Florida - Panhandle to Keys

[Teton Stream]

Planning a trip to Florida in April/May 2013. Would like to hear any and all comments about boon-docking along a route from the Panhandle, down the western side of the State to the Keys. Is it possible, if not any comments about "off the beaten path" places to stay on that route?

[polarlyse]

Go back a few pages in this boondocking section. You will find one under a heading of SOUTH cheap or free in Florida

It will show some options all around Fla. See how they fit into your route to the Keys. We stayed last March for a four days at Key West Naval Station. If you are military base eligible that's a good option. They are usually full in the regular sites but have a large overflow area and it was $10/night. I do remember the mention of a free area along the Tamiami trail, Rt. 41. The original poster seemed to have put a lot of time into this information and it seemed to be well thought out and organized.

[DaveFL]

Don't forget Florida State Parks have a reservation system on line but even if it shows full you can sometimes pull up to the front gate and get a site. Walmart in Florida has one of the highest no overnight parking anywhere near cities or resort areas. When you are far from tourist areas they are available along with Flying J, Loves, McDonalds, and Cracker barrel.

[dwightdi]

There still a lot of snowbirds in Florida in April, so the campgrounds are pretty full. There are not a lot of places to park for free. You can follow route 19 down the west coast, The scenery is pretty nice with a lot of places to visit.

[n2916s]

Don't try to boondock in the Keys (Monroe County). It is against the law, even with a business owner's permission. The local police and the sherif's department enforce the ordinance religiously. They will ticket you and send you packing if you are home or have your rig towed if you are not.

Just thought you ought to know,

Mike

[nilesrob]

Not sure that I would put boondocking and Florida in the same sentence; I don't have any recommendations and am not sure there is much that would exist. The state parks are generally great, especially down the panhandle and the western side.

If you thinking about a little boating along the way, check out the "kayaks" thread, where Nick Crowhurst published a guide to kayaking on the Hidden Coast. Have not used this, but intend to as it looks fabulous, and may be of some interest in your travels.

[TerryanLil]

I live in the panhandle of Florida, and "free" spots are really limited in my area.There are plenty of woods , but they are all private hunt club lands.And the club members are quite anal about trespassers.This is true from Appilachicola, to Tampa.There are the truck stops /state parks, etc , but very little "open land" around here.Which is why I so desperately want to run away to the west !

[donh1]

We were in Key West a few years ago in a 24' motor coach. Law is nothing larger than 20' can be parked on any street. Very limited parking for any RV other than a van. You can go to the park below Key West and park all day for a very nominal fee, Have to walk or ride bikes to town. Not a bad walk. Enjoy

[mojo]

I lived in Florida for 25 years and don't remember much of anything for free, but heres a list of possibilities...
Free Campgrounds for RVs

[TouringDan]

I talked to an Airstream owner two years ago while attending the Florida State Bluegrass Festival in Perry, Florida (in April). BTW camping was only $5 and the ticket for 3 days of music was only $15! He recommended getting a copy of the Florida Gazateer (sp). It will show lots of camping places and some are free.

Dan

[perryg114]

Try forrest areas like the Ocala forrest. I would call the ranger station first.

Perry

[gjwalls123]

At one time, members of the BPO Elks could park in the Key West Elks and they had some sites with electricity. Don't know if that is still an option, but might be worth checking.