Florida on the cheap?

[KyDan]

Looking for middle to southern FL in January/February

I've checked out most of the suggestions in previous posts.

Wondering if anyone camps in State Parks or Federal preserves/forests?
Just trying to find any cheaper options for a week or 10 days.

[dbarr]

Cheap? Yeah, that's me! Nothing wrong with any of the state parks in Florida that I've been to. Central Illinois to the panhandle usually runs 200 gallons of gas and about $30 a night. Eat out once a week and the rest of the food is packed from home.

[tony5oh]

FL resident here.
Most of the state parks will be fine, however, you need to reserve as soon as Reserve America will let you. 11 months out, I think. That's tourist season and w/o advanced planning, you'll probably be out of luck.

[Papa GLS]

Originally Posted by KyDan

Looking for middle to southern FL in January/February

I've checked out most of the suggestions in previous posts.

Wondering if anyone camps in State Parks or Federal preserves/forests?
Just trying to find any cheaper options for a week or 10 days.

KyDan
NE Fla resident. Some of the parks we've stayed at in the middle of the state are Silver Springs S/P near Ocala ($24.00), Wekiwa S/P near Appopka ($24.00), Gamble Rogers S/P near Flagler Beach ($28.00) & Salt Springs National Forest Campground ($31.00, 1/2 price if you have the National Forrest card. Also has very nice spring). You need to book now if you want to get sites in Jan & Feb. You can look all of these up on Reserve America. Good Luck.

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by KyDan

Looking for middle to southern FL in January/February

I've checked out most of the suggestions in previous posts.

Wondering if anyone camps in State Parks or Federal preserves/forests?
Just trying to find any cheaper options for a week or 10 days.

The Florida state parks have an 11 month in advance reservation window. You need to be making reservations now, actually should of already made them. Your most likely already screwed for anything Jan/Feb to the south. Just ask any Florida resident what it takes to get reservations in their state parks from Dec to April or so. You had better have a quick trigger finger on the computer when that window opens. I've witnessed it first hand when down there for work a few years back.

[CAT-RN]

Arcadia Florida has several parks. There is a little known county park North of Arcadia. I rode my bike up there several times this winter. Right on Peace River. Always several spots. I think it's called Brownville Park. I think sign says $20 per night. You just put your $$ in a lock box.

Also Lit Willies park just North of Arcadia had spots all winter. They are probably in the $25 per night area. I think they are $600 per month.

Both of these are about 40 mile east of Sarasota. 35 mile north of Port Charlotte.

Russell

[Mr Havercamp]

Originally Posted by CAT-RN

Arcadia Florida has several parks. There is a little known county park North of Arcadia. I rode my bike up there several times this winter. Right on Peace River. Always several spots. I think it's called Brownville Park. I think sign says $20 per night. You just put your $$ in a lock box.

That looks like a hidden gem although only having 12 sites with electric and no sewer connections probably chase most snowbirds away.

[wanderingbob]

In North Florida , near the Gulf , the town of Sopchoppy has a campground for $15 per night . I have never seen it even half full >

[crrod]

We spent a few days here in January 2017. Not a lot of frills but inexpensive and grassy sites. Our camper is 13'6" and we broke our tv antennae on a tree branch going in to the park. We have since put the old fashioned crank down one on to help eliminate that problem. Call the park directly and ask for discounts. I booked online and then found out about them when I got there and it was too late.

[Katja]

Stephen Foster Cultural Center State Park in White Springs, Florida is beautiful. Carillon Tower and Stephen Foster history, arts and crafts village in the park. Town is tiny, but lots of flat lander hiking around the county roads.

[foretm]

Hillsborough River State Park off 301 between plant city and zephyrhills.
Edward Medard Park in Plant City.

[palmetto rogue]

The state parks work great. I have spent one to two months in south Fl for the last 4 years without reservations - this year 2 weeks in the keys. I you are diligent with the Florida state parks reservation site (rec.gov links to this) You can will find cancellations regularly. Also many of the parks hold back a few sites for first come first serve and once you get a spot you can stay for 2 weeks. Also try some of the country parks - good prices but a different set of rules for each.

