Backwoods Escapes to State Forests

Florida protected forest areas include highland oak, pine meadows, and lowland swamps, among many other terrains. Many thousands of acres of land have been set aside through the state for preservation and to make sure that future generations will be able to experience what the real Florida was once like.

Things to Do

Activities include biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, camping, fishing, and hunting. The Department of Forestry can help you find a state forest that interests you. No matter what you want to do in the great outdoors, Florida state forests are a resource to be considered. Even an evening joyride through locations such as Jennings Forest reveal a wealth of wildlife living in a protected zone.

Camping

Campers at all state forest must register at the main entry or as instructed. Some campsites may have electricity or water, but is a good idea to reserve the site if you plan to require full accommodations.  Additionally, many state forests are located in or near national forests or designated wildlife sanctuaries.

Fishing

Many state forest have natural pondS or streams that may be fished. Ocean Pond is one of the largest in North Florida, but other parks allow access to the headwaters of the St, Marys river, Black Creek, and other major Florida waterways. Bass, bream and catfish are on the menu, along with mudfish biting in the spring and fall, and turtles could pose a challenge at any time.

Hunting

State forest adhere to special regulations from one season to the next, regulating the length of the hunting period and what is considered an allowed kill quota. Most state forest and wildlife management areas, including the property around Camp Blanding,  provide special bow-only locations and seasons, as do other locations.

Exploring Nature

The many different Florida ecosystems offer an abundance of outdoor discovery. Highland sand oaks are a common refuge for wild turkey, and the most common habitat of the ancient gopher tortoise. By contrast Pine and hardwood forest attract deer, rabbits, owls, and other woodland creatures. In the cypress swamps, you may see snakes, bears, otter, raccoons, deer, or alligator. Take a digital camera with a large memory bank, or numerous rolls of film.