There are miles of excellent hiking and biking trails, three outstanding campgrounds and historic palm-tree log cabins built during the Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Grayton Beach State Park sprawls nearly 2,000 acres andoffersbeautiful beaches, fishing and four miles of trails through a coastal forest. These beaches are unbelievable, and they consistently rank among the best in the nation. All of these campgrounds accommodate both RVs and tents. This area consistently boasts some of the best waves in Florida, so it is fun for everyone to watch professional surfers shred. Discover the park on a barrier island just south of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. And some of them happen to be located along the coastline, giving you the bonus of a beach. Tours at this crystal-clear, water-filled oasis run every 30 to 45 minutes every day of the year; on a given day, you can expect to see gators, manatees, turtles and dozens of species of fish. The CCC buildings in the park arent the only cool history. The fishing, as you might expect, is fabulous. Florida has a lot of state parks built around springs and they are all terrific, but Silver Springs State Park is the best of all. Beyond the boat tours, the parks upland section is a birding hotspot, with frequent visits from wild turkeys, woodpeckers and various species of ducks. The areas long history of human habitation reached its most dramatic point in 1715, when a Spanish treasure fleet fell victim to a hurricane and wrecked in shallow waters off the island. Although boats are not permitted in the dune lakes, you can fish from shore for bass, bream, panfish and catfish. Sebastian Inlet State Park. You can launch your kayaks and canoes from the beach, or from the boat ramp on the bayside. (Photo: Bonnie Gross) Silver Springs State Park, North Central Florida (Ocala) Florida has a lot of state parks built around springs and they are all terrific, but Silver Springs State Park is the best of all. The Best State Park in Each State | The Discoverer Pets are welcome, and the maximum RV length is 50feet. Good grief! Park office: 850-267-8330. Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach, CA. Tybee Island is the perfect spot to adventure and explore, with miles of pristine beaches. Florida Panhandle campgrounds at these 14 awesome state parks Ride your bicycle on multi-use coastal trails and unpaved forest roads and trails in the adjacent 15,000-acre Point Washington State Forest. Best state park for experiencing a little bit of everything. This landmark is a rare coastal dune lake, completely encompassed by the state park. Wedged between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean in Fort Lauderdale,Hugh Taylor Birch State Park makes visitors ask: where to plunge in first? Take a stroll along its golden sand, or find your way up and along its pier. On the site of a reclaimed phosphate mine, the jagged terrain here will entertain biking novices and pros alike. The only other people you might see are a few other campers or rangers, leaving you and your family secluded from the world but also amenities, so pack well! Park office: 850-983-5363. Makena Beach State Park on Maui gained fame for its impressive beauty. Bear Lake is visited by roughly 15,000 campers every year, making it a popular location for those who enjoy the water. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park over near Keystone Heights is nice. 2. Is it true that most State Park camp grounds cannot accommodate large fifth wheel RV's? The impact of this disaster still captures the imagination today. 8.9. Those who love quirky milestones can get a photo at the highest natural point south of Lake Okeechobee (being in Florida, its only 86ft, but still). With its proximity to the populous southeast Florida coast, Jonathan Dickinson State Park is a godsend for urban residents. The Indiana Dunes State Park houses 2,182 acres of pristine, picturesque, historic terrain. One site (#14) is available for hammock camping. Here, youll trade in Floridas general flatness for hills galore and more than 20 miles of mountain bike trail options. Shade is limited on our sandy beaches. The winds change, often giving way to new views of the bays, maritime woodlands, salt marshes, and sandy beaches. Explore a large selection of fun things to do on the 15 miles of sandy beach year-round. Besides a campground with 60 sites, this park also offers 30 two-bedroom cabin rentals near the beach in a restricted section of the park. Swim in the Gulf or the bay. With consistently warm temperatures, quirky cultural attractions and prime beaches, the Florida Keys are a great year-round destination. St. Andrews State Park, 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, FL. East Coast State Parks that Will Blow Your Mind People go to Hawaii for little slices of heaven, like Makena State Park. Border Field State Park. While its one of the states most popular beach destinations, Virginia Beach, it feels like a world apart from daily life and stress. Next, enjoy the water as a scuba diver or recreational beachgoer at Divers Cove, a smaller, protected location below the Visitor Center and near to the Group Area. Millions of visitors are drawn to the Gulf of Mexico for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. 