Monty's Musings - RV Travel Blog » florida rv vacation

Planning Winter RV Trips to America’s Hot Spots

Monty — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:01:41 +0000

Did you know that planning a winter RV trip to one of America’s warm-weather hot spots doesn’t even require owning an RV? The convenience of RV rentals, available nationwide, lets winter-weary folks plan their dream trips to sunny places.

One popular way our readers reach those winter RV camping destinations is by taking advantage of our Fly/Drive Program to make picking up their RV rental at select locations simple. You can, for example, fly away from frigid temperatures in Boston, depart your plane at Orlando International Airport and take advantage of a pre-arranged transfer to El Monte RV Rentals Orlando, less than twenty miles away.

Another smart strategy for planning the perfect winter RV getaway is to plan your trip to a sunny spot around area campsites available. We encourage readers to use our Campground Reservations tool to learn which campgrounds in their desired location are highly-rated by other campers and then make their reservations.

Need a tip for saving even more money while planning your winter RV trip to one of America’s hot spots? Take advantage of El Monte RV specials on RV rental rates. At this writing, for instance, we’re offering a Valentine’s Day special for trips that include February 14.

Now, where to go to find the maximum fun in the sun this winter? Here are five winter hot spots to consider for this winter’s RV camping vacation:

Miami, Florida, home to beautiful beaches, stunning architecture and the immense inland “sea of grass” known as the Everglades.
Phoenix, Arizona, surrounded by scenic state parks and national forests and filled with interesting attractions like Old Tucson Studios and Camelback Mountain hiking trails.
San Diego, CA is a classic winter destination for RV campers hoping for sun and sand. San Diego County’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in America, so be sure to pack the sunscreen and beach gear!
Los Angeles, California is centrally located for plenty of outdoor winter fun. Enjoy the mild winter temperatures enjoying outdoor spots highlighted in LA Hiker, a great Los Angeles outdoors blog.
Houston, Texas on the Gulf of Mexico is right next door to Galveston Island National Seashore. It also makes a fine starting point for deep sea fishing adventures. You’ll also discover many affordable Houston attractions such as visiting the Battleship Texas or Space Center Houston.

Don’t sit and sulk about grey winter weather! Tell your favorite RV camping buddy it’s time to schedule some time off and head for the land of sunshine. Plan an RV camping trip soon to one of America’s winter hot spots and put those winter blues to rest for good.

Coastal RV Camping at St Joseph Peninsula State Park

Monty — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:14:25 +0000

What’s the weather like in your part of the world? If cooler winter temperatures are settling in, you might be dreaming of a day at the beach. We’ve got the perfect RV camping destination for you – St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, an enchanted little stretch of land near Panama City, Florida. This place has the makings of a perfect winter RV camping vacation.

Here’s why – the views are delightful, there are plenty of places to play and the beach is one of the most highly-rated in America. Need any more reason to book your RV rental and get going? Just in case you do, here are the details on why St. Joseph Peninsula State Park should be your next winter RV camping destination.

Kayaking and Canoeing are popular in the shallow waters of St. Joseph Bay, so bring your vessel and discover why paddlers flock to the Florida Panhandle.
RV Camping on St. Joseph Peninsula is easy, thanks to two campgrounds, both close to the beach with full facilities.
Snorkeling in St. Joseph Bay can provide hours of fascinating fun. Check the website above for the rules before you come, and then get ready to discover the peninsula’s watery playground.
Sugar Sand Beaches go on for miles, swooping into impressive dunes and welcoming you to come splash in the Bay. Plan plenty of time for strolling, swimming and relaxing on the beach!
Surf Fishing is allowed at the park with a Florida fishing license. Fishing for such salt water species as whiting, mullet and flounder is a favorite activity among St. Joseph Peninsula RV campers.
Three Hiking Trails lead through coastal scrub and hammock, past salt marshes and along St. Joseph Bay. You and your RV camping crew will soon understand why Florida has set aside this marvelous slice of nature for future generations. You’ll need a permit to hike the wilderness area, so plan ahead and bring your favorite hiking shoes. The impressive coastal beauty of this park will beg you to discover its trails.
Wildlife Viewing at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park will keep your camera clicking. Nesting sea turtles are protected on the peninsula, but if you keep your distance you can capture them on camera to take home. You’ll also discover a wide variety of shore birds and coastal creatures during your stay.

