FL GTG 2013!

[Nasoosie]

For people wanting to find out the info about the FL GTG place, dates, etc.

I will be in site #31 from January 27th, Sunday, until Feb. 3rd, Sunday, at Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa, FL It is somewhere on the west central sort of coast, I think. I have not printed me a map yet, so use Google maps to get your directions.

I look forward to meeting however many of you can get your own reservations and meet me there.

I am now ready and have paid for this reservation, and it is done! (The above was written months ago.)

This is the total of what I have done for this GTG, so it's really not mine----it's all of ours!

I will now put the url for the campground in here, too, now, so anyone who wishes to come can go there and make a reservation:

http://www.floridastateparks.org/hillsboroughriver/

The dates are anywhere from about January 26th (one person is already coming earlier) to about February 3rd or 4th. Anyone can come earlier and stay later, if you wish! Last I heard there were about 20 people signed up.

[Dawn309]

Soos,

I have no clue about anything in FL, so y'all decide and I'll make my reservations where you all decide.

[JudyJB]

I am going to be staying in Koresham State Park January 3-10, but one park near Sarasota sounds really interesting to me because of the variety of activities available. I will be there in December, but could do some switching.

It is Myakka River State Park at http://www.floridastateparks.org/myakka ... efault.cfm. There is a lake and both boat and tram tours, plus an overhead canopy walk. Have not been there but am looking forward to seeing it. There is both a full-hookup campground and one having only water and electric. I chose the water and electric one because it is nearer the lake and attractions.

There are still a lot of spaces in the Big Flats campground with just water and electric, at least for early January.

I am open to other suggestions, as well.

[rvgrammy1953]

Since we'll be on the road somewhere in FL in January, but don't know where at this time... I'll leave the details up to the ones in the know, but will make our reservation when a place and date have been made....Right now we're open for the month....will keep in touch...can't wait to see ya'll...

[sunshinecruiserTN]

I stayed in Myakka SP last year in Big Flats (W/E) and it was very good. Great programs by the rangers (free), boatrides (fee) trails and lots && lots of alligators. Oh there is a place for kayaking. And lots and lots of alligators but a neat place to stay. I think things worked out better later in the month of Jan. Carold is a terrific guide and Siesta Key beach is awesome.

[linann]

We stayed in Rainbow Springs State Park over July 4th and were pleased with the campground renovations. The sites are now large, level with 20/30/50 electric, and easily accommodate big rigs. Many were shaped like a "7" with the fire ring, grill and picnic table in the spacious back side of the site. Dunellon is nearby for groceries and restaurants, and I believe Ocala is about 30 minutes to the east.

There is plenty to do in the area. The park is close to the Withlachoochee Trail for biking. Rainbow River can be accessed from the campground (east entrance) for kayaking or canoeing. A large area at the springhead (west entrance) is roped off to create a natural swimming pool for those in the group crazy enough to take the polar bear plunge!

[Readytogo]

That would be Soos on the polar bear plunge!!! One thing to think about is which of these parks have the most spaces I would think. Seems like there were just enough at both places Ive been to. Also, would maybe a private park be easier to make reservations in and hold us a big spot all together? If anyone knows of one. Just a thought.

[gjkl]

I would like the later part of Jan. Whereever ya'll say is good with me. Count me in.

[gjkl]

Are there any COE camps in FL?

[linann]

Peak snowbird RV season makes it more difficult to lock in spaces in private campgrounds at reasonable rates. Even some of the KOA's now want over $80 a night. Passport America rates are usually blocked in the winter. I do know of a few private campgrounds, but they require a guaranteed minimum of ten rigs to park in a rally area and many do not allow a campfire.

[Liz]

Are there any COE camps in FL?

1 on LakeOkeechobee. Reserve early.

[Dawn309]

Y'all just let me know and I'll make our reservations.

[Readytogo]

I just picked some dates around the time we went last year. Myakka River and Wekiwa Springs had no available sites Silver River had 17. as of now. I picked RV site with pets as my criteria, and water. I know I didnt make reservations for Jan this early last year. Anybody else have any ideas, or maybe check with a broader search. I also suggested a private cg, but then it is snowbird season and many don't like them. (On edit, I meant the cg's , not that they didnt like the snowbirds!)

[linann]

Hillsborough State Park has a lot of spaces available for the week beginning 1/26/13. Two of the loops (1 and 3) are adjacent to each other and quite a few of the sites will handle the large rigs. Has anyone stayed at this park or know about it's condition?

[Dawn309]

Looked at their website and that looks good to me. As soon as everyone decides, I will make our reservations. Will be so great to see everyone!