5 Best Connecticut State Parks To Go Camping - WorldAtlas During these temporary closures, arriving visitors will be asked to return later. We are also very fortunate to have plenty of beachfront state parks for camping trips. Two boat ramps on the bay side offer access for canoes, kayaks and small boats. In addition, the undeveloped island offers unspoiled shorelines for those looking for a fun outing in the great outdoors unfettered by city light and noise pollution. Check out the 20-mile long and 8-mile broad body of water. If you do decide to rent an camper, we recommend planning a trip to at least one of the fourbest beachfront state parks for camping. Approximately an hour northwest of Tallahassee,Florida Caverns State Parkis the only park in the state where visitors can take a guided tour through a cave system. Its hard to pick a main attraction at this family-friendly park, but if we were to choose one, it would be the living history experience of early Florida cow hunters in the parks 1876-era cow camp. Copyright 2023, AmericasStateParks.org. St. Augustine FL 32080, 8282 S.E. View of old cobblestone architecture from the 1930s in Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme, Connecticut. Theres even a campground store and a cable TV connection at each site! The park offers 10 miles of white-sand beach and some of the tallest sand dunes in the state. Henry Flaglers bold effort to build a railroad to Key West in the early 1900s turned the remote island of Bahia Honda Key into a tropical destination. Beyond thevisual eeriness, you can learn more about the geology behind this phenomenon during a weekly guided walk or at theon-site information center. Even as a day tripper, though, Bahia Honda is worth a visit. Just across the water from Long Island is the chalk-white sands of Rocky Neck State Park. The park has a singled one-bedroom cabin with A/C, heat and a wood-burning fireplace. Destin RV Beach Resort. Mustang Island is home to a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles and dolphins. THE BEST Broward County State Parks - Tripadvisor Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 2. The parks 29shaded campsites have water and electric hookups, and theres a free-standing YURT that accommodates five. It also features a concession, a restaurant, kayak rentals, snorkeling tours of the reef, geo-seeking, and a butterfly garden. Sebastian Inlet is home to the premier saltwater fishing spot on Floridas east coast. Some do, some don't. Best Florida State Parks: Our 8 favorites - Florida Rambler Florida Caverns State Park, Marianna We've got more than our fair share of natural wonders, but one of the most interesting has to be Florida Caverns State Park. Keep in mind cold water, sudden storms, and surprise waves all deserve respect year-round. 24. With 47 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline and stretches of golden sand to pick from, naming the best Florida beach in The Palm Beaches is impossible. Address:14775 US-1, Juno Beach, FL 33408. Its common to see many marine birds and dolphins! Visitors trek down a winding boardwalk to the bottom of the sinkhole. We recommend arriving early on weekends and holidays. 1. Lake Havasu State Park, on the northern border between California and Arizona, offers a waterfall, beach, and a resort. In fall, the trees around Lake Seminole show their colors. Eight cabins are available for $100 a night overlooking St. Josephs Bay. Theformal gardens are the centerpiece ofour park, with remarkable displays of native and non-native plant species including azaleas, camellias and bird of paradise. Visitors can explore the maritime hammocks, ancient sand dunes and historic coquina quarry before taking a dip in the Atlantic along pristine, white-sand beaches. There are 176 sites on two campground loops, each with water and electric, picnic tables and grills. Address:19075 Dubois Rd, Jupiter, FL 33477. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Florida Rambler story on the Milton area, which includes Blackwater River State Park. Most offer 30/50 amp hook=ups, water, and sewer. The Florida Panhandle has 14 awesome state park campgrounds for tents and RVers, and most are off the radar for snowbirds who fly towards Central and South Florida destinations in winter. For more information read our full article on Cape Henlopen State Park. Occupying more than 70,000 acres of land formerly known as the Cross Florida Barge Canal, the Greenway is a 110-mile linear park that is more than a mile wide in places. The 4 Best Beachfront Florida State Parks for Camping Anastasia has 139 campsites for RVs and tents in hammock forest, set back from blowing sand and salt spray but within easy bicycling or walking distance from the beach. 