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  Northern Florida is filled with outdoor activities, cultural and historical attractions. Historic St. Augustine, considered one of the oldest cities in the United States, features the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Fort Matanazas National Monument; both examples of Spanish occupation in the early United States. Hiking along the Florida Trail in Ocala National Forest will delight outdoor enthusiasts. Birding and manatee watching along the crystal clear springs of northern Florida area a delight to wildlife enthusiasts. Several Florida State Park campgrounds provide a great base camp for further observation and recreation.
  
  

Anastasia State Park

• Anastasia State Park is located 4 miles south of St. Augustine on Anastasia Island. There are 139 sites for tent and RV camping. All the sites are in a forested area, providing privacy and weather protection. Electricity, water, picnic table, in-ground grills and fire rings are available at each campsite. Four full-service bathhouses are at the park and they provide hot water, hot showers and laundry facilities. A store, Island Joe's, is on site, offering beach sundries, camping and fishing supplies and a restaurant. Island Joe's is also a wireless Internet hot spot.
  
  Anastasia State Park
  
  1340-A A1A South
  
  St. Augustine, FL 32080
  
  (904) 461-2033
  
  floridastateparks.org
  
  

Alexander Springs

• Alexander Springs is located in the Ocala National Forest in northern Florida. There are 65 campsites available, but there are no water or electric hookups at the sites. However, 15 water spigots are located throughout the campground. Flush toilets and hot showers are provided. The campground is in a subtropical climate with pines, sable palms and oak trees, creating a lush camping experience. Alexander Springs is a large freshwater spring that flows at 80 million gallons per day. Swimming, canoeing and scuba diving are allowed, and nature trails are available for wildlife observation.
  
  Alexander Springs Recreation Area
  
  49525 County Road 445
  
  Altoona, FL
  
  (877) 444-6777
  
  forestcamping.com
  
  

Little Talbot Island State Park

• Little Talbot Island State Park is a state park on the barrier islands of northern Florida. The island is undeveloped and the diverse habitat includes sand dunes, salt marshes, tidal streams and sandy beaches. Wildlife is abundant on Talbot Island, and with careful observation you can see river otters, marsh rabbits and bobcats. The campground has 40 campsites that offer electricity, water, fire rings and picnic tables. Two bathhouses with hot showers and laundry facilities are on property. Canoeing and kayaking launch sites are available. A 3-mile hiking trail and a paved path are provided for recreation. Bicycles can be rented at the local ranger station.
  
  Little Talbot Island State Park
  
  12157 Heckscher Drive
  
  Jacksonville, FL 32226
  
  (904) 251-2320
  
  floridastateparks.org