With mild temperatures and blooming flowers, spring is an ideal season to visit Florida’s wonderful forest regions. Florida Forest Service manages over one million acres of public forest land, and there are 37 state forests for locals and visitors to explore year-round. Springtime means a cool climate for camping and non-stop outdoor activities on land and water.
Spring is on the horizon, and now is the time to plan an outdoor adventure in Florida. Two must-visit destinations are Withlacoochee State Forest in central Florida and Blackwater River State Forest in northern Florida. These diverse forest areas offer an abundance of campgrounds, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, swimming, paddling and fishing areas, and opportunities for wildlife sightings, bird watching and nature photography. Adrenaline enthusiasts can also take Spring Break to the next level with off-road ATV trails and motorcycle excursions.
Discover a new side of the Sunshine State with a Florida forest camping getaway.
Withlacoochee State Forest
Withlacoochee State Forest is the third largest state forest in Florida, centrally located and a convenient two hour drive from the Orlando area. The signature Withlacoochee River, or “crooked” river, ebbs and flows for 13 miles through the forest, past dense woodlands comprised of pine, cypress and oak trees. Come springtime, goldenrod, thistle and blazing star wildflowers bring vibrant colors to the area. It’s no surprise that Withlacoochee State Forest was ranked #1 on the World Wildlife Fund’s “10 Coolest Places You’ve Never Seen in North America.”
Spring Activities: Enjoy miles of trails designed for hiking, biking and horseback riding, many of which follow along the beautiful and serene Withlacoochee and Little Withlacoochee rivers. Take to the water for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding and boating. Or try to spot wildlife, including Bald eagle, fox squirrel and gopher tortoise. For a high-energy experience, don’t miss the Croom Motorcycle Area, which offers 2,600 acres of off-road trails for motorcycles and ATVs.
Where to Camp: Silver Lake Campground is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest in Hernando County, a short five-mile drive from I-75. The campground sits on the shore of the beautiful Silver Lake, and 23 unique campsites offer water and electrical hookups, plus picnic tables and fire rings. Campers are drawn to Silver Lake for the hiking, biking, fishing and paddling opportunities. For an activity-focused camping experience, check out the Buttenbach Campground at Croom Motorcycle Area, with unlimited thrills for ATV and motorcycle riders. Animal lovers will enjoy Tillis Hills Campground, complete with an equestrian facility, 36 stalls, horse trailer accomodation and easy access to scenic horseback riding trails.
Blackwater River State Forest
Experience the Florida Panhandle at Blackwater River State Forest, located to the northeast of Pensacola. The largest state forest in Florida, this region is known for the famous Blackwater River which supports a rich ecosystem of longleaf pine and wiregrass. The forest is also alive with scrub oak, slash pine, swamp hardwood and Atlantic white cedar plant life. More waterways, from Juniper Creek to Coldwater Creek, create exciting opportunities for watersports. Blackwater River, specifically, is a local favorite for kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding. Part of the 31-mile Florida Designated Paddling Trail, Blackwater River flows shallow and wide with hospitable shade.
Spring Activities: On land, explore miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails suitable for the whole family. On the water, rent your equipment of choice from local outfitters and navigate the notable waterways of Blackwater River or Juniper Creek for a relaxing day you won’t soon forget. Fishing, bird watching and hunting opportunities are also available in the region.
Where to Camp: Blackwater River State Forest campgrounds offer North Florida beauty and hospitality with a variety of full hookup and primitive camping opportunities throughout its recreation areas. Book a full hookup campsite at Hurricane Lake North Campground for some of the best wildlife viewing, bird watching and fishing right in your backyard. Hurricane Lake welcomes RVs and tent campers with 18 sites, plus a boat ramp and fishing dock connected to a 318 acre fishing lake. Or, choose a full hookup campsite at Coldwater Equestrian Campground for the ultimate horseback riding camping experience. At Coldwater, RV or tent campers will enjoy access to 60 barn stalls, three corrals for horses and 55 miles of horse trails along the creek and through scenic woodlands.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!