Florida offers a dizzying variety of tent camping, from pristine rivers to beaches on the Gulf and Atlantic to the heart of the Everglades. These are but 10 of 50 included in the book, “The Best In Tent Camping: Florida, $13.95 ISBN 0-89732-273-8, 200 pages, from Menasha Ridge Press.
For more information about the author or his books, please visit www.johnnymolloy.com or for other Menasha Ridge books, visit www.menasharidge.com.
Blackwater River
What: State forest campground on banks of pristine river banked in sugar white sand.
Where: Florida panhandle near Alabama border, east of Milton off highway 90.
Why is it Special? Paddling the Blackwater and hiking the Jackson Red Ground Trail.
For more information: (850) 983-5363
Gulf Islands
What: Large campground in Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Where: Extreme northwest Florida near Pensacola.
Why is it Special? It has sugar white beaches, and military history.
For more information: (850) 934-2621
Wright Lake
What: Secluded campground in Appalachicola National Forest.
Where: Near hamlet of Sumatra.
Why is it Special? Warm water showers and canoeing opportunities on Wright Lake and Owl Creek.
For more information: (850) 643-2282
Fort Clinch
What: State park on the Atlantic Ocean.
Where: Near town of Fernandina Beach by Georgia border.
Why is it so Special? The view restored fort that offers Civil War reenactments, beachcombing.
For more information: (904) 277-7274
Alexander Springs
What: National forest recreation area by beautiful spring and creek.
Where: Ocala National Forest in central Florida.
Why is it so Special? It offers swimming, snorkeling and canoeing in the clear-blue river.
For more information: (352) 669-3522 or (352) 669-3153
Hillsborough River
What: State park campground in forest and along river.
Where: In central Florida near Tampa.
Why is it Special? One can go hiking, fishing, canoeing and return to a shady campground.
For more information: (813) 987-6771
Tomoka
What: State park with prettiest campground in Florida.
Where: On estuary of Atlantic near Ormond Beach.
Why is it so Special? You can enjoy forest and ocean environments a short drive from Daytona Beach.
For more information: (904) 676-4050
Bahia Honda
What: Florida’s southernmost state park.
Where: In lower Keys 26 miles from Key West.
Whyis it Special? You can walk one of world’s best beaches, near Key West.
Flamingo
What: Oceanside campground in Everglades National Park.
Where: At the end of Main Park Road overlooking Florida Bay.
Why is it Special? It features paddling, hiking and wildlife viewing in the Everglades.
For more information: (305) 242-7700
Paynes Prairie
What: State park near unique wetland of north-central Florida.
Where: Just south of Gainesville, site of Flagship State University.
Why is it Special? Stay in tent only camping area and you can view prairie with wild horses and buffalo.
For more information: (352) 466-3397
No matter where you end up choosing to camp make sure you have the right gear. Please visit Sportsman’s Guide for the latest camping gear and tents.