Summer Camping Trip Activities in Mayo, FL

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camping fishing tripThe best part of going camping is the amount of activities that are available in conjunction with your trip. Family members of all ages can find something fun to do in the great outdoors during your upcoming week or weekend camping trip.

Finding the Perfect Views for Setting-Up Camp

Setting up camp by a river or lake provides a scenic view as well as short trip to the banks for some quality fishing time. Adults and children alike can enjoy the thrill of fishing together. Veteran fishers are able to spend the day luring in native fish while smaller children can fish on and off throughout a hot summer day. Caught fish can also be used to make a fresh dinner over the open fire.

Hiking and Adventure

If you and your friends or family prefers a more active way to spend a day of camping, there is plenty to see on a hike. Pack a bag with snacks, water and sunscreen before you head out. Hiking in the mountains or along the riverbanks gives hikers the opportunity to exercise as well as see elements of nature that may be completely new. This is a great exploratory activity for children of all ages as well as adults that want to immerse themselves in nature.

Water Activities

Maybe you want to spend some time out on the water instead of sitting or walking. Kayaking is a great activity that can be done at your own pace without a huge time commitment. Renting kayaks for a day or week gives you the chance to paddle around a river or lake to sightsee, sunbathe or just explore. Single or double kayaks can be found depending on your group size and their ages. The great thing about kayaking is that everyone can participate, even small children when they share a kayak with an older adult.

At the end of a busy day fishing, hiking or doing another fun camping activity there is a great thing to do before you go to bed. Having a campfire cookout is an opportunity for everyone to share the stories of their day including what they saw and what they liked doing. From hot dogs and hamburgers to fresh-caught fish, campfire dinners are always fun and filling. Eating dinner around the fire is a great time for family and friends to bond before settling in for a good night’s rest and another day experiencing the outdoors.

Come Camp with Us Here at Suwannee River Rendezvous in Mayo, FL

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we provide beautiful camping opportunities here in Mayo, FL for you and the whole family. With activities on the water like fishing, kayaking and canoeing, there is no shortage of things to do when staying with us. Contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information!

Camping Meals That Make Camping Much Easier

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Many unseasoned camping vets have trouble figuring out what to make for camping meals. Some people aren’t prepared before going on a camping trip with the family. We want everyone who is going camping to know that there are easy camping meals for the whole family to enjoy.

Mountain Pies

Mountain pies are extremely easy and fun for the whole family. What you’ll need is a cast iron pie maker, which you can purchase at a very reasonable price at many different stores.

Ingredients:

  • Pizza Sauce
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • Pepperoni
  • Loaf of bread
  • Butter

This can be an easy nighttime snack around the campfire or even a dinner meal for family and friends. The benefit of this meal is that it’s cheap and tastes great when camping. All you have to do is spread butter on 2 slices of bread, add sauce, pepperoni and cheese on one slice, throw in the cast iron pie maker, and cook over the fire. Remember to flip the pie maker!

Campfire Frittata

For a little bit more of a meal, the campfire frittata is a delicious one. This one is an easy quick recipe that will be great for the family waking up in the morning before the daily camping activities. You will need a cast iron skillet to cook the meal in over a fire. Note: a lid is recommended, so you don’t burn the bottom of the eggs before cooking the top.

Ingredients:

  • Eggs
  • Vegetables such as sweet peppers and onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Zucchini
  • Mushrooms
  • Meat (optional): sausage, beef, chicken, ham
  • Cheese (optional)

To make sure you don’t burn the bottom of the eggs is to layer the bottom of the pan with vegetables. Then, pour the scrambled eggs in the skillet on top and add the meat and other ingredients. Use the lid to cover the top and keep an eye out for when the eggs are done.

For more easy and delicious campfire meals, check out these awesome ones!

At Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground, we offer an amazing place in Mayo, Florida to go camping and adventuring. From kayaking to hunting and fishing trips, we have it all. We also offer lodging at our grounds. Contact us at 386-294-2510 today!

