While the changing seasons in northern states are marked by vibrant red, burnt orange and golden yellow leaves, Florida’s fall season is noted by temperatures that are actually bearable for spending time outside.
Now that the days of 90s-highs and sweltering humidity seem behind us, head out for a day hike or a local overnight to escape into the great outdoors. A camping trip requires only a few essentials and destinations that are, in some cases, 30 minutes or less away.
Paddling, hiking or staying overnight at the Orlando-area’s outdoor gems showcases Florida’s unique habitats, including pine flatwoods, wetlands, hydric hammocks, scrubs, and open prairies.
While Florida doesn’t offer the mountaintop vistas and waterfalls found in other states, there are so many trails on land and water worth exploring, with myriad flora and fauna to encounter along the way. Camping can turn the experience into an extended immersion in nature, and it’s still possible to bring a few creature comforts from home.
When hiking or paddling, always head out with a buddy, a plan, a map, bug repellent, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, snacks and plenty of water. And remember the basic principle of Leave No Trace: Take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time and leave nothing but footprints.
When it comes to camping, be sure to plan ahead when searching for stays at Central Florida’s popular parks.
Kayakers navigate down the run at Blue Spring State Park. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Blue Spring State Park
Just 45 minutes north of Orlando, a wintertime oasis for manatees and humans alike beckons visitors to take a hike and find some peace of mind. On a chilly day, stroll along the park’s boardwalk to view hundreds of manatees congregating in the 72-degree spring waters, something the marine mammals depend upon for survival. Or make a short walk to the spring boil to see more than 70 million gallons of water being pumped out daily.
Important to note: Blue Spring State Park now requires reservations online in advance.
On foot, explore the 3.5-mile Pine Island Trail, an out-and-back route (7 miles total) that takes hikers to the St. Johns River. The half-mile Scrub Jay Loop is a prime place for spotting the state’s only endemic bird, which is threatened by habitat loss.
Paddle from the kayak launch inside the park with rentals and tours available or access the water from French Landing by bringing your own vessel. Longtime Central Florida outfitter Adventures in Florida offers manatee tours starting from French Landing.
Camp overnight at one of 51 sites available inside the park and within walking distance of the spring. Be sure to check for reservations in advance.
Address: 2100 W. French Ave. in Orange City
Entry: $6 per vehicle
More information: floridastateparks.org
A family floats down Rock Springs Run at Kelly Park in Apopka earlier in 2026. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Kelly Park/Rock Springs
Central Florida’s favorite natural lazy river often reaches capacity during the summer months, when visitors flock to Rock Springs in droves to tube in the crystal-clear water.
Visit this time of year to find the park much quieter, making it possible to enjoy a tranquil afternoon by the spring or to explore a network of short trails.
Camping is available at 26 sites for tents and RVs.
Visit nearby King’s Landing, where rentals and tours are also available to paddle the pristine “Emerald Cut.” A weekday in the fall is much quieter than a Saturday in the summer.
Address: 400 E. Kelly Park Road in Apopka
Entry: $5 per vehicle, $10 per bus
More information: ocfl.net
A network of trails blazed white takes visitors for miles into pine flatwoods at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Seminole County. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Wekiwa Springs State Park
While known as a hotspot for summertime swimming, Wekiwa Springs also provides a network of trails from half a mile to 13 miles. The Wet to Dry Trail takes hikers on a quick, easy jaunt along a scenic boardwalk that connects the spring boil to a shady, wooded trail that’s part of both the white-blazed trail system and the orange-blazed Volksmarch Trail.
The latter takes visitors on a 5.3-mile loop that starts and ends at the main spring. The system of main hiking trails spans more than 13.5 miles into a dense forest near Rock Springs Run and an upland sandhill habitat with longleaf pines as far as the eye can see. Equestrian and off-road bicycle trails are also available.
Near the spring, the park’s concessionaire offers guided paddle tours, kayak rentals, canoe rentals and paddleboard rentals.
The park’s campground has 60 spacious, wooded campsites with water, electrical hook-ups, a fire ring and a picnic table. Some sites also have sewer hook-ups. Wekiwa Springs recently added four glamping tents, each with air conditioning and heat, which can be reserved at wekiwaspringsadventures.com.
Address: 1800 Wekiwa Circle in Apopka
Entry: $6 per vehicle
More information: floridastateparks.org
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
Live oak trees with Spanish moss hang over benches and pavilions at Moss Park in Orlando. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Moss Park
Bordered by two major lakes, Moss Park is a great place in Orlando’s backyard for an afternoon stroll and a great local overnight destination.
