Exploring the 5 Best State Parks Near Panama City, Florida

Discover the best state parks near Panama City Beach - from Blackwater River State Park to Tomoka State Park - offering visitors a variety of activities such as fishing, boating & swimming.

Exploring the 5 Best State Parks Near Panama City, Florida

Are you looking for a great outdoor adventure near Panama City, Florida? From Blackwater River State Park to Tomoka State Park, there are plenty of state parks in the area that offer visitors a variety of activities and breathtaking views. Whether you're looking for a place to camp, hike, fish, or just relax, these five state parks near Panama City have something for everyone. Located two hours northwest of Panama City, Blackwater River State Park is home to the largest adjoining ecosystem of longleaf pine trees in the world. The park offers visitors a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming.

There are 30 campsites available with electrical service ranging from 20-50 amperes. Two hours and fifty minutes east of Panama City is Big Lagoon State Park, considered the gateway to a 1,515-mile ocean kayaking trip along Florida's circumnavigational saltwater paddling trail. The park is also home to numerous species of birds that can be observed during spring and autumn migrations. There are 75 campsites available with 30-50 amp electricity and three full-service bathrooms.

Three hours and thirty minutes west of Panama City is Fanning Springs State Park, centered around the mighty Suwannee River. The springs produce more than 65 million gallons of water every day and offer visitors crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and rowing.

Tomoka State Park

, located five hours southwest of Panama City, is home to more than 160 species of birds that can be observed through a half-mile nature trail. The park also offers 90 different species of fish for anglers to catch.

There are 100 campsites available with electrical connections and three bathrooms with hot showers.

Econfina River State Park

, located along the northern Gulf Coast, offers hikers 14.8 miles of wooded trails. The park also offers kayaking, canoeing, boating, bird watching, wildlife watching, picnic facilities, and a boat ramp. In addition to these five state parks near Panama City, there are several other parks in the area that offer great outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, biking, bird watching, fishing, camping, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, canoeing, and more. The Panama City Beach Conservation Park is located on 2,900 acres with 24 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and nature lovers.

Camp Helen State Park is a 180-acre historic site perfect for hiking, nature studies, swimming, bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, picnics, and freshwater and saltwater fishing.

Andrews State Park

is a 1,200-acre park with two nature trails for hiking, camping, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, canoeing, two fishing docks, a boat ramp and a beach. Pine Log State Forest has more than 13 miles of hiking trails including an 8-mile segment of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

Mexico Beach

is another great destination for outdoor enthusiasts located just half an hour's drive from downtown Panama City. Nature lovers can explore the scenic beauty on foot or by bike on 14.8 miles of wooded trails or navigate the river by kayak or canoe.

Joseph Peninsula State Park offers three different trail experiences along more than 1,750 acres of pristine coastal ecosystems. Whether you're looking for a place to camp or just want to explore some beautiful landscapes in Florida's Panhandle region near Panama City Beach - these five state parks have something for everyone! From fishing to bird watching to kayaking and more - there's something for everyone at these amazing state parks near Panama City.

Meagan Bebo
Meagan Bebo

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