"Hike, Camp, Repeat: 10 Florida State Parks That’ll Get Your Heart Racing"

"Hike, Camp, Repeat: 10 Florida State Parks That’ll Get Your Heart Racing"

Florida – the Sunshine State, known for its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and… incredible hiking spots? That’s right! While many flock to the state for the mouse ears and lazy days by the ocean, outdoor enthusiasts know that Florida is also home to a plethora of awe-inspiring state parks just begging to be explored. In this article, we’ll dive into the top 10 Florida state parks perfect for hiking enthusiasts, complete with insider tips, maps, and all the info you need to plan your next adventure.

1. Falling Waters State Park – Chipley, FL

If you’re looking for a park that’s a real showstopper, Falling Waters is the place to be. Home to the highest waterfall in the state (73 gorgeous feet!), this park is a must-visit for any nature lover.

Getting There:

• Nearest Airport: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) – 65 miles, 1 hour 10 minutes
• Nearest Interstate: I-10 – Exit 120
• Nearest Train Station: Panama City Amtrak Station – 72 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes

Facilities & Activities:

• 24 campsites with electric and water hookups
• 2 primitive campsites
• Picnic areas
• Playground



• Hiking trails: 1.2 miles of moderate terrain
• Waterfall viewing area
• Swimming area

Prices:

• Admission: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Camping: $20 per night (electric and water hookups), $10 per night (primitive sites)

Public Facilities Nearby:

• Hotel: The Farmhouse Hotel – 10 miles, 15 minutes
• Restaurant: The Gingerbread Mansion – 12 miles, 20 minutes
• Grocery Store: Winn-Dixie – 15 miles, 25 minutes

Review: "Falling Waters is a hidden gem! The waterfall is breathtaking, and the hiking trails are just challenging enough to keep it interesting. We camped overnight and loved every minute of it." – Rachel, TripAdvisor

2. Blue Spring State Park – Orange City, FL

Located near the stunning St. Johns River, Blue Spring State Park is a kayaker’s paradise. With its crystal-clear waters and lush greenery, you’ll feel like you’re paddling through a real-life Jungle Book scene.

Getting There:

• Nearest Airport: Orlando International Airport (MCO) – 45 miles, 50 minutes
• Nearest Interstate: I-4 – Exit 116
• Nearest Train Station: Jacksonville Amtrak Station – 130 miles, 2 hours 30 minutes

Facilities & Activities:

• 72 campsites with electric and water hookups
• 2 primitive campsites
• Picnic areas
• Playground
• Swimming area
• Kayak and paddleboard rentals
• Hiking trails: 21 miles of moderate terrain

Prices:

• Admission: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Camping: $24 per night (electric and water hookups), $12 per night (primitive sites)
• Kayak and paddleboard rentals: $20 per hour

Public Facilities Nearby:

• Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Orange City – 10 miles, 15 minutes
• Restaurant: Brixx Wood Fired Pizza – 12 miles, 20 minutes
• Grocery Store: Publix – 15 miles, 25 minutes

Review: "Blue Spring is an absolute must-visit! The spring is crystal-clear, and the kayaking is top-notch. We saw plenty of wildlife, including manatees and turtles." – Mark, Yelp

3. St. Joseph Peninsula State Park – Port St. Joe, FL

Located on a stunning peninsula, this park offers some of the most breathtaking views in the state. With its pristine beaches, nature trails, and wildlife galore, St. Joseph Peninsula is a true gem.

Getting There:

• Nearest Airport: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) – 75 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
• Nearest Interstate: I-10 – Exit 152
• Nearest Train Station: Panama City Amtrak Station – 80 miles, 1 hour 25 minutes

Facilities & Activities:

• 119 campsites with electric and water hookups
• 8 primitive campsites
• Picnic areas
• Playground
• Swimming area
• Hiking trails: 10 miles of moderate terrain
• Beach access

Prices:

• Admission: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Camping: $24 per night (electric and water hookups), $12 per night (primitive sites)

Public Facilities Nearby:

• Hotel: The Pearl Hotel – 15 miles, 25 minutes
• Restaurant: The Sunset Bar & Grill – 12 miles, 20 minutes
• Grocery Store: Winn-Dixie – 15 miles, 25 minutes

Review: "St. Joseph Peninsula is a true natural wonder! The beaches are stunning, and the wildlife viewing is incredible. We saw dolphins, manatees, and even a few sharks!" – Sarah, TripAdvisor

4. Myakka River State Park – Sarasota, FL

Myakka River State Park is a real adrenaline junkie’s playground. With its airboat tours, kayak rentals, and rugged hiking trails, you’ll never be bored in this stunning park.

