The best camping near John Gorrie Museum State Park
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next John Gorrie Museum State Park adventure.
Discover the legacy of Dr. John Gorrie at this museum state park.
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Top-rated campgrounds near John Gorrie Museum State Park
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Sugar White Sand - St. Joe Beach
1 site · RV1 acre · Port Saint Joe, FL
Most people come here for the sugar white sand beaches, (St. Joe Beach - between Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe), which is within walking distance from your single private RV camper site. 50 and 30 amp service, water hose bib, full sewage hook up, outdoor shower and foot shower, washer/dryer available. Picnic table. Ample parking. Very quiet area. No light pollution. Star gazing is amazing.
Able to accommodate BIG RIGS !
Relax on soft, white-sand dune beaches, go snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico, or go fishing at a local, rustic fish shack. The local area also provides an educational and even inspirational peek into the state’s early past.
Gift and antique stores, bistros, vest-pocket parks, vast greenways, and an appealing waterfront marina make up this tiny, easily accessible Port St. Joe downtown. Not to mention, you have easy access to some of the best seafood in the nation!
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"Sweet Tupelo" on the "Big River"!
3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Bristol, FL
R.V. DUMP STATION!
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"SWEET TUPELO" is a magical 12-acre RIVERFRONT property offering 3 R.V. sites, spaced 150 feet apart from each other. We're directly on the Apalachicola River, approximately 15 minutes south of Bristol, Florida. These campsites have so much to offer with sweeping water views on a wide bend of the river! The campsites feature:
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1. Waterfront R.V. camping sites spaced far enough from another camper for your enjoyment, (150 feet apart from each other with Site 1 and Site 3 having woods on one side).
2. Picnic table at EACH SITE.
3. Swivel-top charcoal grill at EACH SITE.
4. Fire Pit with 4 wood Adirondack Chairs AT EACH SITE.
5. EACH SITE has a 30-amp and 50-amp hookup, plus FOUR 110v electric outlets, along with two city drinking water spigots, (bring your own RV electric cord and RV drinking water hose).
6. Room for boat parking
7. Public boat ramp, playground, restrooms, just 300 YARDS AWAY!
8. R.V. size limit recommendations: Site 1 up to 50', Site 2 up to 40', Site 3 up to 40'.
9. Site 1 has a large area to turn around. AS OF JUNE 6, 2024 Sites 2 AND 3 have NEW circular driveways with the Site 3 driveway widened to accommodate larger RVs.
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RV DUMP STATION LOCATED ON OUR 12 ACRE PROPERTY!! To access it, turn onto Landing Road from Hwy 333. Go about 100 yards and instead of curving right, turn left into the FIRST gate. When leaving, please close the gate behind you. NOTE: You will need no less than a 10' long dump hose to reach from your RV to the dump hole.
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(For best results to see ALL features of our listing, including dates/availability of ALL 3 campsites, view our Hipcamp listing on a laptop rather than your mobile phone)
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If you need to rent an R.V. then contact Outdoorsy, the website that will deliver and set up an R.V. for you! Also, High-Five Adventures in Apalachicola, Florida. They also can deliver and set up an R.V. We are not affiliated with either of them nor endorse one way or the other.... Just info provided by us for you to inquire.
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Our three "SWEET TUPELO" R.V. campsites are located on 12 riverfront acres in the northern Panhandle of Florida on the historic Apalachicola River. The name “Sweet Tupelo” is taken from the Tupelo tree that grows exclusively in the floodplains and sloughs along the Apalachicola River. Local bees make their honey with the pollen of these trees creating many unique health and taste benefits found only in this part of the world. When you venture back into civilization, make sure you pick up a jar of Tupelo honey. You won’t be disappointed!
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"Sweet Tupelo" is located roughly halfway between Apalachicola and Chattahoochee, at the river's mile marker 60. This river is Florida's LARGEST by volume, stretching 103 miles from the Florida/Georgia border in Chattahoochee to the historic fishing village of Apalachicola on the Gulf coast. The waters of the river originate northeast of Atlanta, Georgia!
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On this secluded property, you can almost hear the sounds of yester-year when steamboats, pirates, Native American residents, British, Spanish, and French soldiers along with American settlers traveled throughout this area.
