Florida is known for its sunshine, beautiful beaches and ever-present theme parks. What many people don't realize is that Florida has some of the most awesome camping spots you can find in the United States. Swimming, boating, hiking, biking and more define our Florida camping locations. Let's take a look at just a few that offer a place to pitch your tent or park your RV. - Anastasia State Recreation Facility is located on Anastasia Island in northeastern Florida. You can walk or drive to the nearby four and one-half miles of beaches, for your sunning, swimming and fishing pleasure. Hike the Ancient Sand Dunes Nature Trail and see what Florida was like before the Spaniards arrived. Just a hop, skip and jump away is the tourist city of St. Augustine, where you can visit many attractions like Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum or the Alligator Farm Zoological Park.
- St. Andrews State Recreation Area is located in the Florida Panhandle. Sugar-white sands cover the beaches and meet the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Swimming, boating, fishing and biking are popular here. Take a hike on one (or both) of the trails -- Heron Pond Pine and Gator Lake. Shell Island is nearby and in the warmer months, you can take a glass-bottom ferry to the island. Not too far away is Panama City Beach, where you can walk the boardwalk and see the sights.
- Oscar Scherer State Park is located in the south-central part of the state. Some of Florida's most beautiful Gulf Coast beaches are a short drive away. For you hikers and bikers, there are more than 15 miles of trails to explore. Why not rent a canoe and see the park by water? If you are hankering to catch some dinner, both freshwater and saltwater fishing are great. Relax and stay awhile.
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a mecca for all those who like to get wet. Located in the Florida Keys, Pennekamp is known world-wide for its fantabulous snorkeling and diving. Not exactly looking to get wet? Try the glass-bottom boat tours out to the coral reef -- the only living one in the continental United States. Hiking and biking are also popular. Fishing, canoeing and kayaking are other ways to while away the hours.
There are over 160 State Parks, and numerous National Parks in Florida. Over 60 offer some sort of camping -- sometimes full-service, sometimes primitive (and sometimes both). Oh, and there are several parks that even offer cabins, complete with linens and a view (and sometimes even air conditioning)! There are also about a gazillion private parks, although none offer the beauty of the great Florida outdoors or variety of services as do the Florida State Parks. Why not walk on the wild side and do some camping on your next Florida vacation? Visit http://www.great-florida-vacations.com/florida-camping.html for more information about Florida camping and campgrounds. |
