looking for nice campground on the way home from Disney

[chester490]

We will be heading to Texas from Disney World. Would like to drive about 3 to 4 hours per day. I do not care whether we drive up the center of Florida or follow the coast. Just would like to overnight in a scenic area. With swimming for toddler. And maybe find some interesting sites to see along the way home. My daughter would specifically like to see a manatee swimming. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[rockhillmanor]

X10 on Crystal River for Manatees and lots of stuff to do.

Also it is a short drive to Rainbow Springs Dunnellon. Where the water is an unbelievable blue and you can see all the way down the spring. And you can take a tube, canoe or kayak ride (they supply them) down the river also. Kiddies and yourselves would love both places.

[2012Coleman]

It's kind of close to Disney, but if you want to see manatees, then Blue Springs state park is the place to go!

[chester490]

Thanks for the suggestions. I especially appreciate all the itinerary PADREDW. This will be our first year to be retired. We are usually driving home as fast as we can on the interstate, to get back to work. I figured we might as well continue the vacation on the way back home. I looked at the Florida state park web site. I saw all the locations, but had no idea which would be wonderful stops. I know there must be beautiful things to see in Florida besides Disney, so decided i would try to find it.

[padredw]

I use the old "Trailer Life Campground Navigator" which is no longer available. Even though my version is several years out of date, it is still my most valuable tool for trip planning.

Using that resource, here is a sample route for your trip home from Disney World to Vidor. There could be innumerable variations, but I give this as one example.

First day, a short drive over to Homosassa Springs where you can most assuredly see manatees. only 84 miles and about two hours.

Second day, around the Gulf shore to Carabelle Beach, 290 miles and about 4 hours.

Third day, up to Fort Pickens on Santa Rosa Island. It is now part of the National Seashore and has nice camping. 178 miles, about 3 hours, 45 minutes

Fourth day, along I-10 to I-12 and either Fontainebleau State Park or Fairview/Riverside State Park in Louisiana 205 miles about 4 hours.

Fifth day, Lafayette, LA. several good campgrounds in the area. 135 miles 2 and 1/2 hours.

Sixth day, Home to Vidor in 117 miles 2 hours 15 minutes.

Obviously you could drop the stop at Lafayette and go on home in a little over 4 hours.

This is just an example of how a trip can be planned around desired miles/hours to travel in a day. Yes, can make this trip in less than 5 or 6 days (I would probably do so) but you can't drive no more than 400 miles and do it in that time. That is the importance of doing trip planning.

[jajefmly]

Agree,
Rock crusher
In addition
Lake osprey
Gulf shores state park
Buckhorn lake resort?
Happy travels!

[jplante4]

+1 for Rock Crusher.

We did Bradenton to the Bolivar Peninsula in the past 2 months. We try to limit the legs to 250 miles. Here's where we stopped;

Rock Crusher Canyon, Crystal River FL
HoHum on US98 in Carabelle FL
Topsail SP in Destin area
Buccaneer SP in Waveland MS (be careful how you get to this park if you're towing)
Poche's Fish 'n Camp in Breaux Bridge LA (right off I-10)

[padredw]

El Camino highway, US 84.

If you should choose this route, I can give you very recent and specific information as I just used this route to return from Brunswick, Ga to North East Texas. PM me if I can help.

We have stayed several times at Manatee Springs State Park near Chiefland, FL. We have never seen a manatee there, but we were always there at the wrong season. They come up to the springs in winter.

However, you can be assured of seeing manitees at Homosassa Springs Wildlife center at Homosassa, FL

Homosassa Springs Web Site

[scrubjaysnest]

El Camino highway, US 84.

[accsys]

Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park. Near Crystal River with lots to do and manatees can be found nearby.

[skiles]

Another site I like is campedthere.com

[jerseyjim]

Get a map, a Trailer Life Campground book and maybe a KOA directory. Check "RV REVIEWS.com" Do it yourself...part of the fun.

FWIW