Places to Visit in Florida After the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Sure, we’re all stuck indoors practicing social distancing and staying healthy and safe, but that doesn’t mean we can’t plan our getaways and trips during this time. Florida has plenty of places to offer for your next trip and leisure vacation. 

Here is a list of beautiful places to getaway to after the COVID-19 Pandemic is all over. 

Suwannee River Rendezvous

Suwannee River Rendezvous is a camping and RV resort located in Mayo, Florida. With plenty of activities to do like fishing, hunting, canoe and kayaking, and other swimming and entertainment activities. We have lodging and RV camping areas for however you like to enjoy your “camping” traditions. 

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Just southeast of Suwannee River Rendezvous lies the Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. This is a 68-acre facility with 24 collections of bamboos, the largest herb garden in the southeast United States, water lilies, and much more!

Ginnie Springs

Another place just southeast of Suwannee River lies the beautiful Ginnie Springs. This place has so much to offer from scuba diving to snorkeling, and even tubing the great Santa Fe River. Ginnie Springs offers camping, lodging, and electrical hookups for RV’s and campers. If you plan your trip right, you could easily hit all of these spots in Florida. 

Washington Oaks State Park

Located directly east of Gainesville on the coast of the Atlantic is Washington Oaks State Park. This beautiful state park in Florida consists of gardens surrounding an ancient live oak in the middle. With trail hiking, biking, and fishing along the coast, you can relax and enjoy a beautiful piece of Florida’s nature. 

Start Planning Now to Explore Florida for When the Coronavirus is Over

We understand the difficulty of staying in and quarantining ourselves. It’s not easy on anybody, but it is necessary if we want to protect our citizens and keep them healthy during the pandemic. What we can do is plan our next Florida vacation. Contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 to start planning your first stop along an amazing adventure!

The Importance of Family Camping Trips

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There are plenty of times where you and your family are planning vacations or trips, but you can’t quite sure decide on what to do. A family camping trip is something you should consider. Yes, you may not enjoy the sound of “camping,” but there are plenty of options Suwannee River Rendezvous can offer to you and your family.

The Benefits of Camping

When camping with your family, you’re creating memories that can be cherished for years to come. Camping allows you to explore and adventure with the ones you love. There are many reasons why families camp, and here are some of the most beneficial:

  • It reduces stress – families deal with daily stresses all the time, whether it has to do with school, work, sports, social situations, or other events. Camping will make your family embrace the wilderness and forget about your everyday stresses.
  • Stronger relationships – you may build stronger relationships with siblings and parents. Sometimes our day-to-day activities don’t allow us to build strong relationships but being out in nature and exploring can rekindle those, especially when it comes to a fishing excursion.
  • Unplugging – unplugging from all unnecessary distractions in our lives can be extremely healthy and beneficial to family members. It forces us to talk and gain a deeper understanding of each other when we aren’t so connected to the internet, TV, or social media.
  • Great Meals – cooking when camping is always a great time because it gets the whole family to participate in the prep and cleanup. Your family can learn new recipes and creative ways to cook. If you’re looking to take a small break from the camping cooking routine, you and your family can always check out the Cookin’ Shack at the Suwannee River Resort and Campground.

Camp with Suwannee River Rendezvous!

We invite families from everywhere to come join us at Suwannee River Rendezvous in Mayo, FL to stay at one of our lodging facilities on our campgrounds and resort. Our place is filled with exciting exploration opportunities and activities including fishing, hunting, kayak and canoe trips, entertainment, and events. Contact us at 386-294-2510 today! 

Why an RV is the Best Road Trip Vehicle

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When we think of road trips, we think long, uncomfortable car rides with our friends to a destination that may not be worth the trip. Road tripping in an RV is where the game is changed for the better. The beauty of riding in an RV to a vacation destination is that there are plenty of stops you can make a long your trip.

Many places in the United States off RV Camping Parks like Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Camping.

