Forum Discussion

bucky's avatar
bucky
Explorer II
Oct 28, 2017

Florida State Parks open for camping.

I get all kinds of emails from the FL state parks but none of them have addressed the campgrounds after the storms.
I went on RA last night to test the reservation system for messages etc. I then started the reservation process to see if it would block me but it didn't.
I didn't test all of the parks but Fort Clinch and Wekiwa Springs are open now for camping so our reservations for Feb are good barring any further damage. Check your parks to be sure.
  • bucky's avatar
    bucky
    Explorer II
    Nov 01, 2017
    Open parks don't necessarily mean open campgrounds, call your park to make sure. All communications to me right after the storm stated open for day use only. And that hasn't been updated park by park. Did I say call?
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Nov 01, 2017
    Update from the Florida State Parks Department:


    Storm Information

    HURRICANE IRMA - Park Updates

    The Florida Parks Service is working to quickly and safely reopen parks.

    The following state parks are currently closed:

    Bahia Honda State Park (Monroe County)
    Hontoon Island State Park (Volusia and Lake counties)

    For Florida residents displaced by Hurricane Irma, Missouri State Parks are waiving camping fees. Offer valid for the next 30 days and proof of Florida residency is required.

    Following severe weather events, the Florida Park Service works to reopen parks as quickly as possible to provide recreation for Florida's residents and visitors. State parks will be opened as quickly as visitor safety can be assured.
  • steveh27's avatar
    steveh27
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2017
    Last week Flamingo was still closed in the everglades, but they are NPS.
  • CharlesinGA's avatar
    CharlesinGA
    Explorer
    Oct 30, 2017
    Just came back from Big Lagoon SP at Pensacola, and no damage to see. I was traveling with friends who like to fish, I just like to watch them work so hard. Caught a whole cooler full of whiting in about 3 hrs at Johnson's Beach, Gulf Islands National Seashore on Perdido Key just around the corner from Big Lagoon.

    We wanted to stay at Ft Pickens but it is still closed due to road damage that will be two or three months to repair.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Oct 29, 2017
    We've stayed at Lake Louisa SP a few times when a friend's daughter was playing in softball tournaments in Clermont. It's a very nice park, and as said, very close to both attractions and stores, restaurants, etc., although the campground is well away from the highway, and very quiet.
  • tjfogelberg's avatar
    tjfogelberg
    Explorer
    Oct 28, 2017
    Lake Louisa SP (Clermont) is the first Florida SP I have visited. No noticeable storm damage and everything seemed to be operating normally. Beautiful park with very nice campsites...we are just down the road at Thousand Trails. Great location for visiting the Orlando area. The park feels secluded and quiet but also 5 minutes from grocery stores etc.
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Oct 28, 2017
    According to the Florida State Parks Storm Information site:

    Storm Information

    HURRICANE IRMA - Park Updates

    The Florida Parks Service is working to quickly and safely reopen parks.

    The following state parks are currently closed:

    Bahia Honda State Park (Monroe County)
    Faver-Dykes State Park (St. Johns County)
    Hontoon Island State Park (Volusia and Lake counties)
    Long Key State Park (Monroe County)

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