St. Joseph Peninsula State Park is waiting to bestow its beauty on your winter-weary eyes. There’s no nicer place to park an RV, no matter what time of year, and this year it might just become a treasured family memory.

Two Central Florida Scenic Byways by RV

Monty — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:51:21 +0000

Are you and your favorite RV camping buddy itching to discover the beauty of Central Florida? You’re in luck! Central Florida’s scenic byways are sure to reveal the kind of unforgettable vistas for which the Sunshine State is famous. We’ve picked two short jaunts lined with scenic spots you’ll want to slow down and enjoy. Here’s our plan for an RV camping tour of two Central Florida scenic byways.

Palma Sola Scenic Highway by RV
An hour and a half south of Palm Harbor on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Palma Sola Bay is the scene of our first scenic highway. Stretching out in splendid ‘Old Florida’ style between Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, the ten mile long scenic highway crosses the bay on SR-64 and comes to an end in the city of Holmes Beach. As you cross to the island, keep your eyes open for brightly-colored waterfowl and playful sea manatees.

This ten mile byway is filled with opportunities for RVers to experience the peace and quiet that is Central Florida. On this leg of your RV camping vacation, plan plenty of time to play at the beach, because the white sands and aquamarine waters along the Palma Sola Scenic Highway are wonderfully tempting.

Anna Maria Island’s three cities, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach and Anna Maria, each boasts miles of white sand beach and easy access to the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. A bonus for RVers – two mile long Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway leads south through the city of Bradenton Beach to the southern tip of the island. It’s an oceanside drive you won’t want to miss!

Boating, fishing from the piers, strolling the beach at sunset and, of course, eating as much freshly-caught seafood as possible are prime activities for RV campers who cross Palma Sola Scenic Highway to the island.

The Ridge Scenic Highway by RV
If you drew a line across the center of Florida from Tampa to Palm Bay, you’d intersect an area rich in early Florida farming history. Citrus orchards, historic towns and lush nature sanctuaries fed by the area’s many lakes line the Lake Wales Ridge that gives the Ridge Scenic Highway its name.

To follow this picturesque route go north on SR-17 from just south of the town of Frostproof. At the south end of the byway, Lake Arbuckle Park has an RV campground and is conveniently located to hiking trails in the state forest that skirts the lake.

The sandy, rolling hills of the Lake Wales Ridge offer views of countryside not seen elsewhere in Florida. You’ll notice many unusual plants and animals if you stop to take advantage of trails like the section of the Florida National Scenic Trail that winds through Lake Wales Ridge State Forest. This ‘Florida Scrub’ preserve was created to protect numerous endangered plant and animal species.

Speaking of Lake Wales (PDF), the charming town of that name has several notable historic attractions. A stop at Spook Hill will teach you about local Native American lore while leaving you scratching your head at an interesting local phenomenon. A step back into Florida as it once was is as simple as a stop at the Historic Bok Sanctuary or Chalet Suzanne. The downtown district, though diminished, will also bring to mind another time.

There’s plenty for you and your RV camping buddy to see and do as you continue north on the Ridge Scenic Highway. Not only will you pass through the highest elevations in the State of Florida, you’ll also have a chance to visit such Central Florida classics as Davidson of Dundee Groves and Citrus Candy Factory.

Although only about an hour north of the Orlando tourist attractions, the towns along this route move at a less hectic pace. To put the final flourish on your RV camping tour of Central Florida, campgrounds like Oak Harbor RV Campground on Lake Lowery allow one more glimpse at life in this historic region.

We’ve got your Florida RV rental ready and waiting; get ready for a different taste of Florida!

