Operation Explorations: REVIEW Florida Caverns State Park Camping, Marianna, Florida

Monday, April 11, 2016

REVIEW Florida Caverns State Park Camping, Marianna, Florida

We enjoyed a quick one night stop at Florida Caverns State Park Campground at 3345 Caverns Rd in Marianna, Florida.

VALUE 4/5
At $20 a night ($22.20US) This was a great park. Florida parks tend to average around $40.

SITE QUALITY 4/5
Our site was large and flat. There was a fire ring, picnic table and small clothesline for towels. We had lots of trees surrounding us so it felt very private. With our tree huger straps we had a wonderful area for the hammock. The campground is way back off the road so it is also very peaceful.

FACILITY FUN 4/5
There was no playground here that we saw but there was a nice large picnic area by the Blue Hole swimming area, trails throughout the park. They had equestrian camping as well if you wanted to bring your own horse. The Cave Tour was great and they do special evening flashlight tours weekly as well. That sounds like a different experience.

NATURAL SURROUNDINGS 5/5
The campground had a lot of trees surrounding your site so even if you had neighbours your site still felt very private. Your in the middle of a State Park so there were lots of birds, and other small creatures nearby. The cave tours is a huge natural bonus here.

BATHROOMS 4/5
Bathrooms were very basic but very clean and bright. Laundry was also available outside of the bathrooms in an open, covered area.

STAFF 5/5
Both the staff and the camp hosts that we met here were very friendly and helpful. They couldn't understand why we were only staying one night and thought we should stay longer. Our tour guide through the cave was excellent as well.

LOCATION 4/5
The park is located just over an hour from Tallahassee and slightly further from Panama City and the beaches making this a fairly decent commute time to various activities. Not to mention this location is made up a lot of natural beauty. It is also close to Falling Waters State Park so you can easily visit both parks on your stay.

OVERALL 4.5/5
We didn't spend much time here but overall we really enjoyed the park. It was a beautiful setting with nice walking trails. There was laundry facilities so I could catch up on some overdue laundry. The cave tour was enjoyed by all. It would have been nice to have a playground here and we can't wait to return when the Blue Hole is open for swimming.