Anastasia State Park ● Blackwater River ● Grayton State Park ● Rainbow Springs State Park ● Sebastian Inlet State Park ● Bahia Honda State Park ● St. Andrews State Park
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1. Rainbow Springs State Park
Located in the heart of Florida, these springs are nestled in a flora wonderland. An old entertainment park, this run-down zoo and amusement land was bought by the state of Florida and turned into a popular location for both tourists and locals alike to jump in and enjoy cool spring water.
Watch fish swim by your toes, explore the waterfalls, old cages, butterfly garden, and more at this Florida State Park.
Rainbow Springs has camping but it is in a separate location, up the road, from the main center of the park so be prepared to drive a few minutes to visit the old zoo and mouth of the aquifer… While there is a swimming spot by the camping that has beautiful clear water, albeit a little ways down the river, but it’s worth the drive to walk around the spring and witness the water bubble up from the sand.
2. Sebastian Inlet State Park
On Florida’s beautiful east coast, this state park is home to beach on beach on beach. There is a large cut that allows access to the town of Sebastian from the Atlantic Ocean. Near the park entrance you’ll find a quaint museum that teaches the interesting history of the park and the inlet. From closing the inlet to first-person encounters of the 1930’s in Sebastian, this museum is a gem of the park!
Along the park roads you can find 3 different beaches. Two on the Atlantic coast and one on the inlet. There is a walkway under the bridge to walk or fish from and many campsites are along the inlet providing fishing opportunities a short walk from camp. If you look, you just might see some sea turtles or dolphins swimming in the inlet.
3. Bahia Honda State Park
This spectacular Florida State Park in the keys is usually seen on Florida campgrounds lists. Don’t let that imply that it is over-rated. Think of it more as a well-earned reputation.
Bahia Honda State Park encompasses everything that you might expect from the Florida Keys… layers upon layers of blues, your pick of beaches, fish life, and sunshine. These qualities mean this park is in high demand with campers. Be prepared to book well in advance if you wish to stay in one of their campgrounds.
Key West is only a short drive away and there are many wonderful seafood places along the way, to the park and from the park to Key West.
4. St. Andrews State Park
Being Texans and closer to the panhandle of Florida, St. Andrews State Park is our go-to! The emerald waters and white sand beaches that give the panhandle it’s reputations shine in this park. There are miles of beaches to explore and even a small pond with a walking train and alligators. The wildlife doesn’t stop there, though. This park is also home to many friendly deer and other usual suspects like rabbits, opossums, and beach dwelling raccoons.
An optional activity at the park is the boat ride across the cut to Shell Island. This island is renowned for its shell finding and is only accessible by boat. Typically, our time is spent exploring the beaches. You can walk from the ocean side to the bay side because the park ends at the cut.
Camping is excellent at this Florida State Park because you have many campsite options that are directly on the bay. While it’s not fit for swimming, you can fish from camp and walk in the water (carefully, with shoes) and explore to find crabs, snails, and other bay life.
5. Anastasia State Park
Another Atlantic Ocean specialty, Anastasia State Park is home to beautiful sand dunes, beaches, campgrounds, and culture.
Located in the heart of St. Augustine, Florida, the United States’ oldest city, this park has many options to keep you busy and entertained during your visit. While in the park, drink in the ocean waves and sandy beaches. Be prepared for a decent walk to the beach as a large boardwalk takes visitors safely over the protected sand dunes. If you explore the town (which is highly suggested), Castillo de San Marcus is a National Park and Fort established in the bay. Beyond that is old downtown St. Augustine, blocks of wonderfully walkable history, good food, and good beer.
Camping here is a good option! The campsites are not on the beach but they are tucked into some beautiful Florida woods. The walking trail between the campgrounds was a great break from the hot sun.
6. Blackwater River State Park
Situated in the interior of Florida’s panhandle, this park features the river for which it is named – Blackwater River. Uniquely dark thanks to its sand bottom. Only about an hour drive from the beach, this State Park is a good option to see a Florida outside of the typical beach.
There are many walking trails in the park. Both banks of the river feature walking trails within Blackwater River State Park. If you want to get outside the park, take a walk through the surrounding Blackwater River State Forest.
Within the park you will find swimming opportunities, old-wood growth trees, lizards, alligators, and camping. The sites are nice but a little crowded. All in all, a great park!
7. Grayton Beach State Park
Another Florida State Park that has become renowned and for good reason. Recently listed as a top beach in the United States, the vast expanse of white sands and clear water would win the hearts of any visitor. The park also features a large bay/lake. Many people were taking advantage of the calm waters and kayaking but we explored the park’s trail and found many fishing opportunities.
While the majority of the park is located along the Gulf of Mexico, there is also a section of the State Park located across the road that features more hiking opportunities.
Although Grayton State Park has camping, it was booked when we went to book out trip and we stayed about 15 minutes away in the Washington Point State Forest Campground.
Hope you enjoyed this list of 7 Awesome State Parks with Camping in Florida.
This is a list of just some of the wonderful state parks that Florida has to offer… there are so many more! Let us know which of your favorite Florida State Parks with camping that should have been on this list.
Please, share with any friends and family who might also find it enjoyable!
Griseta Travels 