Fla bound

ALANSD · 02-20-2004, 09:35 AM

We are going to head to Homosassa State Wildlife park and camp nearby in early April. I am looking for suggestions of other State Parks or kid friendly campgrounds on the west coast of Fla from the GA line down to Tarpon Springs. I expect to make a few stops on the eventual route to our visit to grandma south of Tampa.
Thanks

nds · 02-20-2004, 11:05 AM

This might help.

Florida State Parks (sorted by Regions)

Tarheel · 03-07-2004, 09:24 AM

My advice is to make reservations. We were going to travel from Melbrone down to Miami then over to the west coast and up through the panhandle in February. The campgrounds were booked soild and we had to cancel the trip. It could have been the time of year.

n2916s · 03-07-2004, 03:04 PM

You definitely want to hit Itchetucknee Springs and inner tube down the Ichetucknee River. You can camp in O'Leno State Park nearby or Blue Springs RV Resort.

The water is crystal clear and the current sedate, you lay back and mosey down the river -- with luck an otter or two.........

Rent an inner tube for everyone near the entrance to the park, they will tie them to your vehicle for the short drive in. Then, head in, park and take the tram to the spring. Float down (about 3 hours). Mask and snorkel if you have them.

When you get out, look for the pile of inner tubes whose number matches yours and just leave them there.

Enjoy,

Mike

zduke4x · 03-07-2004, 03:13 PM

from now to April, RV parks will be having vacancies as people head back north...the migration is starting....lol...jem

Rog0525 · 03-07-2004, 03:30 PM

I lived in Homosassa for 10 years. Really a great place.
I know that there is a nice looking campground in Old Homosassa
right on the river. Good fishing if you're into that.
There is also a campsite on US 41 west in Crystal River close to the beach but it gets evacuated every time there is a storm warning. You will be there in peak manatee season. If you want a lifetime memory, rent a boat and some scuba gear on King's Bay in Crystal River, which has the second largest natural spring in the USA, complete with underwater caves.
Another great spot is Rainbow Springs just north of Inverness. The water is crystal clear and you can tube down Rainbow river.
Do you have room for a passenger?

Rog

Rog0525 · 03-07-2004, 04:02 PM

Why not rent an island? Crystal River is just 12 miles north of Homosassa. I would love to do this if I had deeper pockets.
Life is much too short not to be enjoyed.

Rog

http://www.paradisefoundisland.com/general/rates.html

**Pick** · 03-07-2004, 04:04 PM

I was just at O'Leno yesterday. Very beautiful park. I hiked down to the river sink. Did not make it to the river rise, as it is a 4.2 mile hike after the sink. Saw plenty of gopher tortoise, but no gators. There is a road to the river rise, but it was closed.

Can't wait to go back and explore some more.

Rog0525 · 03-07-2004, 04:17 PM

Once while I was living in Homosassa, my adult daughter came from Michigan to visit and I took her on a tour in my little 14' aluminum boat up Crystal River and north on Indian River.
We saw dolphins, manatee, wild pigs and even an alligator.
As we were returning to the boat ramp a dolphin did a rainbow dive just off our bow.
It would have been a Kodak moment but I am one of those people who take photos such as "this is the ripple where a huge fish just jumped".

Rog

gryphon · 03-07-2004, 04:27 PM

we spent a few days at the manatee springs state park in january.
It was beautiful the campground is old but a little cheaper than some of the other parks. Hot showers and nice sites. Lots of wildlife and a lovely hike down to the springs where the manatees are. We will definately return there.

Hope this helps.

Tom & Betsy

Rog0525 · 03-07-2004, 04:40 PM

Absolutely beautiful. The boardwalk leading out to the overlook on the Suanee River is a must see. I just happen to have a pic of the spring.
Cut it out now, you're making me homesick.

Rog

rluhr · 03-07-2004, 06:49 PM

Just went up that way in January ourselves ... We stayed at Rock Crusher Canyon, which was offering an unbeatable $13 rate for Good Sam members. Homasasa Springs State Park is well worth the $9 admission. The manatees are close up and friendly if you arrive during the cold weather.

**Pick** · 03-07-2004, 07:02 PM

Just talked to a friend of mine in Ohio, who is coming down to his father-in-laws RV pad down on Nettles Island, near St. Lucie, in April. He said they let the hose run off the boat dock, and it attracts manatees. For some reason they are attracted to cold running water, and love it when they are hosed off with it.

zduke4x · 03-07-2004, 10:32 PM

Even though I have lived in the Nature Coast area most of my adult life, sure is great to see those pics...

Here is another source of Florida parks..

www.ohwy.com/fl/r/rvcg.htm

good luck...jem