Going South for the Winter

[snicky]

Being somewhat newbies on the RV world, my wife and I from MN and have a 2017 Newmar Class A motor-home. Although our Winter stays are relatively short at about 2 months, this will be our 4th year in going to AZ to beat the MN Winter weather. We typically leave in Feb. and return in April. Next year, 2019 we would like to change our destination to possibly Fla. but have no idea on where to begin looking for suitable RV parks. My wife and I are small town folk and my wife is quite urban and loves to shop boutiques, etc.. We're both in our 60's so being right on a beach isn't necessary but close would be nice. While traveling I always look for the best reviews on RV parks and where to stay. Unfortunately, reviews aren't always trustworthy. Anyone have any suggestions and maybe a favorite of your's.

[Doin_it]

Two winters ago we spent one week each exploring 7 different spots in Florida. We hurried south late January to get to the warmth, then worked our way north. Some of our favorites were the Encore Miami Everglades park in Homestead. It is in an old avacado orchard! We spent a couple days driving the toad up through the Everglades, and a day in Miami. One of our weeks was spent at Highland Hammock State Park in Sebring. They have a great loop to ride bikes on, with raised walking trails through the swamp. Another favorite was Rock Crusher Canyon in Crystal River. Many things to do in the area, including seeing the manatees in the warm spring water, a day trip to Cedar Key and the Weeki Wachee Mermaids. You need to get reservations made ASAP. Have fun!

[wxtoad]

We wintered in Florida for a number of years, wandering here and there. We're not fans of commercial CG's and stayed at state, county, municipal and military facilities.

We rarely made reservations and had no problems finding a place to spend the night.

We generally stayed in the northern half of the state - not as busy, cheaper and warm enough for us New Englanders. There are some great places out in the Panhandle.

You can find pictures and comments on the many different parks we stayed at and also some articles about places we visited on our web site.

Ted H.

[snicky]

I will, thanks j

[Irover]

Check out Citrus Florida! Far enough South in February to enjoy the weather!

[jplante4]

Don't forget to look at the Panhandle. Panama City out to Pensacola, Gulf coast, less hectic than central Florida and much cheaper.

[snicky]

Thank you for the responses regarding Winter Florida. If you think of any other recommendations please don't hesitate to pass them on. We'll be researching the already recommended places.

With 3 married children and 7 grand kids living within a mile from us in a town of 4500, we would be a little hard pressed not to be here for the holidays. For 2019 we would like to leave earlier in January weather permitting.

[drsteve]

You hang out in Minnesota until February?

[sljohnson1938]

if you are planning on Florida, I would suggest you make reservations soon.
We stayed at Sandy Oaks in Beverly Hills Florida several years and liked it.
Florida is much more expensive than Texas and Arizona.

[magnusfide]

Double ditto on Bushnell and that west side of Florida. You're near enough to St Pete and Tampa for diversions but far enough away to have some quiet.

[RobWNY]

LadyRVer wrote:
Sent you a pm

I subscribed to this thread hoping to gain knowledge just like Snicky. Creating a similar thread wasn't the right thing to do. Why not share your knowledge with all of us? Isn't that what this forum is all about?

[LadyRVer]

Sent you a pm

[Juzaxadar]

I usually use the good sam trip planner and I use good sam parks for the discount. I have found that sticking with 9 and 10 (out of 10) ratings usually works quite well.

If you get down to the Keys, the Blue Water RV Resort is expensive but it's the classiest RV spot I've ever seen.

[chast]

Hi—look in to the Escapee park, Sumter Oaks, in Bushnell, Florida. Rural setting with just a short ride to all you are looking for. Many other parks located in the Bushnell area as well, all of which are good parks. We are permanent residents of Sumter Oaks and are very familiar with the area and the parks. Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.