You Don’t Have to Pay for Hotels

Owning or renting an RV allows you to have a home on wheels when traveling on the long road. You won’t have to worry about looking for costly hotels along the way that can make a dent in your budget. You have the opportunity to make your own meals and get a good sleep comfortably in your vehicle.

Boondocking is also a great way to save money on a long road trip in an RV. The benefit of boondocking is it’s free!

An RV Makes the Drive Much Better

Just imagine being stuck in a small car packed with your family or friends. There is no seat open for comfort, so you’re stuck up against each other. This is where the misery comes out during a road trip. No one enjoys being miserable in a car ride. With an RV, you have the space and comfort to enjoy the scenery outside and the drive.

What Can Do in an RV:

  • Play Board/Card Games
  • Play Musical Instruments
  • Cook food
  • Sleep comfortably
  • Read/Watch Movies

You Can Still Enjoy the Outdoors

If you’re looking for an authentic way of traveling, camping, and enjoying the great outdoors, you still can! At Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground, we have plenty of opportunities for you and your family to stop, stay, and take in the beautiful outdoors of Florida. Don’t let the RV lifestyle fool you. Just because you can go into a comfortable vehicle to eat and sleep, does not mean you’re not roughing it.

Contact Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground at 386-294-2510 today!

Money-Saving Tips for Your Next RV Adventure

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RV Refeuling RVs make it easy to hit the road and explore, but as with any trip, the costs can add up. The good news is, you can stay within your budget by keeping these money-saving tips in mind during your next RV adventure:

Save at the Pump

Minimize your fuel expenses by using apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest nearby gas prices, or by using a credit card that offers rewards on gas purchases.

Drive Smart

Did you know that the way you drive can have a noticeable effect on your gas mileage? Don’t speed, make sure your tires are inflated to correct pressure and avoid driving aggressively. Maneuvers like excessive braking and rapid acceleration burn up gas fast.

Channel Your Inner Chef

One of the advantages of having an RV is that you have a built-in kitchen! Skip the fast food—it’s not ideal for your health or your budget. Visit grocery stores and farmers’ markets instead to find ingredients to make your own meals. Have leftovers at the end of the day? Keep them for tomorrow and save even more money!

Travel During the Shoulder Season

Fall is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect season for an RV trip. Campsites that are pricier in the summer often lower their prices during the autumn months, and you’ll still get to enjoy beautiful weather in most parts of the country.

Looking for an affordable, comfortable campsite for your next RV trip? You’ve come to the right place! At Suwannee River Rendezvous, our RV resort comes equipped with a variety of amenities including free Wi-Fi and pool access! Give us a call at (386) 294-2510 to learn more or to book your reservation today!

How to Find the Right Sleeping Pad for Your Next Camping Trip

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Sleeping PadA comfortable sleeping pad is one of the best pieces of camping gear you can have in your tent. Not only will your sleeping pad provide much-needed cushioning when you’re sleeping on the ground, it will also help keep you warm when the weather gets chilly. But which type is right for you?

Air Pads

As their name implies, air pads need to be inflated, either with your breath or with a hand pump.

  • Pros: Air pads are great for backpacking trips because they’re very lightweight and comfortable.
  • Cons: The lighter and more compact the air pad, the more expensive it tends to be. They can also deflate somewhat during the night, and are prone to rips and tears.

Self-inflating

Self-inflating sleeping pads combine open-cell foam insulation and air. Some are foldable and designed for backpacking trips, whereas others roll up, and are best for car camping trips.

  • Pros: Self-inflating pads offer excellent insulation and make it easy to adjust the firmness by releasing or adding air. They’re also made of stronger fabric than air pads, which makes them a good choice if you’re traveling with pets or children.
  • Cons: Self-inflating pads are less compact than air pads, and heavier than simple foam pads.

Closed-Cell Foam Pads

These basic backpacking pads are made of dense foam.

