Florida
Visiting Florida can be an unforgettable experience, with something for everyone. The state is famous for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and abundant sunshine, making it a perfect destination for those looking to relax and soak up the sun. With numerous theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, Florida is also a popular destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. Visitors can also explore the state’s rich history by visiting St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, or the Kennedy Space Center, where they can learn about the country’s space program. For nature enthusiasts, Florida has numerous state and national parks, including the Everglades National Park, where visitors can see alligators and other wildlife. With its diverse attractions, warm climate, and welcoming atmosphere, a visit to Florida is an experience not to be missed.
Florida is home to several national forests, each with its own unique natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural significance. The Ocala National Forest, the southernmost forest in the continental United States, is known for its unique sand pine scrub ecosystem and features a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming in natural springs. The Apalachicola National Forest, the largest national forest in Florida, boasts a vast array of plant and animal species, scenic trails, and historical sites that provide visitors with opportunities to explore the area’s rich cultural heritage. The Osceola National Forest, located in northeast Florida, offers visitors a chance to experience the state’s diverse wildlife, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, and enjoy recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and tubing in crystal-clear springs. The Conecuh National Forest, located just across the state line in Alabama, is another must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring stunning natural landscapes and a rich cultural history.
The Apalachicola National Forest is a beautiful and diverse natural area located in the Florida Panhandle. Covering over 632,000 acres, it is the largest national forest in Florida and is home to a vast array of plant and animal species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, black bears, and Florida panthers. The forest features a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping in tranquil campsites. It also boasts several scenic trails, including the Florida National Scenic Trail, which stretches over 1,300 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean. The Apalachicola National Forest is also rich in history, with evidence of early human habitation and a significant logging industry that once dominated the area. With its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural significance, the Apalachicola National Forest is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Florida Panhandle. Check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/apalachicola
Apalachicola Ranger District
11152 State Road 20 NW, Bristol, Florida 32321
(850) 643-2282
Wakulla Ranger District
57 Taff Drive, Crawfordville, FL 32327
(850) 926-3561
Vehicle Use Map (Apalachicola)
The Ocala National Forest is a beautiful and diverse natural area located in central Florida. Covering over 383,000 acres, it is the southernmost forest in the continental United States and is known for its unique sand pine scrub ecosystem. The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and the threatened Florida scrub jay. Visitors to the Ocala National Forest can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming in the numerous natural springs. The forest also features several historic sites, such as the Fort Gates Ferry site and the Mill Dam Recreation Area, which offer glimpses into the area’s rich cultural heritage. With its natural beauty, unique ecosystem, and rich history, the Ocala National Forest is a true gem of Florida’s natural landscape. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/florida/recarea/?recid=83528
Lake George Ranger District
17147 E. State Road 40, Silver Springs, FL 34488
(352) 625-2520
Seminole Ranger District
40929 State Road 19, Umatilla, FL 32784
(352) 669-3153
Vehicle Use Map (Ocala)
The Osceola National Forest is a stunning natural wonder located in northeast Florida. It spans over 200,000 acres and is home to a vast array of wildlife, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, black bears, and the elusive Florida panther. The forest boasts several crystal-clear springs, providing ample opportunities for swimming, tubing, and fishing. Visitors can also explore the many hiking and biking trails, including the Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs through the heart of the forest. In addition to its natural beauty, the Osceola National Forest is also steeped in history, with evidence of prehistoric Native American settlements and a rich cultural legacy left by early settlers and pioneers. Whether you’re a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or a history buff, the Osceola National Forest offers something for everyone to enjoy. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/florida/recarea/?recid=83529
Osceola Ranger District
24874 US Highway 90, Olustee, FL 32072
(386) 752-2577
Vehicle Use Map (Osceola)
The Conecuh National Forest is a beautiful and diverse natural area located in southern Alabama. Covering over 83,000 acres, the forest is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including longleaf pine trees, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Visitors to the forest can enjoy hiking and biking along scenic trails, fishing in streams and rivers, and camping in peaceful campgrounds. The Conecuh National Forest is also rich in history, with evidence of Native American settlements and early 20th century logging operations visible throughout the area. With its natural beauty and unique cultural significance, the Conecuh National Forest is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. You can check out more information here! https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/alabama/about-forest/districts/?cid=fsbdev3_002554
Conecuh Ranger District
24481 Alabama Hwy 55, Andalusia, Alabama 36420
(334) 222-2555
Vehicle Use Map (Conecuh)
BLM, or the Bureau of Land Management, does not own any land in Florida. Unlike other states with vast expanses of public lands managed by BLM, such as Arizona or Utah, Florida’s public lands are primarily owned and managed by the state government. These lands include state parks, forests, wildlife management areas, and other protected areas. The state of Florida also has a few federally owned and managed lands, including national parks and wildlife refuges, but these are not managed by BLM. There is an state office, and a lighthouse, but besides that, there’s not much. While the BLM lands in Florida is virtually nothing, the state’s diverse public lands offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation and conservation.
The Southeastern States District is a region of the United States that is known for its rich culture, warm climate, and natural beauty. From the rolling hills of the Appalachians to the balmy beaches of the Gulf Coast, the Southeastern States offer something for everyone. The region is home to a variety of regional cuisines and is a great place for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and water sports. It’s also known for its vibrant music scene and its many festivals, from the country music festival in Tennessee to the jazz festival in New Orleans. With its diverse population and its many attractions, the Southeastern States District is a wonderful place to explore. You can check out more information here! https://www.blm.gov/office/southeastern-states
Southeastern States District Office
273 Market Street, Flowood, MS 39232
(601)919-4650
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area
600 State Road 707, Unit B Jupiter, FL 33469
(561)295-5953
There aren’t any grasslands in Florida!
tips and tricks
Florida is easily accessible by air, with major airports in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, among others. The state is also well-connected by highways, making it easy to travel by car.
The best time to visit Florida is during the winter months, when temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant. Summer months can be hot and humid, but it’s also the peak season for many attractions.
Florida is home to some of the world’s most popular theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando. These parks offer a variety of rides and attractions for visitors of all ages.
do’s and dont’s
Research campgrounds and RV parks in advance to ensure you have a safe and legal place to park overnight.
Protect yourself from the sun and stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months.
Don’t feed or approach wildlife. Florida is home to many wild animals, including alligators and snakes, so it’s important to keep a safe distance and observe them from afar.
