Crystal Seas Kayaks
Crystal Seas Kayaks offers multi-day camping trips into the Florida Everglades. Gear like tents, kitchen gear, kayaks, water filters and washing facilities are provided by Crystal Seas, as are all meals, snacks and drinks. Knowledgeable guides are versed in the natural history of the region and provide narrative and interpretation of what you see. You need to bring your own sleeping bag and pad, clothing, sun protection (hats, sunglasses and sun screen), camera, toiletries and any personal items you may need. Paddle between two and three miles each day and camp in the heart of the swamps and bayous.
Crystal Seas Kayaks
360-378-4223
PO Box 3135
Friday Harbor, WA 98250
crystalseas.com
Anclote Key State Park
Camp on the white sandy beaches on a small and isolated key/island at the Anclote Key State Park. Wake up to rolling surf and have a swim or snorkel. Fish for bonefish or snook, beach hike and look at shells, or grab your binoculars and search for birds in the waters or air. Camping is primitive. Dogs are allowed at the campground but not on the beaches. There are showers and toilets, as well as fresh water taps for drinking and cooking water. No glass containers are allowed on the beach.
Anclote Key State Park
c/o Honeymoon Island State Park
#1 Causeway Boulevard
Dunedin, Florida 34698
727-469-5942
floridastateparks.org
Suwanee River Wilderness Trail
Spend a few days paddling and camping along the Suwanee River Wilderness Trail, run by Florida State Parks. The Suwanee Wilderness Trail stretches along the river and there are designated camping sites with water sources and pit toilets. There is no vehicle access to campsites along the trail, making it a wilderness paradise. Keep your eyes open for alligators, bears, bird species, opossums and fox throughout the trip. Get backcountry permits from the Ranger office in Tallahassee or online.
Suwanee River Wilderness Trail
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Recreation and Parks
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL 32399
800-868-9914
floridastateparks.org
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