1200 S. Crandon Blvd. Kayak rentals are available in the park. State Park has a great beach plenty of parking with bath houses and showers at each area of parking Shade trees to se. In addition, the bay side is a fantastic area to kayak or canoe in peaceful inlets, and the marshes are home to many wild animals. The highlight, though, is camping is allowed on two miles of the most pristine beaches you will ever see, so you can go as far away from civilization as you like. Beyond its friendly tortoise residents and palm-shaded trails, the main attraction here is the water. Snorkeling at the parks south end and surf fishing are popular leisure activities, and access to the beach is available with many parking options. From hiking to kayaking, here are the very best activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Three Rivers State Park, 7908 Three Rivers Road, Sneads, FL. In The Palm Beaches, youll find the top beaches in Florida. Powered by Mai Theme, 11 Best Beaches in Fort Myers (And Nearby! The park also provides trade winds and gorgeous views of Molokini and Kaho'olawe because of its location between two outcroppings of black lava. Lonely Planets USAs National Parks is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Great campground with large private sites, nice large accessible beach area and large lake for kayaking or SUP. Check out the latest photos of the north jetty and watch the surf on these two webcams. Even better to me were the birds we saw along the way, including my favorite, those roseate spoonbills who manage to look both goofy and elegant at the same time. Most notably, youll enjoy the seven miles of waterfront recreation space if your family loves to hike, bike, or canoe. This is a peaceful park with scenic nature trails and a two-acre lake with a white sand beach. Torreya State Park, 2576 NW Torreya Park Road, Bristol FL. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park State Parks, Forests, and Preserves. There are two restrooms with hot showers, and nature trails meander through nearby pine forests and coastal scrub. There are three hiking trails, including the 6-mile Wilderness Preserve Trail that meanders through 1750 acres of an unspoiled coastal eco-system that is bustling with wildlife. There are two fishing piers, a jetty and a boat ramp. Assateagues wild horses are a breed of tame animals that have returned to the wild. All rights reserved. Best state park for a (literally) cool hike. Each of the 156 campsites has water, 30 and 50-amp electric, cable and sewer hookups. Hikers can enjoy more than 600 acres of undisturbed natural environs. Enjoy the magnificent cedar stands along the river, including one of the largest and oldest white cedars in the eastern half of the nation. Restrooms and a dump station nearby. Also, the park stays open every day until midnight, although the park may close at Enjoy five miles of nature trails, and more than seven miles of trails and paved roads for bicycles in semi-rough terrain and moderate elevation changes. As the sun sets and the stars fill the night sky, the island of Bahia Honda becomes a magical place. Located on both Laguna Beach and Newport Beach, this park offers easy access to a wide variety of shorelines perfect for strolling with paved walkways. Veteran journalists who worked together at Fort Lauderdales SunSentinel newspaper, Bonnie and Bob founded FloridaRambler.com in 2010 to explore the natural, authentic Florida, writing about their natural interests in hiking, biking, paddling, RV and tent camping, wildlife, unique lodging, dining and historic places. We suggest bringing umbrellas or sunshades or renting them from our concessionaire. BGs Surfside Grill and Adventures is the official concessionnaire for Sebastian Inlet State Park. Spanning2000 acres along the Gulf of Mexico, Grayton Beach State Parkoffers dune-filled, white-sand bliss. There are 42 spacious, shady sites with water and electric, picnic table, and some have water views. Here's the one for Highland Hammocks. Also, the unique continental shelf off the coast of Florida is very flat, making it a lot easier for shells to remain intact when coming to shore. One of the rare spots to camp on the beach without a dune in the way is at False Cape State Park in Virginia. From New Year's Day to New Year's Eve, the US calendar is jam-packed with things to do in 2022. Additional amenities include showering stations, walking paths, and a picnic area equipped with grills, tables, and restrooms. Make sure to visit Pelican Point, reachable by car with a short walk to the waters edge. The problem is both cabins and campgrounds are so popular that you have to make a whole project out of acquiring reservations. Theres even a 9 hole golf course with views of the ocean! 10: Anastasia State Park - St. Augustine. Each park lists maximum length on their Experiences and Amenities page. Copyright 2023 Florida Rambler Media. There are public bathrooms available, as well as small grills for cooking. There is much more to discover along Florida's coast, including marshes and mangroves, reefs, seagrass beds and sandbars. Emerald Bay State Park. Situated near Port Aransas, Mustang Island State Park stretches along the islands coastline for five miles. Also: We looked to recognize parks from every region of Florida. Google Maps: 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. On its eastern edge, you can enjoy Fort Lauderdale Beachs white sand and Atlantic waves. Theres a mile-long boardwalk and 3.5-mile nature trail where you can get up close and personal with your feathered friends. Located minutes east of Ocala, Silver Springs State Parkhas been offering glass-bottom-boat tours since the 1870s. Bob co-founded FloridaRambler.com with fellow journalist Bonnie Gross 12 years ago. 850-233-5140. And you are close enough to the commercial fishing port of Apalachicola to enjoy fresh fish, especially oysters, at any time of the year. Nature trails run along the river. Back-in rentals start at $35 per night, $190 per week, and $400 per month. Beyond Florida beaches: Explore the Sunshine State's best-kept secrets Aerial view of Bear Lake State Park. California Beach State Parks Lake Worth Beach is noted for its