Hiking Boots are a Camping Necessity

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Picking out new hiking boots can be a challenge because you want to make sure you get the right fit and look, while making sure they’re good quality. There are different hiking boots for different terrains, so it’s important to know what kind of trails you’ll be exploring. Hiking boots are also essential gear for going camping and exploring the outdoors. They give you support and durability to withstand harsh terrains.

Exploring Light Trails

You’ll be able to wear an ankle-high hiking boot or shoe when the trail is well maintained.  You’ll want to make sure the hiking shoe has a good support and durable sole. Many of these types of shoes are not waterproof, so you’ll need to keep that in mind. The Danner Trail 2650 and the Women’s Trail 2650 are perfect for long miles on light terrains and easier trails.  

Tougher Trails

If you’re serious about exploring the wilderness and want a book that you can put a good amount of miles on, the Danner Skyridge and the Women’s Danner X Timbers Jag are your best options. Both of these are 100% waterproof and are meant for a variety of terrains. You can wear these everyday out walking or on some long hiking trails.

For a Mountaineer

The mountains and rougher trails call for a more durable and rugged boot that can do some lifting in rough conditions. The Mountain 600 and the Women’s Mountain 600 are the best all-around hiking boots from Danner. These have awesome grip for any type of surface ensuring a successful hike up in the mountains or on a windy trail in the woods.

There are plenty of hiking areas around Mayo, Florida and where the Suwannee River Rendezvous is!

For your next camping trip, stay with Suwannee River Rendezvous. We have so much to offer when it comes to camping, hunting/fishing, kayaking, and much more. We offer lodging and RV camping as well. Contact us at 386-294-2510 today.

How to Manage Camping with Dogs

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Taking your dog camping with you can be a lot of fun, both for you and for your pet. But before you decide to bring your four-legged friend along for the ride, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that everyone has a great time. Check out our suggestions below!

Find a Campsite That is Pet-Friendly.

First thing’s first! Before you book a camping trip, you need to make sure the campsite you’re going to visit allows dogs. After all, you don’t want to arrive at your destination only to find out that it isn’t pet-friendly. At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we’re happy to welcome dogs to our campsites as long as they aren’t noisy or aggressive. Just be sure to clean up after them!

Take Your Dog to the Vet First

Make sure your dog’s flea and tick medications are up to date before you take them camping. If it’s been awhile since your last trip to the vet, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit prior to your camping adventure. This way, you can rest easy knowing your dog is healthy and ready for the journey ahead.

Pack a First Aid Kit for Your Dog

In the event that your dog is injured while camping, it’s important to have a first aid kit handy. There are many helpful tools in first aid kits for humans, but certain items like veterinary bandages can only be found in first aid kits made specifically for pets.

Bring a Tether and Stake.

Even if you don’t always tie your dog up at home, camping can be a much different experience. Your dog might get spooked by animals in the woods, or unexpectedly run off and get lost. With a tether and stake, you can give your dog some room to roam at your campsite without having to worry about them getting lost.

If you’re looking for a pet-friendly campsite in Florida, look no further than Suwannee River Rendezvous. We would love to host you, your family and your pup on your next camping trip. Give us a call or contact us online to book your getaway today! Call us at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information!

Tips for Planning a Winter RV Camping Trip

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Although it might be tempting to spend the cold months of winter hibernating at home, an RV trip can offer a great way to beat the winter blues and refresh yourself with time in the great outdoors. Most modern RVs are well equipped to handle cold temperatures, but it’s still a good idea to take some extra precautions before you embark on a winter camping trip. Check out a few of our favorite tips for traveling in an RV this winter below!

Check Seals Around Windows and Doors

Before you leave, inspect all the windows, doors, storage compartments and access panels on your RV to make sure they are properly sealed with weather stripping and caulk. An RV can be a cozy shelter during winter camping trips, but only if it’s properly protected against the elements. The last thing you want is to spend your whole trip searching for the source of a draft that could have been sealed before you left.

