Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Camp at Dickinson State Park some 12 miles south of Stuart located on the Loxahatchee River, Florida's first designated Wild and Scenic River. Boat, paddle or kayak along the river. Hike the trails or fish from the banks. Two campgrounds offer restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets; 135 campsites feature electricity, water, table and grill. Hike along Florida Trail to primitive campsites. Horses are welcome on equestrian trails.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
16450 S.E. Federal Highway
Hobe Sound, FL 33455
772-546-2771
floridastateparks.org/jonathandickinson/default.cfm
At Anastasia you can beach comb along the four-mile beachfront and explore nearby St. Augustine's Castillo de San Marcos, a fortress built with coquina rock quarried at the state park over 330 years ago. Swim, fish or windsurf at the park. Two campgrounds feature RV and tent sites in a forested area within easy walking distance of the beach. The Bedtime Story Library stocks children's books for camper use while visiting.
Anastasia State Park
1340-A State Road A1A South
St. Augustine, FL 32080
904-461-2033
floridastateparks.org/anastasia/default.cfm
Plan a paddling camping trip on the Suwannee, the beautiful river with Spanish moss overhanging the water that Stephen Foster immortalized in his song of the South, "The Old Folks at Home." Camp on the raised, screened sleeping platforms at one of five river camps. Each platform accommodates up to eight people and has electricity, restrooms, showers and ceiling fans.
Suwannee River Wilderness Trail
10499 Spring St.
White Springs, FL 32096
386-397-1919
floridastateparks.org/wilderness/default.cfm
Another fascinating watery camp is found at Everglades. Camp on a chickee, a raised platform in the water connected to a raised, self contained toilet via a wooden walkway on one of the rivers or bays. Use a freestanding tent as you cannot drive stakes in the open air structures, each featuring a roof overhead. Ground and beachfront camping sites are located in the park. Bring your own boat, or rent one from a local outfitter.
Everglades National Park
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034-6733
305-242-7700
nps.gov/ever/index.htm
Camp along the Gulf of Mexico in one of the 12 units of this national park located in both Florida and Mississippi. Choose between developed and primitive campgrounds, some of which you can boat to and dock for your camping stay. Popular pastimes include swimming, snorkeling, fishing, boating, hiking, bicycling, bird watching and beach combing.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL 32563
850-934-2600
nps.gov/guis/index.htm