Hillsborough River State Park

According to Florida's Division of Recreation and Parks, there are 175 state parks, trails and historic sites which encompass nearly 800,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy beaches in the Sunshine State, providing recreational opportunities for both residents and tourists.  Tim and I are two tourists who have grown to love these places.  (Click here for an interactive map of parks in the Florida State Parks system.)

When we first took to the road as full-time RVers back in January 2016, we thought our RV, the Dawntreader, was too long to fit in any state park.

However, we've since learned from friends like Doug and Chris that while our 45-foot length is on the long side, there are usually campsites that can accommodate us.  You just have to look carefully at the state park listings on ReserveAmerica.com when making a reservation.

This winter we've discovered that if you want to experience "the real Florida" as the park service's logo claims, there are no better places than these parks.  Off the beaten track, these protected areas are full of natural scenery with unbeatable beauty.

Hillsborough River State Park is a case in point.  The river that flows through it tumbles over rapids, then quiets to a calm where its current is hardly discernible.

It's perfect for kayakers and canoeists.

If a hike is more to your taste than a paddling adventure, pretty as a picture natural trails run parallel to the river's banks.

Bicycles may be rented at the park's cafe.

And for history buffs, Fort Foster, a reconstructed log stockade that during the Second Seminole War guarded a pivotal bridge over the river, sits in the northeast corner of the park.

Campsites have plenty of elbow room set apart as they are from one's neighbors.  Like most state park campgrounds, Hillsborough River State Park has water and electric hook-ups but no sewer connections.  However, there is a dump station where you can jettison waste on your way out of the park.

This morning Tim and I leave Florida to head north to our next Habitat for Humanity build in Macon, Georgia.  We'll miss its scenic parks, but hopefully we'll return next winter to sample a few more.  Until then, the Florida state parks of Hillsborough River, Rainbow Springs, Highlands Hammock, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch will brighten our memories.  Four down, 171 more to go!

Rainbow Springs State Park

The campground at Rainbow Springs State Park has been our home for the past two weeks.  It lies along the banks of the Rainbow River, a jewel that lives up to its name.  When sunlight hits the water, a light show ensues as the rays are diffused into a multi-colored spectrum that reaches well below the surface.  The river, fed by the release of 400 to 600 gallons of fresh water each day from the springs at its headwaters, flows 5.7 miles before it empties into the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon, FL.

Determined to explore the river in greater depth (pun not intended and certainly not to be undertaken in a physical sense), I left my listening devices locked up in the Dawntreader and in total silence, bravely embarked upon a canoe trip with Tim.

Synchronizing our paddle strokes is a little difficult when you can't hear verbal commands, but after a few misguided attempts, I got the hang of it and pointed our bow in the right direction.

Prior to our departure, we'd plotted our strategy.  Paddling upstream to the headwaters would allow us to enjoy a lazy float back down to the dock.

There was plenty of wildlife to keep us entertained.  Birds, turtles, kayakers and other canoeists were all enjoying a sunny day on the river with us.

Do you suppose these three birds reading the No Fishing Permitted sign are disappointed?  "Well, guys!  It looks like we won't be having fish for supper tonight!"

The turquoise water is so clear, you can see all the way to the bottom, a depth that averages 10 feet but in places could descend to 25.

An even better way, if you want to immerse yourself in the undulating mermaid's hair, the so-called sea grass, and see the glimmering fish and the boil pots of the springs for yourself is to take a scuba diving tour of the waters.  Tim was tempted, but ultimately he decided to forego that adventure.

As for me, that seemed like too much work.  I'd rather just put my feet up!