Join Us This Winter at Suwannee River Rendezvous

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Many people in the United States that live in colder climates travel down to Florida in the winter. Florida is the place to go to get away from the cold winters up north. If you’re looking to become a snowbird this winter for a vacation in Florida, come stop by and stay with us here at Suwannee River Rendezvous.

Florida rv camping

Suwannee River Camping & Outdoor Activities

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we offer premiere camping, lodging, and outdoor activities on Suwannee River in Mayo, Florida. From hiking and kayaking to RV camping and fishing, we have so much to offer for you and your family. Come stay with us this winter when you don’t feel like shoveling snow at your home up north. Who knows? Maybe, you’ll decide to make it an annual tradition.

Lodging Opportunities:

We have several options for lodging at our campgrounds that include different style cabins and lodges for your family and friends to be comfortable in. Our RV campground offers full hookups for power, internet, satellite tv, and much more!

Outdoor Activities to Enjoy

With the weather turning cold up north, it’s still important to get outside and get some physical exercise. Down in Florida, we can provide you with the opportunity to do so. With our camping resort, we have activities to offer you that will allow you to enjoy the outdoors this winter in a warmer place.

Canoe & Kayaking – Hop on a canoe or kayak rental on the Suwannee River with your friends and family. Enjoy the river and paddle up and down for the day.

Fishing & Hunting – Our region, we can offer you bass fishing, hog hunting and more! Come join us to spend your days fishing or hunting for hog.

Park Activities – We also offer fun park activities and events daily for you and your family to enjoy. It’s truly a special place to vacation to in Florida, and we would like for you to come join us.

Contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information!

Fishing Tips for Beginners

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boys_with_fish_011One of the most popular activities our guests like to take part in is the amazing fishing on the Suwannee River. What’s so great about this sport is that folks of all ages can enjoy it! Whether you’re a beginner who’s just looking to have a little fun on the water, or an avid fisherman in search of some excitement, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for on the river!

For those of you who are just starting out though, we’ve got a little bit of advice to help you get the most out of your experience:

Make sure you have the Right Equipment

There are plenty of great brands that carry rods and reels that are specially-made to help make things easier for someone who is just beginning. Check them out at your local sporting goods store and see if anything peeks your interest.

Choose the Right Bait

Your basic worm on a hook can go a long way for a relaxed day on the water, but consider doing some research on which type of bait attracts the particular fish you’re looking to catch. Just like you’re attracted to different types of food, fish are attracted to different kinds of bait.

Check the Weather

You may be praying for sunny skies but sometimes, it’s the overcast that leads to a great fishing day.

Dress Appropriately

Boots are your new best friends. Make a note of it.

Bring Food

It could be a while before you catch anything on your first day. Be sure to pack a snack!

Bug Spray

Need we really say more?

Once you’re ready to take on some serious fishing fun, be sure to give Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground a call! We’d love the opportunity to watch you hone your skills as you make your way to pro fisherman status!

First Time RV-ing? Check Through this Checklist

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Your first time out in an RV can be an exciting one, but also a little confusing if you aren’t sure what exactly to do. At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we come across campers of all levels of experience and know that feeling comfortable in the great outdoors is a vital part of having a fun trip.

So what should first time RVers know before they head out on the open road? Here’s a quick checklist to keep in mind.

Ask Questions

When you check in at a campsite, check in with the owners and ask any questions you may have. Often we can give you some insights and a quick rundown of the grounds so that you can get a better understanding of where things are located. We also have a map available online to help you find your way around.

Get Set Up

Once you find your campsite, make sure to prepare your RV for the stay. That includes hooking up electricity and water, along with making sure your RV is parked on flat and level ground. Once you connect your amenities, you’ll be ready for your stay. If this is your first time, be sure to refer to your RV’s owner’s manual, look up instructions online or ask a neighboring RV owner to help with anything that seems confusing. Most RV owners were like you once and may have needed some help learning the ropes, and many people are friendly and may be able to help answer any questions you have.

Relax

This is the most important part! Having an RV allows you to bring all the comforts and luxuries of home to different places. Make sure to bring comfortable chairs, some fun outdoor games and some good food for your trip. Spending your vacation in an RV is incredibly enjoyable. You can enjoy nature and new locations, but also stay comfortable without having to pay for costly hotels.

