Dames Cave Unofficial Parking

Super fun and family-friendly 'hiking' spot close to Tampa. The caves are fun, and the kids loved it! Some unfortunate graffities damage the beauty of nature, but besides that, it's really nice.
Apr 7th, 2024

Waaay better than going to the caves off of stagecoach that was a disaster
Dec 14th, 2023

Nov 26th, 2023

Nov 22nd, 2023

The map brings you right to the parking but it comes up on you quick as there is no pull off from a high speed traffic so be paying attention. Youre off a busy road. There are several small turn offs of the main trails but dont take those. They look like game trails but they dont lead anywhere and the further you go down them the less and less you can see an actual trail. This is an easily navigatable walk for children. My 9 and 10 year olds had no issues. Its starts with hard like Georgia clay type soil then gets slightly sandy but not loose like a beach walk. The first cave the big one dames cave is to your right at the fork in the road where there is two clear well maintained paths. Once you step over the ropes be aware as there are three large openings on top for the cave. If you keep going past that cave between the two cave openings on the small trail there is a much easier to navigate open cave behind it. We almost missed that one as its not on the actual main trail but its directly behind Danes cave. If you go back out to the main trail at the fork you can go down to peace cave but you cannot get in unless youre willing to crawl through and extremely cramped hole full of mosquitos. And the trail ends shortly after that. Its not a long trail. Be sure to have mosquito spray because if you stand still near any of the cave tops they are swarming and honestly our bug stuff wasnt much of deterrent. Inside Danes cave its not easy to crawl in and out of. Easy to slip but lots to hang onto and youll have to duck and bend if youre an adult. The temp is cooler by a few degrees once you get into the cave. Someone had clearly been camping in there as there was fire remains, an old blanket, piece of burned old towels, etc. went on a weekday and saw a few scattered others but at no time was the place busy.
Feb 7th, 2024