Lake Griffin State Park is located 30 miles south of Ocala and 2 miles north of Leesburg in Fruit Land Park. This is a good choice for those State Park fans who prefer the natural life with lots of fishing, boating and walking.
This park encompasses 520 acres of swamp land and hard wood upland. Lake Griffin is accessed by boat or canoe and is the 8th largest lake in the whole of Florida.
Like many State Parks this one is best explored by canoe; these only cost $3 an hour to rent, so why not push the boat out!
Fishing is fabulous here, you are likely to catch crappie, cat fish and of course, our old Florida friend, the bass! You will need a fishing licence; these are available fro sports stores, on line or from a Wal Mart. If you have not brought your fishing gear with you, then Wal Mart is a good place to look for economy gear.
This park has a large pic nic area overlooking the water. Adjacent to this is a play ground for the little ones to work off some of their excess energy. If you should be feeling equally full of energy, there is a basketball net.
After you have had a rest and something to eat and drink you will be ready for some exercise. There is a half mile trail that takes you to one of the largest oak trees by way of a basin swamp. A basin swamp is so called when it has no open water at its centre; it can be a basin swamp in one season and not in another. The oak tree measured 150 feet tall and 10 feet round when last calculated.
This lake has one of the highest concentrations of alligators in Florida; the rangers always say that if you do not bother an alligator it will not bother you. And it is true that far fewer people are attacked by alligators in Florida than people killed by spiders in Australia, say.
It is always wise to go well equipped to these wilder State Parks. Lots of water, some snacks (trail mix is very good and convenient to carry) high factor sun cream, sun hat and insect repellant in the summer. The midges can be very troublesome in these wilder areas and seem to head straight for the tourist!
CONTACT DETAILS
Lake Griffin State Park
3089 U. S. 441-27
Fruitland Park, Florida 34731
Phone: 352-360-6760
This park encompasses 520 acres of swamp land and hard wood upland. Lake Griffin is accessed by boat or canoe and is the 8th largest lake in the whole of Florida.
Like many State Parks this one is best explored by canoe; these only cost $3 an hour to rent, so why not push the boat out!
Fishing is fabulous here, you are likely to catch crappie, cat fish and of course, our old Florida friend, the bass! You will need a fishing licence; these are available fro sports stores, on line or from a Wal Mart. If you have not brought your fishing gear with you, then Wal Mart is a good place to look for economy gear.
This park has a large pic nic area overlooking the water. Adjacent to this is a play ground for the little ones to work off some of their excess energy. If you should be feeling equally full of energy, there is a basketball net.
After you have had a rest and something to eat and drink you will be ready for some exercise. There is a half mile trail that takes you to one of the largest oak trees by way of a basin swamp. A basin swamp is so called when it has no open water at its centre; it can be a basin swamp in one season and not in another. The oak tree measured 150 feet tall and 10 feet round when last calculated.
This lake has one of the highest concentrations of alligators in Florida; the rangers always say that if you do not bother an alligator it will not bother you. And it is true that far fewer people are attacked by alligators in Florida than people killed by spiders in Australia, say.
It is always wise to go well equipped to these wilder State Parks. Lots of water, some snacks (trail mix is very good and convenient to carry) high factor sun cream, sun hat and insect repellant in the summer. The midges can be very troublesome in these wilder areas and seem to head straight for the tourist!
CONTACT DETAILS
Lake Griffin State Park
3089 U. S. 441-27
Fruitland Park, Florida 34731
Phone: 352-360-6760