Has anyone done this

[hitchikerman]

Has anyone left for Florida during the winter months without reservations at a RV resort and hoping just maybe you will find something:D

[Pull Toy]

That's a long way to drive to spend your winter nights camping out at Wal-Mart... Is there a specific reason you don't want to reserve ahead?

Good Luck.

[ctbruce]

That right there....is a whole new level of crazy.

[hitchikerman]

Well I guess the Florida state parks in Fort Myers area are all booked up for the month of Feb. But they hold five sites open for a first come first serve bases and just was wondering if anybody else is tried that before

[ctbruce]

In all seriousness, I would not do it. Too many others trying the same thing. It could be a great adventure. You never know. If someone has tried it or does this, they'll mosey along soon to add their 2 cents.

[notanlines]

Sure, come on down. We'll wave at you over in the Home Depot parking lot or jammed up into some old trailer park with the blue hairs who are waiting in line for the 4:00 buffet at half price. (Forgive me Lord, I believe I have just offended 2/3 of the population of Fort Myers all in one sentence) The RV parks in Florida are not interested in renting to snowbirds for the month of February only. Most are interested in three to four month minimums. You may enjoy the drama and the hunt for that short period of time. We'd rather be riding the Road King or baking at the beach. :D

[sourdough]

I would recommend you plan. Flying by the seat of your pants, in winter, in FL hoping to find a decent place to put an RV....well, I'm just not cut out that way. I have patience for looking, hoping etc. I would recommend sewing it up with reservations.

[hitchikerman]

Well the reason for only one month stay is that we have a aging parent who is 95 years of age so we cannot just go for 3-4 months I guess we'll just wait for a better time

[JRTJH]

If you're going to Florida for a specific reason, then that's your only destination option. On the other hand, if you're looking to get out of the snow belt for a few weeks and the destination isn't a specific location, you might consider south Alabama, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, South Texas and even south Louisiana, along the Intercoastal Waterway. All have less "visitor pressure" and although the "Florida refinement" (ways to get your tourist dollars) are still there, there are less expensive options in all categories, from luxury resorts to basic campgrounds with fewer amenities. Many will provide reservations for daily, weekly or monthly rates as well as season rates.

So, if you're just looking for warmer weather, look outside of Florida, you'll probably find many options without the mandatory 3-4 month reservations.

[sourdough]

Well the reason for only one month stay is that we have a aging parent who is 95 years of age so we cannot just go for 3-4 months I guess we'll just wait for a better time

hitchhikerman - There are lots of places to go in the winter for a month. FL might be a bit difficult but it could probably be done. Then there are the rest of the southern states along with AZ.

With a 95 year old parent your options are much more limited. I, and I'm sure others, have lived that scenario. At that age, "waiting for a better time"....well, it might not come. What is it you are looking for? Location with options and timeframe - as well as options. I'm sure there are plenty of folks on here that could help you out with a little better understanding of what you are looking for, where and when. What will your budget allow you to spend? FL as well as the other states have locations that don't cost much and others that will cost you an arm and a leg. Are you looking for "fancy", lots of amenities, things for kids to do or just plain jane "get away from it all"?

[66joej]

Well the reason for only one month stay is that we have a aging parent who is 95 years of age so we cannot just go for 3-4 months I guess we'll just wait for a better time

Have you thought of AZ. We stayed at an RV park in Bullhead City, Vista Del Sol for 2 months. Check out their website. It is fairly new (about 3 years) and very nice with lots of amenities. Also gated. Rates are reasonable and it's across the Colorado river from Laughlin NV.

[hankpage]

Not all Florida campgrounds are booked solid by "Snowbirds". Usually, the farther inland you get the less expensive and crowded they will be. If you are just looking to escape the cold and are not interested in tourist attractions call some places the week before you will arrive and I am sure you won't have a problem. Now weather for traveling that time of year is a different story.

Come on down ... help keep my taxes low. :cool:
http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1153

[TheGriz]

Yep...spent two weeks in Florida this past March, only making reservations the night before or the day of arrival. On way down and way back from PA, same thing.

Why? First off WX was crazy between PA and FL...dodged FOUR noreasters! We moved with the good weather so to speak. Secondly, we didn't want to be tied to a specific location and wanted to keep our options of location as flexible as possible. Spent most of our time in Crystal River (85 miles north of Tampa on the gulf coast) and Freeport (20 miles east of Destin on the bay).

Getting reservations was a little problematic, but really not bad.

Regards,
Mike

[Frank G]

Has anyone left for Florida during the winter months without reservations at a RV resort and hoping just maybe you will find something:D

Many of us fully retired seniors have aged love ones 20 or more years our senior. Yes, we keep all options open when traveling or snowbirding. Taking a month off and enjoying life shouldn't be denied, it may never come around again, we see it all too often. So, come on down and enjoy. You can check out the resort in our signature, also check out RV parks around Winter Haven and down toward Sebring. Earlier this year we were told there was a new RV park opening near Brooksville FL. Use your first year to get your feet wet and find out what works for you. Our first year I think we visited 20 or so places. One of the biggest issue was the traffic and toll roads around I-4, we are kind of country people. Most places will not refund for a early departure, they are all different.

