Favorite Florida State Parks for Winter Camping Fun

Go camping in a Florida State Park for a break from the cold winter weather up north. If you enjoy the out of doors and want to explore nature, then you should plan to spend some of your time in the beautiful State Parks and take advantage of their reasonably priced camping facilities. Experience Florida’s beaches, oceans, springs, and ancient cypress swamps. I have listed some of the parks that we have enjoyed on our travels.

STEPHEN FOSTER FOLK CULTURE STATE PARK, White Springs, FL—Located along the Suwanee River, the river made famous in Foster’s song Swanee River, this park celebrates music and arts and crafts in special programs. Full facility camping and lots of outdoor opportunities for biking, hiking, fishing, and canoeing in the gorgeous natural setting.

BLUE SPRING STATE PARK, Orange City, FL and MANATEE SPRINGS STATE PARK, Chiefland, FL—You will get the thrill of a lifetime watching the manatee floating in the springs and waterways of these parks. The “gentle giants” are only found in Florida and can be seen when they move to the warm spring waters in winter when the seas turn cold. The springs remain at a gentle 72 degrees all year round.

DELEON SPRINGS STATE PARK, DeLeon, FL—If you go to Blue Spring State Park, be sure to run on over to DeLeon Springs State Park to grill your own pancakes right at your table at the Old Sugar Mill Restaurant located at the park. You can also take a dip in the warm springs located nearby. Azaleas which begin blooming around Valentine’s Day, mid-February, are breathtaking here. There are no camping facilities.

LAKE KISSIMMEE STATE PARK, Lake Wales, FL--In an 1876-era cow camp, the cowboy era of historic Florida comes alive with living history demonstrations. White-tailed deer, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, turkeys, and bobcats have been spotted in the park which is situated on Lakes Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie. Yee-haw! Grab your binoculars and fishin’ pole!

HIGHLANDS HAMMOCK STATE PARK, Sebring, FL— Follow trails through the ancient cypress swamp. Enjoy the peace and silence found among the moss-draped trees and palmetto thickened forest. Learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) who worked on establishing the botanical garden and building the park’s facilities in the ‘30’s. The museum on the grounds is a doorway into the lives of these hard working young men. This park is a learning place where visitors appreciate the history of the CCC and the beauty of Old Florida.

BAHIA HONDA STATE PARK, Big Pine Key, FL—Breathtaking is the only word that describes the beauty of the Florida Keys. The multiple shades of blues and greens of the skies and seas and the expanse of the horizons are awesome. Visiting this park will be a memorable time as you lose yourself in the beauty of the area. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, fishing, and soaking up the sun on the sandy beaches are just a few of the activities. Make your camping reservations early because this is a very popular spot.

JOHN PENNEKAMP STATE PARK, Key Largo, FL at the top of the Florida Keys—Experience the fantastic coral reefs of Florida. You can snorkel or scuba dive at the reefs or take a boat tour in a glass bottom boat for viewing these amazing reefs and the creatures who live in them. If you prefer not to venture out to the reef, the Visitor Center has an exhibit in their large aquarium.

It seems that we only think of Disney and theme parks when we think of Florida. There is so much more to see in this diverse state. Experience the natural beauty and refresh yourself when you camp and/or take advantage of the myriad of opportunities at the Florida State Parks.

I have listed only a small number of Florida state parks. Go to the Florida State Parks website for a full listing and information on each park. Visit Inside Florida for more information about campgrounds, places to see, and things to do on your next trip to the Sunshine State.