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RVing in the Sunshine State

Published: Wednesday, June 6, 2007

With its perennial periods of sun-filled days that seem to stretch for months on end, there is little doubt why Florida is more popularly called the "Sunshine State" and one highly sought-after place for many tourists. Adding more attraction are the numerous fantastic landmarks found in its major regions apart from the natural wonders inherent in Florida itself and one literally has utopia existing right here on earth.

Rare are the people who will not associate Florida with attractive beaches for there are many of these in the "Sunshine State". Yet, Florida is not about beaches alone, for there are cities, hills, forests, lakes, bays, and waterways to consider, not to mention theme parks, amusement centers, movie studios, and a variety of other entertainment facilities that have collectively made the state among the most favorite places, not only in America, but worldwide.

The wonders of Florida, typified by Walt Disney World, are quite obviously what fascinates many people to this particular US area, especially the kids and the kid in all of us. But for nature lovers, Florida offers something different, something not readily available anywhere else. That is why apart from Mickey Mouse and all those enchanting rides, what makes Florida a tourist haven is its outdoor attractions which can literally overwhelm most RVers.

Dissecting the Regions of Florida

Geographically speaking, the "Sunshine State" is categorized under eight different regionst: the Northwest Region; the North Central Region; the Northeast Region; the Central West Region; the Central Region; the Central East Region; the Southwest Region; and the Southeast Florida Region including the Keys. A brief examination of each one of these areas should reveal a wealth of wonders that should astound even the most hard-to-please RV owner.

The Northwest Region

Northwest Florida is often called the "Other Florida" owing to its many natural beaches that extend for miles amidst a backdrop of small fishing villages. Under its fold falls the Pensacola area bordering the western end of Florida extending to the legendary Apalachicola land on the east. Its coverage is quite vast covering a total of 16 counties resulting to its moniker, Florida Panhandle, owing to its shape that resembles that of a panhandle's.

With the many counties falling under the Florida Panhandle region, there is certainly no shortage of popular places where RVers can spend their holiday in total enjoyment. For instance, Tallahassee, the official state capital, ought to be worth exploring since it plays host to some important state landmarks like the Florida State University. For outdoor enthusiasts, though, the hills surrounding Tallahassee are ideal spots to visit, especially since hunting is quite popular there.

Meanwhile, nearby Panama City offers the cool waters and clear sands of its beaches on the eastern side. It is fast gaining popularity for its many parks particularly during spring time when a wide selection of water-based activities are available such as waverunning, parasailing, kayaking, even scuba diving aside from regular park offerings like golf courses, kiddie rides, batting cages, and so many more.

By far, the city is one Florida place where RVers can easily gain access to as there is an RV park located nearby. The Panama City Beach RV Resort is set quite near several significant Northwest Florida sites, including the legendary Panama City beach and St. Andrews State Park.

The North Central Region

The region also goes by two other monikers, namely, "The Nature Coast" and "The Original Florida" and covers a total of 16 counties. There is some form of confusion here as Tallahassee is sometimes credited as falling under the North Central Region of Florida but other references point to the Northwest Region as more geographically suited for Tallahassee.

Regardless of the confusion, North Central Florida is a rich area highlighted by a vast wilderness, making it an ideal site for RV campers looking for clean outdoor fun. Encompassing Gadsden county on its western end up to Alachua county on the eastern side, the region does not have the usual theme parks that have come to be associated with Florida. Rather, what it offers are nature parks enveloped in gentle hills and a large expanse of pine-filled forests.

There are at least five major cities set in the North Central Region. These are Palatka, Live Oak, Lake City, Ocala, and Gainesville, the last being the largest and considered the haven for many nature lovers. This is because Gainesville owns virtually every prominent Florida public park where ostensibly, a good number of outdoor activities can be enjoyed. The list includes Payne's Prairie Preserve State Park, Lake Alice Wildlife Preserve, O'Leno State Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, and the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park.