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William August Bowles, a former British officer, built a fort right here on our bluffs as he hid from Spain and American Military officials while traveling with his fleet of pirate ships upstream from the Gulf coast! Bowles established the Muskogee Nation, encompassing the "Big Bend" region of the Florida Panhandle and lower Alabama/Georgia, with the support and cooperation of native tribes while proclaiming himself president in 1795. He eventually was caught by the Spanish in 1803 and his Estiffanulga fort was abandoned when he was sent to Morro Castle Prison in Havana Cuba, where he died in 1805 at age 42.
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Beginning in the early 1800s, commercial steamships plied the Apalachicola River waters carrying cotton, provisions, and other products from Georgia and Alabama to the coast. From there, the cargo was switched to seafaring vessels and shipped to Europe, the American Northeast, and all over the world. In days gone by, Native Americans had thriving communities here, followed by American homesteaders who started to settle along these riverbanks in the early 1800’s.
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What to do at Sweet Tupelo?
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Well, the most popular activity is to relax and enjoy the fire pit while you watch this mighty river roll by. If you enjoy fishing, bring your boat to the Estiffanulga Public Boat Ramp & Park which is only 300 yards away, along with public restrooms and a great playground for the kids. To walk there, it's a short stroll on Joe Red Shular Road.
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For fishing, the best location is at the public boat ramp because the cliff is not as high, and the edge of the cliff is more stable due to boulders being in place. There is a park bench as well. This spot is located at the left of the boat ramp.
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Camel Lake is located just a few miles away deep in the Apalachicola National Forest. It features a secluded, natural roped-off swimming area and sandy beach, along with restrooms.
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The Town of Bristol, the county seat of Liberty County, is 12 minutes north of the campsite and features a few restaurants, (Apalachee Restaurant, Subway), a grocery and hardware store, bank, and other niceties of small-town civilization. Blountstown, the county seat of Calhoun County, is 20 minutes away and also offers amenities.
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The Panhandle Pioneer Settlement is a very interesting museum located about 20 minutes northwest in nearby Blountstown located on the other side of the river. Over 17 historic buildings may be toured which feature what life was like settling this North Florida area in the early 1800’s. Call for hours of operation.
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The Gulf Coast to the south is only an hour’s drive away. Known as the Forgotten Coast, the pristine sands of St. George Island offer great beach access, public parking, restroom/shower facilities, a state park, along with many restaurants and shops to enjoy. The town of Apalachicola, full of maritime history, features beautiful historic homes and buildings, along with restaurants, shops and boat launches offering great access to the Gulf of Mexico.
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Tallahassee is roughly an hour to the east and is Florida’s state capitol and home of Florida State University and Florida A & M University. If you need a small dose of civilization while camping, come visit the many historic locations, museums, and tours, along with great restaurants and shopping.
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Wakulla Springs State Park is about 1 hour to the southeast and makes a fabulous day trip, especially on a very hot day! Cool off and swim in one of the deepest freshwater springs in the world, or lounge on the sandy shore under the shade of pine trees. Even a boat tour downstream! The site features a lovely restaurant and has a small museum. Be sure to say hello to “OLD JOE”, the 14-foot-long alligator which is preserved in the lobby. A very enjoyable day indeed.
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Florida Caverns Cave Tour in Marianna FL Just take the one-hour drive northwest and you can travel back to pre-historic times as you tour this lime rock cave system full of stalagmites and stalactites. This other-worldly experience is sure to please young and old alike.
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Falling Waters State Park in Chipley FL offers Florida's highest waterfall at 73 feet! A beautiful site!
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Garden of Eden Trail located 5 miles north of Bristol. A 3.7-mile loop within the 6,295-acre Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve. The canopied trail and the brook culminate with Alum Bluff. After about two hours of ascending and descending, stopping to hear the birds and the cicadas and to marvel at the way the landscape drops sheer into gullies, the land crests at Alum Bluff, almost 200 feet above the Apalachicola River! A theory is that the Garden of Eden was located in this beautiful area. (No dogs, no smoking, no restrooms).