  • Pros: You can carry them outside your pack without fear of damage, since they aren’t prone to punctures or damage. They also offer good insulation.
  • Cons: Many campers find foam pads to be the least comfortable type. They also tend to be stiff and bulky.

Ready to enjoy a relaxing camping trip by the shores of the Suwannee River? Give us a call or contact us online to book your next trip today!

How to Fit a New Hiking Backpack

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Your backpack can make or break a day of hiking. Choose the wrong backpack, and a light load can feel like a ton of bricks. Choose the right one, and you’ll feel like you’re barely carrying anything at all. Here’s how to fit a new hiking backpack:

Pay Attention to Length, not Height

Don’t choose a backpack exclusively based on your height—the length of your torso is a far more important measurement. Use this helpful guide and a friend to properly measure your torso, or visit a local outfitter to get an accurate measurement.

Measure Your Hips

Once you’ve gotten your torso measurement, it’s time to measure your hips. You’ll be carrying most of the load on your hips with a well-fitting backpack, so this is an important measurement to consider. Use a tape measure to determine the circumference of your hips, and check the bag’s hip belt size to ensure it’s a good fit. If not, many manufacturers offer interchangeable hip belt options to accommodate different body types.

Adjust the Straps

Ideally, your shoulder straps should be flush with your shoulders and upper back. If there’s too much space between the bag’s straps and your shoulders, you’ll need to shorten the suspension or try a shorter model. You can also adjust the load straps on the top section of the backpack to keep the weight evenly balanced over your hips.

Ready to load up your new backpack and do some hiking this summer? We’d love to see you on the campgrounds at Suwannee River Rendezvous! Book your campsite online or give us a call today at (386) 294-2510 to learn more!

How to Stay Cool During a Summer Camping Trip

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Don’t let sweltering temps keep you from camping in July and August. Make the most of the season with these tips to help you stay cool during your next summer camping trip.

Take Your Tent Apart During the Day …

If you’ve ever retired to your tent after a long day in the sun only to find that it feels like an oven, you probably know that your tent acts like a greenhouse during the daylight hours, trapping heat from the sun’s rays. Take it apart when you’re not sleeping to prevent this from happening.

… Or Skip the Tent Altogether

Why not switch things up this summer and sleep in a hammock? You’ll stay cooler and enjoy the twinkling stars overhead as you drift off. Just be sure to check the weather to make sure you won’t get caught in the rain overnight.

Use a Pop-Up Sunshade

You can use a sunshade to divert the sun’s rays away from your tent or social area, making it more comfortable to sleep past sunrise and be outdoors during the day.

Wear Light-Colored Clothing

Dark colors absorb solar radiation and make you feel hotter. Light colors, on the other hand, can keep you cool by reflecting the sun’s rays.

Stay Hydrated

The more water you drink, the cooler you’ll feel, while avoiding heat-related maladies like heatstroke and heat exhaustion.

Bring a Portable Fan

Make the heat and humidity more bearable when you BYOB (bring your own breeze). These days, you can even find portable fans that plug right into your phone and use its battery for power!

Now that you know how to stay cool when the mercury rises, it’s time to book your next summer camping trip. If you enjoy swimming, kayaking or canoeing, you’ll love staying at Suwannee River Rendezvous. Give us a call at (386) 294-2510 to book your spot today!

Clever Ways to Keep Mosquitoes Away From your Campsite

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Mosquitoes are a fact of life outdoors. They can smell the carbon dioxide in human breath from over 100 feet away, so it’s no wonder they flock to campsites this time of year. However, there’s no need to let these pesky creatures ruin your outdoor fun with itchy bites. Here are a few clever ways to deter mosquitoes during your next camping trip.

Burn sage.

Mosquitoes hate the smell of sage, so if you add some to your campfire they’ll stay away. As an added bonus, ticks dislike it too! The sage smell will linger on your skin and clothing after the fire burns out, giving you extended protection.

Pack dryer sheets.

