July is National Park and Recreation Month and National Picnic Month.
Enjoy the outdoors and share a picnic at your favorite state park.
Picnicking
Most Florida’s state parks offer picnic areas with pavilions, tables and grills. Most are first-come, first-served; however, reservations are needed for large groups. Keep in mind, if the park is busy, parking might be limited. Find a park with picnic facilities.
For recipes using Florida-grown food, check out Fresh From Florida.
Fun While Camping
Here are five recommendations for finding the best places to enjoy recreation in Florida’s sunshine.
Hiking and Fishing at Ochlockonee River State Park
The Ochlockonee River Nature Trail and the Pine Flatwoods Nature Trail offer terrific hiking opportunities. Keep a watch for resident wildlife like red-cockaded woodpeckers, osprey, eagles, white-tailed deer, Sherman’s fox squirrels and gopher tortoises.
You can toss out a line for freshwater and saltwater fish. A boat ramp provides easy access to the river. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the ranger station.
Camping at this 30-site campground is easy with 50-amp electric service, water hookups, a fire ring, picnic table and clothesline.
Two white-tailed deer at Ochlockonee River State Park.
A Cool Swim at Manatee Springs State Park
The first-magnitude spring releases 100 million gallons of water daily. It’s a great spot for cooling off in the summertime. A boardwalk around the spring gives you a place to enjoy the water without getting in. Splashes are guaranteed!
You can also enjoy the hiking trails and access to the 32-mile Nature Coast State Trail.
The park’s 80-site campground is divided into three loops.
Swimming in the freshwater spring at Manatee Springs State Park.
Nature and History Meet at Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Sixteen distinct natural communities create the mosaic that is Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Rare environments such as coastal sand hills, upland lakes and scrub forests as well as the pristine Loxahatchee River make this park a unique spot to explore on land or by water.
Historical interests include a secret World War II training camp, the story of the shipwrecked Quaker merchant who is the park’s namesake and Trapper Nelson, the legendary Wild Man of the Loxahatchee.
This park offers several types of camping and even glamping to suit your needs.
Birdwatching at Myakka River State Park
The wild and scenic Myakka River flows through vast wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands. This 37,000-acre park provides a perfect opportunity for birdwatching. You’ll likely see wading birds, raptors, songbirds, migratory birds and ducks. Enjoy a boat tour, take a walk on the Bird Walk and get a treetop view from the Canopy Walkway.
The park’s 90-site campground is divided into two loops, and primitive cabins are available for rent.
A roseate spoonbill walks along the lakeshore at Myakka River State Park.
Stargazing at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
During the day, enjoy hiking, seeing wildflowers and a variety of other activities. After dark, the certified Dark Sky gets all the attention. Because of the lack of light pollution, campers can spot the Milky Way, stars, planets and more without using telescopes or binoculars.
Water and electricity are provided at all 35 campsites along with a spacious accessible restroom with showers and laundry.
Make a reservation at any of these state parks online, or by calling 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287
The night sky at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park.