For RV riders looking for a place to stay, however, Lake City ought to be ideal as it hosts several RV and camping areas. One such park, the Oaks 'N Pines RV Park, is conveniently found on the northern end of Lake City and offers easy access to several regional attractions like the Stephen Foster State Park, the O'Lena State Park, and its many famous lakes, the reason why Lake City was named such.

The Northeast Region

More commonly called as the "First Coast", the Northeast Region boasts of many 17th century military fortresses that RV-boarded tourists will want to see for the rich historical significance that these landmarks carry. Of course, they can simply opt to have a grand time strolling past a large expanse of prairie lands or lazily lie down on the wide regional beaches, two other attractions that make Northeast Florida another RV tourist attraction.

Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine, and Jacksonville are the three prominent cities in Northeast Florida. The first is technically not a city but an island that features not just a magnificent beach but six golf courses scattered all across Fernandina Beach. Apart from that, a diverse set of recreational activities can be engaged in here, including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, even bird-watching, all within the premises of Fort Clinch State Park, a 19th century fortress that has been preserved well by the federal government of Florida. Nestled on the northern side of Fernandina Beach, the park boasts of a fishing pier where anglers are welcome and a hiking path stretching for six miles where hiking and biking are common outdoor sports. There is likewise a fully equipped camping site within the premises where overnight accommodations are provided.

For its part, Jacksonville is tagged as the "River by the Sea" because it is nestled in between both ends of St. Johns River. There are numerous interesting landmarks to see here, including the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens and the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens apart from several golf courses, river tours, and largely uncrowded beaches. On the northern edge of Jacksonville lies Flamingo Lake RV Resort to handle RV parking problems. The place stands on 50 acres of land surrounded by a majestic lake and is quite near several restaurants and shopping centers.

The Central West Region

The region covers a sizable set of the highly popular vacation spots in Florida like Tampa, Sarasota, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg, and even extends up to the southern tip of North Central Florida. It is renowned for its many cultural and historical attractions but as always, what will attract tourists to the region are the beaches set in sun-drenched fashion complemented by crystal-clear waters.

St. Petersburg offers a sunny climate, that is why it has become the ideal destination for old people. Nevertheless, beach lovers will still have a grand time in this city since they can easily cool off by hopping onto their RVs and driving westward for roughly nine miles towards spectacular St. Petersburg Beach where Gulf Coast sands lie waiting. Otherwise, they can tour the city by visiting its many museums, including the The Museum of Fine Arts, the Florida International Museum, and the Salvador Dali Museum, host of a rather comprehensive selection of artworks created by Spanish painter Dali. Alternatively, travelers can drive along The Pier a regional landmark that stretches for about a quarter of a mile at the edge of which stands a pyramid-like establishment where rows of stores and restaurants lie waiting for customers.

With Tampa, the attraction to see is Busch Gardens, an adventure park that consists of a zoo housing over 2,700 different exotic animals, numerous exciting rides, restaurants, and specialty shops. Located about eight miles on the northeast downtown corner of Tampa City, the park boasts of at least 5,000 parking spaces and can easily accommodate any type of vehicle.

For great outdoor fun, however, Clearwater City is the top spot to visit in Central West Florida. Boasting of sandy beaches covering four miles of the Gulf coast, Clearwater also happens to be the hub of great shopping activities, a rich cultural heritage, and numerous opportunities for recreation, complemented by easy access to nearby attractions like Busch Gardens which can be reached within a short 30-minute drive.

Other regional attractions that are worth exploring are the Clearwater Marine Aquarium where injured marine animals are kept, rehabilitated, and eventually released, and the Safety Harbor Museum that offers displays presenting local history and areas for picnic settings.

As for a place to settle in the RV, Clearwater Travel Resort should be seriously considered not only because of its relative proximity to several Central West Florida attractions but also because of its rather large area devoted to RV park sites. To date, Clearwater Travel Resort offers a total of 154 camp and RV areas with about 163 others being fully hooked-up.

