State Parks near Gainesville, FL

Occupying more than 1,600 acres, Anastasia State Park is a wonderland of sandy beaches, lush maritime forest, and wildlife-rich marshlands. It's a top destination for state park RV camping and is just three miles from St. Augustine, which means you can combine an outdoor adventure with a tour of America's oldest city.There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Florida sunshine, whether you're hiking along nature trails, exploring paddling routes, or basking on the beach. Step back in time at historic sites like Coquina Quarry and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, or discover a bundle of family-friendly attractions within spitting distance of the campground.

Just under a two-hour drive from Montgomery, Blue Springs State Park in Clio is the perfect place for a slower paced vacation. Search for an RV in Barbour County and head over to Blue Springs State Park for a restful weekend or a fun-filled week of hiking and swimming. This isn't just a park for summertime fun -- Alabama’s weather allows for camping with an RV most of the year, which gives you the opportunity to take in some of the festivals in nearby Eufaula.When most people think of Blue Springs State Park, they will usually think of the state park of the same name located in Florida. However, Blue Springs State Park in Clio is located …

Along the St. Johns River, centrally located at the epicenter between Ocala, Orlando, and Gainesville is Orange City, Florida. This city boasts a quaint, small-town atmosphere and the lovely Blue Spring State Park. This 2,600-acre park isn’t the largest one around, but it’ll make up for its size with its ever-warm swimming spots and its successful manatee refuge program.Wildlife thrives here in the subtropical climate. The warm river and acreage of mossy trees is the perfect habitat for alligators, turtles, fish, and birds. Birders, keep your eyes peeled, and you just might find a rare bald eagle or the Florida scrub-jay. RV camping at Blue Spring State Park will set you up for a nice, relaxing …

If you're searching for a pristine and peaceful camping destination in central Florida, Colt Creek State Park offers more than 5,000 acres to explore and enjoy. Located 16 miles north of Lakeland, the park is home to longleaf pine flatwoods, winding creeks, pretty lakes, and a diverse range of native wildlife. It's a destination that offers great hiking, fishing, paddling, and birding, not to mention tranquil surroundings for anyone just looking to escape the city for a while.Best of all, the Colt Creek State Park RV campground is clean, comfortable, and equipped with everything you need for a relaxing stay. Keep reading to find out what to do and where to go to get the most out of …

At the southernmost tip of Georgia, just a whisper from the Atlantic Ocean, there rests 504 acres of Camden County land called Crooked River State Park. It’s only an hour north of Jacksonville Beach, a couple miles west of Cumberland Island, and just under two hours south of Savannah. This park is home to rare Georgia landscapes such as longleaf pine, mixed hardwood trees, and maritime woodlands. Due to its unique species of forests and the Crooked River itself, a variety of rare animals and plants live here.Crooked River State Park has a long history of residents dating back to the Timucuan natives. Its ownership changed hands throughout the young history of the country, eventually landing …

Sitting just off the coast of Georgia, within an hour's drive of Jacksonville, FL, and two hour's drive of Savannah, GA, is a bunch of idyllic islands known as the Golden Isles. Enjoying miles of marshland abundant with birdlife, sandy beaches that stretch for miles, and towering dunes peppered with maritime forests, these islands attract holiday-goers throughout the year.One of the largest landmasses in this archipelago is Cumberland Island, most of which is under protection as Cumberland Island National Seashore. The island is only accessible via a 45-minute boat ride, which leaves from Saint Marys several times a day from March through to September. RV rentals in Camden County are hot property, mainly due to the popularity …

Since the 1880s, people have been making their way to Devils Millhopper Geological State Park to explore the curiosities within. The state park is located in sandy terrain and palm forests in Florida and is made up of a bowl-shaped cavity that is 120 feet deep and leads down to a miniature rainforest.Devils Millhopper Geological State Park became a designated National Natural Landmark in 1976 and is an incredible example of the results of a collapsed sinkhole. When you see the rushing cascades of water and vibrant plant life, you’ll think you are in the Amazon or Hawaii rather than the state of Florida. The closest town to the park is Gainesville, although Alachua and Newberry are also close, …

Northern Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and great natural wildlife viewing opportunities, and Fort Clint State Park is no exception. Just an hour north of Jacksonville, two hours south of Savannah, and half an hour east of Yulee, this park is steeped in history and natural wonders.In 1935, Fort Clinch became one of Florida’s first state parks. The following year, as part of the New Deal, the CCC refurbished the park and began restoring the buildings in the area. This park housed a very crucial battle during the Civil War and played a big role in America’s history. There's a museum on-site which has all the details and information commemorating the battle and signifying …

Named after the famous Floridian folk singer, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is a wonderful destination for water-loving outdoor enthusiasts. Located at Flagler Beach, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, this pretty little park offers great fishing, paddling, surfing, and swimming opportunities.It's also home to two peaceful campgrounds and a total of 68 campsites, so it's a lovely spot to set up camp for a few nights or more in a rental RV. Keep reading to find out how to get the most out of your visit to this excellent state park.

Looking at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park from above reveals a sliver of turquoise in a sea of green. Located just under 30 miles northwest of Gainesville and 90 miles east of the state capital of Jacksonville, this small, secluded state park is only 407 acres, but contains six springs and a mile of Sante Fe River shoreline.Privately owned since 1958, Blue Spring Park was purchased by the state of Florida in 2017 and was renamed Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park shortly thereafter. This state park is packed with dense tropical greenery broken only by the blue springs and streams leading to the bustling Sante Fe River and the cities beyond.

Hillsborough River State Park is a prime destination for your summer holiday, offering easy access to the big city alongside the serene solitude of nature. The park is close to Thonotosassa (eight miles), Zephyrhills (ten miles), and Brandon (17 miles). This is particularly important for visitors looking to purchase camping supplies or rent an RV near Hillsborough River State Park. The bright lights of downtown Tampa are just over half an hour from the park.Most of the park's acreage is covered with oaks, pines, and saw palmettos, while other parts of the park are swampy. As far as fauna is concerned, some of the most common species include alligators, sandhill cranes, and red-shouldered hawks.Aside from observing the wildlife …

Honeymoon Island State Park is a large barrier island situated on Florida’s west coast. It was once connected to nearby Caladesi Island before a major hurricane split the land. The state park gets its name from the many honeymooners who would flock to the beach during the 1940s. However, this changed during World War II when many went off to war.Besides its stunning coastal views, Honeymoon Island State Park is filled with interesting flora and fauna that includes mangroves and bald eagles. The area is very warm year-round with occasional rain or thunderstorms.