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!

Tips to Make Packing for a Camping Trip a Little Easier

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Getting ready to hit the road for your next camping trip? Before you leave home, you’ll need to pack up everything you want to bring along with you for the journey. From weather-resistant clothing to food for your fellow campers, you don’t want to leave any necessities behind. Here are a few tips to make the packing process seem a little less daunting.

Roll clothes to save space.

Clothing can take up a surprising amount of space if you don’t pack it efficiently. To make the most of your available space, roll your clothes into tight cylinders so that everything can fit in a single backpack or suitcase.

Map out your menu.

Trying to decide what you’re going to eat during your trip? Put together a menu in advance so that you know exactly which foods you’ll need to bring. This way, you can consolidate all your food in one place and avoid having to pick up odds and ends along the way.

Bring plenty of plastic bags.

Camping can be a messy enterprise, and it’s always nice to have a place to store dirty clothes and other belongings. Plastic grocery bags can be used to safely store a wide variety of items during your camping trip, from muddy shoes to empty snack wrappers. Just be sure to take any plastic bags you bring home with you at the end of your trip.

Remember a first-aid kit.

Finally, it’s important to be prepared for any scrapes, bruises and bug bites you might sustain along the way. A simple first aid kit is an essential camping accessory that won’t take up much room in your vehicle. Keep your camping first aid kit in an easily-accessible place where you can always find it such as a glove box or map pocket.

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we have all the amenities you need to enjoy a comfortable camping trip in sunny Florida. Give us a call or contact us online to reserve your campsite today!

How to Choose a New Tent That’s Right for You

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Has your family’s old tent seen better days? If so, you should consider replacing it with a new tent that will get you excited about camping again. Today’s tents are lighter, more durable and easier to set up than ever.

Check out a few tips for finding a tent that’s right for you below!

Look for a tent that’s large enough to meet your needs.

Are you looking for a tent that’s just large enough for you, or will your entire family be sleeping inside the tent with you? Tent manufacturers tend to be pretty conservative in their capacity estimates, so it’s typically best to err on the side of caution and choose a tent that’s slightly larger than what you think you need. This is especially true for tall people.

If it’s just going to be you and one other person in the tent, for example, consider shopping for a three-person tent to make sure you have enough room for you and all your gear.

Consider the materials and construction.

A tent’s construction will affect its waterproofing and its ability to protect you in extreme weather conditions. In general, it’s a good idea to look for a tent that has a combination of double stitching and folded seems. A tent with these two features will be far less prone to tearing and leaking during rainstorms.

You should also pay close attention to the seasons that the tent is rated for. Three-season tents—which are designed for use in the spring, summer and fall—are probably the most popular and cost-effective option for most campers. Four-season tents are ideal for camping in cold climates, but they are heavier and more expensive than what most weekend campers need, especially here in Florida.

Make sure the zippers are built to last.

During a camping trip, you’ll probably be moving in and out of your tent quite a bit. With this in mind, you should look for a tent that has rugged, heavy-duty zippers that won’t break after just a few camping trips. There’s nothing worse than trying to fix a broken tent zipper in the middle of a camping trip.

Ready to put your new tent to good use? We’d love to have you join us here on the beautiful Suwannee River! Just give us a call or contact us online to reserve your campsite today!

Meal Prep Tips for Your Next Camping Trip

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Getting ready to pack up the car for your next camping trip? If you haven’t been on a camping trip in a while, you may be concerned about the logistics of cooking meals at a campsite. The good news is, there are a few simple steps you can take to make cooking much easier while camping. Check out a few of our favorite meal prep tips below!

Come up with a full list of meals you’re going to cook while camping.

Regardless of whether you’re going camping for one night or an entire week, it’s a good idea to sit down and make a list of what you’re going to eat for each and every meal. This way, you’ll know exactly what ingredients you’ll need to pack before you head to the grocery store.

Cook what you can ahead of time.

Cooking at a campsite tends to be a little more challenging than cooking at home. Therefore, you should cook whatever you can at home before you leave. The idea of sitting around a campfire cooking chicken might sound appealing, but in reality, it can be a slow and tedious process. Consider cooking things like chicken at home and then reheating them when you’re ready to eat. You can also cut up vegetables, fruits and more at home so that they’ll be ready to cook when you arrive at your campsite.