Pack Emergency Supplies

In addition to packing your usual emergency supplies like a first aid kit and weather radio, it’s a good idea to bring some additional cold-weather accessories as well. These include extra blankets and warm clothes, sleeping bags rated for sub-freezing temperatures and tire chains for your RV in case you get surprised by a snowstorm.

Choose Your Destination Wisely                                      

Taking a winter camping trip doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend the whole time traveling through a frozen tundra. There are plenty of destinations in warmer climates you can get away to instead! At Suwannee River Rendezvous, our campground and RV resort in Mayo, Florida is open all year round.

To reserve a spot for your next winter camping trip, feel free to give us a call or contact us online today!

Keep These Campfire Safety Tips in Mind on Your Next Trip

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Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, telling scary stories or just enjoying the company of family and friends, there are few things we love more than spending some quality time around a campfire. It’s important to remember, though, that campfires can become dangerous if you’re not careful. In the spirit of Smokey, today we’ll share a few important campfire safety tips to keep in mind on your next camping trip.

Pick the right place for your campfire.

Campfire safety should really start before you ever strike a match. Prior to building your campfire, look around to make sure there aren’t any low-hanging branches or brush nearby that might ignite from a stray spark. If you’re staying at a campground or state park, you should always use established fire pits whenever possible rather than trying to build one of your own.

Keep water and a shovel handy.

You never know when a strong gust of wind might blow and turn your little campfire into a roaring blaze. With this in mind, you should always keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby in case you need to smother the fire in a hurry. You can even wet the area around your campfire to prevent sparks from catching in the grass.

Avoid leaving the campfire unattended.

From the moment you start a campfire, you should keep an eye on it at all times. If you have to leave your campfire for a few minutes, make sure there’s someone else nearby to tend to it while you’re gone. Before you go to bed, smother the fire with ash and water and spread out any remaining embers to prevent them from reigniting.

If you’ve been missing the warm glow of a campfire this winter, we’d love to have you come visit us at our campground in sunny Florida. Book your reservation today or give us a call at (386) 294-2510 to learn more!

Four Clever Ways to Make Coffee at Your Campsite

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If you’re like us, you need your morning cup of coffee whether you’re at home or on the road. The good news is, making coffee when you’re camping is easier than you might think. Check out these four clever ways to make coffee at your campsite:

Cowboy Coffee

All you need for this classic method of campsite coffee brewing is a kettle and a campfire. To make cowboy coffee, boil water in a kettle, then remove it from the heat source and let it cool enough to stop boiling (about 30 seconds). Then, stir in two tablespoons of coffee grounds per serving. Let it rest for two minutes, then stir again and let it rest for two more minutes. Once the grounds settle to the bottom, pour the coffee as slowly as possible into a mug to minimize grit.

MacGyver Coffee

If you really don’t like drinking your coffee unfiltered, you can make coffee at your campsite using a thermos, a fastener such as a rubber band and a mesh coffee filter or cotton cheesecloth. You can find detailed instructions for this method here.

Coffee Bags

You can either buy coffee bags (essentially tea bags for coffee) or make one yourself with a coffee filter and twine. All you need to do is throw it in a cup of hot water to brew your coffee.

French Press

No need to bring your French press from home—these days you can find French press coffeemakers designed specifically for camping.

There’s no better place to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee than the Suwannee River Rendezvous campground and RV resort. With plenty of hiking, swimming and entertainment options to enjoy, you’re sure to having a relaxing, refreshing time when you stay with us. To book your next trip, just give us a call or contact us online today!

Health Benefits of Camping in the Outdoors

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If you’re trying to lead a healthier lifestyle, you might want to start by taking camping trips throughout the seasons. In addition to being a whole lot of fun, camping can also offer some very real health benefits.

