Community Forums

ldb187 · 12-17-2015, 07:05 PM

I never know when or where I'll be at any particular time. We "may" be head'n south for the winter and was wondering how hard is it to find a place to camp in FL w/o reservations. This all depends on the weather and also on my daughters up coming school schedule (day or night classes) since we are primary babysitters for my two grandsons, (2 n 5). We are strictly daytime drivers so get'n caught out on the highway after dark with no place to park worries us. Haven't yet been on a long trip so not sure how this may turn out. Possible dates would be sometime in mid Jan until probably min Mar. Thanks

Ray,IN · 12-17-2015, 08:45 PM

It is possible to find a 1-2 night stay in FL RV parks, but nothing you should rely upon. Keep in mind, spring-break is staggered purposely by schools/colleges. It begins mid-Feb and continues until the first week of April. The SE states are favorite destinations for those "kids".
We got caught driving after dark once, South of Jacksonville, both tired and needing rest. I finally spotted a rest area with specific RV parking, we spent the night there, along with 2 other MH's and a few autos. I never felt safe there even though signage OK'd overnight parking. I'd never do it again.
Take your camping directory and call ahead beginning about noon for an overnight spot.

twogypsies · 12-17-2015, 09:33 PM

I don't think you'd have a problem in north Florida but not in the southern part. Starting in mid-February have a place locked up for the remainder of your stay or move into Alabama for the last part of your stay. Their state parks are very nice along with Corp of Engineer parks.

Gary RVRoamer · 12-18-2015, 07:14 AM

Agree with the others - it depends very much on where you are in Florida. As with any place in its "high season", the most popular areas are very likely to be full up. If you start looking for a place to stay at 3 pm in the Keys or popular beach areas of southeast or southwest Florida, chances are strong you will be disappointed. Central and northern Florida have more parks and a bit less demand, so little risk there. State & county parks often have "first come" (non-reservable) sites as well, so you might snag one of them.

My suggestion is to call ahead for a park reservation a day or two before, once you have a better idea of your itinerary. Be prepared to make several calls, and be prepared to change your travel plans if no site is available.

ldb187 · 12-19-2015, 02:56 PM

I'll be going to the outback bowl in tampa on the 1st but the wife has a dr's appt in nashville on the 30th. without reservations at any campground around tampa guess we'll just drive down. I know there's a big rv show in tampa during that time so I'm sure every thing is booked.

Mac99 · 12-19-2015, 03:10 PM

We don't travel anywhere, anytime without reservations. And
often we reserve 5 to 8 months in advance. If you want to
stay where you want to stay, when you want to stay, then
you have to make reservations. IMHO it is the most relaxing
way to take a trip, we even plan our fuel stops.

Ray,IN · 12-19-2015, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macandphyl

We don't travel anywhere, anytime without reservations. And
often we reserve 5 to 8 months in advance. If you want to
stay where you want to stay, when you want to stay, then
you have to make reservations. IMHO it is the most relaxing
way to take a trip, we even plan our fuel stops.

Some friends who are full-timers do that. He has all of 2016 already booked, and is working on 2017.

historyljc · 12-19-2015, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldb187

I never know when or where I'll be at any particular time. We "may" be head'n south for the winter and was wondering how hard is it to find a place to camp in FL w/o reservations. This all depends on the weather and also on my daughters up coming school schedule (day or night classes) since we are primary babysitters for my two grandsons, (2 n 5). We are strictly daytime drivers so get'n caught out on the highway after dark with no place to park worries us. Haven't yet been on a long trip so not sure how this may turn out. Possible dates would be sometime in mid Jan until probably min Mar. Thanks

The further south you go the more difficult it will become, particularly in the more populated places. Can you give a more specific destination and routing?

djbmsu · 12-19-2015, 04:27 PM

The Tampa RV show is later in January it should not interfere with Jan 1 plans

Johndale · 12-19-2015, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldb187

I'll be going to the outback bowl in tampa on the 1st but the wife has a dr's appt in nashville on the 30th. without reservations at any campground around tampa guess we'll just drive down. I know there's a big rv show in tampa during that time so I'm sure every thing is booked.

http://www.clearwatertarponspringsca...yer_flash.html
Myself and wife stayed here around that time. It was a old KOA campground it was clean and quite and staff was good. On a scale 1-10 I give it maybe a low 6.

Deny · 12-19-2015, 07:18 PM

Go to the Florida State Parks website- learn how to use it- all Fla state Park Campgrounds are nice.

Yes, North of Lake Okeechobee-there are a lot more to choose from. North Fla has lots of Parks. You can find one pretty easily -and reserve it the day before- Same day use is walk up only.

Lots of County Parks too-they are all nice as well. You should try to get in before 3PM, if you have no reservation in a State Park. County Parks can be reserved with a phone call, same day.