Last Updated on October 30, 2023 by Jess
When you think of Florida, you probably picture vast plains and sunny beaches. But you’d be surprised how many beautiful waterfalls in Florida are hidden in the woods and springs.
Best of all, you can visit these natural waterfalls in your RV! Here are the most breathtaking waterfalls in Florida and the state parks near Orlando where you can easily camp with your RV. If you have any questions about waterfalls in Florida, be sure to read to the end where I answer some of the frequently asked questions.
What are some popular waterfalls in Florida?
Florida Waterfalls while not as dramatic as Niagara Falls, are still worth a visit for their relaxing atmosphere. Here are some of the most popular waterfalls in Florida to put on your bucket list. I have already visited most of these waterfalls. The ones I haven’t been to, I’ve included in the list based on thousands of reviews from RV campers who have camped near them.
Big Shoals State Park
This inverted waterfall is surrounded by prominent 80-foot limestone cliffs that offer fantastic views of the fast-flowing water.
You can hike up the rocks to watch the water trickle below instead of descending to the base of the impressive vertical waterfall. The 28 miles of hiking trails will give you any view you want. And if you’re an experienced rapids runner, you’ll surely be itching to test the waters in a whitewater canoe or kayak.
Big Shoals State Park is located just outside the Osceola National Forest and Wildlife Management Area and about 15 minutes north of Lake City.
RV park nearby
If you camp in the RV in the middle of the park, you can also see beautiful hiking trails. To see the Big Shoals rapids, park in the Big Shoals parking lot and climb up the Yellow Blaze route for one mile. Remember that the Little Shoals and Big Shoals rapids are not accessible by car.
Therefore, the best route to Little Shoals Rapids is to enter the park via the Little Shoals entrance, drive down Road 1, and then turn right onto Road 6. After parking your RV at the end of Road 6, you can continue hiking on the Mossy Ravine Trail for about 0.5 mile until you reach the Little Shoals sign.
Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Spring is one of Florida’s oldest man-made waterfalls, welcoming you with three magnificent, tiered waterfalls. Built in 1930, it is both historically significant and breathtakingly beautiful.
It offers numerous hiking and running trails, picnic areas, restrooms and several entry points for swimming, canoeing and tubing. Since manatee swimming is one of the park’s most popular attractions, the best time to visit this state park is usually in the spring.
It is located about 20 minutes from Ocala and five minutes from downtown Dunnellon, Rainbow Springs.
RV park nearby
Despite its tiny size, the RV park has everything you need to have a great time. Each pitch has 20, 30 and 50 amp electricity, water and sewer connections.
Pets are allowed in the campground, but not in the bathing facilities. The restroom facilities are also ADA compliant. In addition, the RV park is located near a dump station.
Steinhatchee Falls
This pretty little waterfall on the Steinhatchee River is located in a secluded area of the larger Steinhatchee Springs Species Management Area. You don’t have to hike long to get to this waterfall, and you can see some native species up close.
Here you may encounter animals such as deer, turtles and even feral hogs. And if you want to swim in the calm waters, you will find a ladder that leads down into the lake. There is also a characteristic oak canopy that provides wonderful shade to relax and have a picnic.
The picturesque Steinhatchee River town is connected to the Gulf of Mexico, which is just a short distance from these falls.
RV Park Nearby
This site has seven RV sites, three of which have 50-amp hookups and four of which have 30-amp hookups with water and sewer connections.
In addition, there is a small fishing store, wet moorings and a private boat ramp. In addition to the RV site, there is also a shower and restroom.
How can I find natural waterfalls in Florida?
Florida is not known for its natural waterfallsbut there are still some beautiful natural Waterfalls in Florida That you can enjoy with your loved ones. Here are some of the best waterfalls you should visit:
Falling Creek Waterfalls
Located in a small park north of Lake City, Falling Creek Falls is one of the best natural spectacles in the world. Florida waterfalls. Although it only has a 12-foot drop, you can access this gentle waterfall over magnificently carved limestone via a half-mile loop trail.
Since it’s only seven minutes from Lake City, you can also visit Big Shoals State Park and see both Florida waterfalls in a single day. But this beautiful place will tempt you to stay longer.
