Florida State Parks Offer Family Camping for a Bargain

Author: Kirby Collins

I have traveled all around the state of Florida and one of my favorite things about this state is all the state parks, there are over 150 in Florida. They are broken up into 5 districts, the Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southwest and Southeast Districts. There are approximately 700,000 acres of land that include vast open prairies, steep ravines, lush semi-tropical forests, cultural sites and crystal clear springs, lakes and rivers, and there are approximately 100 miles of sandy white beaches.

One of the favorite things to do at any state park is camp and the weather here in Florida is great for much of the year making opportunities for camping plentiful, different parks offer different camping experiences. If you have a boat there are five Florida State parks with boat slips, these slips include water, electricity and basic amenities, at south Florida's Biscayne Bay at Bill Baggs Cape you can anchor overnight. If you have a horse there are several state parks such as the Suwannee River State Park where they have ride-in primitive areas as well as areas suitable for rigs.

There are many family friendly activities to enjoy, like swimming, snorkeling and diving which can be done in rivers or springs, fishing from bridges, piers or off shore. You can take a kayak or canoe through rivers and down streams, take a scenic nature trail and go hiking or do some bird watching and take beautiful pictures along the way. You can go horseback riding, even along the surf in a few parks like Amelia Island, and of course camp. You can find year-round outdoor activities such as battle reenactments and Native American festivals that celebrate Florida's history, art shows, museums and lighthouses and then there are the more common ranger-led tours that give wonderful and informative histories of the parks.

If you're planning to make the trip to several different parks in a year annual passes are a good idea, I strongly recommend getting one. When you buy an Annual pass it is good for entrance into most Florida parks, there are some exceptions but only a few. If there are other attractions like glass bottom boats tours or snorkeling or diving opportunities, like there are at John Pennekamp in Key Largo, there maybe additional charges. The Annual Pass rates vary for individuals and families and there are special discounts for active, retired or inactive military members and their families.

There are over 50 family campgrounds throughout Florida's state parks. There are full-facility campsites for tent campers and RVers that include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table they also have centralized showers, restrooms and dumping stations. If you enjoy secluded areas and carrying your camping gear, sometimes miles, to the campsite, primitive campsites are also available. Amenities and accessibility at these sites vary, and they usually have no electric power, and may or may not have potable water or convenient bathroom facilities. We stayed at Bahia Honda State Park at a site that was right on the water, it was so nice not to mention romantic.

Group facilities and youth facilities are available at select state parks, like Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale. Capacity and amenities vary by park, but most have accommodations for at least 20 campers and provide picnic tables and a ground fire ring. Most state parks are open 8:00 a.m. to sundown, 365 days a year, some camping grounds require reservations that can be made anywhere from a day to 11 months in advance and camping fees vary.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/camping-articles/florida-state-parks-offer-family-camping-for-a-bargain-4255378.html

About the Author

Hiking, camping and canoeing are just a few fun things to do in Florida on your vacation. There are many activities at Florida State Parks your family can enjoy all year long.