Florida State and National Parks – Great Florida Vacations

Florida State Parks and National Parks

Florida State Parks and Florida National Parks are under-visited in my opinion. Visitors tend to concentrate on the big Orlando attractions and get a skewed picture of Florida (we aren’t all concrete, thrill rides and laser-light shows).

Come on and visit the real Florida. You knew it had to be here somewhere.

OK, there are several different kinds of parks in Florida – national, state, geological, etc. There are all kinds of wildlife preserves, too. And since Florida is a long state, the parks range from moderate climates in the panhandle to sub-tropical (and even tropical) in the southern part of the peninsula.

Florida State Parks and National Parks — A Great Value

The entrance fee is usually around $4-5 per car and many can be all-day destinations with hiking, swimming, fishing and boating.

Bring your own picnic supplies and enjoy a wonderful time in the Florida sunshine. If you want to do something special, like rent a canoe or kayak, there is naturally an extra charge.

But even with a rental or two, your day at one of the parks could cost you less than $60 for the family. (Compare that with what a day at Disney costs!) Oh, and you’ll definitely want to bring you camera or camcorder with you — you’ll want memories of these awesome pieces of Florida.

Here are a few of the unique Florida State Parks and National Parks (in alphabetical order) that you really don’t want to miss!

(I also have a list of State Parks just in the Florida Keys.)

• Bahia Honda State Park
• Biscayne National Park
• Blue Spring State Park (new!)
• Curry Hammock State Park
• Dagney Johnson Key Largo Hammock
• Devil’s Millhopper State Geological Park
• Everglades National Park
• Fanning Springs State Park
• Florida Caverns State Park
• Grayton Beach State Park
• Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
• Ichetucknee Springs State Park
• Indian Key State Historic Site
• John D. MacArthur Beach State Park
• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• Jonathan Dickinson State Park
• Long Key State Park
• Lovers Key State Park
• Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
• Sebastian Inlet State Park
• Wekiwa Springs State Park (updated!)

Source Florida State and National Parks – Great Florida Vacations.

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Key West Camping at its best…Boyd’s Key West Campground. Family Vacation in Key West, Florida, in the most popular Camping and RV Park in Key West

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Key West Camping at its best… Boyd’s Key West Campground. Family Vacation in Key West, Florida, in the most popular Camping and RV Park in Key West and the Lower Keys by taking your family on a camping experience they’ll never forget. Boyd’s Campground is Key West Camping at its finest. Relax in our Lower Keys Campground with your Camper, RV, or Tent facing the beautiful oceanfront. We’re only minutes from Duval Street. Relax lounging by the pool, or enjoy area snorkeling, fishing, diving and beaches.

Our Boyd’s Key West Campground has been Family Owned and operated for over 45 years, our lush tropical park provides the perfect setting for family vacations, intimate getaways or an escape from cold winters.

Oceanfront campsites
50 amp and 30 amp electricity
Heated swimming pool
Lounging beach
24 hour security
FREE Wireless Internet
Marina
Gift & convenience store
4 clean bathhouses
Located at Key West city limits
City Bus Service

Source www.boydscampground.com

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RV Sales, Rentals, Parts, Service and Repairs – Consignments Welcome!
Call today 1-888-587-3337 or 954-583-3382

Tips and Tricks for You RV

Rving can be a very fun and rewarding hobby however, proper care for an RV can be somewhat confusing especially if you are new to the world of RVing. Even with the internet determining which information is good and what is bad can also be tricky. There is a plethora of good information out there, you just have to know how to look for it. One major issue with RVs is pest control.

One thing you can do is buy a gallon of bug spray, when you arrive at your destination spray your tires thoroughly in order to make sure no ants or roaches crawl up your tires and find a nice new home in your RV. Another popular trick is to place dryer sheets in strategic locations throughout your RV, this will help to keep rodents out of your RV. Try and keep your RV parked in a shady spot, and before you leave make sure your awning is secured and you have done a final walk around your campsite.

Source myRVLink.com Tips and Tricks for You RV

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The Full Timer – For the bold few who wish to be full time Rvers

For the bold few who wish to be full time Rvers, there are several things you should know when a person decides to move into their RV and make it their permanent home. The most important thing to remember is the budget. When you are on the road it can be very tempting to stray from your allowed spending, under no circumstances should you frivolously waste money. You can never know when you may have an expensive repair that just pops up one day and as a full timer living in their RV, it can be a serious pain to put your RV in the shop and spend the night at a hotel for a few days at the cost of a few hundred dollars.