RV Park Nearby
The park has five different zones with 202 campsites. Some of these sites can accommodate your 65-foot RV. Each campsite also has six restrooms, barbecue grills, water, electricity and a sewer hookup available at 108 sites.
Falling Waters State Park
Falling Waters State Park is home to the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in Florida. This natural waterfall has a height of 73 feet and a width of 20 feet. The park can be reached by a short, one-mile trail that only has an elevation change of about 75 feet.
And if you want to walk in the fresh air, you can also take an easy hiking trail. However, you may have to climb a few more steps to reach the lower viewpoint and enjoy an impressive view.
This RV-friendly waterfall is accessible from numerous Florida metropolitan areas and smaller towns in between, and is about an hour and fifteen minutes west of Tallahassee. And if you’re coming from east of Pensacola, you’ll have to drive about an hour and a half to reach this spot.
RV Park Nearby
The campground at Falling Waters State Park has 24 sites for single-family homes with electric and water hookups. You can enjoy the view in the shade of the evergreen forest that surrounds the park.
There is also a grill, fire pit, table, flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water and a dump station.
Devil’s Millhopper State Park
In addition to Florida’s beautiful waterfalls, Devil’s Millhopper State Park offers a unique sight: a 120-foot-deep hole in the ground. Such a hole exists only in central Florida, where it was created by several limestone cave-ins caused by underground streams of water that gradually dissolved the natural limestone.
Descending man-made steps into this unique hole in the ground, you will also find exposed layers of rock that are millions of years old. The park, located just north of Gainesville, provides opportunities for native plants and species to thrive.
It also serves as the state’s cultural and athletic center, and is often populated by students on weekends. As a tourist, however, you will enjoy the unforgettable sight of the Central Florida terrain, which is very different from the white sand beaches.
RV Park Nearby
Travelers Campground, Santa Fe Palms RV Resort and Kate’s Fish Camp are some of the best campgrounds nearby for an overnight stay. They offer a good variety of accommodations, from basic tent sites and group camping to full hookups with electric, water and sewer.
Depending on the campground, there may also be hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station, a swimming pool, a playground for children and an on-site grocery store.
Where can I hike to see waterfalls near me?
To hike and see waterfalls, search using the terms “hiking waterfalls near me?” Here are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Florida to hike:
Dunns Farm Trail
Located in Jennings State Forest, this easy to moderate trail is a 3.5-mile loop. It winds through flatwoods, seepage slopes, ravines, and a restored longleaf pine forest.
Because of the bluffs and ravines, this trail has numerous small waterfalls, all of which are marked. Here you can hike, hunt, picnic, bird and wildlife watch and photograph.
You can also see tarflowers, Bartram’s ixia and some species of orchids, depending on the season.
RV park near
This trail campground offers a single fire pit, trash can, and open space large enough to accommodate a single tent and parking. The easy hike is 1.1 miles long and is the only way to access the campground.
Morikami Japanese Gardens
This cascading man-made waterfall at Morikami Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach is a hidden gem. And its true beauty is Roji-en, which means “gardens of dewdrops.”
Admiring and doubting whether it is artificial, you can stroll through the bamboo groves and other Japanese flora in the area. And if you or your partner love history, you should visit the nearby museum. There you will be able to admire some very impressive and unique Asian artworks.
Surrounded by a beautiful beach, you will also find many restaurants, museums, shopping and other attractions outside of West Palm Beach in Delray Beach.
RV Park Nearby
There are several RV parks in the area, including John Prince Park Campground, Palm Beach Traveler RV Park and John D Easterlin Park. Here you’ll find full hookups, a heated swimming pool, clubhouse, shuffleboard and laundry facilities.
Weeping Ridge
This stunning waterfall is located in the Florida Panhandle and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Florida. The nature preserve is part of Torreya State Park and is best known for its unique trees, manicured green spaces and eerie plantation mansions.
