Community Forums

gblanchard · 03-29-2015, 07:21 PM

Just moved from Louisiana to Central Florida. We are a young family, in our 30's with two children. We are looking for a campground that is friendly for young families. We do a lot of weekend camping so something within a 2-3 hour drive of Lakeland, Fl is preferrable. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

rbpower · 03-29-2015, 08:23 PM

you must try Yogi Bear in Madison FL my kids love it

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Madison FL | Just another WordPress site

Dog Folks · 03-30-2015, 07:30 AM

Welcome to Florida. You have landed in the best state for outdoor activities. Most of which you can pursue 12 months a year!

There are at least 10 Florida state parks within a 2 hour drive, and they are the best state parks in the country!

More information including a interactive may can be found here: https://www.floridastateparks.org/

Happy Camping.

NITEHAWK · 03-30-2015, 07:37 AM

Be very careful!! Floridians have warned me to watch out for little old men wearing a baseball cap on crooked with their turn signals on who will turn in the opposite direction from what they indicate.

Dog Folks · 03-30-2015, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NITEHAWK

Be very careful!! Floridians have warned me to watch out for little old men wearing a baseball cap on crooked with their turn signals on who will turn in the opposite direction from what they indicate.

NO No NO! We little old men wear our baseball caps on STRAIGHT while we have our turn signals in the opposite direction to what way we are going. Crooked is for young whippersnappers.

The turn signal does NOT necessarily indicate direction, but rather "WATCH OUT, I am turning........................................... ............... eventually.)

Red Dawg · 03-30-2015, 10:23 AM

Blue Springs State Park and Lake Louisa State Park are 2 of our favorite parks. When it's cold out there are lots of Manatee in Blue Spring. While we've not been yet, we're told Ginnie Spring is great!

Welcome to the forum and Central FL!

jenbeau1 · 03-30-2015, 11:15 AM

We live in the Orlando area. No kids, but I do know what they tend to like. So here are some ideas.... Splurge at Christmas and go to Fort Wilderness. You have to make reservations early in the year, but TOTALLY worth it to see the campers decorations. Now for "regular" park ideas.... Wekiva Falls in Sorrento - just north of Orlando is a great place. Swimming in the springs, in the pool, canoeing, etc. Great times. New Smyrna Beach Campground. Great pool and near the beach. If you want to be on the beach, The Coral Sands Hotel in Ormond Beach has a campground beside the hotel. It is a bit more expensive, but you can use the hotel pool and facilities as needed. In Winter Haven, there are several campgrounds by Legoland if you want to take the kids there. Tropical Palms on Hwy 192 in Orlando is another fun place. Great pool with restaurant, and right next to Old Town for fun also. As a previous poster noted, we have a bunch of state parks that are awesome. Enjoy.

gblanchard · 03-30-2015, 02:31 PM

Thanks jenbeau1, just booked a weekend in April at Wekiva.

JMonroe · 03-31-2015, 07:52 AM

Ocala national forest has some beautiful campgrounds and the canoeing/kayaking on the natural spring sourced creeks and rivers are a real treat.

There are a lot of great state parks in Florida, just be aware though, you must reserve a site up to a year in advance. Sites suitable for a tent or pop-up may be a bit more available.

You're close and I agree you must take the kids to Fort Wilderness (Disney) at least once, but I wouldn't necessarily take them for Christmas. All things Disney are mobbed during the holidays. And don't think you have to be going to the theme parks to enjoy the campground. There's a LOT to do that doesn't require theme park tickets, both at the campground and other Disney venues in the area.

Welcome to central Florida!

Dog Folks · 03-31-2015, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMonroe

There are a lot of great state parks in Florida, just be aware though, you must reserve a site up to a year in advance. Sites suitable for a tent or pop-up may be a bit more available.

Welcome to central Florida!

As a camper in Florida State Parks for over 40 years, I must respectfully take exception to the above statement.

A vast majority of state parks in Florida do NOT require a site reservation a year in advance.

Certainly, during the busy winter months, some, like the ones in the Keys, will require a reservation made as far in advance as possible. (11 months)

Happy camping.

LakeKerrGuy · 03-31-2015, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gblanchard

Just moved from Louisiana to Central Florida. We are a young family, in our 30's with two children. We are looking for a campground that is friendly for young families. We do a lot of weekend camping so something within a 2-3 hour drive of Lakeland, Fl is preferrable. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

What is your camper? Tent, pop up, truck, B, C, A? Do you need hook ups or are you a real camper like I was in my 30's. It does make a difference on recommendation.

gblanchard · 03-31-2015, 09:32 AM

Wife won't let me be a real camper lol. I have a 42ft fifth wheel and I do like full hook-ups including sewer.

Deny · 03-31-2015, 09:45 AM

Nice Rig! Florida State Parks are the best. Go to the Website & look at the different sites-make a reservation at the one you choose/subject to availability. We go to at least one a month, and like/love them all. You cannot miss-and yes, some of them are so popular that you have to book way ahead-but the website will walk you through availability issues.