Outdoors & Nature Insider

For me, not much beats a cool-weather camping trip. Florida summers can be pretty muggy (and buggy -- hey, that rhymes), making fall and winter the best times for getting outside for a camping trip.

What's "cool" about cool-weather camping in Florida is that the days tend to warm up, making perfect temperatures for hiking, biking and paddling. After a nice day outside, it's always great to sit around a campfire and then snuggle up in a sleeping bag afterward.

Ready to pitch your tent? Here are five spots in Florida perfect for a cool-weather camping trip.

Fort Pickens Campground - The newly reopened Fort Pickens Campground is a perfect basecamp to explore the sights along the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis right now, and are $20 per night.

Torreya State Park - This is one of the best spots for hiking in Florida, with high bluffs, rugged terrain and commanding views of the Apalachicola River. Spend the day on the trail and camp out in one of Torreya's primitive or full-facility sites. For a special treat, reserve the park's Yurt, a 20-foot domed tent that is decked out with beds, air conditioning (or heat) and is fully lockable. If you are interested in the Yurt, call the park for details at 850-643-2674.

Princess Place Preserve - Flagler County's Princess Place Preserve is a fantastic place to set up camp and spend the day paddling Pellicer Creek and the Matanzas River. Camping is primitive, so make sure to bring along everything you'll need to enjoy some time off the grid.

Flat Island Preserve - Lake County's Flat Island Preserve was one of my go-to spots for quite some time. If you are looking for a good spot for primitive family camping, this is it. The three-mile Daubenmire Trail loops through an hammock filled with ancient live oaks. This location can be buggy at times, so make sure to bring along some spray, just in case.

Oleta River State Park - Want to rent a cabin in Miami? Oleta River State Park has 16 of them, with air conditioning. Paddling, biking, birding or just walking along one of the nature trails will give you a taste of the outdoors -- without having to leave the Miami metro area.