The Central Region

The region covers Marion County where horse farms are abundant down to Polk County where orange groves reign as king, but what makes Central Florida a highly visited region is Orlando city with its many magical theme parks led by the enduring world of Walt Disney and his perpetual alter ego, Mickey Mouse. It goes without saying then that Disneyland is where RVers are supposed to head off to if and when they get to go to Central Florida.

Of course, the visit need not be limited to Disneyland alone because the Magic Kingdom has recently grown to include several other theme parks, including the futuristic Epcot, the nature-inspired Animal Kingdom, and the entertainment-oriented Disney-MGM Studios. Adding more color to the place are water parks, miniaturized golf courses, video arcades, shopping centers, restaurants, and so many others.

Another city in the Central Region that offers its own brand of attraction is Kissimmee where themed parks are also the norm although interspersed with quiet historic plazas, making it a suitable camping ground for people who prefer a more subdued form of enjoyment. RV riders should find Kissimmee quite appealing especially when it comes to available outdoor activities like horseback riding.

Of particular interest for RV tourists visiting Central Florida, specifically Orlando, should be RV parks near the Magic Kingdom. Disney has got that covered as well with Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort situated in the central area of Walt Disney World Resort. Standing on 740 acres of largely wooded lands, the camp site offers 784 camping and RV areas.

The Central East Region

Central East Florida is more popularly called the Space Coast because it is the official residence of the John F. Kennedy Space Center of NASA. Yet, other than this out-of-this-world landmark, the Space Coast has many other attractions that are more of the natural type. It hosts two great cities, namely, Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach with the former boasting of beaches that extend up to 23 miles. Located beside Main Street Pier, Daytona Beach is quite popular among anglers as it also features a unique bazaar where fishing rentals are available apart from several video arcades.

Cocoa Beach, meanwhile, attracts a lot of surfers with its ocean beaches that extends to as long as six miles. It is the nearest beach to the magical city of Orlando with an approximate distance of 45 miles. Additionally, the Kennedy Space Center can be reached in just several minutes, but for RVers who prefer the outdoor scene, Cocoa Beach has a wilderness area so vast that it has become the home of some very exotic fauna and where nature walks are popular undertakings.

For a more extensive exploration of the Central East Region, go straight to Titusville and look for Manatee Hammock Park where RVs are generally welcome to settle in for extended periods. With 177 cam and RV sites, the Manatee Hammock Park is conveniently located just a river away from the Kennedy Space Center and less than an hour drive time to popular destinations like Disney World and Sea World.

The Southwest Region

Just like the other regions, Southwest Florida is best represented by its idyllic beaches and enchanting wilderness areas. It offers the perfect blend of an island resort and the simple life reminiscent of Old Florida best exemplified by the cities of Naples, Marco Island, and Fort Myers.

Naples is renowned for its many fishing ventures commonly engaged in at the Naples Pier that is over a thousand feet long. Beyond the pier lies Naples Beach where strollers and seashell gatherers are known to converge. Nearby Lowdermilk Park, meanwhile, is more family-centered with its picnic tables, pavilions, refreshment counters, duck ponds, and beach volleyball play areas.

The biggest attraction, though, of Naples has to be the Everglades National Park, where nearly extinct wildlife species like the West Indian manatee, the Florida panther, and the American crocodile are protected. Considered as the biggest US subtropical wilderness area, the park additionally provides shelter to over a thousand species of exotic plants like Morning Glory.

Marco Island, meanwhile, is the biggest of the known Florida islands where RV owners will get their more-than-ample fill of various outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and practically every form of water sports that one can think of. The resident beaches glisten with its sun-washed sand highlighted by playful dolphins frolicking in the water from afar.

With Fort Myers, the main attraction is its beach where no shallow water is present and no undertow has yet developed, earning for the island city the tag "World's Safest Beach". Stretching for about seven miles, Fort Myers Beach is situated in Estro Island where historical accounts of buried pirate treasures, and Spanish-built fortresses abound. For many RV-boarded explorers, the island offers one excellent way to learn extensively about Florida especially since Gulf Waters RV Resort is located nearby where a full set of modern amenities are available including access to several Florida attractions.

