Kids & Family

Campgrounds Reopen At State Parks, National Parks Reopen

Those eager to get back to nature Memorial Day weekend after being confined to their homes for two months now have plenty of options.

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Outdoor lovers can get back to camping at some state parks including Lake Kissimmee State Park.
Outdoor lovers can get back to camping at some state parks including Lake Kissimmee State Park. (Florida State Parks)

ACROSS FLORIDA — Those eager to get back to nature Memorial Day weekend after being confined to their homes for two months now have plenty of options.

Florida State Parks campgrounds will reopen Thursday, May 21 with modified procedures and amenities. Cabins remain closed through May 31.

Residents may resume fishing, hiking and exploring historic sites at most of Florida's 175 state parks as the Department of Environmental Protection continues to implement the first phase of its reopening plan.

Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

DEP is continuing to take measures to ensure the protection of staff and the public. During this phase, visitors should expect limited hours, capacity and amenities at some parks. Some portions of parks and trails have been reopened for day use only. Social distancing and group limits of 10 of less will continue to apply at state parks.

To reduce risk, cash transactions are limited to exact change.

Find out what's happening in Tampafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Due to the coronavirus closures, Florida State Parks will honor all current Annual Entrance Passes for two months past the marked expiration date.

Click here for restrictions at each state park.

State parks that have reopened include:

The following parks remain closed:

  • Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (Miami-Dade County)
  • Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park (Broward County)
  • John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (Palm Beach County)
  • Oleta River State Park (Miami-Dade County)
  • The Barnacle Historic State Park (Miami-Dade County)

Three national parks have reopened in Florida as well.

Biscayne National Park has reopened access to the Convoy Point canoe/kayak ramp from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, as well as the restrooms at the launch site. However, the Dante Fascell Visitor Center, Elliott Key, Adams Key and Boca Chita remain closed to the public.

Everglades National Park has reopened these areas:

  • Royal Palm, including the Anhinga Trail
  • Research Road
  • Long Pine Key picnic area and trails
  • West Lake
  • Guy Bradley Trail and Flamingo Day Use area
  • Coastal Prairie Trail
  • Canoe, kayak and skiff rentals at Flamingo

In addition, entry fees are waived, and the following spaces continue to be available:

  • Main Park Road from the Homestead entrance to Flamingo
  • External restrooms at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
  • Flamingo Marina and boat launch ramps
  • Flamingo Marina Store, restrooms and gas pumps
  • Flamingo Fish Cleaning Station and restroom
  • East Everglades, accessible by 168th St. (9 a.m to 5 p.m.)
  • Marine waters of Everglades National Park
  • Beach campsites in wilderness

The following facilities remain closed at this time:

  • All visitor centers
  • Shark Valley
  • Gulf Coast
  • Nike Missile Historic Site
  • Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds
  • Concession tours and houseboat rentals
  • Wilderness campsites (ground sites and chickees)

Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida and Mississippi is under its first phase of reopening. Areas available to the public include:

  • The Davis Bayou Area
  • Facilities near the visitor center including the parking lot, picnic area, fishing pier, restroom, and all hiking trails
  • Petit Bois, West Petit Bois, and Horn islands, as well as, the NPS-owned portion of Cat Island
  • Regular operating hours resume
  • Group camping at Petit Bois and Horn islands will not be permitted

With public health in mind, the following facilities and areas remain closed at this time:

  • Ship Island
  • The William M. Colmer Visitor Center at the Davis Bayou Area
  • The Davis Bayou Campground
  • Robert McGhee Road and associated facilities including the public boat ramp
  • The Okaloosa area, no restrooms, the Naval Live Oaks Area, Santa Rosa Area open.

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