Ocala National Forest covers more than 600 square miles of Central Florida, and all of it is open to dispersed, primitive camping.
Tag: camping
Two outstanding campgrounds add irresistable appeal to Sebastian Inlet beaches, waterways
Shut down for the past eight months for storm repairs, the popular north jetty fishing ‘pier’ reopened in time for the July 4 holiday weekend.
Long Key State Park: Natural, uncrowded Florida Keys
Once the site of a luxury resort for the rich and famous, Long Key State Park is a lovely place to spend a few hours hiking, beachcombing, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking. There are even three primitive tent camping sites.
Camping at Myakka River State Park brings out the nature in you
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks with three main campgrounds, backcountry campsites, endless hiking and biking trails, kayaking and canoeing, and, oh, the wildlife.
Myakka River State Park: One the best state parks for wildlife, hiking, kayaking & camping
Myakka River State Park in Sarasota is one of the oldest and best state parks. Folks who love outdoor recreation can do it all here — camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, wildlife viewing.
Camping Guide to Ocala National Forest
The weather is getting better, and campgrounds in Ocala National Forest remain open during the government shutdown. Our camping guide takes you to places you never knew.
Suwannee, one of Florida’s most beautiful rivers, offers comfy screened camping on platforms
Not only is the Suwannee a stunning wild river worth exploring for its beauty, it also offers five unusual river camps accessible only by boat. The camps have screened, covered camping platforms with electricity and a central bathhouse with hot water. The free river camps provide comfy conditions for multi-day trips.
Alexander Springs in Ocala National Forest: Cool swimming, easy scenic paddling plus lots of wildlife
The clear waters flowing out of Alexander Springs are the start of a great paddling trail inside Ocala National Forest. It’s an easy stream to paddle with lots of wildlife, especially birds and fish.
Mount Dora Bicycle Festival: Oct. 10-11, 2026
The Mount Dora Bicycle Festival attracts thousands for competitive rides over hill and dale. This is your guide to the festival with schedules, a list of nearby campgrounds and links to hotel and vacation home reservations.
Snorkeling, kayaking, camping at Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Snorkel, dive or ride a glass-bottom boat to view coral reefs at what many consider Florida’s #1 state park. There’s kayaking and camping, too!
Chill spring anchors this shady park with swimming, campground, kayaking near Tampa Bay
Tucked into a corner of Hillsborough County is a small 160-acre preserve with a fabulous swimming hole and shady campground along the Alafia River.
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.