Along the southwest coast of the Florida peninsula, stretching south from Tampa Bay to Naples, coastal density means many smaller parks and local beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Public lands cluster around river basins, particularly the Myakka River and the Peace River, and along the western edge of the Big Cypress Swamp.
Look for some of the region’s largest public lands immediately west of Interstate 75, where watersheds have been preserved and wetlands abound. There is a surprising bounty of county natural areas that see light usage despite their hiking, biking, and paddling trails.
Regional Destinations
Recent Articles
How To Prepare For A Backpacking Trip (3/19/2019) What does a hiker need to spend a week, or a month, or three months on the trail? Here are trail-tested suggestions for backpacking in Florida for trips of a week or more
Bear season in Florida (2/23/2019) As Florida black bears become active in late winter and spring, the chances of a bear encounter go up significantly if you leave food unsecured outdoors - whether in your campsite or at home.
Every Kid Outdoors (2/21/2019) Got kids? If any of them are in fourth grade, they can get a free pass to ALL Federal public lands good for the whole family through the end of August. Here's how.
Florida’s Utopia (12/9/2018) At the Koreshan Unity in Estero, Florida, a group of believers gathered in 1894 to build their paradise. It is now a National Historic Site and a Florida State Park. Walk the trails and streets of "New Jerusalem" to learn its story.