Even if you’re not planning on doing any laundry, pack some dryer sheets on your next camping trip. Mosquitoes and bees will avoid them, so place them under tablecloths, near food and in your pockets.

Sprinkle some mouthwash.

Mint is another smell that mosquitoes hate. After using some mint-flavored mouthwash, sprinkle it around your campsite to keep them away.

Light a candle.

Not only do citronella candles add ambiance to your campsite; they also keep mosquitoes at bay! Best of all, a single candle can offer hours of protection against mosquitoes.

Rub yourself with citrus peel.

Mosquitoes aren’t very fond of citrus oils, either. After you peel an orange or lemon, rub your skin with the peel to deter mosquitoes. This only works with fresh peel, so do it right away.

Now that you know how to keep your campsite mosquito-free, it’s time to book your next adventure! We’d love to have you come visit us at the Suwannee River Rendezvous campground and RV resort this summer. Just give us a call at (386) 294-2510 or contact us online today to learn more!

Stay Safe on the Trail With These Hiking Tips

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Warm spring weather is upon us, which means it’s time to lace up those hiking boots and hit our favorite trails around the Suwannee River. However, even the most experienced hiker can have mishaps without adequate preparation. Stay safe on the trail this spring and summer with these helpful hiking tips:

Make a gear list.

Before heading out, make a list of all the things you’ll need: water, food, rain gear, a compass and a map. Keep your list handy and check it every time you hike. Always bring more water than you think you’ll need.

Carry a map.

GPS signals can weak in some areas, and cell phones run out of battery. Make sure you have a physical map of the area where you’ll be hiking.

Avoid hiking at night.

It’s easier to lose your way in the dark and you may run the risk of encountering wild animals you’d rather avoid. Set a turnaround time in advance that gives you plenty of time to make it back to your starting point before dusk.

Go with a group.

In case of an emergency, you should always hike with at least one other person. This way, in case one person is injured or fatigued, there will always be someone nearby to help.

Inform someone of your plans.

Let someone at your camp know where you’re hiking, when you plan to be back and provide them with emergency numbers to call if you don’t return when anticipated.

Now that you know how to stay safe on the trail, it’s time to book a place to stay for your next camping trip at Suwannee River Rendezvous! Make your reservation online or give us a call today at (386) 294-2510 to learn more!

Get Your RV Ready for a Trip to Suwannee River Rendezvous

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RV CampingSpring has arrived, and you know what that means—the start of RV camping season! And of course there’s no better place for a camping trip than Suwannee River Rendezvous in Mayo, Florida. We’ve got warm weather, a freshwater spring, the nearby Suwannee river for kayaking and canoeing, and over 50 years of experience in the hospitality industry. If all of this sounds good to you, it’s time to get your RV ready for a trip to the Suwannee River! Here’s how:

Give it a good wash.

Just like your home, your RV will need a good spring cleaning. Remove any dust, dirt or grime from your RV using a gentle car soap or RV wax-and-wash soap. Don’t forget the undercarriage! Then, polish all the chrome components of your RV and clean and shine the wheels.

Inspect the exterior.

Do you spot any missing or cracked sealant on the roof or sidewall seams? It’s important to replace any faulty sealant so that no water can seep into your RV during those spring rains.

Examine the tires.

If your tires need replacing, it’s better to do it before you hit the road. Make sure all tires are properly inflated and use the penny test to make sure they have enough tread for a long journey.

Prepare the battery.

Disconnect the battery and clean it with a corrosion-resistant cleaner and lubricant. Keep in mind that, on average, lead-acid car batteries last about four years.

Check your fluids.

This includes brake fluid, antifreeze and transmission, hydraulic and windshield washer fluids. It’s typically a good idea to invest in an oil change before you hit the road as well.

Freshen up the interior.

Finally, air out the RV and give all its interior surfaces a thorough wipe-down.

Now that your RV is ready for the trip, it’s time to book your spot at the Suwannee River Rendezvous. Reserve your campground online or give us a call today at (386) 294-2510 to learn more!