We used to stay at Crystal Isles resort in Crystal River, Fl. The last 2yrs. we stayed there the no-see-ums ate us and our dog alive {last yr. was 2011}. Would like to go back to that area in march and are looking for a good park. Lake Rousseau and Rock Crusher look good but reviews don't mention bugs. We like to Kayak and love a warm swimming pool and/or hot tub. We were not sure if the bugs were only bad close to the coast or were they all over the area {I remember we couldn't eat outside at Dan's Clam Shack either} ? Have searched Fl. park review sites w/out any luck ! Thank You for any insights !

You are going to find them just about every where there is water in Florida. Two friends of mine that Full Time stayed in Crystal River last year but are coming back to Leesburg because of the no see ums. They said that they could not leave to windows open on cooler days as they would come in right thru the screens.

And you have camped other waterfront places and NOT had Mosquitos, bugs? Did this last all night or just sunset?Usually if there is a breeze, it helps with bugs but otherwise it seems it comes with the territory.Last year, at 7800' elevation on a lake, sunset had bugs, later it was fine!Nancy

Rock Crusher will not have the noseeums, but can't say the same for Lake Rousseau.

No-see-ums are a fact of life in the coastal areas of the south.

No We're not on the water now. The last 2yrs. we've stayed in Orange City near Daytona. We visit the Springs and St. Johns River. Few bugs but no no-see-ums. Last time at Crystal River I had no-see-um screens and still spent every night killing no-see-ums inside the trailer. We hooked-up at 8am and I spent 3 days driving home scratching. We tried fans didn't work, 50% deet and all other recommended sprays they worked for 20-30 mins., during the day time too. I live in northern Vt. and know what black fly's and mosquitos are like at least you can see them but these no-see-ums were worse.

Looking for a park in Crystal River area w/out no-see-ums

Tripalot
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
We did not have problems with no see ums when we stayed at Rock Crusher Canyon.
Very nice park, friendly people, good pool and large hot tub.
Boldtning
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
We have wintered at Rock Crusher Canyon the past 3 years and will head there again at the end of the month. We do NOT have noseeums there. Never have. We have a dog as well and obviously she is not bothered by noseeums there. If there was a noseeum problem there, we'd head elsewhere.
garlic
Explorer
Oct 13, 2013
Try going where it is high and dry. We often stay at the Withlacoochee State Forest at the Tillis Hill area. Electric & water + a dumping station. Here is the killer for most RVers: NO DOGS (or horses) in the campground. Dogs must stay in the kennels, horses in the stables. Otherwise a great spot.
NanciL
Explorer II
Oct 12, 2013
lakeman48 wrote:
We used to stay at Crystal Isles resort in Crystal River, Fl. The last 2yrs. we stayed there the no-see-ums ate us and our dog alive {last yr. was 2011}. Would like to go back to that area in march and are looking for a good park. Lake Rousseau and Rock Crusher look good but reviews don't mention bugs. We like to Kayak and love a warm swimming pool and/or hot tub. We were not sure if the bugs were only bad close to the coast or were they all over the area {I remember we couldn't eat outside at Dan's Clam Shack either} ? Have searched Fl. park review sites w/out any luck ! Thank You for any insights !

No matter where you go, the no-se-ums will get you.
Get yourself a Thermacell and live happily ever after. They are worth every penny you pay for them.

jack l
Dog_Folks
Explorer
Oct 12, 2013
bcsdguy wrote:
Dog Folks,
Thank you for explaining the no-see-ums. Now I know not to be out at dawn or dusk in Florida.

Near the water at dawn and dusk. Their activity drops off sharply when you get away from the water. Don't want you to think the entire state is off limits at dawn and dusk. LOL
The_Texan
Explorer
Oct 12, 2013
Believe me, Florida does not have a lock on no-see-ums. They are in most if not every state in the US, just not observed unless you are in the right place at the right time.

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/aquatic/biting_midges.htm
bcsdguy
Explorer
Oct 12, 2013
Dog Folks,
Thank you for explaining the no-see-ums. Now I know not to be out at dawn or dusk in Florida.
Dog_Folks
Explorer
Oct 12, 2013
bcsdguy wrote:
I'm from California. I don't know what "no-see-ums" are. Could you enlighten me?

No see Ums are a very small biting midge. They certainly can make being outdoors at dawn and dusk, (In Florida,) very uncomfortable.

Think about being bitten by a hundred mosquitoes at once, without the normal swelling. That is what it feels like.

Here is a link: No See Ums

Hope this helps.
bcsdguy
Explorer
Oct 12, 2013
I'm from California. I don't know what "no-see-ums" are. Could you enlighten me?
spoonman
Explorer
Oct 12, 2013
Going back to NCL in Crystal River again for our 6th winter, the no see-ums can be a issue but every place has one issue or another. When they are around I try to think about the ICE and SNOW at home.