Fanning Springs and Manatee Springs state parks on the Suwannee River offer beautiful springs, cabins, camping, kayaking & biking in Northwest Florida. Where is this Florida wonderland? Far off the beaten path.
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
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.)
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park: Top beach, lighthouse & sangria on Key Biscayne
The Cape Florida lighthouse, the oldest structure in Miami-Dade County, is more natural than it has been for decades. Enjoy the terrific beach, tropical hammock, tour the historic lighthouse ande dine at restaurants with great views.
Gamble Rogers State Park: Oceanfront campground celebrating song and sea
Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area is an oceanfront jewel with a beachfront campground, backcountry paddle trails and prime viewing for whales who spend the winter off-shore.
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.
A backpacker’s dream: Dispersed 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.
10 free days in national parks in 2026
In 2026, there will be more free days in the national parks, including Memorial Day and Independence Day Weekend.
Florida’s 12 best county parks are treasures
These terrific county parks are popular with locals, rich in things to do, awaiting discovery by the Florida traveler.
These 12 state parks are less visited but among the best to discover
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.
Florida cabin rentals in state parks: Like camping, but with comfort
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.