Bird Watching and RV Camping

Monty — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:07:18 +0000

Love to watch our feathered friends in their natural habitats? RV camping is the perfect companion to an extended bird watching expedition. Here’s why: you can set up camp in the comfort of your RV, close to the forests, meadows and mountain hideaways where you’re likely to find your favorite species. It’s also an affordable way to travel, thanks to well-equipped RV kitchens that allow you to cook your meals rather than finding restaurants along the way.

How to get started planning your next RV camping and bird watching road trip? First, you’ll need to know where to get information on each region’s bird watching hot spots. Here are four places to look online for clues:

The second step to planning the perfect bird watching road trip is to find RV campgrounds near your destination. We can help with that! Our El Monte RV Rentals’ Campground Reservation Tool lets you search US campgrounds and then make reservations for your trip.

Then all you need to do is grab your binoculars, pack the RV and get ready for great bird watching action. Don’t own an RV? Don’t forget, we have dozens of RV rental locations ready to serve.

We thought we’d share just a few destinations where bird watching is hot and the RV camping is excellent. Use our clues or map your own avian adventure soon!

Bird Watching Itinerary #1: Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, South and East Osceola, FL
Central Florida According to Central Florida Bird Watchers, this eight-thousand-acre refuge promises sightings of bald eagles, red-headed woodpeckers and other rarely-seen species! Just an hour north of Orlando near Kenansville, FL, this bird watching haven also offers campsites in three lakeside areas.

Bird Watching Itinerary #2: Malibu Lagoon State Beach – Malibu, CA
Located on Pacific Coast Highway just west of Los Angeles, this state park gives bird watchers the chance to see brown pelicans and a wide variety of other shore birds. Camp at the only RV campground in the City of Malibu, Malibu Beach RV Park, and enjoy premium beachside campsites close to first-rate bird watching.

Bird Watching Itinerary #3: Fermilab Preserve – Chicago, IL
The US Department of Energy’s Fermilab Preserve facility in Chicago’s western suburbs plays host to a surprising variety of birds. By hiking through the site’s ecological reserve (open to the public) birders may sight bay-breasted warblers, osprey and Cooper’s hawks, just to name a few of the species that call this six-thousand-acre, ecologically diverse habitat home. Consider traveling north one hour to Burnidge Forest Preserve for even more birding opportunities, as well as scenic RV camping!

Ten Places You MUST Visit Near Palm Harbor, FL

Monty — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 13:27:51 +0000

Ciega Bay from the Pinellas Trail

Just twenty-five miles from Tampa, Florida, Palm Harbor is an excellent place to park your RV for a West Central Florida RV camping vacation. We’d like to help you plan that trip by sharing ten places you MUST visit near Palm Harbor, Florida.

As we start our journey, here’s a reminder that we’re always here to help with Florida RV rentals at our Palm Harbor El Monte RV Rentals office! Now let’s get to that list:

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will thrill your kids with rides, wild animals and plenty of family-centered fun!
Caladesi Island State Park – Looking for a day trip to pristine, white sand beaches close to Palm Harbor? Take the ferry to Caladesi Island State Park from Clearwater for a day of swimming, hiking and picnicking the family won’t soon forget.
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Complex encompasses five refuges an hour north of Palm Harbor and gives RVers the chance to explore nature for days! Bring your cameras and watch for West Indian Manatees on the Crystal River, brown pelicans at Pinellas and hundreds of other species in Gulf Coast habitats.
Gatorland in Tampa gets top marks from RV travelers, with exciting shows and exhibits celebrating the reptiles for which Florida is famous.
Honeymoon Island State Park, just across Dunedin Causeway from Palm Harbor, has spectacular sunsets, interesting trails and beaches just made for swimming and shelling.
Manatee Springs State Park – bike, hike, canoe or kayak your way through this scenic wetland on the Suwanee River. This long-time favorite attraction of RVers also boasts a convenient campground on-site.
Pinellas Trail – This paved trail extends all the way across Central Florida from Tarpon Springs (18 miles north of Palm Harbor) to St. Augustine! Imagine the things you’ll see along the way as you hike or bike your way across the state.
St. Pete Pier, twenty five miles south of Palm Harbor in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a five story, oceanside wonderland of shops, restaurants, an aquarium and plenty of amusements to keep your RV camping crew busy.
The #1 rated Tampa Zoo in Lowry Park has more than a thousand animals in beautiful green spaces created for optimum viewing while protecting the creatures’ natural habitats.
Ybor City is Tampa’s exciting entertainment district with its roots in the cigar making industry. Come salsa, samba and indulge in the Latin flavors in the district’s historic venues.

