We are thinking of heading to Florida this winter. Spent last winter in TX and loved it. The gulf coast was terrific, and we found it easy to find inexpensive places ($200/month) without needing reservations. I had read a lot of forums that said don't go south without reservations, we did it anyway, and found that really only applied to the high end resorts that weren't our style.  How can you make reservations if you don't know where you are going?

 

Wondering if Florida is as easy. I realize it will be more expensive, the question is how much more? Can we get a monthly rent for under $500? How about under $400? Am I crazy to think that is possible? We like to move when we feel like it, typically every 2-4 weeks and not have a set destination. However, I am looking to drop into Forida from Alabama as a starting point sometime in November. So, anything along the gulf coast to start.

 

 

Any words of wisdom, favorite places, places to avoid? We like places that have lots of outdoor activities, biking, hiking, kayaking, birding, etc.

 

Thanks,

 

Jenn

We have ventured to Florida two winters now, and will be making number three in a few weeks. A few things we have learned: don't be there Jan, Feb, and March unless you have a cheap place to stay, don't get there much before October unless you dig humidity, and there are a lot of old people there. :)

The first three months of the year are crowded and expensive in south Florida. If you want to stay above the arctic circle (Ocala), there are deals to be had, and much fewer people. The southerners think it is too cold above Ocala.

Up in the northern-Gulf side, there is a great little park to stop at on the way down. It is called Natures Coast RV Resort in Steinhatchee, FL. It has like 15 spaces, surrounded by nature, close drive to a funky little fishing town, great owners. Worth a night, week, or month.

We have done both years with minimal reservations. We made reservations for Ft Desoto because we really wanted to stay there, and it is a popular place.

As for rates, May thru October is the cheapest, Feb and March typically the most expensive. For example, we stayed at Sun N Fun in Sarasota a few times. A week in October is ~$225, a month $840. In February, that goes to about $450 a week, $1800 for the month.

Hit us up - we will be down by Ft. Meyers in Nov and Dec.


--kev

Gulf coast florida tips, lets see... if you like secluded and cheap spots don't be afraid to check out florida's state forests (though careful with the dragon size yellow flies in Tate's Hell.)

I've stayed in Pine log state forest, its ok, its cheap , and about 15 miles north of the beaches, it has a small lake or two (depending on the water levels) and bike trails to play on.

The Apalachicola national forest has some lovely and very cheap spots in the middle of nowhere (take some deep woods off).

Why not try out Newport park in Wakulla county (just a wee campground on the side of the road) (cheap prices and you can explore the Saint Marks wildlife area and play on the Saint Marks river.)

Don't miss the great state park on Port Saint Joe's peninsula (cape san blas).

My best tip for getting a spot is to do not pull in and pull out on the same days the rat-race folks do. Stay put on the weekends, move on the weekdays.

--
hope you have fun and happy travels --- Dale

(here are some reference links)

http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/ (florida state forests)

http://www.floridastateparks.org/STJOSEPH/ (st joe state park)

http://www.fws.gov/saintmarks/ (saint marks wildlife refuge)

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/recreation/index_apa.shtml#camping (Apalachicola National Forest)

Travelfables,

 

Thanks for the excellent links. Very helpful!

We are staying IN DOWNTOWN ORLANDO FOR about $315

we are staying on downtown orlando on a lake big enough to kayak on for about 315 plus electircity. It is laess than an hour to Daytona area and great kayaking, 20 minutes to Wekiva springs, it is full of working class people who live there full time and most are great, easygoing. A few wintering or professional part-timers.

Lake Breeze RV park, used to be a pretty gnarly place but it has cleaned up a lot.

nice setting, view of downtown, big lots.

great sunsets on the lake.

Joanie and Darla