Another tip to keep in mind is the concept of “Wallydocking”. Here in the US we love Wal-Mart. Apart from having cheap products, they also offer cheap places to park your RV and by cheap I mean free. You can park at a Wal-Mart over night and not have any problems from the management, just be sure to be leave in a reasonable amount of time as most businesses don’t want an RV in their parking lot for months on end.

Source myRVLink.com The Full Timer

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It’s National Park Week: what park are you headed to? > RV Daily Report |

It’s National Park Week: what park are you headed to?

Kelly Cauthorn posted on April 19, 2011 11:34

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, and the National Park Service are inviting people everywhere to experience the beauty and wonder of America’s nearly 400 national parks for free during National Park Week 2011, which officially began April 16 and runs until April 24.

Celebrating “Healthy Parks, Healthy People,” national parks across the country are encouraging people to come visit, get outdoors, and embrace a healthy lifestyle, while also embracing the importance of keeping our parks protected and preserved.

“Our national parks give people everywhere a fun and adventurous way to get outdoors, get active and get fit,” said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation. “Our nation is blessed with nearly 400 national parks — and they all belong to you. Join the National Park Foundation in showing your support. Take time this week to get out, visit, and experience these treasured places.”

Throughout the week, people are encouraged to share their National Park Week stories, photos, and videos online at http://www.facebook.com/nationalpark. In addition, The National Park Foundation will be giving away daily prizes including park passes, outdoor gear, and a trip to Shenandoah National Park with the “I Heart Parks” promotion running April 18 – April 22. Visit http://www.facebook.com/nationalpark for more information.

In honor of National Park Week, national parks across the country will be celebrating with special events. Information can be found at www.nationalparkweek.org. Just some of the free activities taking place this week across the nation include:

* Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve (Louisiana): Monday, April 18, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Take an hour-long stroll along the Mississippi River levee for an overview of New Orleans history. 25 free tickets are distributed at 9:00 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis at the French Quarter Visitor Center, 419 Decatur Street, New Orleans.

* Biscayne National Park (Florida): Tuesday, April 19, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Explore Biscayne National Park’s mangrove shoreline on a leisurely paddle to learn about mangroves, manatees, fish and more.

* Amistad National Recreation Area (Texas): Wednesday, April 20, 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Join a ranger and volunteers for a bird walk below the Amistad Dam.

* Muir Woods National Monument (California): Thursday, April 21 (John Muir’s birthday), 8:00 a.m.

Start the morning off with a quiet walk through what John Muir called “the best tree-lover’s monument in all the forests of the world.”

* Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio): Friday, April 22 (Earth Day), 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Celebrate Earth Day with a 5-mile hike on Ledges area trails and learn how organizations and individuals worked together to plant seeds of conservation in the Cuyahoga Valley.

* Jewel Cave National Monument (South Dakota): Saturday, April 23 (Junior Ranger Day), 9:00 a.m.

Young visitors and their families are invited to take a guided hike on the one-quarter mile Roof Trail and learn about the second longest cave in the world.

Visit www.nationalparkweek.org for more information on National Park Week including a full listing of events, get free national park travel guides, details on how you can share your park adventure with other travelers, and information about how you can support the parks.

Whether it is during National Park Week, or any other day of the year, it is the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporations that allow the National Park Foundation to continue its Congressionally-chartered mission to support and protect America’s treasured national parks. Give today at www.nationalparks.org to the National Park Foundation and your gift will be matched up to $50,000! With your help we can provide the necessary support to America’s nearly 400 national parks.

The National Park Foundation is proud to recognize Aramark Parks and Destinations, Bank of America, Energizer, Peace Cereal and The North Face for their support of National Park Week.

About the National Park Foundation

You are the owner of 84 million acres of the world’s most treasured landscapes, ecosystems, and historic sites – all protected in America’s nearly 400 national parks. Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks. We work hand in hand with the National Park Service to connect you and all Americans to the parks, and to make sure that they are preserved for the generations who will follow.

It’s National Park Week: what park are you headed to? > RV Daily Report |.

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Survey shows customers want reconditioned RVs > RV Daily Report |

Survey shows customers want reconditioned RVs

Greg Gerber posted on April 19, 2011 12:12

BENTON, Ky. — Ford RV Refrigeration Training Center is seeing a vast increase in the number of people interested in reconditioning RV refrigerators, the company announced today.

“To our surprise, this year’s report has already shown record hits of 10,000 a month,” said Onna Lee Ford, co-owner for Ford RV Refrigeration. “We believe our efforts to educate RV owners has increased numbers in the RVRN network of RV refrigerator specialists.”

Ford RV Refrigeration has surveyed hundreds of RV owners at the Affinity Group rallies and at other trade shows and seminars. “The results are 100 percent positive that RV owners would prefer to have their RV refrigerators reconditioned by an RVRN member because of the savings and warranty these members provide,” said Ford.

The Fords have written two books on RV refrigerators. In January 2011, they celebrated the first year anniversary of “Average Joe’s RV Refrigerator Troubleshooting & Repair Guide.” This book, which is sold nationwide, has created a new awareness among RV owners who are now searching for this unique service in their areas. Some have even obtained the RV refrigerator reconditioning training from Ford RV, she added.

Ford RV Refrigeration Training Center offers free monthly seminars to RV club members. This seminar educates RV owners on their RV refrigerator in areas of proper diagnosing and easy repairs they can do themselves. The Ford’s also cover myths and truths about these refrigerators and ways RV owners can save hundreds to thousands of dollars and receive a warranty.

This seminar has been given at the Affinity Group’s Thee Rally, the SMART Muster, and others.

“RV owners are amazed and very thankful to receive this free information,” said Roger Ford, co-owner of Ford RV Refrigeration.

For more information, call 270.354.9239, e-mail rdrv@rvrefrigeration.com
or visit www.rvrefrigeration.com.

Survey shows customers want reconditioned RVs > RV Daily Report 

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Top 10 Ways to Celebrate National Park Week 2011

—National Park Foundation Invites People Everywhere to National Park Week April 16 – 24 Celebrating “Healthy Parks, Healthy People” —

WASHINGTON, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks, is teaming up with the National Park Service to celebrate National Park Week 2011 April 16 – 24.  Beginning this Saturday, people everywhere are invited to experience America’s nearly 400 national parks which will be fee FREE all week.   Celebrating the theme “Healthy Parks, Healthy People,” national parks across the country are encouraging people to come visit, get outdoors, and embrace a healthy lifestyle, while also embracing the importance of keeping our parks protected and preserved.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090630/DC40408LOGO)

In honor of National Park Week, the National Park Foundation is releasing 10 great ways to celebrate:

• Visit a national park!  There are nearly 400 national parks in America, and during National Park Week, they are all fee FREE.  Take the time to go visit, and discover the magic of these treasured places.  Start by visitingwww.nationalparks.org/explore.
• Healthy Parks make Healthy People.  From hiking to biking to swimming, there are great outdoor activities in your national parks for visitors of all ages.  Start by getting the FREE National Park Foundation Owner’s Guide: “35 National Park Adventures for Kids of All Ages.”
• Show your support!  As we celebrate National Park Week, take the time to consider what it would be like without these iconic places.   Give today to the National Park Foundation and your gift will be MATCHED up to $50,000!  With your help we can provide the necessary support to America’s nearly 400 national parks.
• Volunteer Day is April 16!  Give back to the national parks that give so much to us.  Find a complete listing of volunteer events.
• Become a Junior Ranger!  Introduce a young person to our national parks on Junior Ranger Day, April 23.  Through the Junior Ranger program kids learn about history, the environment and much more.  At the end, each participant will be sworn in as a National Park Service Junior Ranger.  Kids can also get active with the new “Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger” program celebrating First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative striving to end childhood obesity within a generation.
• “Check-In” on Facebook.  Using Facebook “Places” on your mobile device, “check-in” at a national park and The North Face will donate $1 to the National Park Foundation!  Just search for the national park near you using the latest version of the Facebook for iPhone app or by visiting https://touch.facebook.com/ from your HTML5-enabled mobile device.
• Meet a National Park Service Ranger!  Do you know the people that help safeguard our national parks every day?  Take the time to learn more about the National Park Service and the men and women that protect these special places. Get out and visit them or go to www.nps.gov to learn more.
• Share your adventure! Upload your photos, videos, poems or stories exclusively at facebook.com/nationalpark, and share your National Park Week experience with the world!
• Celebrate Earth Day in the parks!  Take the time on April 22 to get outside to a national park and celebrate all the wonders and magical places that our planet has given us.  In return, do the small things to show your appreciation like using environmentally-friendly transportation, recycling and supporting the National Park Foundation. 
• Enter the “I Heart Parks” contest! Go to www.facebook.com/nationalpark for the opportunity to win daily prizes from the National Park Foundation including park passes, outdoor gear, and a trip to Shenandoah National Park!

