National Parks & National Forests in Florida: Complete List

Florida’s federal lands protect unique subtropical ecosystems—wetlands, reefs, scrub, springs, and pine flatwoods.

🏞️ National Parks (3)

1. Everglades National Park (1.5M acres) – UNESCO/International Biosphere/Wetland of Importance. River of Grass, mangroves, gators, panthers, manatees, wading birds. Shark Valley, Flamingo, Gulf Coast entry points.
2. Biscayne National Park (173k acres, 95% water) – Coral reefs, shipwrecks, mangrove shoreline, keys. Boating, snorkeling, paddling from Convoy Point.
3. Dry Tortugas National Park (100 sq mi, 7 keys, 70 mi west of Key West) – Fort Jefferson (largest masonry fort in Americas), pristine reefs, sooty tern colony. Ferry/seaplane only.

🌲 National Forests (3)

1. Ocala National Forest (387k acres) – World’s largest contiguous sand pine scrub. 600+ lakes, springs (Alexander, Juniper, Salt Springs), Florida Trail southern terminus. OHV trails, camping.
2. Apalachicola National Forest (571k acres – Florida’s largest) – Longleaf pine, wiregrass, pitcher plant bogs, Apalachicola River. Hunting, fishing, paddling, Leon Sinks Geological Area.
3. Choctawhatchee National Forest – *Note: This is not a current National Forest.* The **Choctawhatchee River** basin includes **Eglin Air Force Base** (reservation, not USFS) and **Blackwater River State Forest** (state). Likely confusion with Choctawhatchee Bay/River recreation areas.

Correction & Bonus

• ✅ **Ocala** & **Apalachicola** = Florida’s two National Forests.
• 🌲 **State Forests** (37, >1M acres): Blackwater River, Withlacoochee, Tate’s Hell, etc.—often more accessible for recreation.
• 🏞️ **National Preserve:** **Big Cypress** (729k acres) – adjacent to Everglades, swamp buggy/orv culture, panther habitat.
• 🏞️ **National Seashores:** **Gulf Islands** (FL/MS), **Canaveral** (space coast).

Florida’s federal lands = 3 National Parks, 2 National Forests, 1 National Preserve, 2 National Seashores. Plan by ecosystem, not just label.