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04-23-2020, 09:47 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Vincennes, IN
Posts: 224
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First time to winter in Florida
My wife and I are looking to get out of the cold weather for the first time. We would like to stay below the freeze line to at least Tampa or south during January, February and/or March. I am more familiar with the Gulf coast.
Can anyone suggest a relatively descent campground? Not too expensive as this is our first our first winter out.
We have a 30 foot class A.
We don't have to be right on the beach but would like for one to be drivable. A clean and friendly campground is what we are looking for.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Phil
__________________
Phil and Linda Smith, Retired University Faculty
2017 Tiffin Allegro Red 33AA FMCA #F463160
2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
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04-23-2020, 10:04 PM
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 674
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Well winter long term camping in FL works like this:
1) south of the I-4 is the warmest area. Further south the warmer is gets
2) Add expense the closer you get to the beaches
3) Add expense the further south you go.
4) The closer to the beach and the further south you go then the harder it is to book spots. They are often booked a year ahead, snowbirds reserve their places before they head north for next year. Anything south of I-4 will be tough to find.
North of Tampa it is still comparatively warm. We never had a hard freeze this winter, in the Gainesville area, (25 deg or lower) and only one period of a couple of days of 32 deg weather, that for an hour or so at night. However weather is unpredictable so next winter could be colder.
I suggest looking in the Ocala National Forest area for semi-cheaper rates. You would be 90 minutes to 2 hours to a beach in the Daytona/Ormond beach areas. But there are many other springs and such much closer. Natives don't swim in the Winter for the most part anyway unless you go down to the Keys. Prices are astronomical there.
BTW do not expect sunny skies all winter, I'd estimate more than half the days are cloudy
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04-23-2020, 10:42 PM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Fort Myers, Florida
Posts: 76
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Lake Griffin SP. Leesburg Fl.
Lake Manatee SP Bradenton Fl.
Myakka SP. Sarasota Fl.
Oscar Shearer SP Osprey Fl.
Highlands Hammock SP. Sebring Fl.
Salt Springs SP, Juniper Springs. Ocala National Forest
These are some of my favorites!
__________________
Bill and Beth Perz 2011 Fleetwood Jamboree Sport 28Z
Ford E450 V10
The love you take is equal to the love you make.
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04-24-2020, 12:23 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 6,902
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First time to winter in Florida
Manatee Winter Quarters should have just opened their reservations to newcomers. They’re right off I-75 in Bradenton, across the interstate from the new Costco.
We were going to stay there this coming winter due to their active activities list, really nice people we met on our visits, and location but some of their restrooms are ... fugly. The people we travel with use the campground facilities so it was out. They were supposed to renovate the restrooms but had not as of a few months ago.
Arbor Terrace, a Sun Resort in Bradenton, may still be available. It’s right next to a semi-sketchy area but we never felt any danger. They put RVs way, way too close to each other, like inches away sometimes, but are supposed to be removing a third of their spots soon, apparently due to the closeness being a fire code issue.
Grab the reservations you can now because most will allow you to cancel up to a few months out. Then if something better comes along cancel the bad ones.
Be aware that most places have a two month minimum in the January, February, and March timeframe.
Once you’re there drive to a few places each week and look them over for the next time.
You’ll be hard pressed to find anything under $1,500 a month during those three months that far south. December and April are a lot cheaper.
Crystal River will be cheaper as will be other places further north. Bring along a space heater if you stay more north because it can get chilly at night. If you stay one month or less most places do not charge for electricity so you can run a space heater on their dime rather than burn your propane.
Ray
__________________
2020 Forest River Georgetown GT5 34H5
2020 Equinox Premier AWD 2.0L/9-speed
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04-24-2020, 06:19 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 37,092
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You can't " Winter " in FL. State or Federal Parks.
They limit stays to 2 weeks, so if you want to winter, you need to make a lot of reservations and move often. State parks have a 11 month booking window so start trying at 8 AM, 11 months out. Federal have a 6 month window.
Many county parks allow long term stays. Check out Brevard, Miami Dade, Broward, among others.
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04-24-2020, 06:37 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 398
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We live here in 7 months of the year, 1 1/2 hours to either coast and 1/3 the traffic!
https://www.campgroundreviews.com/re...ida-resort-717
__________________
Lynn, Guy & Rocky
2016 Newmar London Aire
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04-24-2020, 07:37 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Vincennes, IN
Posts: 224
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Pricing
What should I expect, $1000.00 a month, $750.00 a month? I think we ex[pect to pay more for our first time and then spend some time finding a clean friendly park that we could better afford for longer periods even the same each year.
