Hey everyone! The wife and I are contemplating packing up our 5th wheel here in Phoenix and heading to some heat and humidity for all of Dec and the first week of Jan. The temps are getting cold starting Friday ... We are experienced in the SW USA - but have never been down through Florida. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to begin the search/planning?We are looking for as warm as possible - and we would want the amenities that the nicer/larger parks offer (Pools/Htubs/Gym). We have 2.5 months booked at ORPS in Palm Springs CA so we would love to find something similar to that style of park. (https://www.outdoorresort.com/) On a golf course would be a plus for sure. I would love some suggestions - even a few cities would be a great start? We want to be on the western side of FL and budget is up to $4K a month. Thanks!!

South of Orlando starts to get expensive. The further inland the cheaper it is.One thing in your favor. December should be easy booking in many places. It gets tricky after New Years.

You want to be south of Ft Myers for sure. Naples is nice....Silver Lakes.....Crystal Lakes etc.....Like was said...almost impossible to get in in Jan.......there is a nice OR in the Keys where it will be warm......

Imperial Bonita EstatesIf you're lucky, you might still snare one of the riverside sites. Lots of golfers here; courses around the area. Most activities of any park around. Two Rec. Halls. Visit the website. Located in Bonita Springs, ten miles north of Naples.

We have done the same in the Past and Arizona is our home. Just draw a line across the state from West Palm Beach to Tampa. Stay below that line for what you are looking for. Some things to beware of are: humidity is lower than in the summer, there is fog in the winter, Cost are much higher for nearly everything, Traffic is worst than anything you will find in Arizona, reservations are required for most for the best Camping locations (late for this year, need to be made 6+ months early), there are biting bugs in the winter and Temps are NOT that much warmer than Phoenix & about the same as Yuma. Some of the best camping sites & activities are north of the above stated line. Florida has great Food (Cuban & Seafood) and State Parks. Good Luck!rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

This winter is going to be colder than normal in the SE and my line is parallel to and below I-4. Most cold fronts stall around Orlando area making for it being colder and more rain. The fronts come down the state on a NE/SW angle, not as rocmoc stated. This late, it's going to be hard to find a month in any one location so you may have to settle on a couple weeks and then move.

Looking to head to SW Florida. Any suggestions?

daveblack99
Explorer
Nov 29, 2018
Thanks everyone for the replies - that is some really great info.

@rocmoc - thanks for the detailed info that helps immensely! We have spotted the Silver Lakes RV park so just going to see if they have availability. Anyone stayed there? I am surprised at the lack of higher end/luxury parks in FL - compared to PHO/CA area!

We are originally from the Toronto area but have been west for well over 10 years now. It will be interesting to feel the humidity and see the mosquitos again if we go ...

The average temp for Dec/Jan in Naples look to be around 74 and Yuma is 69. Not much warmer - but we all know how cold it gets at night/if theres some clouds or wind here in the desert!!
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Nov 29, 2018
There are some small, not resort level parks around Okeechobee you might get into.
Ivylog
Explorer III
Nov 29, 2018
This winter is going to be colder than normal in the SE and my line is parallel to and below I-4. Most cold fronts stall around Orlando area making for it being colder and more rain. The fronts come down the state on a NE/SW angle, not as rocmoc stated. This late, it's going to be hard to find a month in any one location so you may have to settle on a couple weeks and then move.
rocmoc
Explorer
Nov 29, 2018
We have done the same in the Past and Arizona is our home. Just draw a line across the state from West Palm Beach to Tampa. Stay below that line for what you are looking for. Some things to beware of are: humidity is lower than in the summer, there is fog in the winter, Cost are much higher for nearly everything, Traffic is worst than anything you will find in Arizona, reservations are required for most for the best Camping locations (late for this year, need to be made 6+ months early), there are biting bugs in the winter and Temps are NOT that much warmer than Phoenix & about the same as Yuma. Some of the best camping sites & activities are north of the above stated line. Florida has great Food (Cuban & Seafood) and State Parks. Good Luck!

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
fchammer1
Explorer
Nov 29, 2018
Imperial Bonita Estates

If you're lucky, you might still snare one of the riverside sites. Lots of golfers here; courses around the area. Most activities of any park around. Two Rec. Halls. Visit the website. Located in Bonita Springs, ten miles north of Naples.
netjam
Explorer
Nov 29, 2018
You want to be south of Ft Myers for sure. Naples is nice....Silver Lakes.....Crystal Lakes etc.....Like was said...almost impossible to get in in Jan.......there is a nice OR in the Keys where it will be warm......
Fizz
Explorer
Nov 29, 2018
South of Orlando starts to get expensive. The further inland the cheaper it is.

One thing in your favor. December should be easy booking in many places. It gets tricky after New Years.

Forum Discussion

Looking to head to SW Florida. Any suggestions?

About Campground 101

Related Content

Looking for our first RV and suggestions ...

Onan Genny - Help - Looking for suggestions!

Looking to buy small TT, suggestions appreciated.

Looking for Tow rig suggestion at about $5K?

2013 F150 New Tire Suggestions - Looking at Michelin