To reserve campsites at state parks: www.reserveamerica.com.

• Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine: Besides great surfing, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, the park has an archaeological site where coquina rock was mined to create the nearby Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. Explore the dunes and stunted oak hammocks via the nature trail or paddle Salt Run, a tidal salt marsh, in a canoe or kayak. Campsites, $23. 904-461- 2033; www.floridastateparks.org/anastasia.

• Bahia Honda State Park, Florida Keys: In the shadow of an iconic Flagler railroad bridge, Bahia Honda's sandy beaches, shallow-water snorkeling and abundance of shore birds have earned it a spot among America's best beaches. The Sand and Sea Nature Center boasts a small marine aquarium, nature video and environmental activities. Campsites, $31.50. 305-872-2353; www.floridastateparks.org/bahiahonda/.

• Blue Spring State Park, Orange City: Site of the largest spring on the St. Johns River, this area was once inhabited by American Indians. The spring's gin-clear 73-degree water is a haven for swimmers, snorkelers, scuba divers. In winter months, it's a refuge for the West Indian Manatee, which means the spring is closed Nov. 15 through March 1. But visitors can still fish, boat and canoe the St. Johns. Camping, $20. 386-775-3663; www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring.

• Fort De Soto Park, Pinellas County: County park with 238-site, full-service campground. Amenities include picnic tables, grills, fresh water, electricity, washers, dryers, sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play areas and a camp store. The park has more than 7 miles of waterfront recreation, including two fishing piers, nature trails, paved bike trail and a canoe trail. Campsites, $30 to $35. 727-582-2267; www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_Ft_DeSoto.htm.

• Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, New Port Richey: More than 8,300 acres of forest, with bike, hiking and horse trails. Stop by the Environmental Education Center and see artifacts from a 19th century ''Cracker'' homestead that was discovered, excavated and is now maintained by a local Boy Scout Explorer post. Camping, $10. 727- 834-3247; www.swfwmd.state.fl.us (click on recreation).

• Lake Kissimmee State Park, Lake Wales: No trip is complete without a visit to the park's 1876-era cow camp. You'll see white-tailed deer, bald eagles, sandhill cranes and wild turkeys. Anglers can catch bass on lakes Kissimmee, Tiger and Rosalie. There are also 13 miles of hiking trails, six of which are open to equestrians. The full-service campground is one of the best places in Florida for stargazing. Campsites, $17. 863- 696-1112; www.floridastateparks.org/lakekissimmee.

• Myakka River State Park, Sarasota: The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through the heart of the 58-square-mile wilderness playground. Tour the lake on one of the world's largest airboats or take to the treetops on the canopy walkway. There's also excellent fishing, canoeing, kayaking, bike riding and bird-watching. The park has cabins and backcountry sites as well as a full-service family campground. Campsites, $22. 941-361-6511; www.floridastateparks.org/MyakkaRiver.

• Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Micanopy: Park activities include hiking, bird-watching, fishing, picnicking and bicycling. Climb the 50-foot-high observation tower to see a wide array of wildlife, including alligators, bison and wild horses. You can also pick from eight trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking. Camping, $15. 352-466-3397; www.floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie.

• Silver River State Park, Ocala: Next door to the Silver Springs and Wild Waters theme parks, home of the famous glass-bottom boat tours. The state park also has a pioneer cracker village and the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center. You can also hike or ride one of the park's many nature trails. Camping, $21. 352-236-2121; www.floridastateparks.org/silverriver.

• Tomoka State Park, Ormond Beach: Once home to a thriving American Indian community, this is a water lover's paradise and a great place to watch birds, with more than 160 species. In the river, you can catch red drum, sheepshead, spotted sea trout, snook and tarpon. Visitors can also take a hike on the half-mile nature trail through a hardwood hammock. Campsites, $20. 386-676-4050; www.floridastateparks.org/tomoka.

Editor's note: This is a reprint of a listing by Terry Tomalin of the St. Petersburg Times and Jay Clarke, Miami Herald correspondent, that appeared previously.