Patrick Connolly: National forest, state park, wilderness area: What’s the difference?
ORLANDO, Fla. — During a recent chilly, moonlit evening in Ocala National Forest, I rediscovered the joys of warming up around a roaring fire, enjoying snacks and beverages while gazing up at stars and passing satellites.
My friend and I were set up at a site away from numbered campsites and plumbing, marked only by a set of GPS coordinates he shared, which might unnerve some people. But primitive camping is where I feel right at home.
Many public land designations do not allow for such “dispersed camping,” but America’s national forests allow adventurous campers the opportunity to set up away from crowds to find solitude in nature.
Other outdoor spaces, such as state parks, seem to have more restrictions on the surface — though many are in place for a reason. Wild Florida can also be discovered when visiting wildlife management areas, nature preserves, conservation areas, state forests and more.
Many of these spaces share the common thread of outdoor recreation but differ in land management goals and rules. Here’s a breakdown.
National forests
Florida has three: Apalachicola, Ocala and Osceola which comprise large swaths of multiuse land that can host activities from timber harvesting to hiking. On lands managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service, visitors can bike, camp, swim, kayak, hunt (during the season), fish, picnic or ride off-highway vehicles on designated trails. A network of unpaved forest roads leads adventurers with 4x4 vehicles to remote parts of the forest, where primitive camping is an option. Within the forest, outdoor enthusiasts can also find developed recreation areas with facilities and campgrounds. More information: fs.usda.gov
National parks
A National park, such as Everglades National Park, seeks to preserve natural and cultural resources for present-day and future visitors. On 85 million acres of land nationwide managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service, guests can hike, camp in designated sites, explore waterways, embark on tours and discover visitor centers. Other Floridian points of interest overseen by NPS include Big Cypress National Preserve, Canaveral National Seashore, the Florida National Scenic Trail and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. More information: nps.gov
State parks
The Sunshine State has 175 state parks that are managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. These lands vary in size and activities with some presenting myriad amenities, developed campgrounds and easy access from cities. Others are remote and more difficult to access for the average visitor. Florida’s parks provide opportunities to see wildlife, hike, bike, paddle, fish, picnic, swim and more. In terms of outdoor recreation, Florida’s DEP also manages state trails and historic sites. More information: floridastateparks.org
State forests
State forests, including Seminole, Little Big Econ, Withlacoochee and Charles H. Bronson, are protected parcels with chances for camping, paddling, cycling, hiking, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle use, regulated hunting and fishing. Timber harvesting also takes place in these forests, which are managed by the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. More information: fdacs.gov
Wildlife management areas
These areas, such as Bull Creek, Three Lakes or Tosohatchee, are primarily set up for hunting and are managed by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. But many of these lands feature multiuse trails and camping areas, which can be enjoyed by other recreationists, especially outside of hunting season. More information: myfwc.com
Conservation areas and nature preserves
These are generally managed at the county level or by water management districts and offer few amenities. These properties protect habitats important to Florida’s waterways and wildlife but also offer hiking and biking, equestrian trails and sometimes primitive camping. Other public lands, such as Oakland Nature Preserve, Tibet-Butler Preserve or Trout Lake Nature Center, have conservation as their goal but offer more amenities and outdoor education opportunities.
Wilderness areas
Wilderness areas such as Black Bear, Chuluota or Lake Proctor, are set aside with the goal of protecting and restoring natural resources. Many offer recreation on foot, bike or horseback and supply pristine flora and fauna to enjoy on the way. There are four wilderness areas within Ocala National Forest governed by federal rules, which means they’re untouchable by motorized vehicles and equipment, aiming to display Florida’s natural beauty where people visit but do not remain.
National wildlife refuges
Merritt Island, Ten Thousand Islands, Archie Carr and Crystal River, are established and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect threatened habitats and animals. Some of these lands are open for hiking, biking, boating and fishing but overnight camping is often prohibited. Regulated hunting is allowed in some refuges, but others are closed to human visitors completely. More information: fws.gov
A city or county park
Parks can take the form of a small neighborhood green space with a playground, or it can look more like Orange County’s 355-acre Kelly Park, which allows visitors to access Rock Springs. These local lands range in size, activities and amenities. Trails such as the West Orange Trail or the Cross Seminole Trail, both managed at the county level, also fall under this umbrella.
Florida’s waterways
Paddling trails established by Florida DEP’s Office of Greenways and Trails take kayakers, paddleboarders and canoeists for trips on the Sunshine State’s scenic waterways. Some of these are fit for relaxing single-day excursions on rivers or spring runs, while others present the chance for high adventure, such as the 1,515-mile Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail. More information: floridadep.gov
