Since I obtained the state park passport book I’ve been revisiting a lot of state parks I’ve been to in the past in order to collect the stamp and to enjoy the park once again.

There is nothing else like the Everglades–this river of grass–in the whole world. You cannot find it anywhere else but in South Florida. That means, for us FL residents, that you are a very fortunate person indeed.

There are 5 Water Management Districts in Florida, and each district is run by an organization tasked with managing our water resources, meaning flood protection, managing water during shortages, digging wells, recharging aquifers, etc.

Cost of shelter is most people’s greatest expense. However, when I first moved to Florida as a broke college graduate I lived 19 months rent-free by living in a tent.

There is a supply and demand problem for campsites in the Florida Keys. Not a lot of sites and everybody wants to go. Luckily, this article will give you an edge to successfully book your dream camping trip to the Florida Keys.

We recently made a map of all the Florida State Parks, but let’s not forget about all the amazing Florida State Forests! There is a ton to explorer here. Enjoy!

Visiting all 175 Florida State Parks has been in the back of my mind for a long time. And it wasn’t until recently that I actually started thinking about this being a real possibility.

Ginnie Springs is a privately owned campground along the Sante Fe River in Gilchrist County known for its three springs, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddle boarding, canoeing, river tubing, camping and party atmosphere.

Possibly my favorite state park. 385 acres of land (with 2,400 acres submerged underwater), 4 miles of beach, a 3 mile hiking trail . It is the most visited state park in Florida with over one million visitors per year.

Simple, not easy–visit every single Florida State Park.

Not too many people outside of Hillsborough County know about this particular swimming hole. Located smack dab in the middle of the county, this quite spring along the Alafia River is popular with the locals who are more than happy to show you around.

Colt Creek State Park is one of Florida’s newer state parks, being established in 2007 as the state’s 160th state park. It is located in Polk County, in Central Florida and is part of the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve.

I’ve been to Caladesi Island a number of times now and love it each time. Caladesi Island was originally part of a larger barrier island on the Gulf Coast, but after being pummeled by hurricanes enough times, particularly in 1921 when a hurricane pass was created, cutting the barrier islands apart.

Homosassa Springs is another classic Florida day trip–one that should be near the top of your list. It has been popular since the early 1900s when passing trains would stop to let passengers take a look at the blue spring filled with exotic Florida fish and manatees.

Ah yes. Weeki Wachee Springs, the quintessential Florida roadside attraction. This has Florida written all over it; kitschy, tacky, delightfully weird.

Last weekend was a beautiful day for a hike and it had been quite too long since I had had a good one. I wanted to return to a state park, as I haven’t been in a while, so I chose Hillsborough River State Park. It’s one of the oldest in Florida’s network with tons of evidence of the CCC and it is the closest to my residence.

I took a hike along the Hillsborough River during that wet weekend–you know, the one where people in South Tampa were getting around town by canoe?

Opened in 1982, Lettuce Lake quickly became an important and diverse center for outdoor budget activities. Just $2 for a vehicle to get in, includes boardwalks over a hardwood swamp forest, wooded picnic areas, playground, a hiking trail, fitness course, and more.

I found the unmarked entrance off of 52 after doubling back. It was marked only by a sign that said: “R/C Flying Field—Home of Bay City Flyers.” I pulled in and was greeted by a closed gate, luckily, there were parking spots to the left.