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, our resort campground offers many great amenities and fun for campers and RVers of all ages. In addition to all there is to do on the grounds, there are a range of additional activities and trips available, including great musical entertainment, canoe and kayak rentals and fishing, hunting and horseback riding opportunities. To learn more or to book your stay, call us at 386-294-2510 or make your reservations online now.

Get Away from the Winter Chill in Florida

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log cabin 25

Summer is coming to an end as September is almost over now, which means if you’re in a place where cold winters happen, it’s time to start thinking about your warm vacations for the winter season. If you’re looking for a temporary escape, the Suwannee River Rendezvous has plenty of space available.

Our rooms are perfect for anyone looking to get away to enjoy some warmth and wilderness but without having to give up the comforts lost when RVing or tent camping. Our rooms offer a full range of amenities including satellite TV, fridge, microwave, coffee pot and air conditioning if you need to cool down from the warm Florida weather.

The Lodge Rooms are located above the main lodge and office and offer a great view of the river. They also include a private patio, so at the end of a long day out enjoying everything the Suwannee River as to offer, you can go back and enjoy some peace and quiet. This privacy is a perfect for anyone who may live in a cold city and needs some separation from the cold and the hustle bustle of a busy city.

If you’re bringing your family along for your winter escape, then one of our log cabin rentals might be just what you’re looking for. Each cabin sleeps six and has all the amenities to help make an extended stay for a larger family more comfortable, including a lofted sleeping space that kids are sure to love.

For anglers, winter can mean the end of fishing season, but if you stay in one of our river rooms, you will have easy access to the river – and may be able to fish right from your room! Depending on the level of the river, guests have fished right from their private patios before. These rooms offer a great view as well, even if you don’t like to fish, and can accommodate up to six guests.

For more information on our rooms or to book your wintry escape, call Suwannee River Rendezvous today at 386-294-2510!

Canoe vs. Kayak: Differences and Advantages

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Outside of the knowing that they’re used for recreational boating on the water, many people don’t know the differences between a kayak and a canoe. The truth is that each offers purpose-built advantages depending on a person’s needs and boating style, so let’s take a closer look at each of these boat styles.

Design

When it comes to what sets kayaks apart from canoes, the simplest place to start is with how they are designed. Canoes are open on the top from stem to stern, and can have one to three seats in them. This allows more space for gear and supplies and allows paddlers and passengers to either sit or kneel while they’re out on the water. Kayaks, on the other hand, are enclosed and have a small opening in the middle where the rider slides in. Kayaks are paddled from a seated position with their feet facing forward while they paddle.

Paddles

Speaking of paddles, those used for a kayak are different than the ones used for a canoe. For a kayak, seeing that it only holds one rider, the paddle is double sided. This allows a person to paddle with alternating port and starboard strokes stay straight on course and maintain control of the kayak. As for canoes, the paddles used for them are a singular paddle, but multiple paddles are used – one by the person at the bow and the second by the paddler at stern. So whereas the kayak depends on one rider to steer, paddling a canoe is a team effort.

Deciding Which Is Best For You

Now in terms of which one is best suited for you, it ultimately depends on what you are trying to do while on the water. If you’re looking to fly through the water at a good pace and explore your surroundings by yourself, then a kayak is likely to be a better option for you. Their design allows them to move faster in the water and that will be perfect if you’re looking to move at your own pace.

Canoes, on the other hand, are perfectly suited for couples, families or groups as they fit more people. Unlike kayaks, their designs don’t allow them to move through the water as fast, but if you’re looking to spend time with people or carry a lot of gear, you probably don’t want to rush it either.

Suwannee River Rendezvous offers canoe and kayak rentals for anyone staying with us, so no matter how you’re looking to travel on the water, we’ve got you covered. Rentals are available by the hour or per day, allowing you to choose the option that’s best for your planned time paddling. Guests also receive life jackets and paddles, and group rates and special trip packages are available. For more information or to book a stay with us, call us today at 386-294-2510!

Tips for Taking Kids on Their First Camping Trip

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Summer presents ideal opportunities to peel your kids from their screens and shuttle them off to participate in a timeless past time: a retreat in the forest, a camping trip. This is a great opportunity to share our enthusiasm for the great outdoors with our children, and allow them to experience the joy of camping. As you might suspect, however, camping with children is a little different than camping with a group of your adult friends. That’s why we put together some tips to ensure the process is fun for everyone involved.

