By Joyce Starr
The Best Florida Campgrounds
The state of Florida has many campgrounds. Whether you're looking to camp in deep hardwoods, at the
beach or at one of the state's many springs, there's something for everyone. If you're basing your trip on recreational activities, many campgrounds offer swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and much more. With its large number of state and federal parks, reserves privately owned campgrounds, finding a spot to camp is not hard.
North Florida
From the limestone cliffs along the Suwannee River to the pristine water of the Gulf of Mexico, North Florida campgrounds are beautiful. If fishing and water sports are your hobbies, Ochlockonee River State Park in Sopchoppy, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park in Port St. Joe and St. George Island State Park at St. George Island all offer a wealth of opportunities. Check out the magnificent caves and caverns at Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna and go horseback riding too. Camping at Blackwater River State Park in Holt offers canoeists the chance to experience one of the most pure sand bottom rivers in the entire world. All of the above have great camping areas.
Central Florida
The heart of the state offers many diverse camping opportunities. In the heart of the Ocala forest lies Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs Federal Campgrounds. These two parks have magnificent springs where you can swim, dive, fish and boat. Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland and Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon offer beautiful springs and great camping facilities. If you desire to sit back and relax in a thick forest, O'leno State Park in High Springs and Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa have just what you need. For fishing, boating and various water sports, Sebastian Inlet State Park in Melbourne Beach can't be beat. This park attracts anglers from around the world to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River.
Southern Florida
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo has 70 nautical miles of coral reefs in its boundaries. The park offers a vast range of water activities, including glass-bottom boat tours. To experience wild Florida, camp at Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey or Myakka River State Park in Sarasota. Both are packed with wildlife such as bobcats, alligators, indigo snakes, gopher tortoises and much more.
About the Author:
Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.
Photo Credits:
Photo: author
