The 6,260 acre Alafia River State Park is open all year round and includes primitive campsites, equestrian campsites and RV campsites. Campers can go biking on the 17 mile long trail while equestrians can ride the 20 mile long horse trails surrounded by hardwood forests and rolling hills. The Alafia River allows canoeing, fishing and kayaking. Facilities campers can enjoy include showers, restrooms, picnic pavilions, a volleyball court, a playground and a horseshoe pit. Leashed, well-behaved pets are allowed on the campground. The website for Florida State Parks suggests that campers bring binoculars since there is a very active wildlife viewable from the trails, river and picnic areas.
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby golf courses at Caloosa Golf and Country Club and Groves Golf & Country Club. Nearby sightseeing attractions include Hookers Point and Ybor Turning Basin.
Alafia River State Park
14326 South County Road 39
Lithia, FL 33547
813-672-5320
floridastateparks.org
The campgrounds in Everglades National Park are open 365 days a year but are busiest from May through November. Campers can stay at the frontcountry or backcountry campgrounds. The backcountry campgrounds can only be reached by boat. Here, campers can choose from ground sites, beach sites and elevated camping platforms. Frontcountry camping includes tent and group camping sites and RVs can also be accommodated. Activities campers can enjoy include hiking, canoe and kayaking, biking, fresh and saltwater fishing and wildlife viewing. Only some of the campgrounds require a reservation, some are on a first come, first serve basis. Backcountry campers must register at least 24 hours before camping, to receive a backcountry camping permit, as of 2010.
Nearby attractions campers can visit include Biscayne National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and Dry Tortugas National Park.
Everglades National Park
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034
877-444-6777
nps.gov
Camping in Dry Tortugas National Park can be done at one of the 13 primitive campsites. Tent camping is the only form of camping possible here since motor homes and trailers will not be able to reach the park; only the ferry and seaplanes can. Open year round, the park's campground is operated on a first come, first serve basis. Flush toilets and picnic tables are available to campers but food, water and other necessities should be brought along by the campers. Activities campers can enjoy include fishing, snorkeling, sailing and wildlife viewing. Wildlife viewing tours are also available on an intermittent basis.
Nearby attractions include museums and art galleries such as Gallery On Greene and Donkey Milk House. The Key West Aquarium and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum are some other options.
Dry Tortugas National Park
35 East Quay Road
Key West, FL 33040
800-236-7937
nps.gov
