Florida Canoe Camping

Canoe camping consists of putting your camping gear in a canoe and paddling a distance up or down stream to a campsite, most often secluded and primitive. Often times, there are multiple campsites along the body of water. This activity is recommended for folks looking to escape the trappings of everyday civilized life and "get away from it all" and bond with nature without having to hike.

Alas, there are few places to do this in Florida however, the few places are very nice indeed with miles of unspoiled territory and secluded hideaways.

One of my favorite spots to take part in this activity is at Wakiva Springs State Park -
http://www.floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/default.cfm
It's a pristine 5 mile spring run with twists and turns and a few primitive campsites upstream from the launch site. There are a few spots along the way where the canoe has to be pulled through as the water is too shallow to accommodate a loaded boat with 2 passengers.....as well as some super small and tight s curves to navigate. But for those with a bit of patience and perseverance, a relaxing, natural paradise awaits.

One thing to consider having is a set of wheels or canoe roller as you have to portage your boat and all of your gear about 200 yards from the parking lot to the canoe launch.

The campsites are primitive and well taken care of with a fire ring right in the middle of the site (why right in the middle of the site?) Due to no running water at the site, bring your own water for all of your water needs unless you want to filter it from the spring run There are also no restrooms, showers or facilities anywhere near the campsite so be prepared.

Largemouth bass inhabit the fallen trees and stumps along the entire length of the spring run and can be had with relative ease when fishing during low light situations with natural colored plastic worms and jigs.

The only issue that i had with this place was several times during my stay, hikers would wander into our site unannounced....could have had quite a surprise if they had wandered by my favorite cat hole while i was paying it a visit.

This is a federally protected nature preserve, so no guns allowed....a scary thought when in the middle of black bear country.