Research Finds Camping Can Help Reset Our Body Clocks

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If you love the great outdoors, than you know how restorative spending time in nature can be. But did you know it can even help you overcome sleep problems? New research shows that camping can help reset our internal body clocks.

Reset

Due to our frequent exposure to artificial light, many humans stray from a natural sleeping pattern. But one week of camping outdoors and getting away from artificial light sources is enough to return a person’s body clock to its natural sleep rhythms, according to a recent study published in Current Biology. These findings demonstrate that our internal biological clocks will quickly synchronize to a natural light-dark cycle if the opportunity arises.

Easier to wake up

During their one week of camping, the study participants’ average light exposure increased by more than four times. This added exposure to natural light caused changes in their brains’ melatonin production, which made it easier to wake up from a restful sleep.

Better Sleep

Many of the participants who usually experienced sleep issues claimed this was the only time they were able to get uninterrupted sleep by going to bed early and waking up early. This suggests that carefully controlling our exposure to artificial light, particularly at night, could help successfully treat sleep problems.

For a relaxing and rejuvenating camping experience to get your sleep schedule back on track, come visit us here at Suwannee River Rendezvous in Mayo, Florida! We offer a variety of primitive, water/electric and full hook-up sites. Contact us today for more information!

Helpful Tools to Keep In Your Tackle Box

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You’ve got your reel and your bait, and you’re excited and ready to head out for your fishing trip.

But wait! A little extra preparation can go a long way toward helping you have a good time on your adventure. Make sure you keep a few extra tools in your tackle box so you can be ready for whatever the river brings your way!

Needlenose Pliers

Sometimes you need a little help to get your bait and tackle ready to go. Sometimes it’s tough getting a hook from your fish’s lips – especially if it has long teeth. Sometimes, your cast might not go as planned, leaving you with a hook caught in your jeans. A good pair of needlenose pliers can help you in all these situations and more.

Fillet Knife

This one may go without saying. A good rust-resistant knife can help you clean fish, cut lines, slice bait, and accomplish any number of other common tasks you might face during a fishing trip.

Insect Repellant, Sunscreen and Pain Relievers

These items are guaranteed to come in handy, but they can be easy to forget. Don’t let your day be ruined by mosquitos, sunburn and headaches. You can stop these issues in their tracks, even if you’re miles away from your medicine cabinet.

Lip Grip with Scale and a Ruler

Most anglers don’t intend to ignore length and weight restrictions when they go fishing, but let’s face it: sometimes even our best estimates can be a little inaccurate. Pack a good lip grip with a scale to measure your catch’s weight, and a cheap old ruler to check its length. You can even take photos with your ruler for friends who may doubt your fish tales later!

Flashlight

This is a great item to have around on evening fishing trips, especially when you wait just a little too long to call it quits for the night. A little extra light can go a long way.

First Aid Kit

No one plans on getting hurt, but cuts, bumps and bruises are a fact of life. It’s always better to be safe, rather than sorry!

Gloves

While you’re at it, go ahead and prevent those cuts and scrapes with a good, strong pair of gloves. It’s nice to have a first aid kit, but it’s better if you don’t need it in the first place.

Ready to put your tackle box to good use? Give us a call today to schedule your next fishing trip on the beautiful Suwannee River!

Give Dad Something He’ll Remember this Father’s Day

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When you think of presents to give dad for Father’s Day, what comes to mind? A tie? A coffee mug? Nice gestures for sure, but probably not something dad will forever cherish.

People today value experiences more than things, especially when you’re spending time with those closest to you.

Okay, so Father’s Day is coming up. What are you getting dad? How about this year you arrange for a hunting/fishing trip at Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground?

How’d you like a picture of your dad smiling as he reels in a 12-pound bass off the bank of the resort? Or maybe a picture of him capturing a wild hog in the Mallory Swamp WLR?

Located in Mayo, Florida, Suwannee River Rendezvous is a great place for dads to “escape” their everyday lives. Too many dads today “work, work, work” and are always worrying about paying bills. Dads need a break from that now and then; it’s good for their sanity! What better way for a dad to unwind his mind and have some fun than to fish off the dock at Suwannee, take a boat ride, or explore the swamp looking for hogs? It’s time to get dad back to nature where he can grunt, sweat, fart and feel free!

