Local Attractions
The fun doesn’t have to stop at Camp Shands. The surrounding area host a wealth of attractions that your troop can visit. From Ripley's "Believe It or Not" in St. Augustine to the beautiful Ichetucknee Springs or the roller-coasters of Orlando, there's an adventure waiting for you. We've picked a few of our favorite spots, so pull out your map and start planning!
Castillo de San Marcos
Built in 1672-1695, the fort served primarily as an outpost of the Spanish Empire, guarding St. Augustine, the first permanent European settlement in the continental United States. It has never been taken by military force. The park consists of the original historic Castillo fortress itself with its attendant grounds, some 25 total acres.
1 hour 35 minutes NE of camp.
Ripley's Museum
After his famous Believe It or Not! cartoon took off, Robert Ripley became an avid world traveler, seeking stories of bizarre and unusual proportions. The St. Augustine Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, the original Ripley museum, houses many objects from Robert Ripley's personal collection.
1 hour 35 minutes NE of camp.
Daytona USA
This is a one-of-a-kind interactive motorsports attraction featuring hands-on activities. The high-energy motorsports shows and activities include the motion simulator rides "Acceleration Alley" and "The Daytona 500 Movie" and the 16-second-Pit-Stop-Challenge. Also, don't forget to check out the winning Daytona 500 car in Gatorade Victory Lane or take a behind scenes 30-minute tour of Daytona International Speedway.
2 hours 15 minutes SE of camp.
Daytona Beach
If you want to soak up the sun in style at the beach, consider Daytona. With multiple beachfront parks, including camping grounds, you can be minutes away from canoeing, kayaking, surfing, sailing and more.
2 hours 30 minutes SE of camp.
Florida Museum of Natural History
Home to many natural exhibits, including the Butterfly Rainforest. Come face-to-face with exotic, vibrant butterflies fluttering atop a lush tropical canvas of foliage and flowers inside the screened vivarium houses. Located at the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville.
55 minutes W of camp.
Sante Fe River Canoe Outpost
Canoe in the most beautiful part of Florida – High Springs. the Outpost offers a wide variety of paddling excursions on the Santa Fe, Ichetucknee, and Suwannee Rivers. You'll enjoy the scenic views as you float lazily downstream. 1 hours 35 minutes NE of camp.
1 hour 10 minutes NW of camp.
Ginnie Springs
Take in a full excursion at Ginnie Springs in High Springs. With camping, rental cottages and multiple springs to explore, your troop can easily make a day or more out of this destination. Certified divers can take in what has been called "the world's favorite freshwater dive."
1 hour 15 minutes NW of camp.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
The crystalline Ichetucknee River flows six miles through shaded hammocks and wetlands before it joins the Santa Fe River. During the summer, tubing down the river is the premier activity in Fort White. In addition to tubing, you can enjoy picnicking, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing. White-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, wood ducks and great blue herons can be seen from the river.
1 hour 40 minutes NW of camp.
Wet 'N Wild Water Park
Located in the International Drive Resort Area, Orlando's original waterpark is a great day out for all ages with it's emphasis on multi person rides that groups can enjoy together. From the slow motion to lighting fast, there's a ride waiting for you.
2 hours 30 minutes SE of camp.
Walt Disney World Resort
Orlando is home to The Walt Disney World Resort, which covers over 47 square miles and features 4 major theme parks: The Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom. There are also 2 waterparks, Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. Choose from 2 nightime entertainment complexes, Downtown Disney or Pleasure Island. 1 hours 35 minutes NE of camp.
2 hours 30 minutes SE of camp.