As cold fronts ease into the Sunshine State during October, conditions become more favorable for fall camping. You might even get a whiff of autumn color.
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.
Discover Hobe Sound’s ‘secret’ wild beach and wildlife refuge
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.
O’Leno State Park: Vanishing river, scenic trails & spacious, wooded campground
One of Florida’s original state parks, O’Leno State Park is a wonderland of forest trails and mysterious lakes. The densely wooded campground erases all reminders of civilization, a serene haven not far from busy Interstate 75.
Washington Oaks: Gardens plus unusual beach
I loved discovering this hidden gem near St. Augustine. It has two sides along scenic A1A: A historic oak-shaded formal garden on the west side and a beach with fantastically shaped coquina rocks to the east.
National parks in Florida: 11 treasures, even some you haven’t visited
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.
Hillsborough River State Park offers historic charm, shady campground, lots to do outdoors
Hillsborough River State Park has been closed since October after getting slammed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Dupuis preserve excels for nature, fishing and free camping in western Palm Beach County
Nature hikes, free camping, off-road bicycling, fishing and paddling are fabulous in this pair of magical wildlife areas in the far reaches of Palm Beach County
Discover Lake Wales Ridge State Forest for hiking, exploring, camping
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is for explorers – folks who like to find places that aren’t in the guidebooks. Here you can hike for miles in the woods, hear only nature and have a chance to spot wildlife, including bear, bald eagles and endangered scrub jays.
Florida road trip: 10 ways ways to find the real Florida 10 minutes off I-75
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.
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.