Try not to rely on your campfire to make every meal.

There may be times when you’re camping that you just don’t feel like cooking. You want to throw something together that’s quick and easy, like a sandwich. Bring along meals that are simple to make for when you don’t feel like getting a fire going. You’ll be glad you did when you’re exhausted after a day full of hiking, fishing and exploring the great outdoors.

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, you can find both primitive tent camping sites and full hook-up sites for RVs. To learn more about any of our campsites, feel free to give us a call or contact us online today!

Keep it Clean With These Camping Hygiene Tips

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Drying OffPracticing good personal hygiene can be challenging when you’re on a camping trip. You want to keep yourself clean and healthy, but it can be tough when you have limited access to water and bathroom supplies Today we’ll look at a few helpful hygiene tips to keep in mind during your next camping adventure.

Pack the right supplies.

You may not be able to pack up your entire bathroom and bring it with you, but you can bring a few essential personal hygiene supplies that will keep you clean in a pinch. Make sure you have hand sanitizer, biodegradable soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste, unscented baby wipes and toilet paper before you leave home. Steer clear of bringing deodorant (it could attract animals to your campsite), scented soaps and shampoos, razors and anything else that could harm the ecosystem around your campsite.

Find a way to bathe.

There are several ways you can bathe yourself while camping. You can jump into a lake or river to wash dirt and oil away from your skin (just don’t use soap in the water as it could contaminate it). You can also take what’s called a trail shower by using biodegradable soap, a washcloth and a few liters of water (just don’t take one too close to a natural water source as, again, it could contaminate the water). Or, you can simply give yourself a sponge bath with biodegradable soap, water and a towel. Regardless of which option you pick, it’s important to wash yourself in some form or fashion.

Bring water to launder your clothing.

You won’t be able to do large loads of laundry at your campsite, but you can wash things like underwear and other clothing staples with a little water and biodegradable soap. This will keep you smelling fresh and minimize the amount of extra clothing you need to bring on your trip.

If tent camping isn’t your speed, you can find a variety of comfortable lodging options at our resort and campground as well! These accommodations come equipped with all the comforts of home like HVAC systems, WiFi access, cable TV and more. To schedule your reservation, feel free to give us a call or contact us online today!

These Kid-Friendly Crafts are Perfect for Your Next Camping Trip

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Camping can be a lot of fun for kids of all ages, but it’s always a good idea to have some crafts and activities on hand to prevent young children from getting bored during a weekend camping trip. Check out a few fun and easy craft ideas to try on your next camping trip below!

Camping Bingo

Bingo is a classic game that the whole family can enjoy. To make it even more fun, you can play camping bingo and incorporate all the sights and sounds of camping into the mix. This is a great activity to help pass the time during a passing summer thunderstorm.

Toilet Paper Roll Binoculars

Your kids will have the opportunity see all kinds of amazing things when they go camping. You can encourage them to look around and make the most of the experience by equipping them with a pair of homemade binoculars! Make a simple pair by binding two toilet paper rolls together with twine and decorating them with stickers and illustrations. They’ll love looking for birds and other wildlife with their personalized binoculars.

Camping Scavenger Hunts

If you really want to keep your kids occupied, you can send them out on a camping scavenger hunt. Ask them to spot things like flowers, birds, insects and ferns. Chances are, they won’t have to travel far to find all sorts of plants and animals around your campsite.

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we offer a variety of kid-friendly activities that are fun for the whole family. You can take a swim in our beautiful pool complex, or sing your favorite songs at karaoke night in the Lodge. Give us a call to learn more, or book your reservation online today!

Handy Travel Accessories to Keep in Your RV

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One of the best parts about traveling in an RV is that you can bring all the comforts of home along with you when you hit the road. From basics like cooking utensils and organizers to luxuries like TVs and camping hammocks, you can equip your RV with all sorts of useful accessories. But while most of this gear is optional, there are a few travel accessories you should definitely keep on board during your next adventure. Check them out below!

