Florida State Parks Announces Two for Tuesday Deals

TALLAHASSEE –The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida State Parks began a new promotion today to encourage weekday camping. The Two for Tuesday promotions allow visitors to purchase discounted camping packages at three state parks for Tuesday and Wednesday night stays that include admission to select nearby state parks. Packages range from $40 to $270, with savings of $30 to $36 off the value of the full package. Reservations may be made for stays from March 2 through May 26, 2010.

“Two for Tuesday is a great way to promote camping and encourage visitors to check out neighboring parks,” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “By offering ready-made packages, visitors can take the guess work out of planning their trip, all for a discounted price.”

Locations of the Two for Tuesday parks range from springs near Central Florida to beaches in the Panhandle and museums in southwest Florida. Campers can bring a tent, camper or RV, or choose to stay in a cabin or bungalow. All overnight accommodations are subject to availability.

Camping at Rainbow Springs State Park
For $56, a savings of $30 off the value of the full package, this springs' special is available from March 2 through May 26, 2010 and includes two great parks:
• A two-night stay in your tent, camper or RV (must be Tuesday and Wednesday nights) at beautiful Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon. The campground features full-service amenities for campers along with a campground store, recreation hall, showers and restrooms, laundry, swimming pool and playground. Pets are welcome in the campground.
• One day admission for two people to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where visitors can meet Lu the hippo and Don Juan the Florida Panther, among other native Florida wildlife.
Advance reservations and payments are required. Make a reservation by calling ReserveAmerica at (800) 326-3521, TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting www.ReserveAmerica.com. Enter Promotion Code FL10Rain.

Camping at Highlands Hammock State Park
For $40, a savings of $33 off the value of the full package, this historic and educational outdoor package is available from April 6 through May 26, 2010 and includes camping, admission and activities at two diverse state parks:
• A two-night camping stay (must be Tuesday and Wednesday nights) in a subtropical setting at Highlands Hammock State Park.
• A tram tour for two people of remote areas at Highlands Hammock where visitors may see alligators, turtles, wading birds and other local wildlife.
• Two bicycle rentals for a four-hour bicycle ride through at Highlands Hammock.
• One day admission (up to 8 people) to nearby Paynes Creek Historic State Park, where visitors can take a paddling or fishing excursion. Advance reservations and payments are required. Make a reservation by calling ReserveAmerica at (800) 326-3521, TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting www.ReserveAmerica.com. Enter Promotion Code FL10High.

Panhandle Bungalow at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
For $220, a savings of $36 off the value of the full package, this Panhandle deal is available from April 20 through May 26, 2010 and includes stops at three beautiful Florida State Park locales:
• A two-night stay (must be Tuesday and Wednesday nights) in a one-bedroom bungalow (up to four people) at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach.
• One day admission (up to 8 people) to Camp Helen State Park, where visitors will find a beach perfect for shelling and enjoying a picnic lunch.
• One day admission (up to 8 people) to Eden Gardens State Park, where visitors can enjoy the seasonal blooms in the ornamental gardens.
• A tour of Wesley House at Eden Gardens for two people. Advance reservations and payments are required. Make a reservation by calling ReserveAmerica at (800) 326-3521, TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting www.ReserveAmerica.com. Enter Promotion Code FL10Top1.

Panhandle Cabin at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
For $270, a savings of $36 off the value of the full package, this Panhandle deal is available from April 20 through May 26, 2010 and includes stops at three beautiful Florida State Park locales:
• A two-night stay (must be Tuesday and Wednesday nights) in a two-bedroom, two-bath cabin (up to six people) at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach.
• One day admission (up to 8 people) to Camp Helen State Park, where visitors will find a beach perfect for shelling and enjoying a picnic lunch.
• One day admission (up to 8 people) to Eden Gardens State Park, where visitors can enjoy the seasonal blooms in the ornamental gardens.
• A tour of Wesley House at Eden Gardens for two people. Advance reservations and payments are required. Make a reservation by calling ReserveAmerica at (800) 326-3521, TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting www.ReserveAmerica.com. Enter Promotion Code FL10Top2.

Throughout 2010, DEP’s Florida State Parks will celebrate 75 years of recreation and preservation. Florida State Parks will host special activities and interpretive events from coast to coast, including 25 signature events which highlight individual parks’ histories, as well as the history of the state park system as a whole.

Created in 1935 by the Florida Legislature, Florida State Parks has grown from eight to 160 parks over the last 75 years. Today, the Florida Park Service manages more than 700,000 acres of Florida’s natural environment, including 100 miles of beaches, eight National Historic Landmarks and 39 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Florida State Parks has been recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association as the nation’s first and only two-time Gold Medal winner for the nation’s best park service.

For more information on deals, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/thingstodo/deals.cfm. To learn more about 75th Anniversary events, and the history of Florida State Parks, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org/history. Follow Florida State Parks on Twitter, www.twitter.com/FLStateParks.