Florida State parks offer a refuge from the stress of daily life.
They preserve the Old Florida that is rapidly disappearing from our peninsula.
It is because of these parks that some parts of natural Florida are still alive and well among the proliferation of condominiums, theme parks, subdivisions and shopping malls that have obliterated much of the Florida landscape in the past half century or so.
I think Florida State Parks are the biggest bargain for travelers.
By their very nature, they are a haven of back roads.
In addition to the recreational opportunities, the parks provide an economical lodging alternative.
The Florida State Park system says their mission "is to provide resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources".
I think they are doing a wonderful job.
The parks are clean, the employees are cordial and knowledgeable, and the price is right.
Most campsites are carved out of the surrounding pine woods and palmettos.
The sites are separated from each other by this natural vegetation.
The privacy is much greater than in the average private campground.
Each campsite usually has an electric outlet, a water faucet, a charcoal grill and a fire ring for campfires.
My $ 40 annual pass gets me into any Florida State Park for a day visit.
If I want to camp, the fee ranges from as little as $ 10 per night for Florida senior citizens up to two or three times that for younger adult campers.
I have spent many happy days and nights in quite a few of these state parks with my kids in a VW Camper.
Them in the top bunk, me in the bottom.
Other nights I have spent in a tent with a close friend.
Still other nights I've slept in a Toyota Prius with an air mattress in the back.
Ah, the joy of owning an economical hatch back.
The quiet majesty of a Florida State Park is much more relaxing to me than a motel or hotel.
It is also cheaper.
If tent camping doesn't turn you on, many Florida State Parks have reasonably priced camping cabins.
These are not as plush as a motel room, but are very clean and comfortable.
You need to check each park to see how many people their cabins will accommodate and what amenities are included.
Florida State Parks are well located throughout the state.