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.
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.
Silver Springs: Exquisite paddle trail may be best in state
Launch at the famous springhead and paddle a historic waterway with monkeys, manatees and otters. Silver Springs kayaking is as good as it gets.
Florida’s oldest state parks: Hidden gems may surprise you
The oldest Florida State Parks preserve unique places: stunning caverns, disappearing rivers, towering bluffs, lush ravines, a river with rapids. All are worth rediscovering.
Withlacoochee River Park, Green Swamp & dark skies
Withlacoochee River Park is a base camp for hiking and bicycling in the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve with one special characteristic — it’s also a “dark sky” park favored by amateur astronomers.
Quiet escape to lonely Lake George State Forest
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.
These campgrounds are ideal for stargazing
International Dark Skies Week is April 2-8, 2024, but you can gaze at the stars around any New Moon. We recommend these 12 campgrounds for the best experience. #DarkSkyWeek #DiscoverTheNight
14 North Florida State Parks with camping
Diverse eco-systems are the hallmark of North Florida state parks with camping, from beaches to cool springs and deep woods hideaways. Part 4 in our series.
Paradise found at 9 South Florida state parks with camping
From coral reefs to Everglades habitats, state parks with camping in South Florida and the Florida Keys may be few but they are distinguished. (3rd in a series)
Panhandle state parks with camping run the gamut from deep woods to pristine beaches
There are 14 Florida state parks with camping in the Panhandle, and many are on spectacular sugar-sand Gulf beaches.
6 things to do in Ocala National Forest
Encompassing more than 600 square miles in North Central Florida, Ocala National Forest is your playground for adventure.