Florida Camping

[mjayjensen]

After retiring last Jan. 1st, we pulled our 22' CCD 600 miles into Mexico. The trip was enjoyable.
After Christmas this year we thought it might be fun to tour the SE United States in our new 27' CCD.
Can open campsites be found in the Florida State Parks? We would appreciate any thoughts and or experiences that people have had.

[ibgl6]

Should be plenty in the North West Florida Panhandle during that time it does tend to be a little colder than south Florida.. Check RV Park Reviews :: Home SAM

[nickmeloy]

Originally Posted by mjayjensen

After retiring last Jan. 1st, we pulled our 22' CCD 600 miles into Mexico. The trip was enjoyable.
After Christmas this year we thought it might be fun to tour the SE United States in our new 27' CCD.
Can open campsites be found in the Florida State Parks? We would appreciate any thoughts and or experiences that people have had.

If by open campsites, you mean sites that are not available for reservation, but are held open for campers that show up unannounced at the gate and ask if there is a site available, then the answer is yes.

The danger is that the open sites may have been claimed by someone else before you get there, or that the available sites may not fit your needs.

The further south you go, the less likely you are to find sites available.

[HowieE]

Generally speaking the State parks south of Tampa are booked 11 months in advance. Parks north of that may have sites but you are at risk if you do not attempt to make a reservation ASAP.

The pan handle is more likely but even there I make reservations months before we head south to be sure i get the sites and times I want.

[KeithC]

Topsail state park near Destin, Fl., is very nice but not summer weather. Check them out for openings.

[2dabeach]

Originally Posted by mjayjensen

After retiring last Jan. 1st, we pulled our 22' CCD 600 miles into Mexico. The trip was enjoyable.
After Christmas this year we thought it might be fun to tour the SE United States in our new 27' CCD.
Can open campsites be found in the Florida State Parks? We would appreciate any thoughts and or experiences that people have had.

You can search the availability of reservable sites in the Florida State Parks by going to www.reserveamerica.com. As someone else said they do have a few nonreservable sites at some of the parks but you have to show up at their front gate to get them.

[loudruff]

This little state park is off the beaten path and has a small campground. But it is a pretty little place just off the Choctawhatchee Bay on the panhandle. If you get a chance look it up on the following link: Campground Details - Rocky Bayou SP, FL - ReserveAmerica - [FL]

It is right on Rt. 20 West. East of Niceville and west of Choctaw Beach, FL
At $16. a night, and 20 min. from the fancy parks like Top Sail, that charges $42/night, we think it is a great hidden spot. Call ahead if you can.`

[mjayjensen]

Thank you for your responses.
It sounds as if we will have some trouble finding campsites south of Tampa. We will enjoy the Panhandle and hope for the best along the Gulf coast. Perhaps there will be sites in private RV parks.
We enjoy traveling without time constraints.
Thanks again!
Jay

[clancy_boy]

If you have access to military bases there are plenty of great and safe campsites on them. I was very impressed by the sites in Key West - there were sites available all winter. At $16 a night - full hookups, they were a very good deal. They do lack in campground stuff to do but are located in some good off base areas.

Mike

[DaveFL]

We have found by checking reserveamerica site you can gauge the fullness of parks way in advance, Sun to Thurs most have room, while weekends and holidays packed.
If you are going without reservations, you might be able to play the days of the week. Walmarts south of Orlando generally don't allow overnighting, unless they are located far from city centers. Don't forget NP and COE also have camping and offer better senior discounts.

[BDandTTs]

We're now at Long Key State Park -- managed to get 5 consecutive days even though we made reservations only a couple of weeks ago. Keep checking Reserve America for openings created by cancellations and changes.

You might also want to investigate Fiesta Key Resort that is only a few miles north of here. We have no personal experience, but met another couple that were moving over there. Full hookup sites, even waterside, are currently offered for $50, only slightly more than State Park rates.

[draigue]

I would hideout @ the KOA in Pahoke. All sites are on top of the levy. Waterfront Lake Okechobee. Bike and hiking path run around the lake on top of the levys as well.

[funkill]

I've really enjoyed the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground in Live Oak (North FL - near Gainesville). Last Christmas it was pretty barren. I know it's packed for their music festivals but otherwise, I haven't witnessed anything close. Big park, nice sites, on-site entertainment in the music hall (if you wish) and cafe'. Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground

There's also the Wekiva Falls Resort in Central FL. I've only been there for summer fun but they've really started to clean the place up. Have a new clubhouse and pool.... course, that may mean that they're probably more booked than before ... Florida RV Camping, Florida RV Parks - Wekiva Falls Resort in Sorrento, Florida.

Laura

[IndyAnne]

Hi, we found space at Topsail Hill SP, and there might be more, probably not beach view by this time, but close enough, perhaps. I found the FL state park reservation site to be easier than some (say, my home state, Alabama), but I did have to do a lot of clicking to find the right view of the campground.

Your new 27' CCD sounds dreamy! Happy Holidays.

[draigue]

best panhandle waterfront: Indian Pass campground. Located directly on the water just south of Apalchiacola.Park ferry crosses to WMA island with 8 mi of bike trails. Lots of birds, wolves, asian deer (600lb)

[ibgl6]

Originally Posted by draigue

best panhandle waterfront: Indian Pass campground. Located directly on the water just south of Apalchiacola.Park ferry crosses to WMA island with 8 mi of bike trails. Lots of birds, wolves, asian deer (600lb)

This is a really nice campground in the middle of no where it is a little bit of a hop to town but well worth a stay. Some friends are there this week...SAM