Leave the electronic devices at home.

Nothing will detract from the experience of camping more than having digital devices laying around for entertainment. Both you and your children will be tempted to pick them up and fidget with whatever game or app you have at hand, distracting you from other experiences that can only be had while camping.

Involve your kids in the planning process.

Let them help plan the itinerary, find the campsite and pack for the trip. Kids love brainstorming with adults and, letting them have a say in the plan is a good way to get them excited about camping.

Assign tasks for your kids during the camping trip.

Children love to play but, they delight in being assigned a purpose.  Let the kids unfold the tent, clip the body onto the poles, send them on an urgent mission to collect firewood and have them perform other duties as assigned.

Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kid.

Minor accidents such as cuts, scrapes and bee stings are more likely to occur in the wild than in your own backyard. Likewise, it’s important keep first aid essentials readily accessible throughout the duration of the outing.

Plan for the rain.

As much as we might hope for crisp clear skies and sunlight pouring through tree tops, rainy weather is a fact of life. With this in mind, it’s worth bringing a deck of cards or other games you can play in a tent on a rainy day.

You can also find more games, puzzles and family-friendly activities in our main lodge. These activities include karaoke, bingo, trivia and even pigeon races!

Stock your camp with pre-made snacks.

You and your children will inevitably burn a lot of energy while partaking in outdoor activities. Don’t forget to bring plenty of snacks to keep your stomachs full. After all, the nearest grocery store might be miles away from your campsite.

Be flexible.

The most effective way to enjoy a camping trip with your children is to keep an open mind. Be open to changes in your plan, and circumstances that you didn’t necessarily anticipate. Remember: camping is an adventure!

Camping is an ideal way to expand your child’s perspective of the world and reignite their natural kinship with nature. Plan ahead, but be flexible throughout your journey. These are memories you and your family will cherish for years to come.

Choosing the Right RV

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Owning an RV is something many people dream about, but they typically don’t know where to begin. If you’ve considered purchasing an RV in the past and are unsure about which RV is right for you, there are several things to consider.

You should take into account how much and how far you will be traveling, who will be traveling with you, the amenities you will require and more. No matter your needs, there are a wide range of RVs available, ensuring you’ll find something perfect for you and your family.

RV in the sunset

How much will you travel, and how far?

Figuring out how much you’ll be using your RV and where you’ll be traveling helps narrow down your search. If you’ll be traveling across America, you may want something that is a little smaller and easier to drive like a Class C. If you are interested in staying at local RV Resorts for the most part, consider getting something a little roomier and more comfortable like a Class A.

Who will be traveling with you?

Similarly, you should know the amount of people that will typically be traveling with you. When you envision how many people will be in your RV, you can make your search at the dealership much easier.

If it’s just you and your spouse, you may only need a bed and couch. If you plan on having children, grandchildren or friends with you on a regular basis, an extra bed or bunkbeds may need to be included.

What are you looking for inside the RV?

If you’re an outdoors person, you may not need all the frills that come with certain RVs. If you’re a homebody, and plan on spending a lot of time inside the RV, you should make sure you have all the amenities to make you comfortable.

Ask yourself how many beds, televisions and bathrooms are needed, if you’d like a living area, larger kitchen and more. With so many different options available, you can essentially customize your RV to meet your exact needs.  

When you make the decision on your dream RV and are looking for a spacious RV park in Mayo, FL, think of us at Suwannee River Rendezvous. As our name suggests, we are located along the Suwannee River and have RV spaces available for weekend getaways or extended stays. No matter how long you plan on visiting us, you’ll feel comfortable throughout your entire trip with full hook ups, 50-amp service, Wi-Fi and more available to all our guests. Call us today at 386-294-2510 to learn more!

Kayaking Tips for Beginners

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Kayaking Tips for BeginnersKayaking is an ideal way to get in touch with one of the most elemental forms of water travel, and depending on where you choose to kayak, the experience can range from peaceful to thrilling.

If you’ve never been kayaking before, though, you may have some lingering questions about what to expect on your first trip down the river. Like any water sport, kayaking takes some time to get the hang of, but with a little practice and preparation you’ll be ready to get out on the water.

Mind Your Posture

Do your best to sit upright with your back straight, as leaning forward or slouching will give you less control over your movements. Your heel and ankles should be touching the hull and the balls of your feet should rest comfortably against the footrest.

