Lake camping in Florida

[kshayer]

We are already looking ahead to next year's spring break, which for us is the 3rd week in March. We love to kayak and ride our bikes. Can anyone recommend a lakeside campground where it might be warm in March - maybe Florida or Georgia? We're in Iowa and don't like to have to take more than one night to get to our destination. We love Gulf Shores State Park and Topsail in Destin, looking for someplace new. I think we would like a lake because we have inflatable kayaks, and last year, while kayaking at Gulf State Park, a HUGE alligator swam by a little too close for comfort!

[NanciL]

jplante4 wrote:
Myakka River SP

Good heavens !
Myakka river SP has more alligators than any place we have ever been, and we have been to hundreds of lakes and rivers in Florida.

jack L

[jamesroadking]

If your retired military you can use the military campground on Kingsley Lake at Camp Blanding in Middleburg, Fl. It's a real nice crystal clear lake. No alligators, we used to canoe on it.

[Mich_F]

flguppie wrote:
Mich F,
I understand the frustration with wind this time of year. It always seems like our Spring Break week was messed up by high winds. We would book a week in the Keys.....Wind. The following year, same thing. We were convinced it was just typical of March but this has been an unusual year too. We were at Long Point in January this year and it blew like crazy the day we arrived and the day we left. Fortunately the other days were beautiful. You never know. But if you can get out on the water, the area is great. ??.

I was here two weeks ago, but could only get a site for two days. The wind wasn't too bad. Went out to, but not out the inlet, in the boat. This time I haven't even bothered leaving the campground area, just fishing around the mangroves around the campground. Tomorrow (my last day here) is supposed to be a little calmer.

[FLGup]

Mich F,
I understand the frustration with wind this time of year. It always seems like our Spring Break week was messed up by high winds. We would book a week in the Keys.....Wind. The following year, same thing. We were convinced it was just typical of March but this has been an unusual year too. We were at Long Point in January this year and it blew like crazy the day we arrived and the day we left. Fortunately the other days were beautiful. You never know. But if you can get out on the water, the area is great. ??.

[Mich_F]

flguppie wrote:
Lakes and fresh water are where alligators are thick as fleas. I would look for salt water if you want to minimize your gator odds. Still not a guarantee, but much better odds. Inter coastal waterways are great. Look at Long Point County Park near Sebastian Inlet. For your location, this is further south than a one night drive south, but worth it. Launch right from your campsite, listen to dolphin play while sitting under your awning in the morning with a cup of coffee. You’re that close to the water.

I'm at Long Point right now. :C
I've been here since Monday and it's been real windy all week. 😞

[FLGup]

Lakes and fresh water are where alligators are thick as fleas. I would look for salt water if you want to minimize your gator odds. Still not a guarantee, but much better odds. Inter coastal waterways are great. Look at Long Point County Park near Sebastian Inlet. For your location, this is further south than a one night drive south, but worth it. Launch right from your campsite, listen to dolphin play while sitting under your awning in the morning with a cup of coffee. You’re that close to the water.

[lizzie]

Alligators love lakes; gentle banks for easy access, nice weeds & brush around the edges, lots of water fowl. They also love holding ponds, swimming pools, ditches, any place with water. Best way to avoid them is to stay out of Florida and most of the deep south. That said, there are lots of campgrounds on lakes. Check out the Blackwater State Forest (near Milton, FL). lizzie

[Mich_F]

If alligators are a concern, one of the last places you would want to be, particularly in an inflatable kayak, is Myakka River state park. :E

[jplante4]

Myakka River SP

[magnusfide]

Grist State Park in Selma, AL

[kerrlakeRoo]

I havent camped there, but the area around Savannah is gorgeous and there are several campgrounds in the area which folks on here have commented favorably on. As to the town, Spanish Moss covered old oaks, a great area around the waterfront for bikes, restaurants, and shops. A few miles east and you have the coastal beaches.