Visit Alachua County’s State Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites

In addition to being North Central Florida’s most populated (but not overpopulated!) county, Alachua County is known for its museums, fine dining, upscale lodging–and the University of Florida. But equally important and impressive are its natural assets, especially the State Parks, preserves and historic sites. The State Parks in Alachua County range from small to …

Spend The Night and Spread Your Wings From Lake City, Florida

Lake City, Florida is more than a convenient stop for travelers to the state at the junction of I-75, I-10 and US90. It’s the county seat of Columbia County and a great place to stay a few days to explore many of Natural North Florida’s wet and wild wonders. I’m not sure exactly when it …

RV ALERT! Heading To Natural North Florida in 2021? Plan Ahead!

Jayco? Wanderlodge? Casita? What’s your RV? No matter your “ride”, you’ll find our Natural North Florida region perfect for outdoor living. But, be aware that some of our RV parks and campgrounds fill up quickly and often take reservations well in advance. That’s especially true of our Florida State Parks and at private campgrounds near …

Take a Virtual Vacation to Madison County, Florida

Take A Break and Take a Virtual Vacation in Natural North Florida Spring 2020 has brought a halt to Florida tourism, and tourism worldwide.. Our Visit Natural North Florida region has slowed, too, and with the restrictions of social distancing and travel we’re all dreaming of better times to come. And we hope that potential …

Favorite and Free Springs–Neighborhood Swimmin’ Holes in Natural North Florida

Our Natural North Florida region has some wonderful springs!  Many are in State Parks (Madison Blue, White Springs, Ichetucknee, Fanning Springs, Manatee Springs, Troy Springs, Lafayette Blue, and Peacock Springs, for example) and are a bargain to enter.  Others are in private parks, some dedicated to SCUBA diving and snorkeling (Devils Den, Blue Grotto) and …

The Early Bird Gets To Swim Without The Crowds at Fanning Springs State Park!

Florida’s State Parks are some of the most popular in the U.S. and needless to say they can get crowded during the summer months, especially if they feature springs, like many in our Natural North Florida region. Fanning Springs State Park can be crowded for several reasons.  One, it’s proximity to US19/98 just south of …

Your Florida State Parks Annual Pass–Cheaper Than a Gym Membership!

Florida’s State Parks are some of the best in the country, and our Natural North Florida region boasts some of the finest.  This year, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the State Parks have begun a new initiative “Get Florida Park Fit”.  While there are several ways to take advantage of the Park …

A Sampling of Natural North Florida’s RV-Friendly State Parks

If you’re a resident, or a visitor to Natural North Florida, our 14 rural areas stretching from the Florida-Georgia border south to the Withlacoochee River and east from the Gulf of Mexico almost to the St. Johns River, and if you’re a recreational vehicle (R/V)enthusiast, don’t miss a chance to experience a camping trip at …

Levy County Florida’s State Parks Springs Are Worth A Wintertime Visit

Florida’s Levy County is mostly rural and is bounded by the Gulf of Mexico (on the west), the Suwannee River (on the north) and the Withlacoochee River (on the south).  There are 4 major Florida State Parks in the county–Manatee Springs, Fanning Springs, Waccasassa Bay Preserve and Cedar Key Museum. All are worth a day …

When The Weather Is Cool, Our Spring Waters Are “Warmish”

The Visit Natural North Florida 12-county region has more natural first-magnitude springs than anywhere else on earth.  And while they’re magnets for visitors during the warmer months, folks often overlook the fact that the water flowing from our underground aquifer is a year-round, constant 72-degrees F.     Some of the bigger springs are found …