:: Florida State Parks

They say too much of a good thing can be bad. So what does it mean when you have about 150 State Parks to choose from? It just means you probably have one very near you, which you must check out the next time you're feeling stir crazy and need to lash out. State Parks would have to be the place where you get to unwind in the lap of nature, or engage in furious activity that leads to nothing more than a good time.

Basic activities that makes time stand still such as fishing, swimming, and boating afford old fashioned relaxation that no amount of new age gizmos or fads can provide. There's also camping and hiking where the need to go hands-on brings you in touch with facets you didn’t know you had. Thought you couldn't get by without your cell phone? Wait till it slips out of your wet fingers while fishing and disappears into the blue, and the world continued as if nothing happened.

Since you have such a wide choice, the obvious thing to d would be to go to the one nearest to you. Or you may want to check out the facilities provided and pick one closest to your comfort zone. Or then again, you may want to go by the various activities on offer at the Park that would be your favourite pastime. Yet again, plonk your finger down on a list and see where it takes you.

If you were going by facilities, there are the Full Facility Camping ones, where you will be roughing it out in style without chipping finger nails or teeth. Great for those in denial as to their ability to survive the simple life. The Anastasia State Recreation Area is one such with facilities for swimming, fishing, camping, trekking, sail boarding and picnicking. It even has a broad beach beside a beautiful lagoon. Life guards look out for you during the hectic summer months. Places such as the Bahia Honda State Park are great for picnics, fishing, nature trails, boating, swimming, Scuba diving and snorkelling, and beach activities. To satisfy a more primordial instinct you should try the Primitive Camping facilities at places like Cayo Costa or Fort Cooper State Park to name a couple.

While camping or even visiting, great care should be taken to leave things in good condition, whether it be fixtures, equipment, or utilities. Natural resources should not be mutilated or abused in any manner. Plant and animal life should not be interfered with at any time. You really should not feed the wild animals, but restrain yourself to admiring them from a safe distance. It is very important to follow rules to the letter. Pets are not allowed in most common areas such as camping facilities and beaches. Service dogs are allowed anywhere.