[Ken / Claudia]

This situation sounds like what I see here at state parks, for years. Around 3 to 6 pm, RVs driving through the campgrounds, making complete drive throughs and leaving. Not one or two but a bunch. When working I was contacted by some as they seen the police truck. Asking where to camp for the night as all sites were already taken. My wife noticed same thing a year or two ago. She says I notice a lot of RVers drive through around dinner time and leave, I wonder why.

[travelin texans]

We've wintered from Florida to Arizona the last in 10 years & much prefer Arizona. The weather is much drier than Florida which makes it much easier to breath & MUUUCCCH better on the arthritic joints, not to mention cheaper.

[66joej]

We've wintered from Florida to Arizona the last in 10 years & much prefer Arizona. The weather is much drier than Florida which makes it much easier to breath & MUUUCCCH better on the arthritic joints, not to mention cheaper.

OK Danny now you've let the "cat out of the bag"!:D

[travelin texans]

OK Danny now you've let the "cat out of the bag"!:D

Oh yea! But Arizona is full in the winter! LOL!

[XTeacher]

Nope, never.

[skmct]

I live in Naples fl and the season rule is very common. However my sister and a friend from ct come down for a week to mouth during season. The state campgrounds fill up early but you can make reservations 11 months in advance. There is a campground in Punta gora that will take reservations for a month it's a small older campground but the people are very nice. It's called sun & shade it's listed in good Sam's it might be to late to get in this year my sister made hers last month but I would give them a call and see it's a about 2 hours South of Tampa

[Wilco]

It really depends on where in Florida you want to stay. You can find campgrounds in the interior, the northern part of Florida and the panhandle for that period. You may have to be flexible and move to different campgrounds every couple of weeks.

We typically spend the last 2 weeks of February near Pensacola out on the panhandle. We know it will be cooler but we have the beaches to ourselves. It is also close to New Orleans if you want to visit the city without crowds and the heat.

I would look for campgrounds at least a month before (the sooner, the better) and book what is available. (If you are retired military, there are several on base campgrounds you might try.)

[Wilco]

If you are adventurous, last winter we spent February near Death Valley (Parumph NV), in Cedar City UT (Zion & Bryce Canyon NPs), Moab UT (Arches & Canyonland NPs) and Albuquerque NM. All of them are on the northern edge of the warm winter weather. You may only have highs in the 50s and 60s but none of them were crowded (and we prefer 60F to their 100F summer temperature). Watch you weather window when crossing over the Rocky Mountains.

[Cbrez]

Not all Florida campgrounds are booked solid by "Snowbirds". Usually, the farther inland you get the less expensive and crowded they will be. If you are just looking to escape the cold and are not interested in tourist attractions call some places the week before you will arrive and I am sure you won't have a problem. Now weather for traveling that time of year is a different story.

Come on down ... help keep my taxes low. :cool:
http://www.keystoneforums.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=251&pictureid=1153

Hank, we are staying at Ramblers Rest in Feb 2019. I contacted over 40 campgrounds and could not get a reservation until they lowered the min stay from 90 days to 30 days. Appreciate if you are familiar with Rambler Rest and can offer any info. Myakka River State Park is beautiful. We know camp hosts there and they reserved a site for us. Otherwise we’d never gotten in there. We really enjoyed fishing at the Venice pier last March. We catch some small pompano on the outer banks of North Carolina, but we caught some beautiful pompano in Venice. And yes, we are happy to help keep your tax rate low :thumbsup:

[John&Tweety]

Griz we are looking at the Crystal River area could you recommend a park?

[notanlines]

John, we have stayed in the Crystal River area many times. Rock Crusher Canyon RV park is a good one, but our favorite is Crystal Isles RV Resort
11419 W. Fort Island Trail Crystal River, FL 34429
It is pretty cool in the winter.

[durhamcutter]

We have not gone to Florida in the Summer so I can't say but we went To Maine in May and didn't have any reservations and didn't have any trouble getting spots at night. The only thing I can say is we went when school was still in session. Good luck and happy camping.

[Brantlaker]

I go to Riverside RV Resort for the winter in Arcadia (10 miles from but 4 miles from Port Charlotte) they usually have sites for a month or 2. It is a great place plenty of activities. it is only 45 min. from Ft Myers on I75.
863-993-2021 :)

[mhbell]

I never did it in Florida, but did do it in Yuma Arizona the Last week of January. We were in Quartzite AZ for the RV Show. After the show we went to Yuma AZ, It was a spur of the moment thing. I spent a week at 3 different RV parks a couple of nights at a time until I was able to get a Space for the month of February. Stayed until April. Thought I was going to have to Dry Camp in the desert for awhile. I would suggest staying in another state where you can get a reservation.
Mel

[Tre’s Laredo]

Has anyone left for Florida during the winter months without reservations at a RV resort and hoping just maybe you will find something:D
This may be my first reply but as someone who has lived and camped in Florida for the last 50 years, I would not recommend it. If you do try it, you won’t be alone. You’ll have thousands trying to do the thing.

