Florida State Parks Near Orlando

Wekiwa Springs State Park features one of Central Florida’s most popular first-magnitude springs, with opportunities to swim, canoe, kayak, and spot wildlife in a protected natural setting. The park also offers picnic areas, camping, and miles of scenic nature trails through diverse upland and wetland habitats.

Lake Louisa State Park spans a diverse landscape of lakes, wetlands, and uplands in Lake County. It is one of the region's best places for paddling, fishing, camping, and spotting native wildlife in a natural setting close to Orlando.

Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park features more than 15,000 acres of riverine habitat, pine flatwoods, and hardwood swamps along the Wekiva River. It is especially popular for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, birding, and equestrian use.

Blue Spring State Park features a first-magnitude spring, a protected manatee refuge, and a spring run that flows into the St. Johns River. Visitors come for swimming, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and the park’s historic district and riverfront scenery.

Rock Springs Run State Reserve spans more than 14,000 acres of protected habitat in Central Florida. Its spring-fed waterways, open prairies, and forested uplands make it a favorite for paddling, birding, horseback riding, and backcountry exploration.

Hontoon Island State Park protects a large island in the St. Johns River west of DeLand. Its main draws are the ferry ride, shaded nature trails, canoeing, fishing, and abundant birds and wildlife.

Lake Griffin State Park offers a quiet natural retreat on the shores of Lake Griffin, part of the Harris Chain of Lakes. The park is especially popular for its boat ramp, canoeing, birdwatching, and the massive 400-year-old live oak that anchors its landscape.

Colt Creek State Park spans more than 5,000 acres of restored uplands, wetlands, and lakes in Polk County. Its mix of open water, pine forests, and wildlife habitat makes it a favorite for paddling, fishing, hiking, and observing birds and other native species.

Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park is one of Florida's largest state parks, preserving a diverse mosaic of habitats including sand pine scrub, flatwoods, and marshes. It is best known for its remote feel, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and paddling in a natural setting.

De Leon Springs State Park centers on a first-magnitude spring that stays cool and clear year-round, making it a favorite for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. The park also features the ruins of an 1830s sugar mill, scenic picnic grounds, and one of Florida's most distinctive breakfast experiences.

Lake Kissimmee State Park spans a diverse wetland and prairie landscape in Central Florida, offering excellent opportunities to see bald eagles, sandhill cranes, deer, and wild turkey. Its lakes and marshes make it a favorite for paddling, fishing, and nature photography.

Price's Scrub State Park is a quiet natural area centered on protected scrub habitat, offering a peaceful escape for wildlife observation and photography. Its sandy terrain and native plant communities make it a good stop for visitors interested in Florida’s ecological diversity.

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach offers a rare mix of beach, dunes, and riverfront access in a compact coastal setting. Its campground, boardwalks, and shoreline make it a favorite for camping, swimming, fishing, and watching shorebirds and sea turtles.

Sebastian Inlet State Park spans both sides of a tidal inlet between the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon. It offers some of Florida’s best saltwater fishing, along with beaches, camping, a museum, and excellent opportunities to see marine life and shorebirds.