Parks, Forests & Preserves

Camping, kayaking, hiking, biking and a humongous swimming pool are the top features of this state park that straddles the Hillsborough River.

By doubling the size of its campground, this oceanfront state park in Flagler Beach has expanded its reach — and its appeal.

Windswept beaches, pristine back country waterways, a mile-long fishing bridge and a shady, scenic campground.

O’Leno State Park is a Florida treasure with a scenic campground at the heart of two state parks that will take your breath away. It is here that the Santa Fe River vanishes, only to re-appear 3.5 miles later to meander many paddle-loving miles to its merger with the Suwannee River.

Falling asleep to the soothing rhythm of waves lapping on your own beach is every camper’s dream, so we pick the best beach campgrounds on Florida’s Panhandle.

Florida Springs where you can swim, snorkel and dive.

By mid- October, days have cooled a bit in Sarasota, making it an ideal time to explore a lesser known state park — Oscar Scherer State Park. What makes it special? The vast array of things to do in a very scenic setting. It has excellent kayaking, camping and this is the best place to spot the rare scrub blue jay

There’s not much going on in Lake George State Forest, making it an ideal getaway for a few days of solitude along the St. John’s River.

Faver-Dykes State Park offers excellent access to the Pellicer Creek Paddling Trail, productive fishing and woodsy camping for small RV’s and tent campers. Just 15 miles from St. Augustine, the park is a gateway to history.