First Aid Kit

When you’re far from home in unfamiliar territory, it’s always a good idea to keep a first aid kit on hand. This way, you can treat everything from minor cuts and bruises to headaches and sunburns. It’s especially important to have a complete first aid kit if you’re traveling in remote areas where hospitals and urgent care centers might not be easy to find.

Solar Charger

In the event that you lose power in your RV, a solar charger can allow you to keep phones and other devices charged so you can contact roadside assistance for help. These chargers have gotten far more affordable in recent years, and they can offer some valuable peace of mind when you’re on the road.

Weather Radio

The weather can change quickly when you’re on the road, and a weather radio can help you stay one step ahead of dangerous storms. These radios offer access to a nationwide network of NOAA weather stations that provide regular updates on developing weather patterns throughout the country. You can also find hand-cranked weather radios that operate reliably even if you don’t have access to batteries.

Next time you’re on the road, we’d love to see you at our beautiful RV resort on the Suwannee River! Give us a call to learn more about our accommodations, or reserve your campground online today.

Stay Safe on the Suwannee River With These Helpful Tips

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KayakersThere’s no better way to explore the Suwannee River than by canoe or kayak. Paddling down the river is a uniquely relaxing experience that we look forward to every year. It also offers a great opportunity to get an up-close look at the local wildlife in our area.

But to make sure you have a good time, it’s important to keep a few important safety tips in mind when you’re out on the water.

Don’t Drink and Paddle

Stowing a few beers in your canoe might seem like a nice idea, but trust us: alcohol and boating don’t mix. Inebriation will make it much harder to react quickly if you get into a dangerous situation on the water.  In fact, alcohol is the number one contributing factor in recreational boating deaths.

Rather than drinking while you paddle, wait till you get back to shore to enjoy a well-earned beer and a hot meal.

Always Wear Your Personal Flotation Device

Keep your life jacket on at all times, even if you’re a strong swimmer. Not only will it keep you afloat in strong currents, it will also make you more visible to your fellow canoers and kayakers. This way, if your boat tips over, you can get back in sooner rather than later.

Dress for the Weather

Wet clothing can cause you to lose body heat at a rapid pace, making it possible to get hypothermia even in relatively warm weather. In general you should wear light, water-resistant layers, and avoid cotton garments whenever possible.

Bring a Buddy

It’s always best to paddle with at least one other person, especially if you don’t have a lot of boating experience. The more people you travel with, the easier it will be to spot potential hazards and help each other out in the event of an emergency.

Ready to get outside and paddle down the beautiful waters of the Suwannee River? We’d love to see you at our resort and campground conveniently located in Mayo, Florida. Give us a call or contact us online to book your reservation today!

RV Security Tips for Your Next Big Adventure

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Family in RVAt the Suwannee River Rendezvous, we welcome RV travelers from all over the country. Our smallest RV site is 40 by 80 feet, so we can accommodate RVs of all shapes and sizes. Visitors are welcome to park either on the original campground, or at the new Rendezvous resort, where guests can wake up to our beautiful pool complex and spa.

But as every RV owner knows, it’s important to protect your vehicle against unwanted intruders when you’re on the road. Today we’ll look at a few security tips to help you get started.

Upgrade Your Locks

An RV is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s also your home away from home. With this in mind, consider upgrading your RV’s standard locks with high-quality padlocks or cylinder locks that can’t be easily broken. It’s generally a good idea to add locks to your hitch and steering wheel, as well. That way, you can enjoy your trip without having to worry about whether or not your belongings are safe.

Invest in Security Lights

Motion-activated security lights are great theft deterrents at night. You may even use similar lights to protect your house when you’re not on the road. Modern LED security lights are inexpensive, energy efficient and easy to install. They’re also bright enough to scare off anyone who might think about trying to break into your RV under cover of darkness.

Park Smarter

With an RV, you should back into campsites to make it easy to get out, right? Well, not necessarily. Pulling forward into campsites can make it much harder for thieves to make a quick getaway with your vehicle. It may add a few minutes to your exit, but your RV’s security is worth it.

Next time you’re traveling in Florida, be sure to visit us on the Suwannee River! Reserve your site online, or give us a call today to learn more.