Hi, I'd like some opinions on your favorite Florida State Park within a couple of hours drive from the Orlando area.Our favorite is Gamble Rogers, but it is almost impossible to get a reservation. We love the Florida parks and especially the 50% resident senior discount.Linda

Bahia Honda is everyone's favorite but getting in there makes Gamble Rogers look easy. This time of the year all parks close to a beach will be near impossible to get into baring a cancellation. Myakka River is a very nice park, Oscar Scherer is too. Both fairly near the beaches. If you like springs then Manatee Springs is the best I know of.On the east side Tomoka River is often easy to get into. And it is close to the beaches.

Lake Louisa and Wekiwa Springs are two of our favorites in the area.

Manatee springs is pretty cool, and while not a state park Ft. Desoto county park in St. Pete is absolutely awesome.

Not the Orlando Area, the panhandle, we've stayed at 4 State Parks in the last 2 years and enjoyed all of them. Each one was different, unique in it's own way, and we simply loved each one. St. Joseph Peninsula, Falling Waters, St Andrews, and Florida Caverns.

DutchmenSport wrote:Not the Orlando Area, the panhandle, we've stayed at 4 State Parks in the last 2 years and enjoyed all of them. Each one was different, unique in it's own way, and we simply loved each one. St. Joseph Peninsula, Falling Waters, St Andrews, and Florida Caverns.Yeah but they are a lot more than 4 hours from Lady Lake

Favorite Florida State Park | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

GTO66
Explorer II
Jan 14, 2016
I agree with the original poster I also enjoy gamble rogers as well as any parks in the keys or the panhandle. Gamble is a little easier now that they added the riverside campground.From my side of the state its about a three hour drive,but ft Desoto is only is only 25 miles.
modern_family
Explorer
Jan 12, 2016
No one mentioned the very popular Fort Desoto. Though not a state park, but close enough. Will take you about 2.5 hours (no traffic) to Orlando. Our favorite for sure and one of the very few campgrounds you can fish or kayak from your campsite (if you can get a water site) our favorite
vermilye
Explorer
Jan 12, 2016
2X on Manatee Springs...
NanciL
Explorer II
Jan 12, 2016
Rainbow Springs, but before they open the tubing. it is a zoo after they open it.

jack L
Laman
Explorer
Jan 12, 2016
Silver River State Park in Ocala in my mind would be the top choice in your travel range, great place.
trsky
Explorer
Jan 12, 2016
Ocala National Forest Salt springs or Alexander springs
rwess
Explorer
Jan 11, 2016
Mine used to be St. George. I cannot even count the number of times my family has camped there. Last year the campground was overran by large Diamondback Rattlesnakes. One was caught and "relocated" from my site. One of my neighbors got in trouble for killing one that was after his dog. I doubt that we will be going back there again.
Retired_JSO
Explorer
Jan 11, 2016
Hart Springs County Park Campground on the Suwannee
Hart Springs

Rainbow Springs State Park on the Rainbow River near Dunnellon.

Both are full hookups and located along the Crystal Clear Springs, Real Florida.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Jan 11, 2016
I have visited 68 Florida state parks and they were all unique and had something to offer. I had hoped to visit all 160+ but most likely will never make all of them.
Pine_Barren
Explorer
Jan 11, 2016
As some others have said not in the Orlando area but the panhandle our favorites are Big Lagoon , Rocky Bayou and Grayton Beach. This July we will be visiting Manatee Springs and Florida Caverns.