Several national parks in Florida are hidden treasures. Here’s a guide to Florida’s national parks, from the famous to the obscure.
Parks, Forests & Preserves
Informative articles about recreation in Florida parks, forests and preserves, national parks, wildlife refuges, including camping, fishing, paddling, hiking, bicycling and beaches.
This northeast Florida state park is on the map but far enough away to be ignored. It’s also far enough away to provide a tranquil camping experience. It’s quiet here.
This state park is more natural than it has been for decades. Enjoy the terrific beach and tropical hammock, tour the historic lighthouse, dine at restaurants with great views and walk or bike trails.
Florida Keys state parks are some of the most intriguing & beautiful places in the Keys. Some are little-known & off the beaten path. Get our insider tips.
Remote, rural and picturesque, northwest Florida rewards your long drive with sparkling springs, the beautiful Suwanee River and scenic rural roads. Two state parks with cabins and campgrounds make great bases to explore the region.
Myakka is one of the oldest and biggest state parks, a great place for seeing wildlife, from huge gators to flocks of birds in winter. Go here for its log cabins, appealing camp sites, excellent kayaking, extensive hiking and good bike trails. It’s also a good spot for nature neophytes, who enjoy the airboat ride and canopy walk.
One of the best places to enjoy nature is in a cabin in a Florida state park. But the cabins book up fast, so you have to plan ahead. Our guide explains which parks have cabins, what they offer and what they cost.
What are doing Saturday, Nov. 11? It’s a free day for national parks. Free days come five times a year and they’re a good deal. Many national parks now charge $25 and $30 for admission.
Cool springs, scenic trails and things to do while exploring Ocala National Forest from 15 campgrounds.
Loop Road is famous for being a wild place. (That once applied to the people as well as the animals.) It’s a gravel road off the Tamiami Trail in the Everglades. If you’re not in a hurry, it’s a rewarding place to explore.
We’ve picked 12 Florida State Parks that are off-the-beaten path and less well-known. From the Keys to the Panhandle, explore these fascinating spots. Each averages fewer than 150 visitors a day.
You don’t have to drive hours off the interstate to find Florida’s natural beauty and funky history. You can find treasures within 10 minutes of these I-75 exits.
National Wildlife Refuges are sometimes called “America’s best kept secret.” Florida has 29 refuges, the third most of any state. We think these eight are particularly worth discovering.
Secluded campground tucked into the shady woods of Oscar Scherer State Park with access to a fabulous rail trail linking Sarasota to Venice.
The white sugar-sand beaches of Florida’s Panhandle are something to behold. Let’s go camping!
Secret beaches are the stuff of vacation dreams. But I found one — more than 5 miles of wild, broad unspoiled sandy shore, lined with thick native vegetation and without a condo or T-shirt shop in sight.