TOP 30 Florida nature kayaking in Jay, Florida

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park is a sprawling natural oasis located in New Port Richey, Florida. This park covers over 8,000 acres of pristine wilderness, making it a popular tourist attraction for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore miles of hiking and biking trails, spot a variety of wildlife, and enjoy picnicking and camping facilities. The park also offers opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and kayaking in its scenic waterways. With its tranquil atmosphere and abundant natural beauty, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Lake June-in-Winter Scrub Preserve State Park is a peaceful 845-acre park located at 630 Daffodil Street in Lake Placid, Florida. This park serves as a sanctuary for the endangered sand scrub ecosystem and is home to some of Florida's rarest plant and animal species, such as the Florida scrub-jay and gopher tortoise. Visitors to the park can enjoy bird-watching, nature study, hiking along white sand fire lanes, and fishing from the lakeshore. The park also offers a half-mile nature trail, a picnic area with shelter, and the opportunity to launch canoes or kayaks onto the lake.

Bay Bayou RV Resort, located at 8492 Manatee Bay Drive in Tampa, Florida, is a highly rated campground that offers deluxe amenities and a natural setting along Double Branch Creek. Good Sam consistently rates Bay Bayou RV Resort as one of the best RV resorts in Florida. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities within minutes of the resort, including access to Florida's famous beaches, theme parks, sightseeing, restaurants, shopping, gaming, and golf. Sports enthusiasts can also catch a Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Rays game, or attend spring training for teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays. Double Branch Creek provides water access for kayaks, canoes, and small fishing boats to explore Florida's unique wetlands. The resort boasts beautifully landscaped grounds, a pool, and patio area, making it a premier choice for RV travelers. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, Bay Bayou RV Resort has something for everyone. Book your stay today and make Bay Bayou your new home away from home in Florida.

Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve is a 5,000 acre park located in Cedar Key, Florida. This tourist attraction offers 13 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The reserve is home to twelve natural communities, including the rare Florida scrub, which provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. Visitors can spot Florida scrub-jays, gopher tortoises, and bald eagles in their natural habitats. The western boundary of the reserve features tidal marshes, perfect for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Access to the marshes is available at the FWC Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory boat ramp in Cedar Key. With two trailheads for easy access, Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Oscar Scherer State Park, located at 1843 South Tamiami Trail in Osprey, Florida, is a popular tourist attraction and park offering a variety of recreational activities for visitors. The park is currently experiencing some closures due to American Bald Eagle nesting season, with sections of the Red Trail closed until further notice. Additionally, Campground restroom No. 2 is closed for construction, limiting available campsites. Despite its location surrounded by urban areas, Oscar Scherer State Park serves as a peaceful oasis for nature lovers, offering 15 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The park is home to the endangered Florida Scrub Jay and provides habitat for bald eagles in the winter. Lake Osprey is a popular spot for fishing and swimming, while South Creek attracts anglers, canoers, and kayakers.

Rye Preserve, located at 905 Rye Wilderness Trail in Parrish, Florida, offers visitors a chance to experience a piece of old Florida right in their own backyard. This 530-acre park is situated just northwest of the Lake Manatee Dam and features a diverse trail system that takes visitors through four unique ecosystems, including sand pine scrub, xeric oak scrub, oak hammocks, and the river community. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot rare species such as the gopher tortoise and Florida scrub-jay while exploring the preserve. In addition to its natural beauty, Rye Preserve also has historical significance as it is home to the Rye Family Cemetery, a reminder of Manatee County's early pioneer history. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with limited hours at the Ranger Station for campers during the camping season from September through May.

Oscar Scherer State Park Campground, located in Nokomis, Florida, is a hidden oasis surrounded by urban areas. The campground offers a refreshing escape into natural Florida, with 15 miles of trails providing solitude, beauty, and adventure for visitors. The park plays a crucial role in the preservation of the Florida scrub-jay habitat and is home to nesting bald eagles in the winter. Lake Osprey and South Creek are popular spots for anglers, swimmers, canoers, and kayakers. Please note that sections of the Red Trail are closed during American Bald Eagle nesting season, and campground restroom No. 2 is currently closed for construction. Canoe and kayak rentals are also unavailable at this time. Despite these limitations, Oscar Scherer State Park remains a worthwhile stop for travelers and a favorite spot for the surrounding community. Visitors can also enjoy special events like the Haunted Trails in October and participate in the 5-k run to support the endangered Florida Scrub Jay.

Welcome to Hidden Lake Resort, your idyllic escape nestled in the serene surroundings of Jay, Florida. Located at 4414 Wildhorn Trail, our enchanting campground and lodging destination offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure, set amidst the natural beauty of the Sunshine State. Hidden Lake Resort is more than just a place to stay; it's a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Our expansive park area invites you to explore lush landscapes, pristine trails, and the captivating beauty of our hidden lake. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or an action-packed getaway, our resort caters to all your desires.

Welcome to Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve, a breathtaking natural oasis located just five miles east of Cedar Key, Florida. Spanning over 5,000 acres, this park offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse beauty of Florida's natural landscapes. With two convenient trailheads on State Road 24 and Levy County Road 347, visitors can access 13 miles of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Discover the reserve's 12 distinct natural communities, including the rare Florida scrub, home to an array of wildlife such as the Florida scrub-jay, Florida mouse, gopher tortoise, and bald eagle. For those who enjoy water activities, the reserve's western boundary features tidal marshes ideal for fishing or paddling in a canoe or kayak. While there is no direct canoe/kayak launch within the reserve, you can easily access the tidal marsh by launching at the public boat ramp at the FWC Senator George Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory, located off State Road 24 at the entrance to Cedar Key.

Welcome to the Observation Tower at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a hidden gem nestled on the beautiful Sanibel Island in Florida. Located at 3880 Sanibel Captiva Road, our Observation Tower offers a unique vantage point to immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant wildlife of this iconic refuge. Begin your journey at the FREE Visitor and Education Center, where you can gather information, explore interactive exhibits, and discover the inspiring legacy of Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling. Don't forget to stop by the Nature Store and experience America's best restrooms.

Welcome to the Observation Tower at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Located in the heart of Sanibel, Florida, the Observation Tower at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge offers a breathtaking vantage point to experience the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of this remarkable area. As a prominent landmark, the tower provides panoramic views of the refuge's lush landscapes, tranquil waters, and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.