Cedar Key, Florida

JoeH wrote:
"Shell Mound looks interesting.... are there restrictions on size of RV there ? I looked at the Levy County webpage, but it didn't have any info"

Some sites are on the small side or restricted a bit by tree branches, but there are a number of sites that could handle just about any size rig.

Ted H.

Good choice...our friends say St. Joseph's is nice, st. George we liked.

We booked into Cedar Key for a week before an art show there (when it used to be good and we were there to sell our art) but we found that a week was a bit TOO relaxing for us:)

We biked, we walked and we relaxed.

Thanks for the replies. This helps greatly. Think we'll look to some other places perhaps in the panhandle area of Florida which appears to be about 6 - 8 hours closer.

wxtoad wrote:
Interesting responses. We enjoy going to Cedar Key every few years for exactly the reasons that others consider drawbacks - mainly that it's a quiet place that's fun to walk around. We always stay out at Shell Mound County Park, a few miles out of town. Nice little park that can get a little noisy on weekends with airboat activity.

Ted H.

Shell Mound looks interesting.... are there restrictions on size of RV there ? I looked at the Levy County webpage, but it didn't have any info.

luvglass wrote:
Cedar Key is like Key West was 50 years ago. Very small, laid back and friendly. I wouldn't go there if you are looking for any kind of action.

KW was a jumping,busy town 50 years ago with stuff to do 24x7. Cedar Key is not at all like that. There's nothing wrong with that, but there is no comparison.

2X on Shell Mound County Park, although I'll agree that the air boats can be a bit annoying! Had a great time talking about "Old Cedar Key" with a gentleman in the museum across the way from Tony's Clam Chowder (which is pretty good!)

We have been to Cedar Key and Apalachicola. Both have things to offer, but if I were driving from Texas, I would stop at Apalachicola. Happy camping........

Cedar Key is a nice little community if you like laid-back,relatively quiet and not a lot to do places. There are a few good restaurants, some galleries, good sport fishing, and boating opportunities. It's 30 miles or so to a Wal-Mart. We like it a lot, but YMMV. As mentioned above, Appalachicola would be closer for you and you would still get the "old Florida" atmosphere with a little more to do, more restaurant choices, better beaches, etc. We like both places a lot but haven't been there in the TT. Yet...

We are at Cedar Key for a week now. As signs around town say, it is "a quiet drinking village with a clam farming problem" ....

Seriously, though, it is a great place if you like kayaking or canoeing - for poking around the mangrove keys or sport fishing. As noted above, there is a nice little tourist area with waterfront restaurants and some interesting arts/craft galleries. The local clams are really good - almost as good as the northeast varieties, and they prepare them many different ways. Lots of stone crabs and blue claws in their respective seasons, too. Some interesting history displayed in a few museums and walking trails. There are some very good boat launching areas. There is a man made beach in the city park, but it isn't exactly a swimming beach. Unlike Key West 30 years ago, they pretty much roll up the sidewalks by 9:00.

Other than that, it is relaxing, but probably a little hot in the summer, and not too warm in the winter. Spring and fall are no doubt the best times to visit weather-wise. There are two main places to stay in an RV - both right up the street from each other. The Sunset Isle RV Park has water view and regular sandy sites - plenty with full hook ups, and many suitable for big rigs. There is a café with excellent breakfasts, and barbeque lunches, but it closes at 3:00PM. Restrooms and showers are dated, but clean. Right down the street is the Low-Key Resort that has 3 RV sites with full hookups - large and water views. Very nice, and funky. They have a Tiki Bar which is great for sunsets, and open from 4:00 to 9:00 (except Wednesdays).

We are pretty laid back, and spend some time working via internet, so it suits use fine as we work our way back north from January - February further south.

No way.

Cedar Key is a nice little town that has a touristy strip of restaurants and bars out on the old dock and not a whole lot else. Commercial clam farming has replaced the commercial fisheries that went away; of course there's sportsfishing.

If you want a larger degree of old Florida, go to Apalachicola. You can camp at St. George Island SP and easily drive into town.