Snow birds

[sk734]

We will be heading south to FL for the first time. Do you prefer a wooded lot or out in the open and why. We look for shade in the summer. I am note sure we will need shade in the winter. Looking to be about the middle of the state.
Thanks

[WandaLust2]

We like a semi-shady spot in the winter in FL. We don't like CGs or Resorts with no trees that look like parking lots. And we wont stay where they pack you so close together you can hear your neighbor belch and their toilet flush. We've always had a clear area for our Satellite dish. That hasn't been a problem. We stay in FL (Ocala area) from sometime in Dec to April 1st. This winter we plan to stay at Whispering Pines in Silver Springs off SR 40. It's in the Ocala NF but still close to shopping and only 12 miles from Ocala.

[bigwheelsturnin]

we've never done the "snowbird" thing...but...this winter..Nov thru Feb...we'll be @ live oak...volunteering at the state park...
I'm just gonna keep remembering last winters ice storm here...outta power 5 days....3 layers of clothes...gloves...hats....dawgs coats...limited outs..
and...the big banner i wanted saying..."Florida or bust"...on the back of the camper.
the campground has lottsa pine...so..."look out below".

[GoPackGo]

Where you stay in Florida will probably drive the answer to your question. In general, If I'm north of the Tampa/Orlando latitudes, then I want the sun. But you might want to get some shade if you're in the more southern parts.

I can tell you from experience that the winter temps in the Port Charlotte area are much warmer then the temps in the Orlando area. South of Port Charlotte, it seems almost tropical. And northern Florida can get downright cold. I seem to remember a picture that was making the rounds last winter that showed snow up on I-10 in Florida. It's an extremely long state with several different climate zones.

[holstein13]

As a 45 year Florida resident, I'd say get the shade. It rarely gets so cold that you need to keep your RV warmed by the sun. Besides, you'll spend most of your time on a lounge chair by the pool and not in your RV. The trees are beautiful and campgrounds that have lots of trees are usually in big demand.

If you like shade in the summer, you'll like it in the winter for the same reasons.

Now if you have an immovable dish on your roof and don't care for the camp's cable TV or your arial antenna, that's a different issue.

[retispcsi]

We live in SW Fla. and as of 3 weeks ago we fulltime in SW Fla. The summers are warm and the sun is hot. We won't be here for next summer but for now we have to stay. Anyway remember anything north of Tampa is the frost zone. The further south of Tampa you go the warmer in the winter. Temps in the winter can be as much as 40 or 50 degrees from the panhandle to Naples. The afternoon sun is always hotter. We are going to put window awnings on our next rig to cover the windows not under the awnings. Yes two awnings on next rig. If you are coming down this winter you had better start looking for lodging as the best ones may already be gone. We stay as close to the gulf as possible within budget limits. We are 20 minutes from some great beaches now. The further inland you go the hotter it is in Fla. It is always nicer near the coast weather wise and west of I75 is usually warmer in the winter on the west coast. Decide what you are looking for on your trip as Fla. is a very different state from north to south and the east and the west coast are different experiences.

[JW_of_Opechee_S]

All of the previous have it right. We are outside Mt. Dora and like the sun for all the previous reasons. We get afternoons that are into the 80's but if you can choose the right site you can make sure you are in the shade in the afternoon. Our park is almost full so limited choices but a superb park with big sites, concrete patios, free WiFi that works, plenty to do or not do. Hope you find a place that makes you experience a good one.

[restlesswind]

"I also try to find a site where the west is on the awning side of the MH. The sun is the hottest in the afternoon, winter or summer in Florida. That way you can drop the awning to it's lowest point and keep the MH cooler as the sun goes down." We do the opposite...Front of the fiver facing North,that way we get morning sun and and afternoon shade on the awning side.
We don't do FL any more,too many bugs(at least in the Tampa area where we were).We go to AZ for the winter.

[rockhillmanor]

In the winter months no trees if you enjoy watching TV.
Trees seriously interfere with antenna reception for your TV. When you pull in look at what direction everyone's antenna is pointed. Then find a site that has a clear shot of trees into that direction! :C

Also I have found the trees in Florida are certainly not like the ones up North. The tree and the limbs might look healthy but they break off all the time like bombs going off crashing into your RV. Makes no difference if it's a soft wood tree or hard wood like an oak they just break and fall right off. That's why I don't park under trees in Florida.

I also try to find a site where the west is on the awning side of the MH. The sun is the hottest in the afternoon, winter or summer in Florida. That way you can drop the awning to it's lowest point and keep the MH cooler as the sun goes down.

[Dog_Folks]

From Florida experience, I would stay in the sun between December and February.
(Now June to October is a WHOLE nother ballgame. That is why we are not there anymore.)

We do.

Last year was awfully cold, and the sun on the camper was welcome.

[aslakson]

We look for a full hookup site where our satellite dish will get a signal - that generally means a southern exposure. After that, we go for level and then grass and then more space between neighbors. Middle of the state to us means the Orlando area or a little south - and it can get chilly. Having sun to warm you may be appreciated.

But the way the weather's been lately, all bets are off trying to predict.

Adjust and adapt and have fun.

al