Colorful lights enhance a trip into the caverns at Florida Caverns State Park. Photo by Milton Pullman
By Kevin Mims
It's no secret that Florida is one of the most popular destinations for RV'ers, especially in the winter months. RV parks in Florida are easy to find and range from rustic retreats all the way up to high-end private resorts.
We’ve got more than our fair share of natural wonders, but
one of the most interesting has to be Florida Caverns State Park. See colorful
stalagmites, stalactites and other formations on the cave tour. Hiking, biking,
equestrian camping and kayaking on the Chipola River can be done right at the
park, plus there is a 9-hole golf course located at the entrance.
Hook up at one of 156 big-rig friendly sites at Gregory E.
Moore RV Resort (it’s in the park) and take a tram down to one of the most
unbelievable beaches in the state. Hiking trails showcase Morris and Campbell
Lakes, two ultra rare coastal dune lakes that can only be found in a handful of
places in the entire world.
3. Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine
If you’re planning to explore St. Augustine, you won’t find
a better spot to set up base camp. Downtown is only 10 minutes away, but you’ll
definitely want to set aside plenty of time to relax in the park too. Hit the
beach, the trails or just relax in camp. You’ve got lots of options.
The further you drive back on Fort Pickens Road in the Gulf
Islands National Seashore, the further back it time it feels. 200 sites are
nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay, offering a great location
for hiking, beach activities (Langdon Beach is awesome), or exploring Fort
Pickens and other military gun batteries nearby.
It’s located in a section of Florida known as the Forgotten
Coast, but camping here is anything but forgettable. St. George Island always
gets plenty of love from Dr. Beach (it’s currently ranked as the third best
beach in the U.S.), so you can imagine why it's one of the best RV parks in
Florida. Bring boats, swim trunks and plenty of sunscreen for this one.
No trip to Florida is complete without checking out a
crystal clear freshwater spring. Set up camp at Juniper Springs in the Ocala
National Forest, and you’ll what the fuss is all about. Don’t miss a kayak or
canoe trip down seven-mile Juniper Run, one of the most breathtaking and
popular paddling trips in the country.
Disney, you say? Yep, RV camping at Fort Wilderness is
pretty darn nice. Of course, it’s about as family friendly as it gets – pet
friendly, too – and is an affordable lodging choice if you are planning to
visit the theme parks. You’ll have easy access to the Magic Kingdom and the
ability to see fireworks right from the campground. Give it a shot; you’ll
definitely be surprised.
8. Fisherman's Cove, Tampa Bay
This RV resort backs up to paradise. Terra Ceia Bay is a
playground for paddlers and anglers. Across the bay is Terra Ceia Preserve
State Park and nearly 2,000 acres of mangroves, hiking trails, and waterways.
Visitors can stay home and stay fit in the pool and on the pickle ball courts.
Or, the day trip options are infinite. You are 25 minutes from downtown St.
Petersburg, Bradenton, Sarasota, Anna Maria Island, and miles of Gulf-coast
beaches.
It’s not common to hear lions roaring from your campsite –
in Florida, anyway – but that’s exactly what you’ll hear at Lion Country KOA,
making it one of the most unique, best RV parks in Florida. Big-rig friendly
sites give you easy access to all the fun next door at Lion Country Safari,
plus the campground is located about halfway between West Palm Beach and the
eastern shore of Lake Okeechobee.
Located at Mile Marker 36.8 on Big Pine Key, Bahia Honda
State Park is one of the most sought-after camping locations in the country. It
can be a little tricky to get a reservation (this goes for everywhere in the
Keys) so make sure to do some advance planning if you are looking to get a spot
in paradise. There’s only one problem: you can’t stay forever.