The Southeast Region

The region showcases what is probably the best outdoor attractions for Florida state. Headlined by two world-famous beaches, namely, Palm Beach and South Beach of Miami, and mixed with the mystery surrounding the Everglades, the Southeast Region is where most travelers, including RVers, are expected to troop to once they enter the "Sunshine State". An added regional attraction is the famed Florida Keys which boasts of the only North American barrier reef where spectacular coral collections amidst a backdrop of elegantly designed tropical fishes can be observed.

Miami and Palm Beach are admittedly the two most prominent cities of the Southeast Region with the former noted for its animated night life and beautiful beaches, making it a highly preferred vacation spot. Palm Beach, meanwhile, is for golf lovers since there are numerous golf courses here, making it the golf center of Florida. However, for RV-boarded tourists who are not really into golf, they can try savoring other more popular Palm Beach attractions like the ubiquitous beaches where various water sports can be engaged in, including fishing. An alternative is exploring the Lion Country Safari, a zoo without cages and several city museums like the Norton Museum of Art and the South Florida Science Museum.

In Miami, the campground for most RV riders has to be the Miami Everglades Campground located at least 25 miles from the southern end of Miami City. Boasting of 263 spacious pull-through areas, the campground also holds the distinct advantage of being a mere ten miles away from the renowned Everglades National Park.

The Many Cities of the Sunshine State

With such a wide geographical division, Florida is unquestionably one American state filled with so many cities that RV campers may find it hard to choose which ones to eventually visit. The key is in finding the cities where RVs are generally welcome with provisions for parking and possible overnight camping but at the same time allow for easy access to many popular Florida attractions.

Pensacola

A deeply historic Florida city on the northwest region, modern-day Pensacola is a mix of its cultural and military past highlighted by state parks meant to preserve and protect its rich heritage. One such park features well-preserved remnants of military fortresses as they lie among the sand dunes of Gulf Islands.

The city is made up of several smaller towns of which Navarre Beach and Gulf Breeze are considered as among the more prominent ones. The former is made famous by its newly built public park where a fishing pier standing 900 feet tall has been erected and where anglers have come to converge during spring time due to its abundant fish catches. The latter, meanwhile, gained prominence recently owing to the many UFO sightings happening all across its environs, an event that has become a sort of a family affair and which many RV campers should find worthy of their time.

When thinking of exploring Pensacola city aboard an RV, there are actually several RV parks that can offer help although one should settle for Emerald Beach RV Park located in Navarre town. The park affords basic accessibility to several Pensacola attractions, many of these depicting the military past of Pensacola. These include the Pensacola Aviation Museum, Fort Barrancas, Fort Pickens, and the Eglin Air Force Museum. Other nearby attractions are the sandy beaches found in the Gulf area, the Big Kahunas Water Park, the Zoo Gulfarium, and the Indian Temple Mound Museum, among others.

Live Oak

Live Oak is one among many Florida cities that offers a good glimpse into the extensive and colorful past of the 'Sunshine State". The city was so named owing to the abundance of oak trees all across the city, but it has several other attractions that include historic buildings, specialty shops, and numerous restaurants, but its biggest crowd-drawer is the renowned Suwannee River which hosts over 20 natural springs where a variety of water-based activities can be engaged in such as swimming, boating, fishing, and diving, among others.

Live Oak has also gained quite a name for the many agricultural events held regularly in its midst that RVers will find fascinating. These include the Suwannee River Music Festival and the Christmas on the Square annual festivities. However, if an RV camper prefers a more outdoor setting, then the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is worth visiting because there are canoe trips, hiking trails, and horseback riding being offered. More than 600 modern camp sites can be availed of here apart from the other 700 acres devoted to primitive camping areas. Hammocks made of cypress and oak trees provide relaxation for those wanting to simply take a nap during the day.

