Starke FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Starke, Florida.
1. Little Lake Johnson
SERENE PARK SWIMMING SPOT
Little Lake Johnson is a tranquil swimming area located within Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and canoeing in this peaceful lake surrounded by natural Florida landscape. This historic state park setting offers a perfect escape with additional recreational amenities including picnic areas, hiking trails, and camping opportunities.
2. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
HISTORIC SPRINGS AND LAKES
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park features beautiful marshes, lakes and natural springs across its 600-acre property. The park offers swimming, fishing, and canoeing at Little Lake Johnson along with miles of hiking trails through diverse Florida ecosystems. Developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the park maintains its historic charm while providing modern amenities for visitors.
3. Kingsley Lake
NEARLY PERFECT CIRCULAR LAKE
Kingsley Lake is a unique, nearly circular lake often called 'the lake shaped like a silver dollar' located near Starke. The lake offers swimming, boating, fishing, and water sports in its clear, sandy-bottomed waters. With residential areas and Camp Blanding along its shores, visitors can find public access points to enjoy this natural freshwater gem.
4. Crosby Lake
PEACEFUL FISHING WATERS
Crosby Lake provides a serene waterfront escape just outside of Starke, perfect for fishing and small watercraft. Its cypress-lined shores and calm waters create a picturesque setting for nature lovers and anglers alike. Visitors appreciate the lake's quieter atmosphere compared to more crowded recreation areas in the region.
5. Hampton Lake
LOCAL FRESHWATER RETREAT
Hampton Lake offers a convenient freshwater recreation spot with a public beach area just minutes from Starke. Locals and visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating on this modest-sized lake with its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. The lake is particularly popular during summer months when its cool waters provide relief from Florida's heat.
6. Santa Fe River
CRYSTAL SPRINGS RIVER ADVENTURE
The Santa Fe River provides a stunning waterfront experience with multiple swimming holes and springs accessible a short drive from Starke. Visitors can enjoy tubing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters fed by numerous freshwater springs. The river's unique limestone features and lush surrounding landscape make it one of North Central Florida's most treasured natural attractions.
7. Ginnie Springs
WORLD-FAMOUS CRYSTAL WATERS
Ginnie Springs is renowned for its stunningly clear blue waters flowing from seven natural springs into the Santa Fe River. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, tubing, and camping at this privately owned but publicly accessible natural attraction. The springs maintain a constant 72-degree temperature year-round, making them a refreshing destination in any season.
8. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
PRISTINE SPRING-FED RIVER
Ichetucknee Springs State Park offers a crystal-clear spring-fed river perfect for tubing, swimming, and wildlife viewing a short drive from Starke. The six-mile river journey takes visitors through pristine Florida landscape with opportunities to spot turtles, fish, otters, and birds along the way. This beloved state park is considered one of Florida's natural treasures with its blue waters and protected wilderness setting.
9. Poe Springs Park
NATURAL SPRING SWIMMING AREA
Poe Springs Park features a second-magnitude spring flowing into the Santa Fe River with facilities for swimming and river access. The park offers picnic areas, a playground, and canoe/kayak launches in a natural setting surrounded by towering trees. Visitors appreciate the more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the region's more crowded springs, making it a local favorite.
10. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
DIVERSE WETLAND ECOSYSTEM
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park encompasses a vast wetland basin with Lake Wauberg providing swimming and fishing opportunities. Visitors can observe wildlife including alligators, bison, and over 300 species of birds while enjoying hiking, horseback riding, and water activities. This unique ecosystem, Florida's first state preserve, offers an extraordinary blend of aquatic and terrestrial environments spanning more than 21,000 acres.