Discover Florida State Parks

by Adele Woodyard

July is National Recreation and Parks Month, so here’s a quiz on fun parks in Florida .

Did you know Florida is rated as having some of the best state parks in the country?
2010 is the year they are celebrating their 75th anniversary, and if you’ve been following http://www.vacationfunflorida.com/Bargains you know their special deals. In case you haven’t looked, July 17 offers FREE entry to ALL of the state parks, except the Skyway Fishing Pier, on that day.

Did you know you don’t have to own a tent or RV to stay overnight? That 19 of 60 or more Florida State Parks with campgrounds, have cabins? That they can be as nice as hotels for a lot less money. What better way to beat summer heat than a dip in 72 degree spring of crystal clear water, swim in a lake, or paddle a serene and shady river. If the Gulf oil spill has you shun the coastal beaches, why not try one of the following cabins and enjoy outdoor activity within easy drive of city attractions? For full information on each one, click on http://www.floridastateparks.org

Three parks along or near the Suwannee River have similar accommodations at $100 plus tax, per night. Each park has five fully equipped cabins that sleep up to six, with kitchens, baths, heat and air, gas fireplaces, and screened porches.
The Stephen Foster Culture Center has a museum dedicated to a man who wrote the state song without ever stepping foot in Florida. There’s also a 97-bell carillon, a Craft Square where artisans give demonstrations of their handiwork and various events during the year. White Springs, 386-397-2733.
Suwannee River State Park still has earthworks and relics from the Civil War, and is a great spot for paddlers. The lower Wilderness Canoe Trail begins at the park and ends at the Gulf. Live Oak; 386-362-2746. Both parks are within 50 miles of Jacksonville.
Fanning Springs State Park is a hub along the Canoe Trail. Popular with swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers, the second-magnitude springs allow open water scuba diving with certification. Located within 30 miles of Gainesville to the east, seven miles from Manatee Springs, and near the Gulf. Fanning Springs, 352-463-3420.

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch is on the east side of I-75, within 50 miles of St. Augustine, less to Gainesville. 16 fully equipped cabins overlook Little Lake Jackson. Nine rustic cabins built by the CCC hold up to four, in a combination living room/bedroom, separate bath and kitchen. Ceiling fans, wood burning fireplace, air and heat, and two of them have bathtubs. $65 + tax, per night. Five larger block cabins hold up to six, with separate bedroom, living room, bath and kitchen. Fans, etc. but no fireplace. $75 + tax, per night. Two ADA accessible cabins have two bedrooms, screen porch, and gas fireplace (from Oct.-April) and hold up to six for $100 + tax, per night.
Keystone Heights, 352-473-4701.

Silver River State Park is so modern it even has dishwashers in their ten cabins. Plus two bedrooms, gas fireplace, etc and holds up to six. There’s a museum and pioneer cracker village on site. $110 + tax per night. Near the Silver Springs attraction that grew from rides on glass bottom boats. Ocala; 352-236-7148

Lake Louisa State Park has 20 cabins overlooking Dixie Lake, one of a chain of 13 lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River. Fishing, paddling and swimming activities plus its proximity to Orlando theme parks, make it ideal for families. The fully equipped cabins not only have two bedrooms, but two baths. $120 + tax, per night. Clermont, 352-394-3969.

Myakka River State Park’s historic palm log cabins were built by the CCC, have a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, porch and fireplace. A large common room sleeps six. Known for its wildlife, numerous activities include a Canopy Walkway in the treetops. $70 + tax, per night. Sarasota. 941-361-6511.

Still prefer a hotel room with phone and data port, where someone else does the cooking? Wakulla Springs State Park has a historic Lodge where 27 guest rooms have marble bath, walk-in closet, antique or period furniture for $95 to $150 plus tax, per night. Located 14 miles south of Tallahassee, the Lodge overlooks springs where movies were once made, and a boat tour introduces guests to marine wildlife. Wakulla Springs, 850-926-0700..

NOTE: Most have minimum two night stay over weekends and holidays, one night Monday-Thursday; call individual parks or 800-326-3521 or online, http://www.ReserveAmerica.com Cabins have no phone or TV and pets are not allowed in the buildings..