Day Trips from Clearwater
← All Clearwater day tripsDay Trips from Clearwater: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Clearwater, FL. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Clearwater
Weedon Island Preserve
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Just 34 min from Clearwater, rated 4.8 stars by 3,589 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge
FL 33715, USA
Just 50 min from Clearwater, rated 4.8 stars by 1,130 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Alafia River State Park
Lithia, FL 33547
Just 1 hr 14 min from Clearwater, rated 4.8 stars by 2,016 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area
Brooksville, FL 34614
Just 1 hr 15 min from Clearwater, rated 4.7 stars by 836 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lake Louisa State Park
Clermont, FL 34714
Just 1 hr 47 min from Clearwater, rated 4.7 stars by 3,545 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge-Lake McLeod Unit
FL 33880, USA
Just 1 hr 24 min from Clearwater, rated 4.7 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve
Oldsmar, FL 34677
Just 30 min from Clearwater, rated 4.7 stars by 184 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Homosassa, FL 34446
Just 1 hr 24 min from Clearwater, rated 4.7 stars by 9,209 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Just 37 min from Clearwater, rated 4.7 stars by 2,056 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Okeechobee, FL 34972
Just 2 hrs 57 min from Clearwater, rated 4.7 stars by 961 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Ocala National Forest
Silver Springs, FL 34488
Just 2 hrs 12 min from Clearwater, rated 4.7 stars by 5,326 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Weekiwachee Preserve
Spring Hill, FL 34607
Just 1 hr 8 min from Clearwater, rated 4.7 stars by 638 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Clearwater
What are the best state parks near Clearwater, FL?
The best state parks near Clearwater offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Clearwater?
Most state parks near Clearwater charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Clearwater are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Clearwater offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Clearwater?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Clearwater. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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