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!