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Fort Gadsden Historic Site, located a few miles southwest of Sumatra off of Hwy 65
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FOOD nearby: Check for hours & days of operation which could change/vary: Apalachee Restaurant and Subway, both in Bristol located 15 minutes north. T.J. Market & Citgo Station, located in Lake Mystic, just 8 minutes north, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, along with gas and the area's only non-ethanal marine gas for boats. Blountstown, 20 minutes away and 5-7 minutes west of Bristol, offers additional restaurants, grocery and hardware stores.
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DIRECTIONS:
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FOR R.V. SITE 1:
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1. From Bristol, take County Road 12 south to County Road 333, (roughly 10 min.)
2. Veer right onto County Road 333
3. Take County Road 333 to Landing Road, (a red clay road)
4. Turn right onto Landing Road. (The county-issued 911 address is 21103 Landing Road but that puts you to the right of our actual address). See item #5 below
5. Go about 200 yards, and as Landing Road curves right, go straight onto the lime rock driveway instead of curving right
6. Drive straight ahead, passing the first gate to your left, (which is where the R.V. Dump Station is located), and a county water tower on your right. You will arrive at the gated entrance to the property straight ahead
7. Upon entering the gate, continue on the lime rock driveway through the wooded area to the riverfront RV site at the end of the road. You will see a large fire pit with Adirondack chairs, a picnic table, a grill, a bar, a 110v/30/50-amp electrical hookup and water spigot.
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FOR R.V. SITES 2 and 3:
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The official "911 address", assigned by the county, is 7034 Joe Red Shuler Road NW. When you turn right off of Hwy 333 onto Joe Red Shuler Road, proceed straight. You'll see the double gates straight ahead where the road turns left toward the nearby boat ramp. Go straight, through the gate.
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$50
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Magnolias by the Bay RV Site & Dock
1 site · RV1 acre · Eastpoint, FL
Primitive no Hookups and no dumping. Reconnect with nature, a beautiful private 1 acre wooded RV site with gorgeous magnolias and pines overlooking Apalachicola Bay. Share access to a private dock with two boat slips and great fishing. Beautiful trees you can hang your hammocks or just walk through the woods. Be ready to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets. You may see dolphins, manatees, pelicans, and mullets jumping. Kayaking, canoeing, fishing or even swimming off the dock.
There's wildlife watching right from your own campsite such as dolphins chasing mullets or just playing.
Learn more about this land:
Vehicle access is pull-through. Pull in from Hwy 98 or from CC Land at the rear of the property. The RV's surface area is loose gravel and will require leveling. We can accommodate vehicles up to 55 ft. maximum length and RV slide outs.
Campfires are allowed within local regulations.
Pets are welcome! Please keep your pet on leash at all times. We have chickens and rabbits.
We are right off US-98, there may be some traffic noise. Easy access in and out.
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$56
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The Gulf Stream Beach Camp
1 site · RV1 acre · Port Saint Joe, FL
Private, breezy RV lot one block from the Gulf of Mexico. Beautiful white sand beaches, an incredible starry night sky, and the peaceful sound of waves on the shore awaits you. The lot is a 12-minute drive from the City of Port St. Joe with restaurant options, grocery store, and marina, and a 5-minute drive from Mexico Beach.
Looking for some fun on the beach? Check out Barefoot Rentals in Mexico Beach for kayaks, paddle boards, golf cart rentals and beach gear that deliver to the beach, the RV property, or any of the surrounding areas.
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$60
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RV on 30E
1 site · RV1 acre · Port St. Joe, FL
Located on Florida's “Forgotten Coast,” a stretch of pristine white beaches just below the panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico, Cape San Blas is known for its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere and few tourists. This is a coveted RV site on the North end of Cape San Blas. Water, power, sewage, and garbage are provided. Deeded beach access and St. Joseph Bay just steps away. Miles of walking and biking paths located across the street. A short walk or bike ride to The Trading Post, Peachy’s Webber’s Donuts and more. Award winning Florida state park, T H Stone Memorial Park a short drive away. Come explore Florida’s forgotten Coast.