These contact points allow your body to distribute the strength needed to maneuver your paddle in the most effective manner. Contrary to popular belief, paddle strokes rely mostly on your core rather than arm strength.

Your paddle blade should enter the water near where your feet are in the kayak. Don’t grip the paddle too tightly, keep it relaxed. Your elbows, meanwhile, should stick out straight so that your arms are roughly perpendicular to your torso.

Practice Basic Movements

It’s a good idea to practice maneuvering your kayak before committing yourself to an excursion down a river. Controlling the direction of your kayak takes a little bit of getting used to before it becomes second nature.

The kayak will be inclined to shift in the direction of the paddle blade, so you’ll need to make firm, even strokes on each side to move in a straight path. The opposite holds true if you want to make a turn, and the sharper the angle of your paddle stroke, the sharper the angle your kayak will turn. Practice paddling straight, turning right and turning left until you feel totally in control of where your kayak’s headed.

Be Properly Equipped

If you’re going to be kayaking in rough waters, it might not be a bad idea to invest in a wet suit. This way, you’ll stay dry even if you get splashed or end up in the water. With that said, sporting a personal flotation device is absolutely essential, regardless of the conditions you’re kayaking in.

It’s also advised that you bring some sort of communication device like a walkie-talkie in case the current leads you astray and you need help reconnecting with your party. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, safety is integral to having a good time.

Now that you know what to expect, we’d love to have you come down to the Suwannee River and join us on a kayak trip! Give us a call to book your reservation today.

Buying a Kayak: Things to Consider

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kayaking The sport of kayaking has become very popular these days, and more and more people are jumping into the water, paddles in hand ready to take on their next adventure. There are lots of things to take into consider when choosing a kayak, however.

Different Types of Kayaking

First and foremost, you need to think about what type of kayaking you’ll be doing. Will you be whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking, kayak touring, sit-on-top kayaking, surf kayaking or just recreationally kayaking? This is important to know because one can’t go out and buy a sea kayak and expect to whitewater kayak in it so you have to make sure you’re choosing a kayak for the right reason.

The Kayak Make

The next question you should consider is what should the kayak be made out of? A lot of times beginners will want to purchase the best boat they can get their hands on, however you should really consider starting out slow and continually upgrading down the road. For this reason it is probably best for you to purchase a plastic kayak to start and the reasons for this are they are durable, less expensive and heavier than the composite ones.

Size of the Kayak

In correlation to the make of the kayak, you’ll also want to evaluate what size you need to buy as well. While there are many different kayaks, the size generally refers to the volume, length, width and weight of the kayak. Pay very close attention to the weight range of the kayak as well as the comfortability of it. You do not want to be sinking in the water while kayaking downstream, or feel crammed inside of the boat either.

Finally, decide if you want any other types of kayak accessories to come with your boat. You can purchase kayaks with different riggings, types of hatches, backrests or storage compartments. Find and analyze all the options in this department and choose the one that best suits your style.

Kayaking is a great way to spend your summer or warmer weather months. You can take a kayak in a pond, lake, river, and many other bodies of water. If you’re an avid camper and outdoors-person, investing in a kayak may be a good choice.

Contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information about our camping and summer adventures!

Cabin Camping Can’t Forget List

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rustic cabinThere’s no doubt when you camp in a cabin, you need to bring significantly fewer things with you. While cabins provide your shelter and often come with bedding and dining supplies, there are still items you can’t forget to bring with you.

Although you’ll be indoors, it can still get cool at night especially if you’re camping in the mountains. Make sure to bring at least a 20 degree sleeping bag.

What happens if it rains? You can’t control the weather, but you can control your boredom. So don’t forget to bring a deck of cards. Perfect for any age, you can play a variety of games with just one deck of cards, keeping you entertained for hours. This small pack of cards can be a lifesaver on a rainy afternoon in a cabin.

Whether your cabin has electricity or not, you’ll still want to bring a flashlight and back up batteries. And back up batteries are necessities if you’re going to bring a flashlight or any other battery-powered device.

Aside from staying warm, preventing boredom and having a flashlight, don’t forget plenty of food and water. Families especially should take note of these items and make sure they re packed and ready to go for the next cabin camping trip.

Contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information!