5 Tips for Camping in Florida During the Summer

Welcome to the Sunshine State in summer. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not always a sunny paradise. Don’t get us wrong, we love Florida, but we have some tips for you not-so-seasoned Florida vacationers. Here are 10 tips for surviving the Florida summer.

1. HYDRATE
Get a water bottle and bring it everywhere. It’s really easy to forget to consume water when you’re enjoying all Florida’s great attractions like theme parks, beaches, and nature preserves. Keep lots of water on hand too so you’ll always have some nearby in case of emergencies.

2. PONCHO 
We don’t want to rain on your parade, but Florida might. In the summer, rain showers are a daily occurrence. If you’re not from around here you might think the whole day is ruined, but it’s not. The summer rain showers usually only last a few minutes, but if you’re out in nature a rain poncho can help you wait out the storm. Good news, all the other tourists will leave and you’ll have the place to yourselves. You’re welcome.

3. BUG REPELLENT 
Remember when we told you about the rain? Well, lots of rain means lots of bugs. Don’t worry though, they are easily warded off with spray and candles. In fact, tossing some sage in your campfire will help keep them away too. Grab travel sizes of bug spray to bring on trails and make sure it’s water repellent. You’ll have a much better time if you aren’t getting eaten alive by bugs. Pro tip from Floridians.

4. HATS, HATS, HATS

Laugh away, but these hats aren’t just for the fashion-backward Floridians, they actually have a purpose. They help keep the sun out of your face and off your neck. Trust us, a good hat with breathable material will save you if you’re spending a long time outside. We’re not saying you need this particular hat, maybe a baseball cap will do, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.

5. SUNSCREEN

We’re pretty sure Florida is actually located on the sun. This is great for trying to get a summer tan and for cooking hot dogs without a grill. Anyway, you’ll remember the first time you try to brave the Florida sun without sunscreen. You won’t do it again, Florida is an awesome place to vacation, but you have to respect that sun. Make sure to apply and reapply, especially if you have young kids.

4 Florida Springs You Won’t Want to Miss This Summer

Florida is known for its hot days, but did you also know about the cool waters? We’re going to let you in on 5 of Florida’s most awe-inspiring natural springs. Although our summer days can top 100 degrees, the springs sparkling clear water stays right around 72, so you’ll be cooled off in no time. Now for the list:

1. Mermaid in the Shade

At Weeki Wachee River, the spring isn’t the only thing that keeps people coming back. A real life mermaid show has been delighting guests since 1947. You can catch the show 365 days a year, and in the summer months you’ll love Buccaneer Bay.

 It’s a thrilling attraction with water slides, and a sandy beach that’s perfect for a tan. Want more action? Grab a kayak and head down the river, one of the most scenic paddling trips in the state! Whatever happens, you’re sure to have good Florida fun at Weeki Wachee.

2. Lu Goes There?

Who loves springs more than hot summer sunbathers? Manatees of course! At Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, you’re in the heart of manatee country. But, don’t forget to give a little love to Lu the Hippo. Who’s that? We’re glad you asked!

He’s just you’re average famous hippo, except of course that he was granted special Florida citizenship in 1991 by Gov. Lawton Chiles. While you’re there, stop by Crystal River’s Three Sisters Spring, one of the most amazing sites in the state! If you love manatees, then winter is a great time to go, because there’s tons of them. Grab a paddle board and become one with the sea cows!

3. The Black Lagoon

While there might be no Creature from the Black Lagoon here, you just might remember this place from an old movie. Just 15 outside of Florida’s capital, Wakulla Springs State Park is the deepest freshwater spring in the world! The springs aren’t just famous for one movie, they are a popular location for many Hollywood Classics. While you’re there, be sure to hop on the famous river cruise.

4. The Rocks & Ramblers

Located in beautiful Orange County, this spring is a refreshing experience for the whole family. At the springs head, cool water spills in at a rate of 26,000 gallons per minute. Choose to wade or tube in the clear waters of the stunning Rock Spring Run. Rent tubes or bring your own, plus you can stay overnight and enjoy the springs for a few days.

The springs also run for 8 miles through Rock Spring Run State Preserve and Wekiwa Springs State Park. You can access these waters through Kings Landing, a private company, where you can rent canoes and kayaks to paddle the length of the river. Get ready for some fun in the sun!

5 Places You Need to Bring Your RV

Need an excuse to travel in your RV? Whether you own or rent, RV camping is a fun way to explore. It’s prefect for vacations, long distance trips or just visiting family and friends. We are going to share with you 5 perfect places to go RV camping.

1. NASCAR 
RV campers love to catch races in the comfort of their motorhomes. NASCAR is different than other races, as ticket holders don’t just gain access to one day events. Many times, NASCAR attendees get tickets to practices sessions and qualifying races, all of which are held on different days. That’s why it can be helpful to stay in your own home near the tracks!

2. FOOTBALL GAMES 

If you’ve never heard of the huge RV camp event that happens before the Florida Georgia game then you’re missing out! Football games, especially big ones, are the perfect place to bring your rig. You’ll be able to tailgate, have fun, catch the game and enjoy the company of friends, all with the comforts of home. This is the perfect time to travel in your RV!