Seemingly carved out of the earth, Weeping Ridge is a fascinating little waterfall that stands out against the surrounding landscape. Here, you can easily access the trail that winds over several ridges before arriving at a small, prominent waterfall from the state park campground. You can also visit other fascinating geological formations, such as Bluff Rock, where the Apalachicola River is located.
Located an hour west of Tallahassee, this park is close to the vast Apalachicola National Forest to the north. In addition, this location offers many opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and swimming in the spring.
RV Park Nearby
Torreya State Park’s 30 single-family campsites are located on a steep bluff with breathtaking views of the Apalachicola River. These campsites are designed for RVs, trailers and tents.
Each campsite has a table, fire pit, grill and water/electric hookups. Campsites have a dump station, flush toilets and drinking water.
What is the nearest waterfall near Orlando, Florida?
Try searching with the phrase “nearest waterfall near me”.? Silver Glen Springs’s beautiful waterfalls in Florida meet all the criteria:
Silver Glen Springs
Silver Glen Springs is one of the major springs and empties into a stream that later flows into Lake George. The Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area, surrounded by ancient burial mounds full of fossilized snail shells, is also a significant archaeological site. And downstream from the swimming hole, you can also fish.
To reach this state-of-the-art waterfall, you must follow SR 40 east from I-75 in Ocala for 34.5 miles. After turning left at the traffic light, go north for 5.9 miles to the entrance to Silver Glen Springs, which is on the other side of Yearling Trail on the right. To reach the same traffic light at SR 19, go west 34 miles on SR 40 from Interstate 95 in Ormond Beach.
RV park nearby
The Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area not only has 58 picnic tables and 30 stand-up grills for cooking and picnicking, but also a walk-in store with food, beverages and souvenirs. It also has portable restrooms, a changing area, a volleyball net and volleyball rentals.
RV friendly state parks near Orlando
Here are some of the best RV friendly state parks near Orlando that you should check out:
Lake Louisa State Park
This park, located just 30 minutes from Orlando, offers a variety of scenery and activities. You will find six lakes for fishing, boating and canoeing. You can also take advantage of 20 miles of hiking and biking trails.
If you want to go horseback riding, eight miles of trails are available for trail rides. The park offers 60 RV sites with electric and water hookups, cabins and basic campsites.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa State Park near Orlando is just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando and offers hiking and biking opportunities on 13 miles of trails. You can also swim in sparkling spring water, kayak and even canoe. The park has 60 RV sites and offers a nature center, snack bar and activities provided by rangers.
Blue Spring State Park
This state park, about 40 minutes north of Orlando, is home to the largest spring on the St. Johns River. Here you can take a year-round kayak trip or river cruise, or in the summer, dive or snorkel to see manatees in their natural habitat. The park also has 51 RV sites, each equipped with a restroom, dump station, and electric and water hookups.
Final thoughts
Florida is a truly distinctive land that has a lot to offer, especially if you are a water lover. Even if it doesn’t have the most natural or largest waterfalls, it has enough beautiful waterfalls to thrill you.
So start your RV and explore Florida’s landscape bit by bit, from beaches, waterfalls and state parks near Orlando to springs and all points in between. And don’t forget to enjoy the brilliant light and cascading waves outside.
Looking for the best campgrounds in Florida and want to know how to make the most of them? I have a complete guide for you!
FAQs
What are the best waterfalls in Florida?
Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Florida are:
- Falling Waters State Park
- Rainbow Springs State Park
- Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
How much does an RV park cost per month in Florida?
For a month of RV parking in Florida, you should budget between $50 and $100 per night or between $500 and $1,500.
If you are considering driving your RV to visit some of the beautiful waterfalls in Florida, keep these things in mind:
- RV parks in remote or less populated areas are usually less expensive than those near cities, beaches or major attractions.
- RV parks with additional amenities such as Wi-Fi, washrooms, pools, playgrounds and full hookups are more expensive than those with only the most basic amenities.
- During peak periods, such as winter or spring break, RV park prices tend to be higher because demand is higher and supply is lower.
Which Florida waterfall is popular?
Rainbow Springs State Park is the most popular waterfall in Florida. This largest and oldest spring is visited by 200,000 people annually and offers a unique and beautiful waterfall as well as a number of recreational opportunities.