Jacksonville by RV – Top 10 Places to Go

Monty — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 05:00:27 +0000

Jacksonville, Florida, an RV-friendly city, is home to outdoor recreation, natural wonders and RV parks that demonstrate pure Southern hospitality. A Jacksonville RV rental is the beginning of fun in the sun, and here are ten exciting places you’ll want to go.

Beaches Town Center, at the heart of Atlantic and Neptune Beaches, is the gateway to days of adventure. Restaurants, shops and, of course, the beautiful Northeast Florida beaches offer your RV camping crew the chance to do it all.
Boating the Intracoastal Waterway is a wonderful way to get to know Jacksonville. The Intracoastal actually runs from Norfolk, VA all the way to Miami, with plenty of ways to experience the southern Atlantic Coast if you’d like to venture beyond Jacksonville. For Intracoastal angling action, charter a Jacksonville fishing excursion and get ready to reel in the big ones!
Cumberland Island National Seashore – Run across the state line to historic St. Mary’s, Georgia and take the ferry to Cumberland Island. Much more than just a scenic island, this site offers RVers the chance to bike, hike, visit historic sites and photograph a wide variety of wildlife. May we suggest a stay at Jacksonville North/St. Mary’s KOA?
Daytona Speedway Racing – An hour and a half down the road in Daytona, race fans will find the home of the Daytona 500. Daytona International Speedway hosts blazing NASCAR action, thrilling bike racing events and some of the top IMSA events in the country.
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, seventy miles south of Jacksonville at Flagler Beach, is a delightful place to play in the waves. Fish, surf, swim or sit in the sun at this beautiful park tucked between the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is located just north of Jacksonville at the Georgia State line. The granddaddy of all marshland preserves, it is a four hundred thousand acre wonderland of cypress forests, canals and wildlife-studded prairies. Come watch for alligators and sandhill cranes on a boat tour, hike the boardwalks that wind through the park or put a canoe in the water and paddle through unforgettable scenery. This is a “must-see” when you come to Jacksonville!
Osceola National Forest – The bright blue waterways winding through this national forest west of Jacksonville set the stage for hiking, paddling or fishing. Camp at Ocean Pond Campground and slow down the pace to experience the cypress swamps and other unusual ecosystems that combine to create Osceola.
Pecan Park Flea & Farmer’s Market – Love to shop for a bargain? Your North Florida shopping excursion isn’t complete without a stop at Pecan Park. Open weekends, this 700-plus vendor marketplace is North Florida’s largest. Stay right next door at Pecan Park RV Resort!
Riverside Avondale District is an historic Jacksonville neighborhood filled with vintage architecture, the Riverside Arts Market, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and many other charming attractions throughout the district. Take the podcast guided walking tour to get the flavor of “Old Jacksonville.”
Timucuan Ecological and Historical Preserve is a National Park Service site celebrating the coastal wetlands of Northeast Florida. You’ll find hiking trails, historic sites and places to paddle, swim and learn about Native American, early Florida and Civil War history. Campsites can be found within the Preserve’s boundaries at Little Talbot Island State Park. Don’t miss the beautiful beach at Huguenot Memorial Park, also part of the Timucuan complex.

All this and more are waiting for you in Jacksonville, Florida. Affordable RV camping makes this trip one we recommend to all our readers!

Florida’s A1A Scenic Coastal Byway by RV

Monty — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:17:26 +0000

As you plan your RV camping destinations this year, why not plan time to savor North Florida’s Atlantic Coastline? Highway A1A, designated the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, may only be about eighty miles long, but it’s overflowing with history, coastal beauty and fascinating attractions.