For hikers, a stand-alone segment of the orange-blazed Florida Trail passes through the park and connects with nearby Split Oak Forest.
The park has 54 individual RV and tent sites in addition to group camping areas.
Boat ramps in the park can be used as access points for canoes and kayaks, but the wind can whip across Lake Hart west of the park and Lake Mary Jane to the east.
Address: 12901 Moss Park Road in Orlando
Entry: $5 per vehicle
More information: orangecountyfl.net
Pristine wetlands on the western side of the Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area in St. Cloud. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)
Split Oak Forest
The 2,000-acre Split Oak Forest, located about 40 minutes southeast of Orlando, contains a 200-year-old live oak that split down the middle and survived, and became the forest’s namesake. The natural land is currently threatened by a planned toll road, even after a ballot measure that won 86% of Orange County votes cast in November 2020. A 6.4-mile trail encircles the preserve, but shorter trails are also available and still pass the famous split oak. Restrooms aren’t available at the trailhead, but they are available at Moss Park. Leashed dogs are allowed.
Address: 12175 Clapp Simms Duda Road in Orlando
More information: myfwc.com
Shingle Creek rises in Orlando and runs south for about 24 miles through Orange and Osceola counties before emptying into Lake Tohopekaliga. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Shingle Creek
Visit the northernmost headwaters of the Florida Everglades for a beautiful journey through a cypress forest teeming with wildlife and natural plants. All of this is tucked just out of sight from Florida’s tourism destinations, as the Steffee Landing launch at Shingle Creek Regional Park is situated right on U.S. 192 in Kissimmee.
Embark on a paddle of a mile or two after renting kayaks from the on-site concessionaire. Visitors can bring their own vessels, of course.
The Shingle Creek Regional Trail provides opportunities for visitors traveling by bike and by foot. The trailhead behind Hunter’s Creek Middle School provides access to a network of hiking and biking trails.
Address: 4266 West Vine Street in Kissimmee or 13400 Town Loop Blvd. in Orlando
Fee: Free to launch, rentals $19.99-$79.99
More information: osceola.org
Bikers cycle through Seminole State Forest during a four-day bikepacking adventure in April 2026. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Seminole State Forest
Outdoor exploration abounds at this more than 30,000-acre destination in Lake County. A 7.5-mile stretch of the Florida Trail runs through the forest, but shorter trails and loops are available.
Several primitive camping sites are also available for reservation.
Black Water Creek presents an opportunity to paddle into wild, untouched Florida with plenty of flora and fauna to see. Keep an eye out for native birds, alligators, otters and the occasional black bear.
Hunting is available within the forest during select times of year; use caution and plan ahead. It’s also important to note that a gate code is required for vehicle access to Seminole State Forest; it can be obtained by calling 352-589-1762.
Address: 31852 Wekiva River Road in Sorrento (Bear Pond Trailhead)
Entry: $2
More information: fdacs.gov
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
The Florida Trail runs through parts of Little Big Econ State Forest in Seminole County.
Little Big Econ State Forest
More than 10,000 acres of protected forest await hikers, mountain bikers and paddlers in Seminole County. The area derives its name from the fact that the Little Econlockhatchee and larger Econlockhatchee rivers meet just south of the forest. Little Big Econ contains 15 miles of hiking trails, including 9 miles of the Florida Trail. A popular hike is the 5.2-mile Kolokee Trail, which forms a loop from the Barr Street trailhead.
Other activities include primitive camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, hunting, fishing and paddling on 17 miles of the winding Econlockhatchee River that runs through the forest. Leashed pets are permitted on the trails.
Trail access: 951 Barr St. in Oviedo or 2050 Snow Hill Road in Chuluota
Fee: $2
More information: fdacs.gov
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
The St. Johns River is visible from the trail at Black Bear Wilderness Area in Seminole County. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Black Bear Wilderness Area
Trails and boardwalks wind through 1,600 acres of hydric hammock, cypress swamps and wet prairie habitats near the St. Johns River. This Sanford-area public land is a prime spot for viewing white-tailed deer, wood storks and Florida black bears. A 7.1-mile loop trail follows the St. Johns River, and it’s not an easy hike. Slippery and uneven terrain might force hikers to go slow or bring a hiking stick. Be mindful of wild hogs. The site has no amenities at the trailhead except for a porta-potty; leashed pets are allowed.