3. VISITING FAMILY 
Visiting family out of state can be a really fun time, but things can get a little crowded if everyone is staying at one person’s house. Drive there in your RV and park it nearby or park it on the driveway. Everyone will have a much better time with their own space, and you can still have lots of fun with family.

4. EXPLORING NATURE


5. ANTIQUE SHOWS


Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, you’ll know that antique shows can span many miles and go on for days and even weeks. If you want to be sure to sell your wares or you want to do a good scouting job, you might want to be there for several days. The same is true for all kinds of events, from fairs and festivals to amusement parks and good old camping.

What’s your favorite reason to go RV Camping?

Hacks You Need to Know Before Making an RV Camping Checklist

Making a list and checking it twice isn’t just for Santa. Before you hit the open road, grab your favorite Type A personality and tell them you need a list, rest assured it will get done. But before they get started, refer them to this article for the Do’s and Don’ts of making RV camping checklists. They’ll follow this, trust us.

DOs 

  • MAKE YOUR LIST EARLY. If you wait until the day before your trip, your list is going to feel mighty difficult. You’ll probably also forgot important things like a swimsuit or raincoat (both important for Florida summers). If you enlist the help of your Type A personality, they’ll probably start 2-3 months before your trip.
  • USE FREE LISTS TO HELP. To start, download a few free checklists. They’ll give you a starting point and some basics that most RV trips need. You can always add things or take things away based on your own personal desires. 
  • HAVE EACH PERSON CREATE A LIST. Let everyone going on your trip create a list of things they think you’ll need or things they need personally. For example, if someone in your family wears contacts, they’ll need to remember their case and solution. You can then add everyone’s suggestions and personal needs to your master list. 
  • CHECK FINISHED ITEMS OFF ASAP. When you finish something, check it off. Not only will it make you feel accomplished, you’ll stay organized. Don’t think you’ll remember what you’ve done so far. Every time you check something off, consider giving yourself a small treat. It will help. 

DON’Ts

  • RELY TOO MUCH ON FREE LISTS. Okay, we did mention getting free lists, but only as a starting point. Although they can be helpful, most lists are extremely general and will not list all the items you’ll need. Use them only as a helper! 
  • DON’T IGNORE THE LIST. How many times do you create a list and lose it or not use it. Yeah, don’t do that. If you spend the time creating the list, keep your Type A personality friend around until it’s completed. Heck, maybe offer to take the on the trip for all their hard work! 
  • BE A LIST STICKLER. Before you leave, look over your list and make sure everything is checked off. Get together with everyone and make sure there wasn’t anything you missed on the list. Remember, lists are helpful but not perfect for remembering everything. 

We hope you enjoyed this list and are ready to start creating! Happy Travels.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About RV Camping at Sandhill Shores

 If you haven’t been to Florida’s Treasure Coast, then you’re missing out on one of the state’s hidden gems. Before you start planning your summer RV camping trip, let us give you the inside scoop on Sandhill Shores. Tucked away in Fort Pierce, this RV resort is brimming with character and charm, not to mention a great location.

1. Big Rigs, Big Fun

At Sandhill Shores, we know you want to be comfortable at your RV resort. That’s why we have some of the largest RV sites in the industry, with most sites coming in at 40×60 (many RV resorts average around 20 x 40). Some of our sites offer a concrete parking pad, but every one of them offers full hook-ups and 30/50 AMP service. Now that’s what we call camping!
2. Just Beachy
Love the beach? Well then you’ll love staying at Sandhill Shores. We are located just minutes away from miles of free, top-rated public beaches. What could be better than sandy shores and crashing waves all just a bike ride away! You can launch a kayak or canoe from nearby beaches, by a round of volleyball or just hangout on a towel and catch some rays. Whatever you decide to do, there’s something for everyone. 

3. Amenity Serenity 

At Sandhill Shores, we’re on island time. Stay at ‘home’ and relax for the day poolside. Or checkout our community center, a hub of activity that includes a full kitchen, stage and dance floor. Stop by our game room to play billiards, ping pong or grab a book from the library. Plus you can workout in our newly renovated fitness center. Get outside in the Florida sun with shuffleboard or horseshoes. Don’t miss our weekly events or, from potlucks and dances, to campfires and BBQs you’ll never be bored at Sandhill Shores! Our residents are friendly and always welcoming. In fact, they love having our RV visitors stop by! We welcome you like family. 

4. Fort Pierce Fun 
Fort pierce, often called the Sunrise City, is a great place to explore in Florida. Fort Pierce offers contemporary shopping, dining, great fishing and a range of entertainment and activities such as the Farmers’ Market, Bike Night, Friday Fest, Jazz Market and the Fort Pierce city-owned and -operated 1,200-seat Sunrise Theatre for the Performing Arts. You’ll love the wide array of restaurants, shopping and events available to you on one of Florida’s most beautiful coasts. 


5. WiFi & Weather

Okay guys, we only have one more reason left but it’s a combo package! The average temperature in Fort Pierce is 72 degrees in the winter, but most of the year we’re in the high 80’s with a sea breeze. So basically, you should never spend a day shoveling snow, just come here instead! Now onto our last point. We offer free WiFi, you, you read that right, FREE WIFI! There’s no catch, you just have to be a guest here at Sandhill Shores and poof, your internet surfing powers and endless. So come on by and surf the web, surf the sea, whatever you choose to do, e hope to see you soon!