Located on the northeastern corner of Florida, the city of Jacksonville, FL, is a popular spot for visitors wanting to explore the nearby state parks and idyllic beaches that the area has to offer.
Whether you are into water sports, challenging hikes, or simply want to sunbathe in a beautiful beach, these are some nearby destinations you should not miss while in the region. Fill up your tank, invite your friends, and hit the road now!
3 Amazing State Parks to Visit Near Jacksonville, FL
1. Crooked River State Park
Sitting on the south banks of the Crooked River, this beautiful state park is a top-rated destination for visitors from all over the states of Georgia and northern Florida. Covering an area of about 500 acres, the park is operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and features excellent facilities for a vast array of water sports and outdoor activities. Although the park can be visited free of charge, visitors are required to pay a $5 parking fee.
Crooked River State Park is located a little over 40 miles northeast of downtown Jacksonville, making it possible to reach it in about 45 minutes by car along route I-95. Some of the facilities available for visitors include picnic shelters, a boat ramp, a dock, a children’s playground, and RV campsites. If you are into mountain biking, birdwatching, fishing, hiking, paddling, boating, or miniature golfing, Crooked River State Park is the place to be.
2. Big Shoals State Park
Featuring the largest whitewater rapids in the entire state of Florida, Big Shoals State Park is another destination you should check out if you are looking for spots to get away from the city and take in the beautiful nature that the region has to offer. This state park is open year-round between 8:00 am and sundown. Visitors are required to pay a $4 entrance fee per vehicle, or $2 for pedestrians, cyclists, and extra passengers.
Big Shoals State Park is located a little over 70 miles west of downtown Jacksonville, making it possible to reach it in about an hour by car, driving along route I-10. Once in the park, make sure to check out its extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails. This nature reserve also features excellent facilities including camping areas, freshwater fishing piers, photogenic limestone bluffs, fully equipped picnic spots, and restrooms.
3. Anastasia State Park
Established in 1949 and managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Anastasia State Park is an excellent spot for a vast array of recreational activities including camping, birdwatching, fishing, sunbathing, kayaking, sailboarding, and picnicking. Covering a surface area of a little over 1,700 acres, this state park is located about 45 miles southeast of downtown Jacksonville and can be reached in just 50 minutes by car along route I-95.
Before you hit the road and check out these fantastic parks, stop by Tom Bush Mazda! Talk to one of our expert agents, check out our different new and used models, and take home your favorite vehicle with a flexible financing plant that adapts to your needs.
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