St. Augustine

Popularly nicknamed as "America's Oldest City", St. Augustine is a land that has close links to its past and has effectively made use of these to attract millions of tourists every year. Its many state parks, ancient museums, and wonderful beaches offer a glimpse into its rich past and seeing them first-hand is like stepping back to a time long gone.

St. Augustine Beach KOA offers the needed provisions for many RV-boarded travelers who wish to see first-hand the exceptional wonders of this particular Florida city. Situated on Anastasia Island, the campground allows easy access to St. Augustine historic sites like the Fountain of Youth Park where Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon was said to have landed sometime in 1513. Inside the park itself are several other historic attractions like the Christian Indian Burials, the Navigator's Planetarium, and the Timuncuan Indian Exhibit, among others.

There is likewise the Alligator Farm and Zoological Park to explore where endangered crocodile and alligator species are sheltered, along with snakes, birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. But for a little more action, RVers can pull over their RVs to the nearest pull-through area and head towards the pier one mile away and engage in a round of fishing expedition for a possible catch of an amberjack, a snapper, or a grouper.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a Central West Florida city that has a vast artistic history personified by its circus museum housed in an elaborate bay mansion called the Ringling Museum of Art that was put up by circus expert John Ringling. This is but one of several attractions awaiting RV riders who are bent on seeing Sarasota and they can tour the mansion via Sun N Fun RV Resort.

Other art-related landmarks located near Sun N Fun are the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the alternative Marie Selby Botanical Gardens for people who adore plant life. For RVers interested in racing, the Desoto Super Speedway lies waiting nearby, and for beach lovers, there are three choices to be made among Ana Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, and Holmes Beach.

Cape Canaveral

The name conjures up images of military air bases and aircraft launches but Cape Canaveral also happens to be a Central West Florida city that has other interesting offerings. It has three state parks, one of which, Jetty Park, features a nearby RV park site named Jetty Park and Campground that has become a popular fishing grounds, particularly along its pier section.

The 35-acre wide public park also boasts of a beautiful beach where surfers are commonly seen, participating in several surfing contests like the recently concluded Surfing Festival. With the opening of the 24-hour surf store Ron Ron Cape Caribe Resort months ago, more surfers are expected to come in soon.

Fort Lauderdale

Southeast Florida is almost always associated with Palm Beach and Miami but the area has other significant places that RV-boarded tourists will find highly interesting as well. Fort Lauderdale is one such place, boasting of awesome beaches comparable to those found in Palm Beach, in Miami, and in many other Florida places but at the same time, offering alternative places to explore.

Taking time out to examine the whole expanse of Fort Lauderdale is best done via RV rides and in this regard, Paradise Island RV Resort can greatly help. It is quite near some major Fort Lauderdale attractions making for a more exhaustive city tour. Among the nearby areas worth visiting while parked within Paradise Island RV Resort are Gator Park where guided tours done in several languages allow one to examine natural habitats of many endangered species like alligators, egrets, herons, and other unique wildlife that have come to make the Everglades their home, and Fishing Headquarters, where tourists can have the experience of getting a good catch on the very waters where anglers have been known to make a fortune reeling in a rare fish species.

Of course, RVers can opt to explore Florida attractions found outside of Paradise Island RV Resort. The nearby beaches, particularly those lying along Beach Promenade and Atlantic Boulevard, offer the best possible water experience. Additionally, these places have become popular grounds for bikers, skaters, and walkers. In central Atlantic Boulevard, shopping is a prime activity as the place hosts the chic Las Olas Boulevard. Across the beach waits another shopping paradise, Beach Place.

Hollywood

This is perhaps one little-known attraction in Florida, largely due to its name which usually refers to another city located in California that is considered as the ultimate movie central. Hollywood City in Florida, however, offers a different form of excitement for its visitors.