Getting There:

• Nearest Airport: Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) – 25 miles, 35 minutes
• Nearest Interstate: I-75 – Exit 220
• Nearest Train Station: Tampa Amtrak Station – 120 miles, 2 hours 15 minutes

Facilities & Activities:

• 90 campsites with electric and water hookups
• 2 primitive campsites
• Picnic areas
• Playground
• Swimming area
• Airboat tours
• Kayak and paddleboard rentals
• Hiking trails: 39 miles of moderate to challenging terrain

Prices:

• Admission: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Camping: $26 per night (electric and water hookups), $14 per night (primitive sites)
• Airboat tours: $20 per person
• Kayak and paddleboard rentals: $20 per hour

Public Facilities Nearby:

• Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Sarasota – 15 miles, 25 minutes
• Restaurant: The Old Salty Dog – 12 miles, 20 minutes
• Grocery Store: Publix – 15 miles, 25 minutes

Review: "Myakka River is an absolute blast! The airboat tour was exhilarating, and the kayak rentals were top-notch. We saw plenty of wildlife, including gators and birds." – James, Yelp

5. O’Leno State Park – High Springs, FL

Located near the scenic Santa Fe River, O’Leno State Park is a real nature lover’s paradise. With its hiking trails, river access, and wildlife viewing, you’ll never want to leave.

Getting There:

• Nearest Airport: Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) – 30 miles, 40 minutes
• Nearest Interstate: I-75 – Exit 390
• Nearest Train Station: Jacksonville Amtrak Station – 100 miles, 1 hour 45 minutes

Facilities & Activities:

• 61 campsites with electric and water hookups
• 2 primitive campsites
• Picnic areas
• Playground
• Swimming area
• Hiking trails: 15 miles of moderate terrain
• River access

Prices:

• Admission: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Camping: $20 per night (electric and water hookups), $10 per night (primitive sites)

Public Facilities Nearby:

• Hotel: High Springs Country Inn – 10 miles, 15 minutes
• Restaurant: The Great Outdoors – 12 miles, 20 minutes
• Grocery Store: Publix – 15 miles, 25 minutes

Review: "O’Leno is a real gem! The river access is perfect for kayaking, and the hiking trails are just challenging enough. We saw plenty of wildlife, including deer and turkey." – Emily, TripAdvisor

6. Little Talbot Island State Park – Jacksonville, FL

Little Talbot Island is a beach lover’s paradise. With its pristine shores, nature trails, and stunning views, you’ll feel like you’re in a tropical island getaway.

Getting There:

• Nearest Airport: Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) – 20 miles, 30 minutes
• Nearest Interstate: I-95 – Exit 358
• Nearest Train Station: Jacksonville Amtrak Station – 25 miles, 40 minutes

Facilities & Activities:

• 40 campsites with electric and water hookups
• 2 primitive campsites
• Picnic areas
• Playground
• Swimming area
• Hiking trails: 5 miles of moderate terrain
• Beach access

Prices:

• Admission: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Camping: $24 per night (electric and water hookups), $12 per night (primitive sites)

Public Facilities Nearby:

• Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island – 10 miles, 20 minutes
• Restaurant: The Crab Trap – 12 miles, 25 minutes
• Grocery Store: Publix – 15 miles, 30 minutes

Review: "Little Talbot Island is a real tropical paradise! The beach is stunning, and the nature trails are just beautiful. We saw plenty of wildlife, including sea turtles and dolphins." – Michael, Yelp

7. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – Key Biscayne, FL

Located on the stunning Cape Florida peninsula, this park offers some of the most breathtaking views in the state. With its nature trails, beach access, and wildlife viewing, you’ll never want to leave.

Getting There:

• Nearest Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA) – 20 miles, 30 minutes
• Nearest Interstate: I-95 – Exit 1
• Nearest Train Station: Miami Amtrak Station – 25 miles, 40 minutes

Facilities & Activities:

• 70 campsites with electric and water hookups
• 2 primitive campsites
• Picnic areas
• Playground
• Swimming area
• Hiking trails: 10 miles of moderate terrain
• Beach access

Prices:

• Admission: $8 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Camping: $28 per night (electric and water hookups), $14 per night (primitive sites)

Public Facilities Nearby:

• Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove – 10 miles, 20 minutes
• Restaurant: The Rusty Pelican – 12 miles, 25 minutes
• Grocery Store: Publix – 15 miles, 30 minutes

Review: "Cape Florida is an absolute gem! The beach is stunning, and the nature trails are just beautiful. We saw plenty of wildlife, including manatees and sea turtles." – David, TripAdvisor

8. Caladesi Island State Park – Clearwater, FL

Located on a stunning island, Caladesi Island State Park is a real nature lover’s paradise. With its nature trails, beach access, and wildlife viewing, you’ll never want to leave.

