Day Trips from Tampa
← All Tampa day tripsDay Trips from Tampa: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Tampa, FL. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Tampa
Weedon Island Preserve
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Just 23 min from Tampa, 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 45 min from Tampa, 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 44 min from Tampa, 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 59 min from Tampa, 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.
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
Clearwater, FL 33759
Just 25 min from Tampa, rated 4.7 stars by 1,336 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 17 min from Tampa, 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.
Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve
Oldsmar, FL 34677
Just 28 min from Tampa, 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 8 min from Tampa, 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 32 min from Tampa, 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 33 min from Tampa, 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 1 hr 43 min from Tampa, 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 60 min from Tampa, 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 Tampa
What are the best state parks near Tampa, FL?
The best state parks near Tampa 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 Tampa?
Most state parks near Tampa 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 Tampa are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Tampa 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 Tampa?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Tampa. 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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