The Sunshine State is teeming with outdoor recreation, and we’re not talking about all the amusement parks either. From wildlife-filled sanctuaries to lush lakeside retreats, natural adventures are pretty easy to come by in this part of the country. Home to a plethora of native critters and several paddle-worthy patches of freshwater, Colt Creek State Park holds its own against any of the best underrated state parks in Florida. “Lakes, hiking trails, wildlife, quiet, sooo peaceful,” one visitor shared on Tripadvisor, with another noting that the park is “Old Florida at its finest.”
Located between Orlando and Tampa, Colt Creek State Park stretches out for more than 5,000 acres, roughly 15 miles north of Lakeland’s city limits. The wilderness wonderland is open year-round from 8 a.m. until the sun goes down. Best of all, the entrance fee is only $4 if you’re parking a vehicle (at the time of writing), with a $2 discount for those who are biking or walking in.
If you want to stay the night, be sure to pack all the best camping gear for a comfortable night outdoors. The Colt Creek State Park Campground has top marks online, with one camper sharing in a Google review, “The facilities were great, and the setting was beautiful.” The campground has almost 30 RV-friendly spaces with full hookups, as well as a handful of dedicated spots to pitch a tent. If you want something a little more luxurious, there are even glamping sites that come outfitted with beds and air conditioning.
Get lost in the woods of Colt Creek State Park
Colt Creek State Park has more than 15 miles of woodsy trails that can be used by hikers, bikers, and even horseback riders. For a lengthy jaunt through the woods, opt for the Orange Trail, also known as the Red Trail on certain hiking apps. The easy path loops around a good chunk of the recreation area for about 8 miles and has great water views, taking you past all three of the park’s constructed lochs: Mac Lake, Middle Lake, and Little Lake. Just be sure to dress for the elements, because it can get pretty sunny. “Nice wide trails, easy markers to read. Only part of the trail is shaded,” one hiker noted on AllTrails. You may also want to spritz on a bit of bug spray…