Florida

Florida state parks have a gate, but if you call and pay for the day, they will leave you an envelope with info and the gate keypad numbers.

Also, if the park is full - many FSP will allow overflow a night in the parking lot. We did that yesterday -- got tired, pulled in, CG full, so they will allow overflow for one night and only if you are self-contained.

Make sure you hit Everglades NP while here -- great place, plenty of sites -- they are never full in Flamingo -- sometimes full in Royal Palms ...

kohldad wrote:
Thanks for the advice. Checked out Florida SP reservations and it appears not to be a problem with site here for one night and there the next. Nice thing about those single night spots is they tend to stay open. Will just have to figure out where we want to spend the next night and call for the spot in the morning then mosey to it.

Wife wants to see Manatees so Blue Springs will be on the stopping list. Just hope some are still hanging around.

Other things on our list include Ocala NF, Kennedy Space Center, St Augustine, and Fort Clinch SP. Rest of the time will just be spent relaxing moseying around.

Question about the SP though, can you get into the park after 5pm as long as you have a site or reservation?

Also, is it safe to boondock solo in the Ocala NF or should I stay in campgrounds?

Florida state parks close at sundown so you may want to call to get the code and instructions on check in. Camping in the ONF is generally safe particularlly in the developed camping areas that are not off the beaten path. Those deeper back in the forest do attract vagrants from time to time that may pose a threat to personal safety. Salt Spgs, Juniper Spgs, Alexander Spgs, Lake Eaton and others are good camping spots in the ONF.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/ocala/recreation/camping-cabins

Blue springs normally has a large amount of manatees all winter, March will be 50/50. Still a nice park, but there are active train tracks close, and east of the campground. If you like to ride bikes, there is a really nice bike path from the front gate that goes north about 4 miles to lake Beresford park.

kohldad wrote:
Question about the SP though, can you get into the park after 5pm as long as you have a site or reservation?

Also, is it safe to boondock solo in the Ocala NF or should I stay in campgrounds?

I don't know about dispersed camping within the Ocala NF, but most State Parks close at sundown and require a code to operate the gates if you try to come into the park after the gates close. I would call the park before they close and get the current code if you want to come in after hours. They might give it to you if you have a reservation - not sure if you are just dropping in.

Thanks for the advice. Checked out Florida SP reservations and it appears not to be a problem with site here for one night and there the next. Nice thing about those single night spots is they tend to stay open. Will just have to figure out where we want to spend the next night and call for the spot in the morning then mosey to it.

Wife wants to see Manatees so Blue Springs will be on the stopping list. Just hope some are still hanging around.

Other things on our list include Ocala NF, Kennedy Space Center, St Augustine, and Fort Clinch SP. Rest of the time will just be spent relaxing moseying around.

Question about the SP though, can you get into the park after 5pm as long as you have a site or reservation?

Also, is it safe to boondock solo in the Ocala NF or should I stay in campgrounds?

I agree with Gypsie on the Ocala area having very nice parks. Juniper / Alexander and Salt Springs fit your description to a tee !

What part of Fl are your interested in ?

Many (if not all) of the FL State Parks have "walk-up" sites. They are first come first serve, and they come open about 11 AM (IIRC). You shouldn't have any trouble finding random campsites here and there, the walk-up sites are an option to check out if you're having trouble.

during the week you shouldn't have a problem. Weekends, spring break, holidays will be difficult and I would call to check on availability. I would also move inland and you will have a better chance of finding sites. Which coast? east (Atlantic) or west (Gulf) side of Florida? Check Christmas RV Park in Christmas FL.

You may have problems finding spots around Panama City around that time. It's spring break and hotels and rv sites are usually booked.

Parks begin to empty out somewhat after February, so you shouldn't have any problem finding spots for short term stays.