Adventure Outdoors Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 30

Florida State Parks

Paddle through the teal waters of the Gulf of Mexico , hike through the shady canopy of hardwood forests , or ride horseback through golden prairies to your next camping adventure at Florida State Parks . Primitive campsites are available at 30 different state parks and these secluded venues offer an easy way to get value for your adventure--- the sites can be reserved for just $ 5 per person .
You may need a reservation but there ’ s no hold-out on the experience .
ON THE WATER Navigate sand dunes as you hike along sparkling shores for a quiet beach-campsite at St . George Island State Park . Or traverse through lush mangroves and explore natural landscapes for a reclusive site at Sebastian Inlet State Park .
Explore a remote island only accessible by boat , and camp among unaltered tropical vegetation at Cayo Costa State Park - one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands remaining in Florida . Or paddle to your site through coastal swamps and marshes at Collier-Seminole State Park .
OFF THE BEATEN PATH Discover Florida ’ s incredible biodiversity , with 20 distinct biological communities at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and hike , bike or horseback ride for miles through open vista to your site . Take on rugged terrain and hike along the winding Loxahatchee River to a remote site at Jonathan Dickinson State Park .
Further south , camp on the banks of the majestic lakes at Myakka River State Park , a quiet place with miles of pinelands , hammocks , wetlands and prairies , which serve as home to one of the best gator-watching spots in the state .
Several of the available campsites are also located off the Florida Scenic Trail — a 1,300-mile long hiking trail highlighting the state ’ s biodiversity and connecting some of its most scenic natural , cultural , and historical resources .
From shimmering white-sand beaches to mysterious mangrove swamps , Florida State Parks offer unique natural destinations for primitive campers of all levels . To find a location and learn more about Florida State Parks , visit : www . FloridaStateParks . org / PrimitiveCamping