Florida in winter

[Colo_Native]

We are looking to go to Central Florida in Jan and Feb do we need to make reservations or are we ok to just wing it? Never been there so good places to stay are welcome too.

[rvonthegogo]

Removed the link for you motorcycle jack thanks for pointing that out, I didn't look at it that way.

[motorcycle_jack]

Check out Williston Crossings RV Resort, a Good Sam 10 x 10 x 10 CG. in central northern Florida - you wont be disappointed. Call Gail and make a reservation but you won't need one 🙂

[Parrothead_Mike]

Two winters ago we went down to Florida for 6 weeks (Feb. 1st-March 15) and camped at about 8 different campgrounds, some near the coasts, some in the central portion of the state. In the case of the central locations (Sebring, Winter Haven, Umatilla, Wesley Chapel) we never made a reservation and had no problem securing a site. We were looking to spend 3-4 nights per campground rather than a long-term stay. All three locations had multiple sites available while we camped there.

One suggestion if you're not planning to make reservations before leaving home: You might try phoning ahead to the next RV park a day or two prior to leaving your current location. That way you aren't going in blind. I would do this if you going to a more popular park or one located in a busy location like Orlando.

One thing that helped was that I did quite a bit of research on 35 different RV parks prior to leaving for our trip. I did this for various geographic areas of the state we planned to visit. I created a chart that included name & address, website & phone number, rates, amenities, comments & ratings from other campers (using RV Park Reviews.com), and actual directions like exit numbers and state routes. This was very helpful and allowed us to plan our next location easily.

[LindaD]

We make reservations but have also changed it up a bit while down there as needed. Generally it's probably best that you do, as many others have said the most popular places, sites book up quickly as well as most state/municipal parks. Agree that you should try to visit coastal Florida, the ocean and gulf of Mexico are something not to miss while you are traveling there.

[dcason]

We have met many folks that have gone to Florida without reservations.
Some were okay with the results and some were not. I cannot tell you how many people we've seen driving out of park after turning around because park was filled (state parks). Usually the next time, they get it together to make reservations even if it is a few days here and a few days there to see what they like.

Visit some of the coast areas if you can get a reservation...west and east.
Donna

[Ivylog]

Plenty of private CG where you do not need reservations in central Fla. Need more info on what "good" means to you.

[fla-gypsy]

If you plan on visiting the state parks you will need reservations

[Wingnusa]

It also depends on what you mean by central Florida. If you're planning staying in the center( between coasts) you'll be fine. If you want to be close to the coast I'd make a reservation...

[Big_Katuna]

I'll clarify my "you don't need reservations".

You will be able to find accommodations in January and Feb. However, there will be more than a few parks you will not be able to get into without reservations.

Many popular state parks book up 11 months in advance. Places like Wekiva Falls get busy but they have 800+ sites and never fill up BUT the prime spots are gone.

[JW_of_Opechee_S]

Defiantly make reservations. Go to Rvparkreviews.com and read the reviews of parks in the area you are contemplating. We stay in an over 55 park that is super clean and sites are large; which means they are hard to come by in the winter months. Once you get there then you should go to other parks and check them out first hand, we all have different needs and wants.

[Dog_Folks]

I would not go without reservations. Florida during that time is very busy. Longer term stays like a week or more will be hard to find.

If you move around every two or three days, you could snag sites without too much trouble.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

If you plan on staying in one spot for a month or more, I would make reservations. If you are going to be moving around, you may have a problem on weekends or holidays.

[Big_Katuna]

You won't need reservations except at a few places. Wekiva Falls is somewhat interesting near Sanford. Orange City RV Resort is ok.