Check out these nine locations on the water that offer the perfect opportunity for fishing, hiking, horseback riding and camping all year round.
Krul Lake
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Near Munson, Florida, Krul Lake Recreation is the perfect place to have a fun weekend away with the whole family. In addition to the swimmer-friendly, 6.5-acre manmade lake that's refreshed from natural springs, the recreation area also features campsites with electricity, hiking trails, a suspension bridge and a gristmill. You'll also find picnic areas for barbecuing and a restroom with shower facilities.
Sand Pond
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Fourteen miles north of Panama City Beach, Sand Pond is located in Pine Log State Forest, named for the creek that runs through its diverse 7,000 acres of landscape. While the area is mostly known for its hunting and fishing opportunities, there are plenty of other activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer hiking, canoeing, horseback riding or mountain biking, you'll have plenty of ways to stay active during the mild and sunny winter months.
Silver Lake
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With something for just about everyone, the Silver Lake Recreation Area in Withlacoochee State Forest is a go-to spot for winter camping and outdoor vacations. Boating, kayaking and fishing are popular activities on the lake and can be easily accessed via one of the three boat ramps on location. Off the water, you can enjoy one of the many scenic hiking trails or the paved multi-use path for a relaxing bike ride. Campsites with electricity, water hookups, restrooms and showers are available for RVs or tents.
Coldwater
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Known for its animal-friendly facilities, the Coldwater Recreation Area (about an hour northeast of Pensacola) features 55 miles of equestrian trails through scenic woodlands and are accessible to both horseback riders, bird dogs and foxhounds. When you want to head out on your own, you can use the horse stalls and dog kennels and enjoy many of the area's other activities. The recreation area also has plenty of campsites for RVs and tents, a sandbar and 58 covered paddocks for events.
Tillis Hill
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With equestrian trails, campgrounds, 2,600 acres of off-road trails and the 70-mile Withlacoochee River, the Tillis Hill Recreation Area is a great family day trip or extended winter vacation. Located 30 miles south of Inverness, the area features horseback riding, wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting and fishing year-round. There are 36 covered open stalls for horses and plenty of campsites suitable for RVs and trailers. You will also find outdoor grilling facilities and a dining hall for group events.
Tram Road
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After a day at Ormond Beach, you need to make the 10-minute drive to Tram Road Equestrian Campground in Tiger Bay State Forest. Along with several natural water ponds that are available for public fishing, you can also spend time out on Indian Lake and Scoggin Lake. Thanks to the area's 27,000 acres of woodlands and wetlands, mountain biking, hiking and wildlife photography are all popular activities.
Eastern Lake
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While the shallow 60-mile lake is a big attraction for kayakers, fisherman and water-sport enthusiasts, Eastern Lake offers plenty of other activities for anyone not looking to spend a day or two on the water. Located in the east region of the Florida Panhandle, nine miles south of Freeport, the Eastern Lake Trail System includes 3.5-, 5- and 10-mile loops excellent for hikers and bikers. There are also two equestrian-only trails for horseback riding. Book your stay at one of the many vacation resorts near the lake or at the scenic campsites positioned around the forest.
Maple Set
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Near the Georgia-Florida border, the headwaters of the St. Mary's River can be accessed via the Maple Set Recreation Area, making for an excellent spot for fishing, along with the area's other ponds. If you're into wildlife, black bears, river otters, bobcats, bald eagles and other rare bird species are all common across the 37,000 acres of woodlands. Other activities include regulated hunting and a seven-mile horse trail that loops through a mature pine forest around Ellis Bay.
Crooked River
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The Crooked River Campground is an old-style site that's rustic and primitive with plenty of privacy. You can easily access the Withlacoochee River via a staircase and enjoy canoeing, fishing and plenty of other water sports. There are also horseshoe pits, large picnic areas and an abundance of wildlife, so you can fully take advantage of Florida's sunny and warm winter weather.
About the Author
Marc Lindsay is a longtime endurance athlete with more than 25 years of experience running and cycling. He has completed marathons, ridden century rides, and competed in collegiate cross country. He previously served as a cycling and triathlon editor at ACTIVE.com, and his writing has appeared on MyFitnessPal and Polar.com, among other digital and print publications. He holds a master’s degree in writing from Portland State University and resides in Chicago, Illinois.
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