Florida, widely acclaimed as a winter retreat for snowbirds, is experiencing a transformation.
Its recreational vehicle (RV) parks, resorts, and campgrounds are broadening their appeal to accommodate not just winter visitors but also local residents and families during the summertime.
The push is on to redefine Florida’s RV resorts as year-round destinations, offering a variety of immersive activities, themed weekend events, and guidance on local attractions.
Bobby Cornwell, the chief executive officer of the Florida RV Park and Campground Association, is leading the charge to change the seasonal perspective of these parks. His goal is to showcase them as year-round havens of adventure and relaxation, where visitors can create unforgettable memories regardless of the season.
These resorts and parks, Cornwell explained, are not merely stopovers or places to park an RV. They offer robust recreational possibilities, serving as launching pads for fun-filled, activity-packed weekend escapes and explorations.
To help families plan their summer sojourns, numerous online resources like VisitFlorida.com and CampFlorida.com are available, providing a multitude of ideas for activities and attractions throughout the Sunshine State.
Cornwell highlighted that many RV parks and campgrounds also offer rental accommodations for those who may not own an RV.
These sites are located near a variety of attractions, be it the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico’s combined 800 miles of pristine coastline, or the idyllic intercoastal waterways brimming with opportunities for water sports like kayaking, boating, and fishing.
Several RV parks are also diversifying their offerings to accommodate the evolving tastes of visitors.
Twin Lakes Camp Resort in DeFuniak Springs, for instance, is complementing its conventional camping amenities with an upscale camping experience or ‘glamping.’ Other locations, like Ginnie Springs in High Springs, not only provide campsites but also offer instructional classes in activities such as scuba diving.
There are places like Splash RV Resort & Waterpark in Milton that have incorporated water parks within their premises. Elsewhere, Canopy Oaks RV Resort in Lake Wales and Camp Margaritaville in Auburndale have taken the route of organized family activities and thematic weekend events to keep visitors engaged throughout the summer months.
In addition to in-park activities, several RV resorts help visitors discover nearby attractions and experiences, thus creating a more holistic travel itinerary. For example, Madison RV & Golf Resort suggests places like the Treasures of Madison County Museum, the Four Freedoms Trail, and the Wild Adventures Theme Park in Valdosta, Georgia.
Cornwell emphasizes the burgeoning trend of summer activity schedules within Florida’s RV parks. From ax-throwing on Father’s Day at The Surf RV Resort to the “Cheeseburger in Paradise” Jimmy Buffett themed 4th of July party at The Tides Signature RV Resort, the Sunshine State’s RV parks, and resorts are evolving into vibrant, activity-laden destinations.
Whether you’re a local resident or a family looking for a unique summer experience, Florida’s RV parks, resorts, and campgrounds are adapting to provide memorable getaways all year round.
With the Florida RV Park and Campground Association constantly striving to bring the latest camping trends to the fore, the Sunshine State is setting new benchmarks in year-round camping experiences.