If you’ll be renting an RV, we suggest you fly into Jacksonville, Florida, only thirty minutes from Ponte Vedra Beach, our journey’s trailhead. Once you’ve loaded your supplies in the RV rental, travel FL-212 east to Ponte Vedra Beach, a posh resort community where golf is king. Follow Hwy A1A south through the heart of this beautiful coastal community, taking a side trip to Guana Tolamato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. Park the RV and break out the bikes to explore this amazing ecosystem on nine miles of trails.

Let’s pick up again where the Byway ambles south along the coastline through easy living beach communities like Palm Valley and Villano Beach. You’ll notice that the Intercoastal Waterway has been tracking alongside A1A throughout your route, providing interesting scenery and places to stop and play. Once you’ve crossed the Villano Bridge into St. Augustine, your interest will probably turn to the historic.

The oldest continuously-inhabited city in America, St. Augustine is worthy of an RV camping vacation in itself. Our goal, however, is to help you learn the joys of the entire coastal byway, so here are just a few places to visit:

St. Augustine Lighthouse – icon of maritime Florida at the tip of Anastasia Island.
Castillo de San Marcos National Historic Site – a fort with more than three hundred years of history.
St. Augustine’s Downtown District and Antiques Row – each offers historic charm, quaint buildings and plenty of shopping opportunities.

By the way, once you’ve followed A1A across the bridge to Anastasia Island, be sure to enjoy the Atlantic at Anastasia State Park and the island’s three beaches. And if you’re ready to stop for the night, St. Augustine Beach KOA is right there on the island.

And then it’s over the Matanzas Inlet and on to the town of Marineland, where scenic dunes and beautiful golden brown beaches tempt visitors to sea kayak, surf fish or simply relax in the sun. Following the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Highway, we’ll continue south from Marineland to Washington Gardens State Park for a taste of Old Florida beauty. Hike along the trails and encounter magnificent trees within the hardwood hammock.

We’re nearing the end of our trip, but there’s so much more to experience. Some of the best attractions on this final stretch of A1A are the beaches. Pass through the resort town of Palm Harbor and then hug the shoreline until you reach Painter’s Hill. That’s where you’ll find Varn Park, a good beach spot to get out of your RV and take sunrise or sunset photos.

At the southern end of our scenic byway lies Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach. Not only can you camp in a seaside campsite, your entire family will find their favorite ways to play in the sun and sand between the ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway.

Fun at Live Oak Landing in Freeport Florida

Monty — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:57:57 +0000

Our friends at RVC Outdoor Destinations kindly shared this with us about their new campground Live Oak Landing.

Nestled along the Choctawhatchee Bay with direct water frontage on the gorgeous Black Creek, Live Oak Landing is a beautiful campground committed to offering its guests a hotel-like experience in the ideal natural environment. Each one of the RV campsites is concrete, complete with full hook-ups, 50 amp service, cable and Wi-Fi.

Its several century old Live Oak trees take campers back to a time when things moved at a more relaxing pace. Yet, should you feel the urge to go into town, Destin is merely minutes away with some of the best shopping and seafood restaurants in the South. If you want to bring your friends, but they don’t own an RV, no worries! There are brand-new furnished cottages to rent near the RV sites. This unique combination of seclusion and proximity are what make Live Oak Landing such a highly desirable destination.

Some of the more notable features of Live Oak Landing include:

A boat ramp and dock providing guests with easy access to the water
Direct boat access to Choctawhatchee Bay, the Gulf, rivers, bayous, and intercoastal waterway
Fishing either from some excellent on-property fishing spots or through available fishing charters to experience some of the very best bayou, river, bay, and Gulf Coast fishing in the region.

It sounds like if northwest Florida is in your travel plans you should be sure to add Live Oak Landing to your must-see list of campgrounds.

Take in Historic St. Augustine from Pacetti’s Campground & Marina

Monty — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:43:03 +0000

This was kindly provided to us by our friends at Pacetti’s Campground & Marina.

