National parks in Florida go beyond the Everglades. From the gorgeous Gulf to a remote island, there are national parks you’ve probably never heard of. Here’s a guide to them, 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.
Gold Head Branch State Park: Unsung treasure with cabins, camping not far from Gainesville
Gold Head Branch State Park has long been on my radar, a small dot on the map with a curious name in the middle of nowhere — yet close enough to Gainesville to be a camping option on game weekends. (We found dozens of campsite and cabin openings for every game this year.)
Free days in national parks
Just in time for a last outdoor adventure before it gets steamy in Florida. Saturday, April 19 is a free day to mark the first day of National Park Week.
Free things to do In Florida: My 10 favorite freebies for nature lovers
Many of these free things to do in Florida are off-the-beaten path spots to enjoy nature, wildlife and history — from 300-year-old forts to superb boardwalks.
Great Escape: Dispersed, primitive camping in Ocala National Forest
Ocala National Forest covers more than 600 square miles of Central Florida, and all of it is open to dispersed, primitive camping.