cleanliness and relaxed atmosphere. It stretches out along the northern shore of the Loxahatchee River, one of Floridas two nationally designated Wild & Scenic Rivers. All rights reserved. The tidal cove has recently been a popular destination for families. RV Parks in Destin, Florida - Top 20 Campgrounds near Destin, FL Note that helmets are required for all cyclists and that if the rugged paths prove to be too much for your equipment, there is a full-service on-site bike shop for repairs or rentals. One of my favorite state parks in the Panhandle, St. George Island State Park is on the east end of the barrier island that frames Apalachicola Bay, one of the most productive oyster beds in the world. These 12 state parks will make you fall in love with Florida Dog owners can bring their pets to Herring Point as long as they keep them on a leash. Each of the 60 campsites has electric and water hookups with a dump station nearby. Six sites have concrete pads, and the rest are hard-pack sand. The sugar-white sand beach and convenient location near Destin shopping make this popular beachfront campground an attractive destination for RVers. Find your adventure from the 11 most beautiful beaches from Hawaii to the Rockies, ready to help you get a much-needed break from the stress of life. Fall brings a flood of seafood festivals to this region, starting with the Pensacola and Destin Seafood Festivals in late September and early October, peaking with the Florida Seafood Festival in oyster-rich Apalachicola in early November. From there, search for rocks, shells, and fossils along the beach or camp to find more every day. Myakka would be a great park even without the kayaking. Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. Spend a day at one of Floridas most beautiful beaches, Caladesi Island State Park, just west of Tampa on the coast. Blackwater River State Park: Paddler paradise, Falling Waters State Park: Highest waterfall in Florida, Florida Caverns State Park: Stalactite, stalagmite wonderland, Grayton Beach State Park Beautiful beach, Henderson Beach State Park Big dunes, white sand near Destin, Ochlockonee River State Park Great for paddlers, wildlife, Rocky Bayou State Park Down on the bayou (and the bay), St. Andrews State Park Beautiful beach, large campground, St. George Island State Park All beach, and lotsa oysters. The Best Places for Camping in Florida Escape to stunning beaches and quiet forests for your next camping adventure. In the winter, a concessionaire offers horseback riding on wooded trails. Calmer waters on the Indian River Lagoon beckon kayakers to explore wild beauty. Phil Foster Park - Riviera Beach/Singer Island. However, there are no available lifeguards. Pets are welcome at campsites, and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. Also, find tranquility in a few hidden gems ready to make you feel like the only person on a sandy white beach with crystal blue waters everywhere you look. This was our selection of top rated beaches in Florida. Its a great area for enjoying the water, sun, sand and a fantastic view of the inlet. . Rent a boat or a kayak to get to the barrier, or take the Honeymoon Islands ferry ride to see wildlife on the way. There are 30 RV campsites, each with 20-30-50-amp service, water, sewer hookups, picnic table and a grill. Pets are welcome, and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. Spend your days beach-combing, swimming, fishing, and kayaking while exploring the different areas. The top Florida destination was St. Augustine Beach, which was ranked No. This beach is ideal for soaking up the sun and taking in scenic views. Park office: 850-492-1595. Peanut Island is only accessible by boat, paddleboard, or canoe. 10 of Florida's Great RV Parks | VISIT FLORIDA In the park, you may unwind on one of the several beaches that make Lake Havasu City so appealing. Bring your camera and see if you can capture images of larger and more spectacular birds on the ocean side of the park. Park office: 850-837-7550. Peanut island is a family sanctuary which features snorkeling, overnight camping, and swimming. Things to Do There are many activities for all ages to take advantage of in Gulf Islands. In the summertime, you could even see an osprey. Assateague is Marylands sole beachfront park, but it does not let that stop you from visiting as it offers more than meets the eye. Bahia Honda State Park has it all - the best beaches in the Florida Keys, legendary snorkeling, a bounty of shore and wading birds, and a plentiful underwater population that will keep anglers smiling. Mustang Island State Park welcomes tourists all through the year who are interested in sea turtle nesting, paddling tours, and shallow-water fishing. It's a careless typo on our part, which I have also found in other stories. The 1,319-acre park has 35 campsites with electric and water hookups, as well as stables for horses. The park also has 30 2 BR, 1 Bath duplex cabins that accommodate up to six people each, so invite your friends to spend a week or a weekend when youre here. 7.2. The park is a great fishing spot and has a nice playground. Can see their website. The recreational paradise allows you to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and other water-related activities. Find stretches of warm golden sand, blue Atlantic Ocean waters, and gently swaying palm trees. Florida cities ranked as favorite affordable family