Florida State Parks

[sharon78]

Has any of you visted a State Park whilst on holiday in Florida. Ive been looking on-line for one to visit whilst we're on holiday in July, but theres so many to choose from. We're not looking to stay the night, just a day visit. Some walking, cycling,wildlife spotting, maybe some swimming/paddling if theres no gators about!

 

[wilma-bride]

We went to Myakka River State Park in August. I had read very good reviews of it. Sadly, the day we went it rained cats and dogs and, due to the Tropical Storm which had recently passed through, there was a lot of flooding. We would definitely go back though as I really wanted to do the Canopy Walkway (we couldn't get to it in August as the trail leading to it was flooded). There is a little bit more info and a couple of pictures in my trip report here.

 

[Netty]

we have been to two up to now, the first is roughly about 28 miles away (30-40 mins)from kissimmee, this is wekiwa state park, its lovely, you can swim in the spring or sit on the grass watching the world go by, there are trails, picnic areas , kayaking etc. http://orlando.about.com/od/parksplaygrounds/qt/pkwekiwasprings.htm

the second is De leon Springs about 45 miles away from Kissimmee, this is also a great park where you can swim, go for walks on the nature trails, learn about the local history, visit the sugar mill and make your own pancakes there! from there you could go further up and visit blue springs park, we have yet to visit this one, but it is possible to fit the 2 parks in on one day
http://www.planetdeland.com/deleonsprings/
http://www.bluespringspark.com/

 

[sharon78]

Thank you for your reply's I've had a good look at them all and have decided to go with
http://www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/
Netty, Did you go Kayaking? we watched a video on youtube and hubbie freaked out a bit, the gators were pretty close!
There we're a couple of video's of Black Bears as well, would be awesome if we we're lucky enough to see a bear!

 

[Netty]

Thank you for your reply's I've had a good look at them all and have decided to go with
http://www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/
Netty, Did you go Kayaking? we watched a video on youtube and hubbie freaked out a bit, the gators were pretty close!
There we're a couple of video's of Black Bears as well, would be awesome if we we're lucky enough to see a bear!

No we didn't go kayaking! dh really wanted to but I wouldn't do it because of the gators!
wekiwa is very nice, dh went in the natural spring there, you can take a picnic and sit on the grass and watch everyone else in the spring! If you go on a weekend go early to get a parking space as all the locals go there at weekends.
you must try to go to de leon too next time as thats just as good!
its cost us $5 to go to the state park might be about $6 now though! cheap for a nice day out!
another place we have been to is 'showcase of citrus'
just on the 27 so not too far away, nice few hrs spent there, picking fruit and going on the monster truck, got a cheap groupon deal for this!
their website won't load so here is some info
http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/hometown_highlights/the_showcase_of_citrus.aspx

 

[juliebro]

We really enjoyed De Leon springs state park. Made our own pancakes in the old sugar mill etc. It was very busy on the Sunday we visited. Lots of local families enjoying themselves.

Somewhere else we visited was Disney Wilderness Preserve. Not a state park but a taste of the real Florida outdoors.

 

[sharon78]

The springs do look beautiful, just want to jump straight in. As our plans fall I've penciled the visit for a Saturday, we we're thinking of making an ADR for Boma at 7.30am then going straight there, do you think that would be early enough? we would get there I guess between 9 & 9.30am

Or do you think I should take a look at our plan to see if we can re-arrange for a week day?

Thanks again for everyones help

 

[Netty]

I must say that we went on a sat . The car park was nearly full.saying that though my sis joined us a couple hrs later around mid day and got a space.so there must be more parking further down. Even though car park full
The park is vast so it doesn't feel crowded or look crowded at all!
you should be fine

 

[bex7583]

oo i didnt realise there were so many state parks, we were looking at a cabin in bahia state park in the keys , has anybody stayed in the accommadation at the other parks or just done day tris

 

[wilma-bride]

oo i didnt realise there were so many state parks, we were looking at a cabin in bahia state park in the keys , has anybody stayed in the accommadation at the other parks or just done day tris

The accommodation at the state parks tends to be VERY basic. We looked at the cabins at the Myakka River state park and I wouldn't have stayed there in a million years, and certainly not with small children.

I am pretty sure that there will be others who say it's not that bad but i am talking as somebody who doesn't 'do' camping or sleeping rough so, if you like that sort of thing, you will probably be fine.

You just need to be aware that the cabins etc. are basic. I read a trip report on another site, written by somebody who stayed at Bahia Honda and they had to make their own beds up when they arrived and everything. There was no television, no mod cons. I couldn't be doing with having to make up my own bed after a long journey, no thank you very much.

 

[sharon78]

The accommodation at the state parks tends to be VERY basic. We looked at the cabins at the Myakka River state park and I wouldn't have stayed there in a million years, and certainly not with small children.

I am pretty sure that there will be others who say it's not that bad but i am talking as somebody who doesn't 'do' camping or sleeping rough so, if you like that sort of thing, you will probably be fine.

You just need to be aware that the cabins etc. are basic. I read a trip report on another site, written by somebody who stayed at Bahia Honda and they had to make their own beds up when they arrived and everything. There was no television, no mod cons. I couldn't be doing with having to make up my own bed after a long journey, no thank you very much.

Sounds like me, I dont "do" camping, as much as I love wildlife and nature. I like my hot water, comfy bed and hairdryer lol.
Thats why Im so looking forward to staying at AKL the best of both worlds

 

[bex7583]

The accommodation at the state parks tends to be VERY basic. We looked at the cabins at the Myakka River state park and I wouldn't have stayed there in a million years, and certainly not with small children.

I am pretty sure that there will be others who say it's not that bad but i am talking as somebody who doesn't 'do' camping or sleeping rough so, if you like that sort of thing, you will probably be fine.

You just need to be aware that the cabins etc. are basic. I read a trip report on another site, written by somebody who stayed at Bahia Honda and they had to make their own beds up when they arrived and everything. There was no television, no mod cons. I couldn't be doing with having to make up my own bed after a long journey, no thank you very much.

oh thankyou i will bear this in mind !!