Situated near Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood City is more of an outdoor adventure place that RVers should try touring while settled in the Sunshine State. Its beaches offer a completely different setting with its popular Broadwalk section where various beach shops are lined up highlighted by sidewalk cafes that boast of French-Canadian aromas. The area gets visited mostly by rollerbladers and skaters apart from the resident beach lovers.

Another attraction of Hollywood City is the Anne Kolb Nature Center and Marina, a renowned recreational area covering over 1,500 acres that offers several outdoor activities like fishing, canoeing, boating, and hiking. For RVers who love the outdoors, this should be one Hollywood landmark that should provide them with sufficient thrill.

The Magical Disney World

In spite of the emergence of many other theme parks across the Orlando area of Florida state, the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney remains as the attraction to beat in the Sunshine State. RV-boarded travelers will find their Florida tour incomplete without dropping by the official Florida home of Mickey Mouse.

Apart from the exciting rides and the thrill of the waters, what has made the Magic Kingdom such a fun place to see in Florida is its setting where games and shows are offered according to the age of the visitor. As such, there is Mickey's Toontown Fair for pre-schoolers; the Mad Tea Party for grade-school children; and Space Mountain for teens and tweens. For older children, there is the Hall of Presidents, a game that should likewise appeal to adults.

Florida Visiting Time

Regarded by many as a state where the sun appears to shine endlessly, Florida nevertheless has its share of extreme weather conditions usually in the form of hurricanes. These are often a concern among Florida tourists and for many RV-boarded travelers, the hurricane period in Florida is something that they should be wary of.

Generally prevails from June up to late November, this particularly disastrous season is at its worst in August down to October during which over 75 percent of hurricanes visiting the "Sunshine State" eventually hitting land. Additionally, this is the time when Florida is in its wet but hot season, making the entry of hurricanes doubly dangerous.

For a relatively safe visit, RVers are best advised to explore Florida during its winter season which starts in December and lasts up to February. Ideally, though, April should be the most preferred visiting month since by this time, the hot and dry period in Florida is only at its onset.

Destiny's Secret Lake Resort

Nestled in the Orlando-Kissimmee area, Destiny's Secret Lake Resort is a mere five-minute stroll to the entrance of what is considered as the single biggest attraction of the "Sunshine State" . the Walt Disney World. Occupying about 100 acres of grassy land, the resort park features wooded and open sites with paved driveways that can easily accommodate all known sizes of RVs.

Cable TV, Internet access, and phone systems are all available at Destiny's Secret Lake Resort but for campers who prefer to have fun, a volleyball court lies waiting nearby although one can opt for a simpler game of bingo which is likewise available. For pure water fun, there are two swimming areas are being offered, a family-sized one and one meant for adults apart from the resident beach surrounded by beautiful sandy ground.

Orange Blossom RV Resort

This particular RV park is situated in an area where some very significant Florida attractions hover nearby, including Disney World which is approximately 25 miles away and can be reached after a 180-second driving time. The farthest areas are St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay and Cape Canaveral which will require an average drive time of two hours and more. The nearest attractions are Mt. Dora and Apopka city which are reachable in under 20 minutes. All other popular Florida places can be reached in an hour or so when coming from Orange Blossom.

Within Orange Blossom RV Resort, there are many activities that should keep most campers want to stay within the premises. These include exciting games like Water Aerobics, Adult Bingo, Theme Parties, and so many more. For lovers of outdoor sports, they can go bird-watching since the park gets regularly visited by special bird species like the Barn Owl, the Yellow Warbler, the Orchard Oriole, the Brown Thrasher, the Baltimore Oriole, and so many others.

Amenities-wise, the park features several pull-through areas, including twelve angled premium ones measuring 35' x 70' powered by 30-50 amp electricity and 85back-in areas measuring 28' x 60'. Each of these sites has provisions for water, phone, sewage, and electricity complemented by newly renovated restrooms adorned with shower heads.

A recreation room set inside the park features a satellite TV that is accessible round-the-clock with an accompanying resort store offering snacks and sodas. Fax machines and Internet access can likewise be found here.

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