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2_Retired's avatar
2_Retired
Explorer
Nov 24, 2014

Florida, central west coast in January

DH and I will be camping at Tropical Palms in Kissimmee for 5 nights in mid January and then would like to go to Florida, west coast, preferably within about an hour to 1.5 hours of Tampa/St Pete area for about another week. Any suggestions on where to stay? We are Good Sam and Passport America members. Would like to be able to see water from our RV, but not essential. Full hookups - definitely! Satellite access good but cable OK. Need decent WiFi as well. Also would appreciate a heads up on what to see and do. Have never camped in this area and looking forward to fun. We're history buffs and also enjoy brew pubs and wineries. Not big on anything too physical (DH has double knee replacements!) but don't mind touring! Thanks in advance.

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  • tstryk's avatar
    tstryk
    Explorer
    Nov 24, 2014
    We have stayed at Hickory Point in Tarpon Springs before and loved it. Some of the sites are a little tight to get into but love the area and we had a waterfront site.
  • magnusfide's avatar
    magnusfide
    Explorer II
    Nov 24, 2014
    If you go to your Passport America and Good Sam's websites they'll have listings of parks using the discounts.

    Tarpon Springs is a quaint Greek community centered around it sponge industry: the Greek restaurants are good too.

    Sarasota has vacationing Amish in Pinecraft neighborhood. There's terrific restaurants there as well; shoo fly pies and traditional Amish cooking. I can smell it now ;)
  • sdianel_-acct_c's avatar
    sdianel_-acct_c
    Explorer
    Nov 24, 2014
    unfortunately not many RV parks in that area waterfront or water view. Bay Bayou in Tampa is a nice park and close enough to drive to Clearwater Beach.
    We prefer Quail Run RV Resort in Wesley Chapel, just north of Tampa.
    Ybor City in Tampa has lots of Cuban and Spanish Restaurants and a couple of breweries - go during the day. It's party time at night!
    Tampa Bay History Center
    Henry B Plant Museum
    Fort Desoto in St Petersburg
    drive over the Skyway Bridge to Sarasota and visit the Ringling Museum.
    Drive to Ft Myers and see Thomas Edison's home and laboratory.
    WWII American Victory Ship at Channelside.
    Lakeridge Winery in Lake Wales is nice.
    There is a lunch or dinner sightseeing cruise Starlite Majesty that leaves from Clearwater Beach.
  • Gsturner's avatar
    Gsturner
    Explorer
    Nov 24, 2014
    While in the area, check out Tarpon Springs. Great overview of the sponge diving industry.
  • dockmasterdave's avatar
    dockmasterdave
    Explorer
    Nov 24, 2014
    We live in SW Florida and regularly go to Ramblers Rest in Venice. Yes there are a lot of park models, but the people have always been nice to us.
    We will be there again this Feb or March.
    Right on the Myakka river.
  • phillyg's avatar
    phillyg
    Explorer II
    Nov 24, 2014
    Most of the locations in/near Tampa are long stay "resorts" with some transient spaces. The state parks are more like campgrounds. Best bet is to use Woodalls.com or similar to find a specific location and ask for recommendations here.
  • AdirondackJack's avatar
    AdirondackJack
    Explorer
    Nov 24, 2014
    There is much to see and do in the Tampa Bay Area - you'll have a blast! http://www.tampabaysnowbirder.com/

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