trial run

[Kevin_Todd]

Wife and I are thinking about taking a trip to central/south Florida the week of Thanksgiving just to look around at some of the campgrounds and see where we would like to spend some time in the future as we plan our retirement. We won't be pulling the RV this time, just looking at the area. What campgrounds and areas do you like the best for winter trips? Just getting a feel and taking a road trip. We went down to Lake Placid and rented a cabin a few years ago and really enjoyed that area.

[rockhillmanor]

I full-timed after being a snowbird and cruised all over Florida. You really should take a day or two on your way down to explore the Crystal River, Rainbow River area.

I personally never stayed here but many forum members rave about the Rock Crusher CG. IMHO this area is the best kept secret of Florida.

It's just knock down beautiful here with all the bright blue natural springs and rivers meandering thru out this area and all the activities including the manatees, kayaking, bike and walking trails, etc. All tucked into real wooded areas.

I bought a winter home in this area and I am here to tell you there are no mosquitoes!!

When I stayed in the Leesburg area and anywhere south of there the mosquitoes where out all day if you were even near any trees, and as soon as the sun even thought of going down they would just about carry you away! :C

[doxiemom11]

You could start your search by using rvparkreviews.com by city in FL and read the reviews. You will be able to eliminate some based on statements made such as sites a really tight, hard to maneuver with big rig etc. You might be able to eliminate going in person on some of them.

[Dutch_12078]

As said, Florida is a large state. We need more info about what your preferences are. We'll start our "winter tour" of Florida this winter at Ft Clinch State Park just over the Georgia line, and then work our way south until we get to Midway Campground on the Tamiami Trail in the Big Cypress National Preserve section of the Everglades, before we start working our way north again. And we frequently see 40'+ coaches in state parks like Myakka River near Sarasota, Alafia River near Lithia, and the NPS Midway Campground near Everglades City, plus many others. They all list site lengths on Reserve America and Recreation.gov.

[Parrothead_Mike]

We did some looking around in some of the areas you're looking at a couple of years ago before settling on the Crystal River area further north.

Sebring was a nice area, but the one private CG we stayed at we didn't care to stay long term. Instead we stayed at Highland Hammocks SP a few times. There were some nice golf courses and plenty of lakes around there.

Arcadia offered a few potential parks. We stayed at Cross Creek RV Park for a few days. It's a clean and well organized park. Lots of activities. It's well out of town though. http://www.crosscreekrv.com/

In fact, there are a couple of parks in that area north of Arcadia you might want to check out.

Another one with an Arcadia address, although it's really closer to Port Charlotte than it is to Arcadia, is Riverside RV Park. This was a very nice place, but more expensive than further inland. We have some friends that stay there and have heard it's getting difficult to get reservations for any length of time. http://rvonthego.com/florida/riverside-rv-resort/

Here's a link to RV Park Reviews.com for the Arcadia area. As I mentioned, there are some parks worth checking into in the area.

http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/florida/arcadia

Good luck in your search. It's a good thing you're looking into snow birding areas early. I suspect it will only get more difficult to get into a park as us boomers retire. We did a 6-7 week trip in '13 to find a park(s) we might like. Went from north down to the keys. Finally stayed for a month at one park (Rock Crusher in Crystal River) and now stay for 4 months.

[Kevin_Todd]

Don't think state parks will work, rig is too big. What I was hoping for is some points along the way to check out as far as different campgrounds. We will probably get 100 miles south of Tampa and start looking around. I'm familiar with the northern and central parts, we've been as far south as Clewiston.

[rockhillmanor]

North, South, East or West?

Most people don't realize how diverse the State of Florida is.
The weather alone is different in each of these quadrants.

Not to mention if you want to be near the attractions and/or if you want to be on the Atlantic Shores or the Gulf side, middle of the state or more north central or way down to the Keys hoping they have it all put back together again for when you go there!

If you want to be surrounded by nature you need to head to north central. If you don't mind a lot of concrete and sardine CG's then the south might work for you.

I'd just run down I-75 and get off and stay at different motels along the way south and see what area you like best.

Give us a little more about what you like to do, see, and experience so we can steer you in the right direction! :C

[theoldwizard1]

By "look around" I assume you are talking about for the 2018-19 season !

[happynow]

Given the size of Florida,your preferences will allow for better recommendations.
Many use South of I-4, or the west coast or panhandle.
Do you prefer State Parks in a natural area? Resorts with activities?
Inland or near beaches or lakes for fishing, ...