Pacetti’s RV Park & Marina is located at on Trout Creek, a tributary of the beautiful St. Johns River. The campground showcases the best that country charm has to offer. The 23-acre campground has huge oak trees, and the creek is perfect for fishing right off the campground’s docks. Bring your RV, tent, or even rent a cabin. The campground has a boat ramp and boat slips for your boat too. This is the perfect location to get away from all the crowds and just relax and enjoy leisurely days by the creek. When you are ready for some shopping, golf, and area attractions, everything is just a short drive from Pacetti’s.

Attractions Near Pacetti’s RV Park & Marina

Historic St. Augustine is just one of the many attractions located near Pacetti’s RV Park & Marina. Think about taking a trolley tour, horse and carriage ride, or even a riverboat to see St. Augustine. And of course do not forget St. Augustine’s beaches!

Other attractions include:

The World Golf Village that is only a 10 minute drive away. The Imax Theater, Renaissance Resort and Murray Brothers Caddy Shack restaurant are all located there.
The St. Augustine Outlet Mall, a full day of shopping that is only 20 minutes away.
Ft. Matanzas with guides dressed in character and real working cannons.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not, always a family favorite.

There are many other attractions that would appeal to visitors of all ages. The staff Pacetti’s RV Park & Marina is very knowledgeable about the area, and will strive to help you with your plans.

Top Ten List of Places to See in Orlando, Florida

Monty — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:35:36 +0000

The City of Orlando, Florida is certainly a favorite among RV campers, thanks to its wide range of theme park entertainment. But did you know there’s a lot more to see in Orlando? Follow along as we list not only the most popular theme parks, but other fascinating attractions to fill out our top ten list of places to see in Orlando, Florida.

Celebration, Florida: Don’t miss a stop at Disney’s vision for a town that’s always a celebration. The architecture, parks and non-stop special events make this town just thirty minutes from downtown Orlando the perfect side trip.
Disney Theme Parks: Disney offers a stunning four theme parks and two water parks under the umbrella of Orlando-area Walt Disney World. Classic Magic Kingdom, innovative Epcot Center, wild and wooly Animal Kingdom and ever-changing Hollywood Studios will keep the family busy for weeks, not to mention stops at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach!
Downtown Orlando Historic District (PDF): Take a walking tour of Orlando’s picturesque downtown district for the chance to see eight distinctive architectural styles. Since the 1880s, Orlando’s downtown district has been home to the historic churches, night clubs and other commercial concerns that helped make Orlando a southern mecca. A great opportunity to see the impact African Americans had in restoring the South’s fortunes after the Civil War.
GatorLand: The quintessential South Florida experience, with more than a hundred acres of ‘gators, crocs and live animal shows.
Lake Eola Park: Orlando boasts an amazing eighteen lakes within its parks system, and Lake Eola is one of the most beloved. Right in the heart of the downtown historic district, you’ll be within walking distance of shopping and dining venues while surrounded by beautiful parkland. Tip: save enough time for a swan boat ride!
Leu House Museum and Gardens: Early Orlando entrepreneur, world traveler and philanthropist Harry Leu built a fabulous house on the shores of Lake Rowena in 1936. He later bequeathed it to the City of Orlando with the stipulation this National Historic Landmark home and the botanical gardens surrounding it would always be open for public tours.
Loch Haven Park: Not only is this scenic green space easy on the eyes, it’s also home to four museums, two theaters and a community center! Art, science and history are on the agenda at this one-stop cultural oasis.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not: From the oddly-tilting museum building to the world-class collection of the strange and wonderful, Ripley’s “Odditorium” will amaze you from start to finish.
SeaWorld Orlando: Watch the amazing live shows, ride thrilling rides and hop over to SeaWorld’s Aquatica Water Park. Two-park ticket packages make these parks two of Orlando’s most visited attractions.
Universal Orlando: The Universal theme parks in Orlando have something for everyone. Universal Studios Park, Islands of Adventure Park and Wet and Wild Waterpark offer your family non-stop adventure, so be sure to check for ticket packages that fit your fancy.