Florida has some of the best camping sites no doubt! Who doesn’t have fond memories of camp-fires, open spaces, exploring and exciting adventures? Some of my kids best days were at campsites near the beach where the days were long and the memories were to.
With the end of summer on us I wanted to pull together some of Florida’s best campsites! So here we GO.
Ft. Clinch State Park – Fernandina Beach
Ft. Clinch has 2 camp ground on site and are open year round. Some of the activities include, bicycling, fishing, and hiking trails. The beaches in this park are some of the best in Northeast FL and were some of the best shark’s teeth hunting around. Shower stations with hot water are available with makes this a favorite for campers!
Little Talbot Island State Park – Jacksonville
Little Talbot is one of the most unique with both primitive and full campsites available. The nature trails provide ample sight seeing and your sure to see some of the local wildlife. The beaches have calm water and are great to launch a kayak or paddle board. You won’t get board with all the activities you can choose from: bicycling, swimming, fishing, canoeing or just relaxing.
Manatee Springs State Park – Cheifland
This is a full facility camping experience with each site having electric and water. Pet’s are welcome so you can bring your furry child camping. The area springs are unique and magical with a year round temperature of 72 degrees. As you can guess by the name Manatees call this area home and often winter in the springs due to the warm waters. The park has 800 feet of boardwalk that takes you through majestic cypress forest that overlooks the springs.
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park – Keystone Heights
Cabins that overlook the fresh water of Little Lake Johnson is just one of the charming things. The lake is fed by a natural spring that runs through a local ravine. Activities include fishing, canoeing, bird watching, and nature trails. Some of the wildlife you can expect to see are bald eagles, red tail hawk, fox, and Sherman fox squirrels.. but that is just a few species so be prepared for those photos!
O’Leno State Park – High Springs
Located at the banks of the Santa Fe River which is fed by a tributary of the Suwannee River. This river flows underground for 3 miles before it appears again making this state park one of a kind. You can find cabins and full camping site or if you are feeling adventurous try their primitive camp sites. Nature trails, swimming, canoeing and a 20 stall horse barn are located within this park.
Rainbow Springs State Park – Dunnellon
This park’s claim to fame is the looking glass water that is fed by several natural springs that average 500 million gallons of water every day! The clear water makes this campground popular for snorkelers, swimmers, and anyone that loves nature. Large mouth bass call these waters home so if fishing is what your looking for this may be the place for you. The park also has full and primitive campsites with ample activities.
Suwannee River State Park – Live Oak
This park has history with some of the nature trails running along old stage road which was the main travel route between Pensacola and Jacksonville in the 1800’s. Large mature forests make this park serene and a nature lovers dream. This park has 30 full service campsites with canoeing, hiking, nature watching, and fishing. Boaters are welcome at this park although watercraft rentals are not available.
If Camping is your jam then Florida has more than enough options to keep you camping for along time! Camping brings back so many great memories from childhood – and who are we kidding some pretty great adult memories as well!
