State parks in Florida with RV sites include one along a coral reef in the Keys
Florida has an extensive state park system with RV campgrounds that stretch from the Keys to the western tip of the state's panhandle. Whether it's the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, lakes, rivers or swamps, most of these parks include bodies of water. Florida's state parks do not include amenities such as sewer connections, but most of them have dump stations, restrooms and showers to go along with the many natural features.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
The first underwater park in the country, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located in the Florida Keys. Although its coral reefs are the main reason people come to the park, it also has mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks. The park has a campground with 47 sites that can accommodate RVs. Each site has water and either 30- or 50-amp electrical connections. The sites have their own picnic tables and grills. A dump station and restrooms with showers are also located at the campground. Additional features include a snack bar, scuba and snorkeling gear rentals, hiking trails, picnic areas, a swimming beach and a visitors center with a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
U.S. 1 Mile Marker 102.5
Key Largo, FL 33037
305-451-1202
floridastateparks.org
Grayton Beach State Park
The Grayton Beach State Park, which is located along the Gulf of Mexico on the Florida Panhandle, consists of 2.000 acres that provide campers access to swimming, sunbathing and surf fishing opportunities. The park has a boat ramp on Western Lake as well as a nature trail that winds through a coastal forest. Campers have the option of staying in cabins or at a campground that has 34 sites that accommodate RVs. The older section of the campground has sites with water and electric connections as well as restrooms and showers. The new part of the campground has water, sewer and 50-amp electric connections. The sites can handle RVs up to 40 feet. Campers can also take advantage of Ranger programs that are provided on a seasonal basis.
Grayton Beach State Park
357 Main Park Road
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
850-267-8300
floridastateparks.org
Lake Manatee State Park
The Lake Manatee State Park in Western Florida includes three miles of shore area along Lake Manatee as well as marshes and forests. Boating and fishing are popular at a park that has a boat ramp on the lake and a fishing dock. The park, which is 15 miles east of the city of Bradenton, also has a picnic area near the lake. Swimming is permitted in a designated part of the lake. The park's campground can accommodate RVs up to 65 feet and has 60 sites within walking distance of the swimming and fishing areas. Each site comes with water and electric connections. A dump station is situated at the campground, which also has picnic tables and a playground.
Lake Manatee State Park
20007 State Road 64
Bradenton, FL 34212
941-741-3028
floridastateparks.org
Little Talbot Island State Park
Located in the northeast part of the state and on an undeveloped barrier island, Little Talbot Island State Park features more than five miles of white sandy beaches, salt marshes, and dunes. Wildlife viewing is popular in a park that has 40 campsites in an area with dunes and a grove of oak trees. Its camping sites come with 20- and 30-amp electric, drinking water, fire pits and picnic tables. A laundry facility and two restrooms with showers are located at the campground, which also has a dump station and can handle RVs up to 30 feet. The campground is bordered by tidal creeks, making it possible to launch a canoe or kayak. The park also has a three-mile hiking trail and a paved path for bicycling and rollerblading. Bicycles are available for rent.
Little Talbot Island State Park
12157 Heckscher Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32226
904-251-2320
floridastateparks.org
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
The Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park in the central part of the state is designed to protect a large tract of dry prairie as well as various endangered plants and animals. This 54,000-acre park has a campground with 35 large sites that come with water and electric connections, and can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet. Restrooms, showers and a laundry facility are provided at the campground along with a water filling and dump station. Hiking trails allow guests to explore the park, which offers ideal star gazing because of its remote location. The Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park also has a lending library with books for kids and a five-mile road that winds through the park. More than 100 miles of dirt roads are available for hikers, bicyclists, and horse owners. The park is located 25 miles northwest of Okeechobee.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
33104 N.W. 192nd Ave.
Okeechobee, FL 34972
863-462-5360
floridastateparks.org
Tags: State Park, dump station, electric connections, Kissimmee Prairie, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve