The Everglades, Florida

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I will probably want to do so many things there that I will probably check to see If I can stay another week. Or save a few things for my next trip to Florida, whenever that could be.

The big problem now is that I see the Everglades is 583 miles from where I am now. Perhaps I should take two days to get there. Is there any problem if I get to the Everglades "Long Pine Key Campsite RV 29-33 ft" late at night? And if I take two days, where do I stay overnight?

I guess I can leave here a day early or arrive there a day late. I am not sure what is the best way to handle those 583 miles.

-Don- Marianna, FL
 
Check recreation.gov and type in just "Florida." Then select camping and RVs and it will give you several places near Ocala. A map will be available if you click that option. There are at least three federal (cheap) camping areas that are first-come, first-served. Also, Juniper Springs is available for tomorrow night via reservation.

Also check Florida State Parks around Ocala. There are quite a few with vacancies. Very easy.

You should call wherever you plan to arrive, especially Long Pine Key because nearly all Florida state and federal campground lock up at dusk. And by "lock up" I mean it is a serious gate that you cannot possibly get through. If you call, they will give you the code over the phone if you have a reservation. (I forgot this once when my cousin was dropping me off, but luckily found someone at the entrance booth working late. Sometimes, they will leave a padlock that looks locked but really isn't, so check that if you forget.)
 
JudyJB said:
Check recreation.gov and type in just "Florida." Then select camping and RVs and it will give you several places near Ocala. A map will be available if you click that option. There are at least three federal (cheap) camping areas that are first-come, first-served. Also, Juniper Springs is available for tomorrow night via reservation.

Also check Florida State Parks around Ocala. There are quite a few with vacancies. Very easy.

You should call wherever you plan to arrive, especially Long Pine Key because nearly all Florida state and federal campground lock up at dusk. And by "lock up" I mean it is a serious gate that you cannot possibly get through. If you call, they will give you the code over the phone if you have a reservation. (I forgot this once when my cousin was dropping me off, but luckily found someone at the entrance booth working late. Sometimes, they will leave a padlock that looks locked but really isn't, so check that if you forget.)
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Thanks for that great info. I also lose another hour as I go east, so I know I will never make it. I think I will leave here a day early.

Or . . .

I guess I can get there a day late and just forfeit the first paid for day.

Or perhaps call them tomorrow and get the dates changed one day later on each end.

-Don- Marianna, FL
 
Robert K said:
You could call and ask.
Click to expand...

Yep, I just did and there was no problem with changing everything to a day later. I will get there a day later (I now have two full days to get there) and I will also leave the Everglades a day later:

(This was one of those very rare times I used my cell phone).

Long Pine Key Campsite RV 29-33 ft.
Rate: Senior discount
Check-in: 03:00 PM Wed Dec 1, 2021
Check-out: 10:00 AM Wed Dec 8, 2021
Accommodations: 1
Nights: 7
Adults: 1
Arrival Time: late

-Don- Marianna, FL
 
Rob&Deryl said:
Definitely call. If you don’t show, they may mark you “no show” and release the site.
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I was wondering about that also. But since it was all paid for in advance, I didn't think they could do that.

My credit card shows:

11/27/2021

EVERGLADES FLAMINGO CA		$168.56

But it's now all taken care of anyway. I now have two full days to get there.

-Don- Marianna, FL
 
ziplock said:
You could probably make it in 12 hours Leave by 5am,
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Or would that be 0400 hrs because I am not yet on EST? Florida changes time about 50 miles east of here. Northern Florida doesn't change time at the State's border up here in the northern part.

That one hour time difference was enough for me to abort the idea of trying to make it there in one day.

But it now doesn't make any difference as I now have two days to get to the Everglades, which is a lot more reasonable for the distance.

-Don- Marianna, FL
 
Most people say 300 miles is good.

I drove from Tampa to Cincinnati once in 18 hours which was 1025 miles; it took three power drinks.

Funny story, my wife had been sleeping all night. When we got home she asked me why I parked in such a dark area. I told her we were home, she was amazed.

It's weird when you wake up to 72 degrees and get home to 14 degrees. LOL
 
Tom55555 said:
I drove from Tampa to Cincinnati once in 18 hours which was 1025 miles; it took three power drinks.
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They have an "Iron Butt" award for those who do 1,000 miles on a motorcycle in 24 hours. Many have done it, even me. I went I went from the Big Bend of Texas to Salton Sea, CA in a day back in 1971. Also 1,025 miles in less than 24 hours.

Now, many have done it even on an electric motorcycle. This guy was first back in 2014. He is active in the Electric motorcycle forum that I am active in, his handle is "Electric Terry".

-Don- Marianna, FL
 
Florida has some of the best parks in the country. Is the 168 for the total week?
 
There are some great primitive parks in Florida, in some of the true oak trees and woods that Florida used to be known for before developers got ahold of it , if you are set up for it. They are FREE. Look up South Florida Water Management and Southwest Florida Water Management. The one east of Indiantown has hot showers. Hampton tract is set up for horse groups and there are miles of trails. You can stay up to 14 days. Up in the central to northern parts of the state parks are set up around the natural springs. One of the best parks off of I 10 is Blackwater River State Park. The sites are as good as most upscaled parks. Full hookups
 
In March we'll be 70 miles away from Long Pine at Midway Campground in the Big Cypress National Preserve adjacent to the Everglades. Electric only paved sites and just $15/night with our Senior Access Card.

Midway.jpg
 
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