County park campgrounds are increasingly on our radar as campers get shut out of crowded state parks or face skyrocketing rates at private campgrounds.
Recent Articles
Spring Break: Where the boys are in 2026 (Girls, too!)
Expect rowdy crowds in Daytona, Clearwater and Key West. A tamer scene is likely in Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach and Fort Myers. Where’s this year’s top spot?
Cortez Fishing Festival: Feb. 14-15, 2026
This tiny fishing village wedged between Bradenton and Anna Marie Island celebrates its rich heritage as a commercial fishing hub.
State parks are free this weekend; we pick the 10 best
Florida State Parks are free from Feb. 13-16 in honor of President’s Day. Here are our favorites. No other state has won as many awards for the quality of its state parks, so choosing these wasn’t easy.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: Birds and beauty
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is big, beautiful & full of birds. From majestic bald eagles to friendly scrub jays, it offers awe-inspiring experiences, especially in winter when migratory birds gather here.
Everglades Seafood Festival on tap this weekend, Feb. 13-15
The Everglades Seafood Festival in Everglades City brings fresh local seafood, country music, carnival rides and arts and crafts to this historic outpost on the edge of the Everglades.
Florida Civil War reenactment at Olustee: Feb. 13-15, 2026
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: At Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park near Jacksonville, Florida’s largest Civil War battle will be reenacted, with gun smoke, booming cannons and cavalry. Three of the famous “Colored Regiments” were among 10,000 troops that fought here.
Florida State Fair: Feb. 5-16, 2026
Who doesn’t love the Florida State Fair, its magical midway, and food that is not very good for you — which, of course, is the appeal of a state fair!
Florida Keys wildlife: How to see dolphins, sea turtles, Key deer & more
Your drive down the Overseas Highway can be your own personal Florida Keys Road Trip for Animal Lovers. From endangered Key deer to colorful Key West chickens, here are eight places to delight in the animals and wildlife of the Florida Keys.
Deering Estate is a hidden treasure; here are 6 things we love
Deering Estate is a serene spot in South Dade with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, a fascinating tour of a castle-like home and a beautiful shoreline for kayaking in Biscayne Bay.
Best Beaches
Dunedin: Delightful biking, breweries, beaches and historic downtown
In Dunedin, we love bicycling the Pinellas Trail, but this charming Tampa Bay area town has more to offer, with eight breweries plus great restaurants and coffee shops in its walkable historic downtown. Twenty minutes away are two excellent state parks with award-winning beaches.
Best Camping
Top 6 family-friendly campgrounds in South Florida
The best campgrounds in South Florida for family adventures can be found in these six public parks.
Everglades
Tamiami Trail: Scenic drive exploring Everglades
I’ve driven the Tamiami Trail, linking Miami and Naples through the Everglades, dozens of times. Here are the best stops to get close to alligators and Everglades scenery. The Tamiami Trail links Miami and Florida’s and offers outstanding stops along the way.
Old Florida
Deering Estate is a hidden treasure; here are 6 things we love
Deering Estate is a serene spot in South Dade with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay, a fascinating tour of a castle-like home and a beautiful shoreline for kayaking in Biscayne Bay.
Tampa Bay Getaways
Cortez Fishing Festival: Feb. 14-15, 2026
This tiny fishing village wedged between Bradenton and Anna Marie Island celebrates its rich heritage as a commercial fishing hub.
Central Florida
Kayaking Blackwater Creek & Lake Norris: Splendid waterways to discover
Lake Norris & Blackwater Creek are hidden gems of the Wekiva River system near Orlando. The dwarf cypress in the lake are like a gorgeous watery bonsai garden. It’s an easy paddle worth seeking out for its great beauty.
Northeast Florida
Florida Civil War reenactment at Olustee: Feb. 13-15, 2026
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: At Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park near Jacksonville, Florida’s largest Civil War battle will be reenacted, with gun smoke, booming cannons and cavalry. Three of the famous “Colored Regiments” were among 10,000 troops that fought here.
Northwest Florida
Springs and wildlife make the Chaz a special kayak trail
Kayaking the Chaz on the central Gulf Coast takes you over turquoise springs, down twisty creeks, and you might just see a manatee, otter or bald eagle. This is one of Florida’s premier kayaking rivers.
