Florida
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

There’s Almost Nothing In Life A Day On Florida’s Lake Powell Can’t Cure

Lake Powell in Florida offers a variety of recreational activities and natural beauty, making it an underrated yet valuable destination.

Published Jun 10, 2022

Written by 

Angie Slayton

Spending a day near water in Florida is extremely easy for residents and visitors alike. With over 1,200 miles of coastline, 700 springs, and over 7,500 lakes, Florida makes it convenient to find the nearest body of water to relax. But we have one particular spot that is underrated but so full of value. There is almost nothing in life that a day on Lake Powell in Florida can’t cure and we have the photos to prove it.

Kick back and relax on the largest of the 15 named dune lakes in Florida, Lake Powell.

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TripAdvisor BonnieBrant

Guests can enter through Camp Helen State Park in order to get access to Lake Powell, which is brimming with recreational activities, wildlife, and natural beauty.

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Google Visit Panama City Beach

Camp Helen State Park clocks in at 180 acres and is for day use only. However, visitors can enjoy swimming in the freshwater lake, beachcombing in the Gulf, and hiking through nature.

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TripAdvisor Heidi J

Kayaking and paddleboarding are two of the best ways to enjoy Lake Powell, especially because of the outfall on the lake that connects straight to the Gulf of Mexico.

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TripAdvisor egator1996

Guests can rent single kayaks, tandem kayaks, and paddleboards for the day or bring their own personal equipment. There is a public launch available to set off into the lake.

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While you’re paddling around enjoying the sunshine, keep an eye out for active wildlife! Wild heron, egret, river otters, osprey, and more frequent the lake and shoreline.

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TripAdvisor Management

Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout your day on the lake. Paddling season in the park typically runs from April through December.

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TripAdvisor Suzy M

Visit Camp Helen State Park and Lake Powell for a true hidden gem daytime getaway in Florida.

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Google MALINDA MEINHARDT
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Google Maps

Click here for where to find Lake Powell on the map.

Have you ever been to Lake Powell in Florida before? How about a visit to Camp Helen State Park in general? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about this lake including current hours of operation and fees to enter, make sure to visit the Florida State Park’s website.

Meanwhile, while we’re talking about visiting Panama City Beach, make sure to check out Crabby Steve’s where you can dine right on the beach.

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Most Remote Lake In Florida Is Also The Most Peaceful

Lake George in Florida offers a peaceful and adventure-filled alternative to the state's popular coastal attractions.

Updated Aug 8, 2024

Written by 

Angie Slayton

While Florida might not be known for being a state where people take lakeside vacations, you’d be surprised at how many beautiful, remote lakes there actually are in the Sunshine State. Most visitors and vacationers indeed tend to stick to the coastline, waterparks, and theme parks to get a true taste of Florida. But, we have an incredible lake that might just change everyone’s minds. Take a tour of the delightfully remote Lake George, Florida. This is one of the most underrated lakes in Florida and it's worth a visit the next time you'd like to take a fun adventure.

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Lake George, Florida is the second-largest lake in the state, following the ever-impressive Lake Okeechobee.

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Wikipedia TampAGS

Spending a day on this remote lake will surely bring you a sense of peace, with six full miles across and 11 full miles around.

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TripAdvisor FlaHarlock

The lake is fed from the northern flow of the St. Johns River, as well as other spots like Salt Creek, Silver Glen Springs, and Juniper Creek to name a few.

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TripAdvisor hponsell

The area that surrounds the lake is steeped in rich history, as it was part of the Timucua Indian settlement back in the 1500s. A few hundred years later, the territory was sold to a botanist, John Bartram, and named after King George.

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TripAdvisor FlaHarlock

One of the best ways to view this lake is by boat or other non-motorized watercraft! You can easily spend an entire afternoon paddling the lake and enjoy the solitude of your surroundings.

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TripAdvisor Bethany H

But also, hikers can hit the Lake George Trail in the Ocala National Forest, which gives a glimpse of the beauty of the lake from land.

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TripAdvisor FlaHarlock

Just make sure to keep an eye out for the boardwalk trail, which will allow you to actually step out onto the water!

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TripAdvisor FlaHarlock

Spend the day fishing, hiking, and boating around this remote lake in Florida for an adventure-filled afternoon.

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TripAdvisor management
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Google Maps

Click here to find out where Lake George is in Florida.

Keep in mind there is always wildlife in Lake George, from snakes to alligators and everything in between. As always, please be careful when you visit. And it's always smart to let someone know where you'll be and when you expect to return. 

Need a place to stay while you're exploring? Check out these vacation rentals near Barberville, FL. Have you ever been to Lake George in Florida? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section! Meanwhile, when you're visiting Lake George and you happen to be close to Astor, take a detour southwest toward Alexander Springs for a truly underrated natural gem.

Looking for even more to explore? Check out this beautiful footage of the Florida Everglades:

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Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Most Remote Beach In Florida Is A Must-Visit This Summer

Upham Beach in St. Pete, Florida, is a hidden gem with calm waters, secret coves, and a secret garden, perfect for a peaceful family outing.

Updated Jul 25, 2024

Written by 

Lauren

As you probably know, the state of Florida has no shortage of gorgeous beaches. From the coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the beautiful destinations along the Atlantic Ocean, the sunshine state is full of incredible natural wonders that have been attracting visitors for years. Some of the most well-known beaches certainly live up to their reputation- places such as Miami Beach, Destin, Clearwater, Palm Beach, and Key West are highly frequented for good reason. If you find yourself near Tampa, the city of St. Pete Beach (located a short drive West of St. Petersburg) is an excellent location that you've likely heard of. But are you familiar with Upham Beach Park? Located on the Northern end of St. Pete, this hidden beach in Florida is a wonderfully calm paradise that you won't want to miss.

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Located on Florida's West Coast, St. Pete is a gorgeous, white-sand beach that visitors of all ages will enjoy.

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If you're visiting the Tampa Bay area, a day at St. Pete will surely be a day well-spent. Try Upham Beach Florida!

Situated in the Northern Region of St. Pete, you'll find the gorgeous blue waters of Upham Beach Park.

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This family-friendly beach is home to two secret coves, shallow waters, and even a secret garden.

The secret garden of Upham Beach Park offers moments of tranquility and is only steps away from the beach.

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Visit St. Pete/Clearwater/Facebook

There is no street entrance to this secret garden, which means it can only be enjoyed by Upham Beach St Pete visitors. This spot is a great place for photos as well.

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Upham Beach Park is known for its calm, clear waters- a perfect spot for visitors with children.

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You may be able to spot dolphins, in addition to other wildlife in the area.

Another great thing about the hidden gem that is Upham Beach is the Paradise Grille.

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This beachfront restaurant offers a full food and beverage menu, live music, and amazing views of the ocean.

The Paradise Grille has two locations- the one on Upham Beach has an especially pretty outdoor location.

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Adults can order beverages such as beer or wine.

After a fun day at the beach, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets in the area.

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Paradise Grille/Facebook

The peaceful environment is the perfect place to enjoy the evening sky.

With a secret garden, hidden coves, and calm, shallow waters, this spot is incredible. Avoid the crowds this summer with a trip to Upham Beach Park in St. Petersburg, FL. Need a new bathing suit? I love the options at REI.

If you’re looking for more beautiful Florida beaches, don’t worry; there are a ton of them!

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