South of I-4 between Christmas and New Years no reservations

[jspringator]

I'm fairly new to the motorhome scene. With my TT, we made reservations someplace for a week and stayed there. I'd like to try a more mobile approach without reservations.

Will there be boondocking or walk up opportunities in that area of Florida? I know there won't be anything in the Keys, that the Homestead Walmart is a no no, but there is an Indian Casino on Krome Avenue that permits boondocking. Anything I-4 area and south is what I'm talking about. Maybe drive and see the sights during the day, find a nice day park and find a safe place to park for the night.

I've never done anything without reservations and I'm a little anxious about it.

Has anyone done anything similar? Words of wisdom and good sites?

[jspringator]

I don't mind Cracker Barrels and Fly'n Js. Tampa, Bradenton or north of Tampa would be perfect. Love Ft. Desoto. AMI. Perfect for day trips. If the weather is nice a jaunt to St. Petersburg. Blue Spring State Park to watch the Manatees. 2 days at each of these places would be perfect. I just need a safe place to park for the night. I may try a walk up in one of the state parks. I just don't want to be tied to 1 place.

One reason I didn't make reservations because I believed UK would have a decent chance at a Bowl game over the holidays. After our performance in the Southern Miss game, I realized I needed a plan B. But i've always wanted to try something like this.

Looks like the Fly'n J in the Tampa area won't accept RVers. Do Cracker Barrels down there have similar restrictions?

[johnhicks]

Surely you jest!

Not only will you not find a Wal-Mart, you won't even find a K-mart.

In all seriousness, I suggest you look at/make reservations at parks along US-27 right now.

I'm planning to not find anything last-minute south of north Florida or south Georgia.

[sdianel_-acct_c]

Not many boondocking places in south FL. You could try truck stops like Flying J or Cracker Barrel. Also commercial RV parks are probably booked already and are very expensive. Check with Christmas RV Park in Christmas FL. About 20 miles to Titusville beaches. What type of sights do you want to see? Which coast? I would not try the Keys without reservations. Long drive to be turned down. Casinos will also be extremely busy that week. For those dates reservations would be best.

[samsphones]

Pioneer Creek in Bowling Green,Fl usually always has a few spots available, about 70-80 miles to Orlando

[stickdog]

We booked Christmas through New Years back in April.

[agesilaus]

Any CG will be booked solid if:
1) It is during the 'season' that runs roughly from Thanksgiving to the end of March. Depending on the weather up north.

and if:
1) It is within a hour or so of a beach
2) Is south of Orlando
3) Is anywhere in the Keys
4) Is a State of Federal park.

So you may find an open spot in a CG in La Belle 75 miles from the coast or some other place like that but the truth is that that central part of Florida is mostly farmland. Or National park of one type of another. And also the west coast has much more limited beach areas than does the east coast which is solid beach from Jacksonville to Key West.