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$79
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Bayside Camping
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Carrabelle, FL
Enjoy the charming fishing village of Carrabelle, Florida. Bayside Camping is a privately owned 100’ x 100’ tract of ocean front property. Take a walk alongside the natural beach and experience the ocean waves at the East Pass a.k.a. The Gateway to the Gulf with a direct view of Dog Island and St. George Island. Carrabelle‘s public beach is about 1 mile away and St. George Island is approximately a 15 minute drive with beautiful beaches and restaurants alongside the ocean. Enjoy the Carrabelle lighthouse tour or catch an airboat ride at Captain Hooks Airboat Excursions in Apalachicola. Boat rentals are available both in Carrabelle and neighboring East Point. Fishing charters are available at Cippio Creek in Carrabelle or East Point. Enjoy local seafood at Carabelle’s Millender’s seafood or enjoy dining out at The Farmer’s Daughter or Fathom’s Steam Room and Raw Bar to name a couple of popular night spots.
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$58
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Rum Runner
1 site · RV1 acre · Port St Joe, FL
This spacious corner lot with full hookups is just a few hundred feet to a pristine, white sand, pet friendly beach. Beautiful, quiet, small town atmosphere great for golf carts or family bike rides or sportsmen. Located close to great restaurants and bars (some even walking distance) this can be the perfect place to just relax and enjoy the Florida gulf coast. This back in lot is .25 acres with a 30 amp hook up, water and sewer on a slab and offers an outdoor shower. Check out our Facebook page for local vendors, and up coming events!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555175956287&mibextid=ibOpuV
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$60
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Wildcat Creek Educational Ctr
6 sites · Tents81 acres · Blountstown, FL
Wildcat Creek Educational Center is located on 81 acres in North Florida, we are an off the grid organic farm and educational center, teaching solar energy, permaculture, eco-construction, mushroom identification and methods for simple independent living. We have many camp sites, beds in remodeled school buses, and other sleeping structures.
Learn more about this land:
Camping, lots of spots wooded, shady, near creek or upland. 81 acres with well marked trails. Don't have with, no problem we have sleeping space in restored school buses, clean, electricity for lights, fans, cell phone charging. The Chipola river is 1.5 miles away beautiful river allows fishing, swimming, boating, kayaks available for $35 all day includes necessary equipment and transport to and from river.
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$20
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Booked 1 time
Golden Retreat at Bear Creek
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents7 acres · Panama City, FL
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Bear Creek, an unforgettable escape. Bring your furry friends along, hook up your RV or travel trailer, and indulge in the tranquility of this well-maintained property. With WiFi and all the necessary connections available, you can enjoy a peaceful stay while staying connected.
Avoid the hustle and bustle of the city and take a short 25-minute ride to Panama City or a 40-minute ride to Panama City Beach, where you can experience the stunning beaches that have earned the title of the world's most beautiful. This is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories.
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$65
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Wewa Glamping
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Wewahitchka, FL
Perfect rv spot with full hookups, patio, fire pit, and fenced yard for pets. Concrete pad. Right on the famous Dead Lakes. Easy to put in a canoe or kayak or use nearby launch. Easy bike to town or famous Honey Hole restaurant.
Half an hour for Port St Joe, Mexico Beach and Panama City. Private lot with one camping spot. 35 foot max. Double kayak and washer/dryer available upon request.
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Seaforest Sanctuary "The Cottage"
5 sites · Lodging2 acres · Carrabelle, FL
Seaforest Sanctuary is a collection of enchanting modern "campy" dwelling spaces hidden in a forest of pine trees.This is just a leisurely 5 min stroll to the edge of the sea and lovely Carrabelle Beach with white sand ,shells, driftwood and dolphins.The Seaforest Sanctuary also is protected nightly by the light from the neighboring Crooked River Lighthouse which gently swooshes through the trees all night long. ***Group Yoga Classes , Couples Yoga, massage, art experiences, Solo Stove Fire Pit available to all guests.
Dwelling options include : The Retreat, The Cottage, The Gypsy Escape Airstream, The Tent, The Lucky Bamboo Woodland Cabin.
