Florida is KILLING ME $$$$$

[parkerbill]

Originally Posted by dexters

Look at the west side of Florida - Cedar Key area.

Cedar Key is a great area. We've been there a couple of times.

[WendyG]

Originally Posted by Mich F

Thanks, I didn't realize the $2.50 a night was the Monroe County charge. Looking at the FL state park website, it appears that Monroe County is the only county in FL that does that. On a reservation detail print out from Reserve America it just shows $38.50 camping fee per night (without a breakdown) Here is a copy of a fee printout for a 4 night stay I have for the end of this month at John Pennekamp. This will be my 101st time staying there.

• Camping Fee:$154.00
• Discounts:$(72.00)
  FL Senior Resident$(72.00)
• Reservation Fee:$6.70
• Taxes:$9.00
• Total:$97.70

Yeah, while the info is on the reserveamerica website, you have to seek it, as it does not separated in the fee printout. The keys are clearly worth the fee to many people, including you. Have a great time (again).

[momdoc]

Originally Posted by hoosierrun

OK, I appears that I am wrong on the senior rates for State Parks in Florida. If you are a Florida resident, age 65 or over, you get a 50% discount for camping at State Parks.

If you are camping in a Florida State Forest at a campground that has water and electric hookups, the rate changed on April 16, 2016. If you are a Florida senior over 65, 100% disabled, HD Veteran, you are entitled to a $10 discount from the published rate of $25 per night. Actually it says specifically, $15.

The rate fees can be found here: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/cont..._4-14-2016.pdf

I apologize for the confusion and I'm glad I just learned something today. .

We often use some of the Forest land camping areas on the west coast of FL and I didn't realize that rates varied between forest lands and State Park lands. For my first 1-1/2 years after turning 65, I always got a 50% discount at those campsites and was disappointed to see the rate go up.

EDIT: one quick notation on the State Forest camping senior discount.... it appears that for State Forests only, they have removed the requirement that you be a Florida only senior. I noticed the Florida designation was removed when I was at Silver Lake a few weeks ago.

Thanks for clearing that up. It makes me feel much better

momdoc

[Steeljag]

Supply and demand ! When you have all the snow birds here lined up, and fighting for sunshine and warmth, from Nov to April prices will reflect that !

Snow bird traffic with them driving slow to see things, and driving slow because of being unsure of where to go can be painful!

A million RVers can't flood an area and expect peace and solitude.....LOL !

[parkerbill]

Originally Posted by Steeljag

Supply and demand ! When you have all the snow birds here lined up, and fighting for sunshine and warmth, from Nov to April prices will reflect that !

Snow bird traffic with them driving slow to see things, and driving slow because of being unsure of where to go can be painful!

A million RVers can't flood an area and expect peace and solitude.....LOL !

Yeah, but those snowbirds inject a ton of money into our Florida economy! [emoji106][emoji4]

[mre]

Originally Posted by mrgrayaz

We've just come from Texas and have been enjoying the HarvestHosts (free), boondocking, and cheap camping in Fredericksburg and Corpus Christie/Padre Island. I'm pretty sure the County park at Padre would have let us stay as long as we wanted, it was at like 20% capacity.

Likewise - cheap state park camping in New Orleans $21/n, no big deal to get in at the last minute, LOADS of open spots.

Then we come to Florida.....

The prices are insane! if you can get a spot!
I wanted to go stay in the Florida Keys, cost be damned, for a long weekend with friends late this month. I've never been and might as well do it right. Looking like $150-190 a NIGHT. OK maybe cost does matter.....

Looks like there are some smaller state parks, but all booked out until this summer. How do you do it!? Any advise? I really just want to park on the beach and watch the sunset after work every day... Should I just skip Florida altogether and keep heading up to Georgia?

There is plenty availability in the summer and many campgrounds have Passport America rates which make camping very reasonable.

[Jimbow]

Originally Posted by parkerbill

Yeah, but those snowbirds inject a ton of money into our Florida economy! [emoji106][emoji4]

South Texas is doubly blessed Winter Texans from the north, Mexican nationals from the south. All spending $$$$