Phil
__________________
Phil and Linda Smith, Retired University Faculty
2017 Tiffin Allegro Red 33AA FMCA #F463160
2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
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04-24-2020, 09:21 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 37,092
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I spend about a $1100 a month in Miami Everglades RV park. Its South West of Miami.
1/3 the price of The Keys RV parks and as far south as I can get with out paying for them.
There are some $600 a month parks but you need to book early.
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04-24-2020, 10:00 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 6,902
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aa9zz
What should I expect, $1000.00 a month, $750.00 a month? I think we ex[pect to pay more for our first time and then spend some time finding a clean friendly park that we could better afford for longer periods even the same each year.
Phil
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It depends, usually how far south you stay and their amenities. For example, Sun-n-Fun in Sarasota is about $2,400 a month and solidly booked. We've driven past and they even seem to have a small waterpark. A brand new one just opening called The Tides north of Bradenton is really nice but they were asking for a three month minimum and $2,000 or more a month.
Some give you their rate but do not mention they charge for electricity. Even with one A/C that can add an extra $100 a month. Some sites are concrete and they cost more.
This past winter was our first time doing this and we already want to go back because the cold (43 degrees right now) and the perpetual solid gray skies here in Northern Ohio are just so, so depressing.
We're staying in North Naples in December again for $500 due to an end of the season special sent out by Sun RV Resorts.
And then the price goes up. We're staying near that new Costco in Bradenton for the next two months and it'll probably be about $1,600 each month including electricity.
Then March is in the Crystal River area for slightly less.
Prices crash beginning in April.
If you get to the Tampa RV Show in January, if they hold it, you can pick up s LOT of brochures and some coupons for discounts.
This next winter is really up in the air due to the virus and we're just hoping it's semi-normal.
You really need to start calling now and getting deposits down. We started looking at the end of March last year and most places were booked up by returning people. The campgrounds usually allow people already staying there to rebook for the next year before opening reservations to anyone. As I mentioned, be certain to ask about cancelation policies.
Good luck,
__________________
2020 Forest River Georgetown GT5 34H5
2020 Equinox Premier AWD 2.0L/9-speed
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04-24-2020, 04:41 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Enjoying the Western States!
Posts: 20,702
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We stayed at state or county parks and moved in order to test out different areas. We tried Florida 3x and in the end... didn't care for it but that's just us. It's crowded so many do.
__________________
Full-timed for 16 Years . . .
Traveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Diesel
& 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th wheel
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04-24-2020, 05:11 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 689
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If you would wish a laid back, old time park, then RICE CREEK in Gibsonton Fl would be a good choice. RC is an Encore park with full facilities and really
nice people. Not that much expensive. Access to Tampa area with all
the beaches, tourist parks, and great shopping. Have stayed there
two times for extended stays. Really enjoyed. No hassles.
Regards,
JimB
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04-25-2020, 02:31 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North America somewhere
Posts: 32,253
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For reasonable monthly rates and near the same latitude as Tampa, and the W to E center of the state, check into Avon Palms RV park near Bowling Green FL. Sites are privately-owned so you contact the site owner through Rental Properties with and without units. | Best Retirement RV Park in Southwest Central Florida
Last I checked, I seem to remember about $5-600/month, some including electricity.
We stay at https://www.goodsam.com/campgrounds-...cgid=300005203
There is a 3-month minimum during "winter" @ $1,300/month. However they keep a few shorter spots(30') available for over-nighters and short stays. The rent is higher because the park is only 2 miles from Ft. Myers Beach.
__________________
2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD , ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG 11B5MX,Infantry retired;GS Life member,FMCA " My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. John F. Kennedy
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04-25-2020, 04:45 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Sarasota, FL
Posts: 5,228
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wmjp
Lake Griffin SP. Leesburg Fl.
Lake Manatee SP Bradenton Fl.
Myakka SP. Sarasota Fl.
Oscar Shearer SP Osprey Fl.
Highlands Hammock SP. Sebring Fl.
Salt Springs SP, Juniper Springs. Ocala National Forest
These are some of my favorites!
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Just know that you can only stay 14 days.
__________________
Rick and Larrie Dee
1997 40' Newmar London Aire DP CTA 8.3 (Mechanical) 325 Spartan MM
Bringing her back to her glory.
'08 Jeep GC Overland.
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04-25-2020, 06:21 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 37,092
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Its not just 14 day limits at Fl. State Parks.
After 28 days you need to be out of all state parks for one day. There is also a max # of days you can stay. I think its 56 days.
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