Getting There:

• Nearest Airport: St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) – 20 miles, 30 minutes
• Nearest Interstate: I-275 – Exit 22
• Nearest Train Station: Tampa Amtrak Station – 45 miles, 1 hour

Facilities & Activities:

• 108 campsites with electric and water hookups
• 2 primitive campsites
• Picnic areas
• Playground
• Swimming area
• Hiking trails: 3 miles of moderate terrain
• Beach access

Prices:

• Admission: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Camping: $26 per night (electric and water hookups), $14 per night (primitive sites)

Public Facilities Nearby:

• Hotel: The Sandpearl Resort – 10 miles, 20 minutes
• Restaurant: The Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill – 12 miles, 25 minutes
• Grocery Store: Publix – 15 miles, 30 minutes

Review: "Caladesi Island is a real tropical paradise! The beach is stunning, and the nature trails are just beautiful. We saw plenty of wildlife, including dolphins and sea turtles." – Lisa, Yelp

9. Hillsborough River State Park – Tampa, FL

Located near the stunning Hillsborough River, this park offers some of the most breathtaking views in the state. With its nature trails, river access, and wildlife viewing, you’ll never want to leave.

Getting There:

• Nearest Airport: Tampa International Airport (TPA) – 30 miles, 40 minutes
• Nearest Interstate: I-275 – Exit 46
• Nearest Train Station: Tampa Amtrak Station – 35 miles, 50 minutes

Facilities & Activities:

• 108 campsites with electric and water hookups
• 2 primitive campsites
• Picnic areas
• Playground
• Swimming area
• Hiking trails: 15 miles of moderate terrain
• River access

Prices:

• Admission: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Camping: $26 per night (electric and water hookups), $14 per night (primitive sites)

Public Facilities Nearby:

• Hotel: The Westin Tampa Harbour Island – 10 miles, 20 minutes
• Restaurant: The Outback – 12 miles, 25 minutes
• Grocery Store: Publix – 15 miles, 30 minutes

Review: "Hillsborough River is an absolute gem! The river access is perfect for kayaking, and the wildlife viewing is incredible. We saw plenty of wildlife, including alligators and birds." – Tom, TripAdvisor

10. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area – Flagler Beach, FL

Located on the stunning Flagler Beach, this park offers some of the most breathtaking views in the state. With its nature trails, beach access, and wildlife viewing, you’ll never want to leave.

Getting There:

• Nearest Airport: Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) – 35 miles, 45 minutes
• Nearest Interstate: I-95 – Exit 284
• Nearest Train Station: Jacksonville Amtrak Station – 75 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes

Facilities & Activities:

• 34 campsites with electric and water hookups
• 2 primitive campsites
• Picnic areas
• Playground
• Swimming area
• Hiking trails: 5 miles of moderate terrain
• Beach access

Prices:

• Admission: $5 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Camping: $24 per night (electric and water hookups), $12 per night (primitive sites)

Public Facilities Nearby:

• Hotel: The Flagler Beach Motel – 5 miles, 10 minutes
• Restaurant: The Oceanside Beach Bar – 5 miles, 10 minutes
• Grocery Store: Publix – 10 miles, 20 minutes

Review: "Gamble Rogers is a real gem! The beach is stunning, and the nature trails are just beautiful. We saw plenty of wildlife, including sea turtles and dolphins." – Mark, Yelp

Conclusion:

Florida’s state parks are a real treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure. From the stunning beaches to the rugged nature trails, there’s something for everyone in these incredible parks. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a relaxing day in the sun, these 10 state parks are a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast.

FAQ:

Q: What is the best way to get to these state parks?
A: The best way to get to these state parks depends on your location and mode of transportation. By car is usually the most convenient way to get to these parks, but there are also options by plane, train, and public transportation.

Q: What are the best activities to do in these state parks?
A: The best activities to do in these state parks depend on your interests and the park you visit. Hiking, camping, swimming, and wildlife viewing are popular activities in many of these parks.

Q: What are the best times to visit these state parks?
A: The best times to visit these state parks depend on the weather and your preferences. Generally, the fall and spring seasons are the best times to visit these parks, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

Q: Are these state parks pet-friendly?
A: Some of these state parks are pet-friendly, but it depends on the specific park and its regulations. Be sure to check the park’s website or contact the park directly before bringing your pet.

Q: Can I reserve campsites and other facilities in these state parks?
A: Yes, you can reserve campsites and other facilities in these state parks. It’s recommended to do so in advance, especially during peak season.