destinations for 2023 Florida locations that made the list were: Best state park for taking in turquoise ocean waters. Florida Rambler story about Apalachicola and St. George Island State Park. Niceville, FL 6.7 Miles NE. Its really hard to imagine youre even in Florida anymore. One of the states most scenic parks, this state park sits on high bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola River (which starts out as the Chattahoochee River in Georgia). Address:1600 S Beach Rd, Tequesta, FL 33469. Florida State Parks have been recognized as the best in the nation four times, a record no other state has achieved, so its not easy picking the best Florida State parks from 175 terrific contenders. Its worth a visit, though, for the extremely blue water and This last example of a natural coastal beach community in Broward County offers an escape from city life as well as protection for endangered plant and animal species. Here are your nine best options. On the 58 square miles of the park, the Myakka River winds through wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Key Biscayne beachfront in Florida on a sunny day. People from far and wide can enjoy over 400 kinds of birds, camping, swimming, and fishing. 86 Reviews. Pets are welcome, and the maximum RV length is 40 feet. The park also has some of best cabins in the state park system and a beautiful shaded campground. Big Pine Key FL 33043. At this park east of Sarasota, you can spend many days and not run out of things to do. Swim, snorkel, and refresh yourself in the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. A few buildings remain and a historical marker. On its western edge, you can fish from the Intracoastals sea walls. Just north of Interstate 10, the park is easily accessible for RVers, and at $16 a night, its bargain-priced. Restrooms with showers have both heat and AC, and laundry facilities are available to campers. For reservations, call 800-326-3521. A fitness trail is also onsite. From public beaches and lakeside campgrounds, families can go swimming, water skiing, scuba diving, and sailing and get away from the worries of life for a few hours or a few days. Address:1375 Jupiter Beach Rd, Jupiter, FL 33477. Highway 314 Located in northern Porter County, this stunning stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline spans over three miles and large sand dunes as high as 200 feet. The beach parking lot is large, allowing you to park away from the crowds. There, youll find Bennys On The Beach, an oceanfront restaurant with diverse cuisine from breakfast to dinner. With Florida temperatures rising into the 80s and 90s throughout the year, a shaded walk in Florida can be a nice treat. Learn how your comment data is processed. In addition to the mermaids, the park is also home to the deepest known freshwater cave system in the United States, which you can learn about on a boat tour or snorkeling adventure. Here's the Top 25 state parks list. A nature trail winds through the rolling dune system. Additional amenities include pavilion access, picnic tables, and restrooms. A walk on the Old Bahia Honda Bridge trail is steeped in history and offers a spectacular view of the waters below. The Best State Parks in the U.S. | Cond Nast Traveler Address:6500 Peanut Island Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33404. @Tim smith, I agree.. the first time I tried to use it I pulled almost all my hair out. Surfers from around the globe flock to Sebastian Inlet State Park to ride First Peak and Monster Hole, but this pristine park is more than a Florida surfers paradise. 15 Beautiful State Parks in Florida To Visit - Trips To Discover The McLarty Treasure Museum highlights the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet, while the Sebastian Fishing Museum chronicles the history of the area's fishing industry. Header picture courtesy of Carri Lager @carrilagerphotopgraphy, Explore the Diversity of Things To Do in South Florida, Beat the Heat and Enjoy the Ocean and Waterways of, Perfect Beaches For Kids And Parents in The Palm Beaches, Here are our favorite cultural experiences and learning, Endless Family Fun: Kid-Friendly Activities in The, Why The Palm Beaches Are One of Forbes 24 Best Places, 2023 The Palm Beaches, The Best Way to Experience Florida | The Official Tourism Marketing Corporation for Palm Beach County, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, Hilton Singer Island Oceanfront/Palm Beaches Resort, Wyndham Grand Jupiter At Harbourside Place. For more information read our full article on Lake Havasu State Park. A laundry and vending machines are also located in the campground near four ADA-accessible camp sites. Both of these beaches are well-known for their sloping shorelines, which provides ideal swimming. I have a friend with a 45-foot fifth wheel who is a regular at Highlands Hammocks State Park in Sebring. But for others, the clear waters and vivid sunsets at Bahia Honda State Park are well-deserved attractions of their own. Best of all, bring a furry friend to cool off, as a portion of Jupiter Beach (Ocean Cay Park) allows dogs to be off their leash. Henderson Beach State Park - RV Camping On Beach In Florida. Pets are welcome, and maximum RV length is 45 feet. 1. Places to stay nearby: Peanut Island Park & Tent Campground. This park is a rest stop for birds who migrate across the Gulf of Mexico, bound for the Caribbean and Latin America.