With so many RV parks and event and music festival campgrounds out there, and so little personal insight into them all, how can someone find the right park for them? We were looking for a quick RV getaway recently when I floated an ask out to the Facebook community. “We’re in SoFla and building a list of wooded full h/u campgrounds (not ‘resorts’) north to G’ville (Gainesville). What’re your favorites – and why?” The “not resorts” caveat was key. We want the woods, or at least wooded, preferably on water.
How do people pick the RV destination that’s right for them – especially a campground they’ve never visited before? Just ask…
We generally don’t define “water” as the swimming pool or hot tub at a resort campground. But that’s just us, and that defines how parks, campgrounds and resorts push different buttons for different people.
When some see campgrounds with pools, clubhouses, shuffleboard courts, even pickleball, they eagerly reserve a spot. Others say, No thanks, instead seeking such amenities as reliable hook-ups, the shade of trees overhead (and maybe to hang the hammock), and room to sprawl.
We’re cautious that way – reluctant to “take a chance” on a sight-unseen campground, only to wind up at some run-down place with unreliable facilities?
We’d rather not.
Sometimes, though, you don’t get your tried and true favs. Or you have to explore something new. How or why do campers decide between wooded or well-manicured parks, rustic campgrounds and federal and state parks, or luxury motor lodges? If you’re headed to a festival fairgrounds known for wooded sites for everything from tents to RVs, do you know what you seek?
How can people – especially newcomers to RV camping unsure what to seek in a site – figure out what suits their mindset.
And how can you possibly remember the best – and the worst?
This post is part examination of the different styles of RV parks / campgrounds / resorts, and a list of Florida parks that Facebook campers dig. Save it if you wish; we might create and share a spreadsheet of our findings.
What defines a Campground?
Campgrounds aren’t all things to all people. Some are polished with plush amenities, and some are decidedly less hewn and rough around the edge. If you’re headed to a festival, how do you know where to park your rig or tent – the shady spots, those close to the fairgrounds entrance or quiet enough to get some sleep when others want to party into the night?
What questions should campers ask, especially if they don’t know the difference at a particular event or campground?
It’s not an easy question to answer? America has 4,513 RV parks and campgrounds, notes the US Economic Census. Not included are countless – some say thousands – of parks under the banners of the National Park Service, state parks, local governments, even boondocking acreage and the likes of Harvest Hosts.
Here’s a few insights…
Resorts and motor clubs are known for luxury amenities. They have comfortable, often concrete pads, reliable power, and that pool, shuffleboard and pickleball. Some are 55-plus, like a condo or senior community. And some are family friendly. You’ll pay more, but polish is gonna cost ya.
RV parks have fewer amenities, and maybe more shady, “wooded” areas to hang out – or hang your hammock. Both generally have Wifi and full hookups.
Music festival and event grounds run the gamut. A place like the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park has mostly wooded sites offering from full 30A or 50A power, water, and sewer, to none at all. Like most campgrounds, individual sites with hookups are reserved. Others are first-come, first-served.
Other events and festivals offer no reserved parking or power, water refills, or sewer pump-out, or none at all – just a guarantee that you’ll have a space in a particular lot.
Finding a Florida Campground
Back to that Facebook ask. Though they all didn’t offer specific details, they shared the campgrounds they loved. Answers that came back found a place on my list: Salt Springs Recreation Area near Ocala, Otter Springs near Trenton, a real gem Anastasia State Park and North Beach Camping in St. Augustine, Ichetucknee State Park north of Gainesville, Moonshine Acres, Hart Springs (near Bell), Rainbow Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park (we’ve been – it’s a little rough around the edges and very busy with day-trippers), Tomoka State Park, Lochloosa Harbor RV Park, and our favorite, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak.
One said of High Springs campground “very wooded and very friendly staff. Cash only.” “Manatee Springs SP, Wekiwa Springs SP. Both have large wooded sites. Maybe half of the sites are full hook up.”
There’s a mix, of course. Shanna offered up her favorites, with just the details we sought: “We love Salt Springs Recreation (FHU, or “full hook-up”) large sites in the middle of the forest with spring to swim, boat launch, hiking trails. We also love Otter Springs (FHU) in Trenton. Sites can be smaller than Salt Springs, but it is a small campground and wooded with springs for swimming, heated/indoor pool, river access, hiking trails, and always activities in the lodge. Otter Springs is just around the corner from Hart Springs that was mentioned in an earlier comment. That area offers several additional day springs that you can visit during your trip.”
Jack suggested Wekiwa near Orlando. I replied, “I tried booking Wekiwa (and Myakka). The website laughed at me and offered up April 2021 or so! Popular places – for good reason, apparently.”
One shared Camptell, near coastal Cedar Key, a “different but cool place.”
Another suggested Welaka Lodge & Resort. Old Florida style cg on the river. Very laid back, if you can get a site. The Itchetuchee River campground rents tubes, canoes, and is at the north entrance of the state park. Full canopy of mature trees.
Then I started poking around the net. I found a list of the “best RV parks in every state.” For Florida, they mentioned Henderson Beach State Park in Destin. Their review: “How does a view of the Gulf of Mexico out your RV sound? A stay at Henderson Beach State Park along Florida’s panhandle will afford you such views along 6,000 feet of natural shoreline with boardwalks, pavilions for picnicking, playground, and a pet-friendly nature trail. The park has 60 campsites with water and electric with an air-conditioned and heated bathhouse and laundry facility. Camping fees are $30 per night.”
We have a few of our own favs that’d make the list. Anastasia State Park, which is next door to the Anastasia Amphitheater (for music and event lovers out there) is a true gem (we’re also fans of Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort on the beach a few miles to the south). Want Gulf Coast beachfront? We’re fans of Red Coconut on Fort Myers beach. It’s pricey, but get the right spot on the “beach side” (not the “park side”) and your toes literally are on the sand. Fisheating Creek Outpost off US 27 in Palmdale offers fishing, canoeing, kayaking and hiking close to Miami and Orlando.
And sometimes you just leave it to chance. When we couldn’t find a spot in the Myakka River State Park, we “took a chance” on Camp Venice Retreat. A little pricey, but we got a spot right on the water. We’ll be back.
With so many resorts and parks and festival campgrounds and so little personal insight into them all, how can you find the right park?
Just ask.