5 Summer Camping Items You Can’t Live Without

by | Jun 15, 2017 | Go RVing, RV Camping, Rv camping fl, Summer in Florida, Summer RV Camping FL

Sandy beaches, rays of sunshine, floppy hats and fun times. It’s summer in Florida, ya’ll! While summer in Florida looks great on a postcard, it comes with some serious side effects. As natives, we’re going to let you in on the 5 things you’ll need to survive summer here like a local. Ready?

 

NUMBER ONE: SUNSCREEN

No one wants to leave Florida without a tan, but here’s the thing, Florida is really close to the equator, so the sun here is extra powerful. If you’re going to be outside for longer than 15-20 minutes, be sure to apply some sunscreen. You don’t have to go for SPF 100, but at least apply a little. Trust us, spending the rest of your vacation looking like a lobster isn’t just uncomfortable, it isn’t cute!

NUMBER TWO: H2O

Okay peeps, let’s talk water. Listen, we get it, you don’t want to drink water on the beach when there are fruity drinks with umbrellas. But here’s the deal: it’s super hot out and that means you’ll be miserable without water. You definitely don’t want to spend your day at the hospital because of dehydration or heat stroke (it’s a real thing). So, be sure to use the 1 for 1 rule at least, 1 water for every 1 drink you consume (whatever it is, beer, juice, soda).

NUMBER THREE: BUG SPRAY

If you’re going anywhere near standing water or the woods, be sure to bring some bug spray. There are so many options for bug spray, whether you choose to go completely natural or completely comercial. Whatever you choose, just make sure to bring it and use it! Those bites are annoying and itchy. If you’re hanging around your campsite consider burning sage or grabbing some citronella candles.

NUMBER FOUR: UMBRELLA

Ya’ll, we don’t want to rain on your parade, but Florida is really moody in the summer. See picture above for details. Here’s the thing: you cannot avoid getting wet. Make sure to bring an umbrella and some rain coats with you. Also, a change of clothes if you’re going out and don’t want to stay wet all day. Be a local and embrace the rain. EMBRACE THE RAIN!

NUMBER FIVE: YOUR CHILL
It’s so hot here so you can be chill. We have lots of fun things to do, and locals know how to survive the heat to take advantage of summer in Florida. There are less people, the sun is shining and the beaches are just waiting for you. Plus we have theme parks, water parks, tons of nature and lots of great places to visit. We can’t wait to see you bring your chill to Florida. Come soon ya’ll!!!


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

by | Apr 13, 2017 | FL, Florida RV camping, Florida Springs, Florida swimming, Go RVing, Rv camping fl, swimming holes, where to camp in Fl

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!

Hacks You Need to Know Before Making an RV Camping Checklist

by | Mar 23, 2017 | Checklists Camping, Go RVing, Going Camping, RV Camping, rv camping checklists, Rv camping fl

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.