Florida road trip with no reservations?

[Raider47]

Hello!
I would like to do a Florida road trip in early January staying mostly in campgrounds. Is this possible without making reservations? I might reserve a few nights in popular areas but would like to be flexible during the trip. I will be driving a truck camper and basically hit Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville then Pensacola, maybe Key West.

Generally speaking, have fuel prices broken up the RV crowds any?

Thank you!

[Hpozzuoli]

I think you will run into problems until you get to the Georgia area finding open campgrounds due to the winter. I don’t do this run often so others will opine on what geographical area campgrounds will be open.

Once in Florida your best bet will be away from the water and closer to central Florida (Orlando, ocala, etc). There is a huge migration down to Florida starting in November. Most folks are reserving these spots a year ahead of time. You will find space, but it will take some leg work.

[Sgt B]

We live in North Fort Myers. There are four RV Parks off I-75, Exit 143 on Bayshore Rd. that you might try. You are away from the water but easy drive to it. Plus you are in close proximity to everything
Try this site and go down to Exit 143
https://www.i75exitguide.com/camping...a-campgrounds/

[chuckbear]

Pretty much not going to happen in Florida during January. You might get lucky on occasion but for the most part, parks are full of snowbirds from December to April or May. Chuck

[pasdad1]

Very difficult to find open campground spots in January for Florida. You will probably be moving every couple of days, and spending time in Walmart’s, truck stops, etc as you scramble to locate last minute cancellations at parks.

The very expensive resorts also will have some spots open, so be prepared to pay north of $100 per night at some places.

If I were you I would try to get some reservations…. You can always cancel as your plans change, but at least you will have something to fall back on.

[johnhicks]

Before you count on stopping at Walmarts in Florida, beware that many municipalities have banned overnight parking at Walmart and other big-box stores.

[twogypsies]

You might want to browse this website for low cost or free camping. Since you have a truck camper you can fit in many places most can't. I would also recommend down the middle of Florida rather than trying for the beaches. State parks and county parks may have cancellations if you just arrive and check it out. Also, don't zero in on 'resorts'. Go for the cheaper parks which are usually just fine. Good luck!

https://freecampsites.net/#!Florida&query=region

[Isaac-1]

If you don't mind not having full hookups then I think it should be possible.

[hookupandgo]

I have to say.... I live here and it really can "......" to even think about camping here in the winter. Have a family wedding in Feb and been trying for a long time (every day) to get just 2 days at a reasonably local campground... no joy.

So, if you know where you want to go -- you should just try and get spots for the timeframe you want to be here. You may have to zig zag based on the times you want to be down this way, but you may get lucky. Oh, and be prepared to pay big time too.

[Raider47]

Not sounding promising. I don't mind no hookups but I will definitely try making reservations as soon as I can confirm dates. I will be in Tampa for at least a week for work so it would be after.

Thank you all!

********EDIT: I forgot to mention that I have military base access, (active duty) does that make a difference?*******

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by Raider47

********EDIT: I forgot to mention that I have military base access, (active duty) does that make a difference?*******

I'm not familiar with them but I just did a quick Google and came up with this. There were other web sites.

https://www.militarycampgrounds.us/florida

[SeaBreazer]

I live in the Tampa Bay area. Private rv parks are full booked by the birds in January. There are several state parks in the area and along the entire west coast of Florida. It would be best to go the Florida state parks website and look at the different parks then try to book the places you want to stay. There are a lot of interesting state parks along the west coast if Florida. I would start booking now because reservations even in the state parks are hard to get especially on the weekend during the weekdays not so bad.

[PanJH]

While in the Tampa area you can try the Hillsborough County Parks.... E G Simmons, Medard and Lithia Springs all have lots of campsites. Having a small truck camper will open up opportunities..... but, none of these parks take reservations so you need to be flexible. Good Luck... Fl is way too busy and crowded in the winter months and traffic is horrendous.

[tmandoug1]

If in Tampa try Macdill AFB......they are first come first serve I believe.