campgrounds

St. Lucie South Campground

The St. Lucie South Campground is a beautiful place to marvel at Florida’s natural beauty. Located on the Okeechobee Waterway, the campground features several ways to explore the local flora and fauna. Take a boat or a canoe, or simply hike through the tropical paradise that surrounds this stunning campsite.

The campsite allows boat docking, mooring, and water hookups for RVs if the usual tent is not to your taste. There are bathrooms, showers, grills, lights, and electrical outlets for those with tent setups. Beyond the basics, there is also a Visitor’s Center and Day Use Area with a playground for the little ones. The whole campsite is also wheelchair accessible.

Overall, St. Lucie South Campsite is an excellent location for both those just starting to get out camping and seasoned trail veterans. If the canal could be more interesting, Hutchison Island is nearby for those looking for a quick beach day trip. There is something to do for everyone in the family!

Author: Sarina Pennington

Phipps Park Campground

Phipps Park Campground, located on a 55-acre conservation area on Okeechobee Waterway in Martin County, is the ideal spot for a natural getaway. The campgrounds feature a variety of amenities, are pet-friendly (with shot records), and are open year-round. Guests can bring their own gear or reserve a pre-set tent!

The campground has a boardwalk, a fishing pier, and a boat dock to enter the water. There are several pathways to explore the native ecosystem with plenty of chances to spot wild flora and fauna. Back at the campsite, bathroom, laundry facilities, firewood, and picnic tables are great for summer barbeques. RVs are also welcome with reservation.

Moreover, there are plenty of opportunities for adventure if the trails aren’t your speed. Checkers, Connect 4, and Jenga are also available in giant proportions for the kids. For the adults, there is croquet and cornhole, as well as wagons to transport snacks and games from place to place.

The Phipps Park Campground is an excellent location for a family getaway this summer; make sure to reserve a campsite before arrival!

Photo Credit: Andy Waldo

Author: Sarina Pennington

Walk In the Water Campground

Walk In the Water Campground is located on the Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, (Polk County) on the Walk In the Water tract, approximately 44 miles SE of Lakeland, FL. It features eight primitive campsites that all require an advanced reservation. There is a picnic table and a fire ring at each site. There is no water or electricity available. There are two port-a-pots and a dumpster at the campground.

Some recreational activities that can be enjoyed here are: hiking, bicycling, picnicking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. Hikers can take advantage of the two hiking trails on the Walk In the Water tract, which include Big Bay Trail, Scrub Jay Loop Trail, and two designated horseback riding/equestrian trails (Red and Blue).

Speaking of Scrub-jays….The trail leading from the entrance at King Trail Gate is an excellent place to see Florida scrub-jays, and some visitors may be fortunate enough to see short-tailed hawks. The area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Purchased under Florida’s Conservation and Recreation Lands program, Walk-in-the-Water protects fast-disappearing scrub and sandhill communities, which are home to many rare plants and animals. One such plant is the endangered scrub plum, one of the first scrub plants to bloom in the year, flowering in January or February before its leaves open.

And if you are wondering…YES! Yes, you can bring your fur baby along for the adventure. Dogs are allowed. Make sure to have your leash because there is an on-leash rule that applies.

For more information, click here: https://www.fdacs.gov/…/Lake-Wales-Ridge-State-Forest

Author: Renada Hill – student – Valencia State College

Photo Credit: Dan Kon