Reduce Stress Levels

According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is something that affects millions of Americans every year. If the demands of everyday life have been taking a toll on your nerves, a camping trip is a great opportunity to unwind and reduce your stress levels in a peaceful, natural setting.

Getting Away from Crowds

Sometimes, everyday life can leave us overstimulated, especially with work, people, and daily tasks. These things can build-up and sometimes we need a break from the crowded lives we live. Camping can give you the chance to escape to a quiet place at a state park or national park. Bring a friend or two that needs the same escape!

Breathe Fresh Air

Simply breathing some fresh air can be hugely beneficial to your overall health and well-being. Trees produce plenty of clean oxygen, which can promote serotonin production, aid in digestion and boost your immune system.

Learn New Things

Stepping outside of your comfort zone and learning new things can also help keep your mind sharp and healthy. From learning how to read a compass to campfire building and meal preparation, there is always more to learn on a camping trip. Plus, all that extra physical activity can stimulate your mind as well.

Ready to enjoy a refreshing camping experience in Florida? We’d love to see you at Suwannee River Rendezvous! Give us a call or contact us online to book your reservation today!

Keep Camping More Environmentally Friendly

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Want to minimize your impact on the local ecosystem during your next camping trip? Camping offers a great way for people to reconnect with the great outdoors, but it can have some unintended consequences on nearby plants and animals if we’re not careful. Check out a few of our favorite environmentally-friendly camping ideas below!

Leave the Plastic Water Bottles at Home

It’s important to stay hydrated when camping, hiking and canoeing, but that doesn’t mean you need to pack cases of disposable water bottles that will wind up in a landfill. Instead, use a water bladder or reusable bottle that won’t create additional waste. This way, we can all do our part to cut down on the 50 billion water bottles that are consumed each year.

Take Everything you Brought Camping Home with You

After spending a few days in the woods, you might be tempted to toss some things in the garbage instead of bringing them home with you. Rather than leaving these items behind, try to make sure you have everything you brought with you when you leave your campsite. Any remaining waste and recyclables should be sorted and disposed of in designated collection centers.

Stay in Designated Camping Sites

If you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast, you might enjoy camping off the beaten path in remote areas that don’t have established campsites. Unfortunately, this can disrupt sensitive habitats and leave lasting environmental damage as well. In general, it’s best to stay at designated campgrounds rather than make your own campsite in areas that have been undisturbed by humans.

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we offer comfortable camping accommodations with environmentally-friendly amenities like recycling containers and water hook-ups. To book your reservation, give us a call or contact us online today!

Learn How to Build a Great Campfire with These Helpful Tips

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There’s nothing like sitting next to a roaring campfire underneath a starry sky, but do you know how to get the fire started?

Learn how to build a great campfire with these helpful tips:

  • First, gather your tinder—material that will catch fire and burn fast. This includes dry grasses, leaves, bark and wood shavings. Many campers also like having firelighter cubes on hand.
  • Make sure all the wood you’re using is dry. Wet wood is not only harder to burn, it’s also more prone to generating smoke and small bits of debris.
  • There are three popular campfire designs to consider: a cone, a log cabin and a pyramid. You can familiarize yourself with these three options here and choose the one that works best for you.
  • Using a match or lighter, light the tinder. Then, blow gently on the base of the fire to add oxygen, which will intensify the flame and help light the larger pieces of wood.
  • Stay near your fire as it burns. Never leave a campfire unattended.
  • As the fire burns, move embers toward the center so they’ll be completely burned. Ideally, you should burn them until they become white ash.
  • Eventually, it will be time to extinguish your fire. Pour water on it, stir the ashes and repeat as many times as needed. Before you leave the fire, make sure the remaining ashes are cool to the touch.

Now that you know how to build a great campfire, it’s time to book a campsite! Check out the Suwannee River Rendezvous campground and RV resort, where each campsite comes equipped with its very own fire pit. Contact us today at (386) 294-2510 to book your spot.