[BobAndLinda]

Yes, my husband and I left for Florida in the middle of January this year. We had no problem finding campgrounds until we reached the middle of Florida. Then everything was booked. I think that as long as you aren't looking for a seasonal site, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding places to camp.

[Dave fromRockcliffeTheSea]

I left NS Dec. 23 a couple of years ago. Except for spending the first night in Bangor in a hotel (because of the temperature) we wandered down to Florida booking each night for where I expected to be the next night and then spent some time in Sarasota and up Zephyr Hills way (with a real nice time out for some skiing in B.C.) and never ran into a park that was full. Then wandered back to NS in the Spring.

[hfhf]

Has anyone left for Florida during the winter months without reservations at a RV resort and hoping just maybe you will find something:D

We reserved a site at Goldcoaster in Florida City for 3 months.
After traveling 2000 miles we got to Florida and were e-mailed by Gold Coaster that they put a park model on our site.
No apology, no attempt to help.

[Harleydodge]

We reserved a site at Goldcoaster in Florida City for 3 months.
After traveling 2000 miles we got to Florida and were e-mailed by Gold Coaster that they put a park model on our site.
No apology, no attempt to help.


Wow, that's brutal. What about your deposit?
Pretty sure they would have had some company in their office parking lot for awhile if that had of been me.

I assume there was some fine-print that covered them somehow though huh?
Was it through Sun Communities?
So happens I have a reservation with them as well for 2 months next year.
hmmm :eek:

[johnlewis]

You don't say what part of Florida. We have gone to Florida in "high season", but we could only find RV parks away from the coast, and we made reservations before we left. If you want to go, you have to make reservations. Try rvparkreviews.com

[Old soldier]

Done it many, many, many times. Not just in Florida, either. We tend to not stay in one spot for our annual, winter trips (Jan-May or June). Been bumming around between campgrounds without advance reservations for decades ( America, Europe, Scandinavia, England, Scotland, etc). Yep, likely a lot of luck involved, but no sweat on the whole). Never camped at a big box store, rest area, etc. Heck, one year I got a reservation at John Pennecamp state park oit of the blue. We do try to camp at military campgrounds rather than civilian places, and less at state parks because they all too often don’t have sewer connections. There are enough cancellations around the country, that with some judicious phone calls we find a place somewhere. Don’t lock yourself into just one campground, ignoring competing campgrounds, as that will limit your options. Be flexible. And be prepared to make the best of whatever you find, even if you have to really stretch your (or your spouse’s) sensibilities. So far, Corpus Christi was the worst we experienced. Crappy place, but it IS in Texas. Of course, after 30 years in the military, I learned a cardinal rule: “s—t happens, and then you die”. But we haven’t died so far. Part of the joys of traveling and camping. Tchuss!

[notanlines]

Jim (Old Soldier), first of all, thanks for your 30 years. We all appreciate it. And you had me convinced in your post until you got to the "be prepared to make the best of whatever you find, even if you have to really stretch your (or your spouse’s) sensibilities." In my particular case there would be no problem. Brenda can put up with most anything as long as our generator and fresh water are involved. But I have a feeling that all DW's involved might not be so forgiving. :D

[Rick Leary]

Has anyone left for Florida during the winter months without reservations at a RV resort and hoping just maybe you will find something:D
Don't Do It! Finding reservations in a nice RV Resort even 12 months in advance in Florida is a crap shoot. Develop a plan..execute it! You'll be much happier and clearly less stressed

[dpatroch]

We did this exact same thing this past January. We had no reservations and wanted to stay at state parks. We were not looking for one spot but wanted to move around. When we reached the border we went on line and booked our first campsite south of Tampa for a couple nights.
From there we booked further sites on-line for the next three weeks. We could only get 2-3 nights at each park. There was a lot of driving but this suited us. We saw a lot of Florida that we had not seen before.
We are going back for another 3 weeks in February 2019. This time have already booked 3 night stays at 8 different state parks. We are looking forward to seeing more new areas of Florida again and it will be more relaxing knowing ahead of time where we are going.

[hitchikerman]

I think that's what we'll do DP is head out sometime in Feb. and get as far as we can to get a campsite. We ended up getting a resort for the month of March in New Port Richey so Off we go

[TheGriz]

Griz we are looking at the Crystal River area could you recommend a park?

Sorry for the delayed response...just saw your post. There are two CGs in Crystal River that seem to draw the most campers.

First is Rock Crusher which is fairly wooded and spread out/larger sites. Drove around the CG and comes with very good ratings on google. It is inland slightly.

Second is Crystal Isle, which is where we stayed. Five minute drive to beach. This one is very nice, but small sites/pretty packed in. We stayed here and liked it. Lots of activities, very clean, nice small lake! A Thousand Trails CG. There was some residual damage when we were there in March from the hurricane there last September...like we didn't have a picnic table (was washed away).

You will like Crystal River. Still some very nice "old south" areas. Lot's of things to do on the River itself.

Good luck,
Mike