bobslg
Hoffman Estates, IL
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DW and I are planning to snowbird this coming winter in Florida during the months of January, February and March. We would like to spend the three months traveling around the perimeter of the entire state staying at regular RV parks, Passport America parks and state parks. Can we do this without making any reservations? Should we be making reservations at state parks in the near future? To date we have made no reservations.
Another thought would be to select three RV parks in the center of the state, staying for one month at each park and travel to points of interest along the coastal area on a daily basis.
Any comments and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob and Sue
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flaja
anywhere,usa
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Personaly, I would make reservations. Many of the larger rv parks will have open sites, but they will fill up if any festivals or events are happening. The state parks fill up too. Not all SP's have full hookups, many just w/e. you can order a SP brochure thru their site. Weekly stays will save you a few bucks over the daily rates. Also check out county parks, many of them are very nice!
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karebear
NE Washington State
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WE too are doing this....first time....traveling from Washington State through the top of the states, siteseeing as we go, clear to Maine and then heading to Florida by mid November. We did get reservations at a few parks in the Keys at that time, but all were booked staring mid December. We have until January 10th at Penny and Larry Thompson park near Miami...then have a few reservations for State parks up the gulf side....was afraid to not have reservations. We will be at Manatee Springs state parks for 2 weeks late January. And then plan to head toward Texas by mid February and try out the RGV for a month, Arizona in March. Have a nice trip...hope you get answers so we'll know more next time.
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bobslg
Hoffman Estates, IL
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flaja - probably should make some reservations and thanks for the tip about the county parks, did not know they existed.
karebear - agree probably a good idea to make reservations at least for the first month or so. We were thinking with the higher gasoline prices the number of snowbirds on the road would be less. Staying in one central location for one month would probably save money compared to staying at different parks every other night or so. Last winter we spent the month of March in Texas with a few reservations at state parks and things worked out well. We were hoping to spend some time in the RGV but will have to do that in the future. Sounds like you have a very nice trip planned around the country with stops in Maine, Florida, Texas and Arizona.
Happy Trails, enjoy your trip around the beautiful USA!!!!!!!!!
Bob and Sue
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flaja
anywhere,usa
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From everything I've heard on this forum & from campground managers, Florida will be seeing just as many snowbirds as ever. It's still cheaper to make the drive then pay for heating oil. & everyone has been aware of the higher fuel prices since last year & have planned accordingly. I'm sure you will enjoy your visit to our state. You might check out Nasa.gov for launch schedules & plan to be on the space coast around that time. It's awesome to see! Above all have a safe trip!
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PRT
NY/FL
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I would definitely make reservations and I would do it quickly. I'm sure you will get a site, but you might not get a good site - if that matters to you.
As to Passport (which we love,) most parks do not give you that discount during the season. Maybe for a night or so, but not for a long term stay. They really don't need to during the winter.
Have fun! I'm sure you will love the snowbirding experience the way the rest of us do.
Pat
May the road rise with you, the wind be always at your back.
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Bob Shaw
Newnan Ga
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Depending on where you are going in Florida, it mauy already be too late to make reservations. We're staying in Pembroke Pines, (near Hollywood), and they book a year in advance. One park we checked-out had a 5 year waiting list for sites. You might do better with your plan to go down the center of the state and do day trips to the coasts. However, US 27 down the center of the state has tons of retiree communities, lots of traffic, and many, many traffic lights. It's an arduous drive in the winter, although 4 lanes all the way. But, if you really want to see Florida, go down the center of the state.
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pawatt
Brainerd MN / Mission TX
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I don't expect any decrease in snowbirds this year. Heating costs will be much higher this year if staying up north & should at least partly offset increased fuel costs.
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bobslg
Hoffman Estates, IL
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Everyone - Thanks for your recommendations, sounds like we had better start making reservations as soon as possible. Reservations in the center of the state sounds like a good approach, have RVed to Florida a couple of times in the past but for shorter stays. We especially enjoyed the visit to KSC for the night launch of STS-109, a week's stay at Disney World and the KOA Lion Safari at West Palm Beach. Visits to the beautiful state of Florida have always been memorable. We certainly hope that the potentially forming hurricanes have only minimal effects on Florida.
Thanks,
Bob and Sue
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Bea PA
Waynesboro, PA, USA
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Lake Louisa State Park on 27 at Clermont has full hook ups, you are allowed a 2 week stay. Some of the parks on the coast keep sites open for transiets. Usually you can only stay 1 very expensive week. Good Luck
Bea PA
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