*Seaforest Sanctuary : "The Cottage" (two bedrooms ( bedroom 1 :one king, bedroom 2: tow twin or king setup, kitchen , full bathroom, outdoor shower, screened porch with Daybed, 2 desks for working remotely can be inside or on screened porch. outdoor sitting area, grill, beach chairs, coolers. SLEEPS 4
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$111
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Corbin's Folly
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Panacea, FL
Located in Panacea Florida along the forgotten coast with fishing both salt and fresh water nearby. Panacea, "a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases." has a great history and once hosted a large hotel with Mineral Springwater. This is a perfect place for fishing, hiking and eco tourism. PLEASE be sure to contact me before your visit! I have a google my maps area map that has many locations and activities surrounding the area detailed. There are many day trip things to do and fantastic restaurants nearby. Gulf Specimen Marine Lab and Aquarium is less than a mile away with touch tanks for the kiddos and there are sharks, sea turtles, octopus and most every creature you'd find in the gulf of Mexico to view as well. They have touch tanks and an experience unrivaled by any Aquarium anywhere. When I volunteer there building exhibits and working on infrastructure I camp on the site. Mineral springs seafood is on the north edge of town and they offer both fresh seafood, smoked fish, fish and crab dips that people drive hundreds of miles for. The famous Wakulla springs is 30 min. close where many films were made sporting a lodge built with art deco influences and native American cultural embellishments, plus glass bottom boat rides and swimming in crystal clear water. Alligator point is just across the Ochlocknee bay bridge. St George Island and Apalachicola are less than an hour drive. Tallahassee state capital is about 35 min. north. There is a bike/ walking trail that interconnects all these areas and they are currently finishing the phase that directly connects Panacea which passes the campsite within a block. There are a multitude of fishing piers and boat launches in the surrounding area within a mile and further out. The street is quiet with little traffic and its just off the main road enough for you to have ease of access to all Panacea has to offer. The star gazing is incredible. There are Osprey and Eagles that inhabit undeveloped ocean marsh and woods to the south. All neighboring sites East and West are undeveloped so you basically have an entire area to yourself. There is a fire pit and plenty of room for multiple tents. I ask only that you pack out what you pack in and not use glass containers as they tend to break and I love being barefoot. Feel free to contact me with any questions. I'm always open to suggestions for improvements and I want you to enjoy the place as much as I do. I'm working toward eventually having water and electricity and maybe some day a home in the air. Call! ate fife oh- free oh nan- too too oh nan, ask for Dave or leave me a message and I will get back ASAP.
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$20
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The best camping near John Gorrie Museum State Park guide
Overview
About
For campers with a penchant for history and innovation, camping near John Gorrie Museum State Park offers a fascinating journey into the past. Located in Apalachicola, once a bustling port of trade and commerce, this park pays homage to Dr. John Gorrie, a physician and community leader with a vision far ahead of his time. While Dr. Gorrie wore many hats, from postmaster to bank director, it was his deep concern for his yellow fever patients that led to a groundbreaking invention. Striving to provide relief to those suffering, he devised a mechanical device that produced ice, marking the dawn of modern air conditioning and refrigeration. His relentless pursuit of innovation earned him the first U.S. patent for mechanical refrigeration in 1851. The museum today proudly displays a replica of Dr. Gorrie's ice-making machine, allowing visitors to marvel at the ingenuity of this early pioneer. Beyond this, the museum also features temporary exhibits that delve into the history of the Florida Park Service. This institution has been instrumental in preserving and sharing the rich tapestry of the "Real Florida" with generations of visitors. The allure of camping near John Gorrie Museum State Park is twofold. It's an opportunity to step back in time, appreciating the genius of a man who changed the world from a small town in Florida, and a chance to celebrate the efforts of those dedicated to preserving the state's vibrant history and natural beauty.
When to go
The best time to visit John Gorrie Museum State Park is during its open hours from 9am to 5pm, Thursday through Monday. Avoid holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day when the park is closed. The mild climate in fall and spring offers a comfortable visit, while summers can be quite warm.
Know before you go
- Check the museum's current status, as it may be closed for visits.
- Accessible amenities are available for all visitors, ensuring an inclusive experience.
- Remember, restroom facilities might be unavailable, so plan accordingly.
- Alcoholic beverages are not permitted within the park, maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere.
- For any inquiries, contact the Statewide Information Line at (850) 245-2157.
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