Outdoor Recreation Opportunities? (Jacksonville, Ocala, St. Augustine: camp, living in, gardens)

[k10GTZ]

I'm thinking of relocating and am wondering about the outdoor recreation opportunities in and around Jacksonville. Don't mind living in the city, but need escape to quieter, greener places to camp and hike. Are there opportunities around for these purposes? National/State/Local parks, forests, etc? How far would day trips to GA locations offering this be? Any help would be appreciated!

[riveree]

You'll find tons of opportunities to get out in nature...tons! There is a lot of park space inside the city itself and you could do day trips galore. Off the top of my head, some of my faves are:

Hanna Park (Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park - beach park in Jax)

Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve (HUGE! covers Jax and St. Augustine)

Ravine Gardens (in Palatka)

Ocala Nat'l Forest (in Ocala...naturally)

Ginnie Springs (in High Springs)