Community Forums

cln56 · 10-08-2018, 06:26 AM

Are there any COE camping or boondocking areas (NOT) Walmart type in Florida? Asking cuz they say Florida is impossible for campgrounds in the winter time, WE are long time FL residents just newly getting into camping ( motor home)

twinboat · 10-08-2018, 07:32 AM

COE parks along the Okeechobee waterway.

Franklin Lock, near Ft Myers.
Ortona Lock, near Labelle.
St. Lucy Recreation area, near Stewart.

johnhicks · 10-08-2018, 08:53 AM

There are the three COE parks along the waterway plus Eastbank on Lake Seminole near Chattahoochee. None of these offer any sort of boondocking. Unfortunately you'll find the southern parks full up until probably May.

You may of course get cancellations at the COE parks or state parks, but the situation these day is that you need to make reservations months if not almost a year in advance. You have county parks in Hillsborough and Polk counties that may work our for you.

Look at campgroundreviews.com .

twinboat · 10-08-2018, 10:01 AM

Use Recreation.gov to find Federal parks. I stayed at one with no hookups in Alexander Springs, FL.

rrtribble · 10-08-2018, 11:41 AM

I don't know about COE parks but we have traveled to FL during the winter almost every year for 20 years without reservations and was only turned away from one park during that time. In fact, there are several parks affiliated with Passport America that allow members to stay up to 7 nights at the 50% discount which was unheard of 5 years ago. We stayed in a couple of them 2 years ago and enjoyed our time in each.

Most Walmarts in FL don't allow ON parking due to local ordinances. RV Parky is a free app that has come in handy, but even a few of the ones they say you can ON in have changed so we always check with management.

Enjoy your home away from home - Richard

twogypsies · 10-08-2018, 05:04 PM

Here's a good site for finding Corp campgrounds. Click on the map to begin.

Corps of Engineer Parks

okmunky · 10-08-2018, 07:57 PM

Have you tried the National Forests

https://www.forestcamping.com/dow/list/nflist.htm

Dan McMartin · 10-17-2018, 10:52 AM

Florida's got a couple agencies that allow dispersed camping. Their water conservation agency (sorry, don't remember the exact name) and their Fish and Wildlife agency both have areas. Check Campendium or the like. They'll have some area in their database and those might lead to more.

Ivylog · 10-18-2018, 07:23 PM

Get a Fla hunting license so you can camp at the many Fla hunting areas.

FL420 · 10-18-2018, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cln56

Are there any COE camping or boondocking areas (NOT) Walmart type in Florida? Asking cuz they say Florida is impossible for campgrounds in the winter time, WE are long time FL residents just newly getting into camping ( motor home)

We really liked the Florida State Forest Service campground in Blackwater River State Forest a little NE of Milton. Electric, water and a dump station. The large stable of horses next to our site held some of the best campground neighbors we have encountered. Not crowded and not too far from Pensacola.

okmunky · 10-18-2018, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FL420

. Not crowded and not too far from Pensacola.

I wonder if it survived Hurricane Michael?

Hugmongous · 10-18-2018, 07:46 PM

If you aren't expecting much in amenities, I have a spot I'm renting with full hookups at $250 a month close to Keaton Beach. I like it.. really nice folks. I know they have some open spots avail and if they don't there are other places in the area. Really laid back area and fantastic fishing.

BOOZE TRAVEL · 10-19-2018, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okmunky

I wonder if it survived Hurricane Michael?

Pensacola didn’t have any damage from Michael. We have a lot of friends there.

TractorTom01 · 10-26-2018, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan McMartin

Florida's got a couple agencies that allow dispersed camping. Their water conservation agency (sorry, don't remember the exact name) and their Fish and Wildlife agency both have areas. Check Campendium or the like. They'll have some area in their database and those might lead to more.

What he's saying is to check for camping at South Florida Water Management District controlled areas. There are a couple of them along Hwy 98 between Okeechobee and Sebring that do allow camping and DO have some very basic things available, like water and pit toilets. You can find them on-line and apply for a site on their website. They also have some camping along the St. Lucie waterway between Port Mayaca and Stuart, again primitive but usually available.