July is National Park and Recreation Month and National Picnic Month.
These two observances encourage you to visit a park for recreation and a picnic.
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 picnicking ideas, check out recommendations from Fresh From Florida. It provides recipes using food grown locally.
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 both 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. Make a reservation online or by calling 800-326-3521.
Two white-tailed deer at Ochlockonee River State Park.
Enjoy 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 80-site campground is divided into three loops. Make a reservation online or by calling 800-326-3521.
Swimming in the freshwater spring at Manatee Springs State Park.
Fishing and Paddling at Lake Kissimmee State Park
Fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, chain pickerel and bluegill are popular at lakes Kissimmee, Rosalie and Tiger. A boat ramp provides direct access to Lake Kissimmee. If you don’t have a boat, you can fish from the canal banks, marina and dam.
The 10-mile Buster Island Paddling Trail is suitable for canoes and kayaks.
This campground features 60 campsites under an oak hammock with lots of shade and natural buffer between sites. Make a reservation online or by calling 800-326-3521.
A man and his dog kayak at Lake Kissimmee State Park.
Go Bird-Watching 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 bird-watching. 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 90-site campground is divided into two loops, and primitive cabins are available for rent. Make a reservation online or by calling 800-326-3521.
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.
Make a reservation online or by calling 800-326-3521.
The night sky at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park.
This article was published in the Real Florida ℠ Connection, the Florida State Parks e-newsletter. Sign-up to get updates and stories from your state parks the first week of every month.