Meanwhile, back at the resort/campground, dad can check out the cool Convict Spring, a natural, freshwater spring that actually feeds into the Suwannee River. If the weather’s decent, dad can go for a swim in the spring. But wait…there’s more: dad can dive down into the spring to find an underwater cave system entrance. That’s something he’d be talking about for years to come, right?

Men crave adventure. They have an inner need to explore. And many men want to fish and hunt– being “out on the land” or “out on the water” is their time to enjoy being male. It’s in the DNA.

So this Father’s day, surprise your old man with a hunting/fishing trip at Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground. Call 386-294-2510 to make arrangements today.

Explore the Natural Springs of Suwannee River

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When visiting us at Suwannee River Rendezvous, guests get to see the beautiful Suwannee River and take in the beautiful water and scenic sights of northern Florida. However, have you ever wondered where it all comes from? Well, the answer lies in the Suwannee Springs.

For those who may not know, the Suwannee network of springs covers a vast span throughout the region and feeds into the river network, providing the waters that sustain the river as it flows from the headwaters in Georgia all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

One of the most prominent places to see these springs is the Suwannee Springs State Park, managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District. Located about 40 minutes from Suwannee River Rendezvous, the site features six different springs for people to take in and enjoy.

Once you arrive, you will notice all of the springs flow outward in a southwest direction, which funnels them into the Suwannee River itself. You will also notice that all six are clustered within the same 100-foot span of sandy terrain at the base of a 35-foot high bank stretching right along the south shore of the Suwannee River. The main spring is something to behold as well with its unique location. You can’t miss the sight of this spring, notably located within rock walls constructed as part of a bathhouse from the late 19th century.

The Suwannee Springs are more than just a historic site. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and canoeing, hiking, a picnic area and trails for horse riding. All of these activities offer the perfect opportunity to get out and explore the area. Along with those great activities, the Suwannee Springs also are home to a wide variety of wildlife as well. Some of the animals you may see while there include gopher tortoise, gopher frog, Suwannee cooter, deer, turkeys and squirrels.

The river itself is also lined with rich history tracing back through generations of settlers in the region. As the state park’s brochure notes, Native American tribes in the region relied on the river for fresh water and access to game as far back as 12,000 years ago. In the 1500s, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto passed through the region, and in the 1800s, the region became populated by American settlers. There are also remnants of the Civil War that can be seen in places, including earthworks and other constructions that formerly were part of bridges and defense positions manned by Confederate troops.

If you want to explore the Suwannee River area and it’s great history, make your reservations at Suwannee River Rendezvous today. We have one of the springs that feed the river right here on site – Convict Spring – and several more within a short drive from the resort. We have plenty of space for RV and tent camping as well as a range of cabins and lodges for guests. For more information or to book your stay, call us at 386-294-2510!

Plan Your Reunion Rendezvous at Our Camping and RV Resort!

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While it may still be winter, that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start planning your outdoor fun for the summer. Before you know it, spring and summer will be upon us – the perfect time to hold your family or class reunion. Suwannee River Rendezvous can accommodate activities and has plenty of lodging options, camping space and RV sites that makes it the perfect destination to hold your event. Let’s take a look at how you can plan large get-togethers on our campgrounds.

Reunion weekends are always chock full of bonding activities, and we offer an array of outdoorsy events such as canoeing, fishing and hunting for everyone – young and old – to enjoy. For those who prefer to take it a little slower, we also offer bingo, live music and drawing activities, giving you options for all ages – and all weather conditions. Suwannee River Rendezvous has something for everyone, and with plenty of space, you won’t be crammed together for space while enjoying time catching up with old classmates or bonding with rarely seen relatives.

Suwannee River Rendezvous is also home to Convict Spring, where many of our guests enjoy cooling off. This freshwater spring is home to turtles, fish and other fascinating marine life, and is a great place for children to swim and play while you catch up with other attendees on the shore.

We also have many areas that you and your guests can take advantage of during your event. Our picnic pavilion can provide a convenient gathering place for everyone to enjoy a big meal together, while the playground and heated pool can serve as a wonderful place for children to play.

If you are interested in organizing a reunion or large camping trip, Suwannee River Rendezvous has everything you can imagine. Bond with your friends and family at our beautiful grounds and enjoy a great vacation and reunion all at once. If you’re planning a reunion, let us know and we can work with you to try to group all guests together to create a community atmosphere during your stay. To learn more, call us today at 386-294-2510.