Address: 5301 Michigan Ave. in Sanford
More information: seminolecountyfl.gov
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
A gopher tortoise pokes out of its burrow to inspect passersby at Lake Louisa State Park in Lake County. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Lake Louisa State Park
Visit the scenic rolling hills of southern Lake County to discover a 4,500-acre outdoor playground with more than 20 miles of trails, glamping sites, horseback riding, paddling and more. Take a short mile-or-two nature walk, or connect hiking loops for a full day of 10-15 miles, navigating the park’s 11 distinct natural communities. Look out for gopher tortoises, fox squirrels and birds of prey.
Address: 7305 U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont
Entry: $5 per vehicle
More information: floridastateparks.org
A roseate spoonbill seems to pose for the camera at Orlando Wetlands Park in Christmas, Florida. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando Wetlands Park
This city-managed park is actually located in Christmas, about 40 minutes east of Orlando, and features opportunities for photography, hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The 1,650-acre swath of land looks pristine but was first created to provide advanced treatment of reclaimed wastewater. What was originally designed as an experiment has succeeded and transformed the land into a birding destination featuring more than 220 bird species and 63 butterfly species.
For hikers or cyclists, there are many routes and loops that can be created from the park’s trails. One birding loop is 2 miles, while another easy loop trail is 3.9 miles. Parking is available at the park entrance, and admission is free. Note that the park is closed on Monday. Motorized vehicles and pets are prohibited at Orlando Wetlands Park, but horses and bikes are welcome.
Address: 25155 Wheeler Road in Christmas
More information: orlando.gov
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
A campground is available for overnight guests at Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake
Explore 183 acres of urban parkland set in Orlando’s MetroWest community, just 15 minutes from Universal Orlando Resort. The City of Orlando-owned park is set up for picnicking, volleyball, disc golf, fishing, birding, hiking, cycling and camping.
The campground has 36 RV campsites and five rustic cabins.
Address: 3401 S. Hiawassee Road in Orlando
Entry: $5 per car, $2 for driver only
More information: orlando.gov
State park resident volunteers, from left, Tim Lugar, Kyrah Lewis and Jedidiah Lewis experience the Old Sugar Mill Pancake House within De Leon Springs State Park. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
De Leon Springs State Park
Splashing in the spring is one of the best ways to beat the summer heat. When milder winter weather kicks in, De Leon Springs State Park gets quieter, but visitors are still drawn in by the make-your-own pancake restaurant inside a historic replica sugar mill.
The park also offers a half-mile, wheelchair-accessible paved nature trail with interpretive signs. On this trail, see a cypress tree that is more than 600 years old.d
The Wild Persimmon Hiking Trail is a 4-mile loop through Florida’s natural communities with the chance of spotting deer, turkeys, wild hogs and Florida black bears.
50-minute eco/history boat tours are also available.
Address: 601 Ponce De Leon Blvd. in De Leon Springs
Entry: $6 per vehicle
More information: floridastateparks.org
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
Charles H. Bronson State Forest, east of Orlando, features miles of hiking trails and thousands of acres of conservation land. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Charles H. Bronson State Forest
Serious hikers can get their fix on a nine-mile loop that meanders through wetlands, pine flatwoods, sandhills and cypress swamps. The journey, which combines blue, orange and white-blazed trails, will take at least three or four hours and offers a less congested alternative to a loop like the one in Black Bear Wilderness Area.
Shorter loops are available, or longer overnight backpacking options can be found by accessing Chuluota Wilderness Area to the northwest or Orlando Wetlands Park by heading southeast out of the forest.
Address: 3468 Phillips Road in Christmas
More information: fdacs.gov
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
Mead Botanical Garden is one of Orlando’s urban gems for a quick getaway into nature. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
Mead Botanical Gardens
This 47-acre Winter Park oasis includes an amphitheater, a butterfly garden, a boardwalk and a diverse collection of Florida ecosystems. It’s a place that makes for an ideal mile-long stroll with friends, family or a leashed pet. The trails are a great opportunity for bird watching, identifying plants or geocaching. Shaded benches and patches of grass can also provide places to sit for a bit or have a picnic. Admission is free, and on-site parking is available at this urban escape where leashed dogs are allowed.
Address: 1300 S. Denning Drive in Winter Park
More information: meadgarden.org
Find me @PConnPie on Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com/newsletters.