7 Places to Hammock in the Corridor
Need a peaceful escape from your busy week? We’ve rounded up the most relaxing, breezy spots to swing your hammock.
With National Hammock Day (yes, it’s a thing!) on July 22, can you think of any better way to celebrate than by lying in the Florida Wildlife Corridor surrounded by nature? We think not.
Whether you like to read, sleep or listen to music in your hammock, setting up in these wild places will only enhance the experience. Just make sure to visit these spots in the morning to avoid that hot July sun and, if you’re lucky, get some extra quiet time. Even the wildest of us need some time to relax!
LIVE WILDLY TIP: Keep in mind that Florida state parks require hammocks to be at least a foot wide and straps at least an inch wide. Some parks provide hammock posts to prevent tree damage.
After you pack up your hammock for the day, don’t forget to explore the other outdoor activities these Corridor gems have to offer.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Right on the coast of Santa Rosa Beach, this paradise-like state park features soft sand dunes and blue waters. There are a variety of areas to hang your hammock, including near the park’s lakes, sandy scrubland and old-growth pine forests. Don’t forget to check out the bike trail leading to the beach, birdwatch along the 15 miles of trails or enjoy a picnic at the pavilions while you’re at Topsail!
Ocala National Forest
Next to the city sharing its name, this expansive forest is filled with more than 600 lakes and rivers to rest beside. It offers an abundance of trees where you can string up your hammock, plus views of rare plants, migratory birds and manatees. Later, stay cool with one of the many water activities available, including boating, waterskiing and fishing, at two of Florida’s top lakes for large fish – Lake George and Lake Kerr.
Blue Spring State Park
Located in Orange City, this park is well-known for protecting gentle manatees in 72-degree freshwater springs. Hammock beside the St. Johns River before cooling off by swimming, paddling or snorkeling in the crystal-clear spring. If water activities aren’t your thing, the park has a 3.6-mile-long Pine Island Trail and many picnic tables with grills for when you get hungry.
Myakka River State Park
One of Florida’s oldest and largest parks resides in Myakka City with a 58-square-mile river and rows of trees. There are more than enough settings to hammock along with forests, prairies, pinelands, rivers and lakes surrounding you. Once you’re well-rested, look around for the numerous bird species in the park or paddle down the 14-mile Myakka River to view wetland wildlife.
LIVE WILDLY TIP: If you’re paddling, be aware of changing weather conditions and water levels. The water level will be very low during the dry season and the current will be strong during the wet season.
Rock Springs Run State Reserve
This reserve in Sorrento is filled with the natural beauty of emerald waters, sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods and an abundance of wildlife with numerous trees to hammock between. If you want to stay and explore for another day, spend the night at two campsites only accessible by canoe or kayak or hike along the 15 miles of trails.
Canaveral National Seashore
In New Smyrna Beach, you can hammock surrounded by the 58,000 acres of narrow sand islands. It’s the longest stretch of natural Atlantic coastline in the state with an open lagoon and offshore waters. Before you leave, hike Castle Windy Trail, fish along the shoreline or—if you’re lucky—view a rocket launch.
Lake Louisa State Park
Located just south of Clermont, this park is filled with plant collections, major lakes, many trails and a diversity of wildlife from tortoises to bobcats. This historical area also holds the tallest Native American ceremonial mound built between 1,100 and 1,800 years ago. Looking for some adventure after you hammock? Hike a portion of the 20 miles of trails or canoe on the beautiful Dixie Lake!
Even though National Hammock Day is only one day of the year, these incredible parks in the Corridor stay open year-long for you to explore and enjoy hammocking any time you want.
Did you visit at any of these spots, or have another favorite place to hammock? Let us know on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook @LiveWildlyFL!
Looking for an overnight stay in the Corridor? Check out our 5 Can’t Miss Camping Spots in the Corridor!
