Lake Kissimmee State Park

Lake Kissimmee State Park

At this point in my journey, State Parking had become a huge part of my life. I would dare say I was obsessed with it. Every free moment I had I wanted to spend it visiting a park. So when Brian told me he was going away for the weekend, I asked if I could tag along....

Lafayette Blue Springs

Lafayette Blue Springs

The beginning of the Panhandle is about 4.5 hours away from where I live in DeLand, then it's about another 4 hours to the farthest end. I knew it was going to take time to explore all of the parks in that area and I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to return...

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

When state parking, the roads are often quiet and the gas stations are few and far between. I headed off to Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park with a very low amount of gas in my car. I had to stop at this crazy and scary gas station to fill up but they took cards...

John Gorrie Museum State Park

John Gorrie Museum State Park

I visited Apalachicola on New Year's Day in search of the John Gorrie Museum State Park. Right away I found out that small, historic town was like many others, closed on a holiday. There were a couple of eateries and shops open but most businesses we not. I headed...

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Andrew and I were on a State Parking weekend when we came across a sign for Ichetucknee Springs State Park on our way to Troy Springs. We followed the signs to the park and we were led to the south entrance. Typically this is where all the tubing action takes place...

Lake Talquin State Park

Lake Talquin State Park

Andrew, my son, and I went on a 2 day State Parking adventure together and it was so much fun. Now you must know that State Parking with an 18 year old is much different than State Parking with people my age. He really enjoyed hiking, which was nice, but by the time...

Lake Louisa State Park

Lake Louisa State Park

I asked my dad what he was doing the day after Thanksgiving because I was interested in exploring his favorite state park – Lake Louisa. I knew he would be the best guide because he has spent countless hours there; visiting, camping, and exploring the land. During our...

Koreshan State Park

Koreshan State Park

I did a little research before I headed into Koreshan State Park and, at first, I was a little put-off. I was wondering why the state park system would preserve a place that was basically built by a cult but I must tell you, the grounds were really beautiful. Casey...

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

I woke up early and ready for a new day of exploration. I pulled up to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park as soon as the gate opened. The good thing about being at the park when it first opens is that no one else is really around so I had the park all to myself. The...

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

When I arrived at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park at 8:30 am, I spoke, at length, to the park ranger at the front gate and he strongly encouraged me to take the 10 a.m. tour of the park that was given each day. Usually I am not one to wait around but he was very...

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

I was in search of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and I was unsure if I was on the right path. I followed my GPS right into Ft. Lauderdale, people were every where. I could not imagine a state park being anywhere near where I was. Then all of a sudden I saw a sign and...