[PupScrappy]

Well considering I'm sitting in a Florida state park taking a break from a long 6 mile hike thru beautiful nature trials. Surrounded by very nice people (even having a pot luck dinner tonight), considering all this I must say that I truly love the Florida state park system. And the parks are everywhere with tons of variety. Cheap camping prices and very nice campgrounds. I think the best value for the money. Only thing like many have said. That time of year you had better make reservations way far in advance as that's their busiest time going. Enjoy. We sure do...

[Haul-a-Fifth]

Try Arcadia Mobile Home Park. Run by the city of Arcadia.$400 per month including electric. No swimming pool but very relaxing and within hours drive to beaches. . If you like antiques you will be in heaven.

[poppytoymaker]

Original Suwannee in Old Town, elecrtic and sewer. Kind of old not bad, quiet. About 45 minutes to Cedar Key, and Gainsville. Two nights cost us $61.00 this Feb

[pelican]

All Florida state parks are great! The Sopchoppy mention is small ,quiet on 319 south of Tallahassee, and on a small river with ramp. Stephen Foster at White Springs is very nice and quiet in north Fl.
The further south you go in snowbird season, the harder it will get to find anything. Start now!

[jk31668]

try looking up jonathan dickson s/p in hobe sound, fl. full hookups. close to the ocean and shopping

[Steeljag]

A lot of nice parks mentioned ! As stated, you are competing with the swarm of snow birds during that time period.

In north central Fl, you will also be competing with the race fans who are here for the numerous races held at the Daytona speedway and Volusia speedway park.

Good luck !

[rsdata]

Florida state parks SOUTH get pretty crowded, but easier to find a spot in the middle of FL near Tampa.

1. 11 month window means you can now reserve for late February.
2. Hillsborough River, Alfia River, Little Manatee River State Parks all are very nice and you might be able to find a spot.
3. Highland Hammocks in Sebring… nice town, cheap eats, lots of camp spots, most are pretty close together.
4. I always stay at Stephen Foster, just across GA border in January, and have never needed a reservation for a 3-5 day stay. Obviously can get cold there.

Federal parks

1. 6 month reservation window… I think in July you can reserve for January… BE QUICK for limited electric spots.
2. Midway campground on State Rt 41, ½ way between Naples and Miami… has about 30 spots with electric, no water hookups. Is the only Fed campground in the area that has electric that I know of… others around there are nice but need a generator. Lots to do/see in this area between Naples and Miami.
3. Stay away from Everglades Nat Park Flamingo campground… I was almost carried away by a swarm of mosquitoes during my one day scouting there.
4. Ft Myers area, W P FRANKLIN campground… beautiful electric/water sites.

There are some city/county campgrounds around Tampa and south area… most seemed a little rustic to me. I never inquired about reservations, but sometimes you need someplace to stay for a nite or two.

I would try the panhandle area in Jan/Feb… you may get lucky at a State Park. Usually 40’s at night and 50-60 during the day with SUN! I usually camp in that area from mid-Feb to late March.

1. St George Island… huge beach ¼ mi walk from campground, Lots to see and do on island and nearby Apalachicola… my personal favorite park
2. St Joseph Penisula S Park, beautiful beach 200 yds from most campgrounds… 2nd favorite
3. Ochlockonee River State Park near Sopchoppy… out of the way but usually can get in. White squirrels and “a billion frogs” in the swamp at night.
4. Manatee Springs S Park near Chiefland… new restrooms… great BBQ in the park… cheap eats in Chiefland
5. Lots of Federal campgrounds in the Apalachicola Nat Forest, but have never been to one. Boondocking only I think.

Good luck… half the fun of camping FL is the hunt for a camp spot in the winter!

[KyDan]

Thank you all! Looks like my work is cut out for me. I'll be reserving ASAP and I'll report my successes.
You're all awesome!