For more information on National Park Week, and a full listing of events, including details on park-specific Earth Day events (April 22), Junior Ranger Day activities (April 23), and ways to lend a hand in local parks on Volunteer Day (April 16), visitwww.nationalparkweek.org.  At this site, visitors will find resources on National Park Week events, special activities for visitors of all ages, details on how you can share your park adventure with other travelers, as well as information on how to support the parks.

Whether it is during National Park Week, or any other day of the year, it is the generous support of individuals, foundations and corporations that allow the National Park Foundation to continue its Congressionally-chartered mission to support and protect America’s treasured national parks.  The National Park Foundation is proud to recognize Aramark Parks and Destinations, Bank of America, Energizer, Peace Cereal and The North Face for their support of National Park Week.

Find out more about the work of the National Park Foundation and how to help at www.nationalparks.org.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks. Chartered by Congress, we work hand in hand with the National Park Service to strengthen and connect all Americans to our parks, so they are protected for present and future generations. It is a legacy that began more than a century ago, when private citizens took action to first establish, then protect and endow our national parks. Today, the National Park Foundation carries on that tradition as the only national charitable partner for America’s national parks.  To learn more visit www.nationalparks.org.

SOURCE National Park Foundation via PR Newswire

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Facebook fan appreciation event makes for online, offline fun > RV Daily Report |

Facebook fan appreciation event makes for online, offline fun

Greg Gerber posted on April 04, 2011 15:20

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Ocean Lakes Family Campground had a successful second annual Facebook Fan Appreciation Weekend this past weekend, April 1 and 2.

More than 70 people who ‘like’ Ocean Lakes on Facebook gathered on site and nearly 200 participated online for an interactive weekend to commemorate the 2-year anniversary of the campground’s launch on the social networking site.

Decked out in their matching Facebook Fan Appreciation Weekend T-shirts, attendees on-site participated in games and competitions that were viewable online through video and photos posted on the campground’s Facebook page. The weekend had its first “Virtual Ocean Lakes Experience” contest for people logging onto their computers to participate over the weekend. Several participants took creative snapshot of their virtual weekends at Ocean Lakes.

People who ‘like’ the campground on Facebook can vote until 11 p.m. on April 11 for the winner. He or she will receive an Ocean Lakes goody bag and a choice of either two free nights of camping or a $40 Ocean Lakes gift certificate.

Overall, the weekend’s on-site and online events generated nearly 250,000 Facebook impressions and the Ocean Lakes Facebook page gained about 100 new ‘likes’ during the weekend event. Well over 400 photos were added into the Ocean Lakes’ Facebook photo album and 10 videos were posted.

“Once again, we had an amazing time celebrating our presence on Facebook with our Ocean Lakes family,” said Barb Krumm, director of marketing and public relations for Ocean Lakes Family Campground. “So many people said that they’d had a blast throughout the weekend. We were blown away by the interactions we received by expanding our weekend and making it something people could get involved in virtually as well as in person.”

Since joining Facebook in April 2009, Ocean Lakes Family Campground has gained more than 24,000 “likes.” It was verified as an authentic Facebook page in February 2010 after passing the 10,000-fan mark. On average, nearly 9,000 people visit the campground’s Facebook page each week with daily posts generating around 16,000 daily impressions.

For more information about Ocean Lakes Family Campground, visit www.oceanlakes.com or ‘like’ the campground on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/oceanlakesFB.

SOURCE: Ocean Lakes Family Campground press release via RV Daily Report

 

Facebook fan appreciation event makes for online, offline fun > RV Daily Report |.

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Weekend events at Reed Bingham State Park > RV Daily Report |

Weekend events at Reed Bingham State Park

Kelly Cauthorn posted on April 07, 2011 13:20 

NORMAN PARK, Ga. — During this final weekend of spring break, Reed Bingham State Park will be hosting a variety of events and activities for all ages, tomorrow through Sunday, reported the Moultrie Observer.

Tomorrow, kids can come to the campground stage and learn about turtles and tortoises at the Turtle Talk. There will also be a guided night hike through the park.

On Saturday, the events will kick off with Good Morning Mammals at the campground stage, where kids can learn about native mammals and make crafts. Kids can compete in the Beauty Bug Contest later on to see who can catch the most unusual bugs.

The Alligator Chat will also be held at the campground stage on Saturday, where visitors can learn about native alligators and see a live one.

For the complete list of activities, and to read the entire story from the Moultrie Observer, click here.

 

Weekend events at Reed Bingham State Park > RV Daily Report |.

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