Central Florida is home to a diverse selection of Florida state parks with camping. Something for everybody, even if you don’t own a tent or RV. (2nd in a series)
Author: Bob Rountree
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.
Faver Dykes State Park: Camp, paddle, fish near historic St. Augustine
Faver Dykes State Park offers excellent kayaking, productive fishing and woodsy camping just 15 miles from historic St. Augustine.
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge: Wild spot to kayak, hike, bike
It’s a perfect time to explore Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach. The kayak trail has been cleared of water lilies clogging the way. You can rent or launch kayaks here, but also hike an exquisite boardwalk through a cypress forest and see birds and other wildlife on the trails.
Escape from Florida: Take the ferry to Bimini
The ferry to Bimini takes you to another world just 50 miles offshore from Fort Lauderdale. Whether a day trip or a week, there are many opportunities for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fishing or just exploring island history. I went to see how much Bimini has changed.
Camping in the grasslands of Kissimmee Prairie
Amateur astronomers and photographers love this peaceful savanna in the heart of Florida, an ideal destination for stargazing, bird watching, and not a bad getaway from the world at large.
Three Rivers State Park: Camping on beautiful lake at the Florida-Georgia line
Florida’s northernmost state park campground is first to cool off in Fall. Book it now before anybody else reads this story.
Henderson Beach State Park: Fabulous beach with camping near Destin
Fall is a great time to visit Henderson Beach State Park as families wrap up summer vacations, but you’ll have to book way, way ahead for camping.
The beaches of Hutchinson Island (& engaging things to do nearby)
Hutchinson Island boasts some of the nicest beaches in Florida with easy public access on sandy paths through the dunes, the way Atlantic beaches used to be.
Iconic Yeehaw Junction landmark demolished
The historic Desert Inn, a legendary pit stop since the 19th Century, has finally been demolished, five years after it was heavily damaged when an 18-wheeler crashed through its front door.