. So yes, you can flaunt your grilling skills and have a picnic! Just remember, a seagull might admire your sandwich, but it’s not polite to share.

Q: Do the parks offer any educational programs? A: Yes, many parks offer educational programs like guided tours, junior ranger programs, and more. It’s like school, but with more trees and less homework.

Q: Can I fish in the parks? A: Fishing is allowed in many parks, provided you follow state fishing regulations and any park-specific rules. Remember, ‘fishing’ doesn’t mean ‘sudden underwater tug of war’.

Q: Are there hiking trails? A: Absolutely! Florida’s state parks offer miles and miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. It’s like a treadmill in nature, but with much better views!

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