Help Keep Suwannee Clean

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The Suwannee River The Suwannee River offers plenty of excellent sights and fun activities. Unfortunately, it does become dirty as debris and trash from careless campers, drivers and others finds their way into it. That’s why we here at Suwannee River Rendezvous hold an event to help clean it up.

The sixth annual Great Suwannee River Basin Cleanup will take place Oct. 29, 2016, and offers a great opportunity for volunteers to join together to clean up the river that gives us so much. The event begins at 9 a.m. and all volunteers are encouraged to come help us and others from the community and area to clean the Suwannee River. The more people who come to help, the more we will be able to accomplish together!

Last year’s cleanup was a huge success, with Suwannee River Rendezvous staff and volunteers able to remove more than 700 pounds of trash from the river. For anyone interested in heading out on the river to help clean up, boats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shuttles will also be provided at no charge for volunteers to get from location to location throughout the cleanup.

Once the cleanup is done, there will be a Costume or Not Dance Party for all volunteers to enjoy as a reward for their hard work throughout the day. The event will feature food and drinks and music by the band Salt Water Cowboys.

Guests can also plan a stay at Suwannee River Rendezvous and enjoy our lodgings for the weekend. With space for families, single volunteers or groups, there’s no shortage of comfortable accommodations to rest after a long day helping to keep the Suwannee River Basin clean.

Suwannee River Rendezvous in Mayo, Florida, offering camping, fishing and kayaking and more for the whole family can enjoy. The Suwannee River is a beautiful body of water and it is truly something to behold when you stay with us. For more information on the Great Suwannee River Basin Cleanup or to book your stay, call us today at 386-294-2510!

No Camper? No Problem! Log Cabin Rentals and More!

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There is no better time than now to plan an escape from the upcoming cold weather by booking the perfect outdoor vacation in sunny Florida. The perfect vacation site, Suwannee River Rendezvous, offers fun-filled adventures for the entire family.

If you love the idea of an outdoor vacation, but don’t like traditional camping, don’t worry – the list of camping alternatives is endless. Here are few ways you can enjoy all the best parts of camping without “going camping” at Suwannee River Rendezvous.

A-Frame House

Our A-Frame House can accommodate a large family or group of friends. It will also make you feel like you haven’t left home, equipped with a full kitchen with dishes, pots and pans, a dining room, central heat and air conditioning to keep you comfortable year round, plus satellite TV. The A-frame also has to full bathrooms, fully furnished bedrooms with linens and a large screened-in porch to relax and enjoy the weather during your stay.

Motel Room

Our motel rooms along Suwannee River offer a clean and affordable alternative to camping, as well. Each motel room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, satellite TV, AC and heat. Rooms also each have a private bathroom, and double beds, queen beds or a king bed option are available.

Chalet Cabin

There is no better way to feel at home while exploring the great outdoors than by renting the beautiful Chalet Cabin. This 1,200-square-foot cabin features both master and guest bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fireplaces for the colder months, plus a full kitchen and large screened-in front porch.

Log Cabin

Our log cabins are also a great option. Each cabin can sleep up to six people thanks to a large bedroom, loft area and a sleeper sofa. They also feature heat and air conditioning, a private bathroom, satellite TV and a small kitchen with linens, a cook top, refrigerator, pots and pans and more.

Tree House

The Tree House is a private home featuring a large covered back patio that’s perfect for the family to share nightly marshmallow roasts. It boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms, and can accommodate up to 10 people with plenty of parking for all.

Other camper alternatives include our river rooms, lodge rooms, the Spring House and our lodge suite – a massive room that sleeps six. For more information on any of our lodging options, prices or to book your perfect outdoor getaway, call Suwannee River Rendezvous today at 386-294-2510.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Suwannee River

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Stand up paddle boarding (or “SUP) is one of the world’s fastest-growing water sports, and the Sunshine State is a top-ranked place to paddle. The state of Florida has an abundance of amazing paddle boarding spots, and one of them is right here on our very own Suwannee River!

So why is the relatively new sport of paddle boarding catching on like wildfire? There are several reasons, and in this article we’ll take a look at a few of them.

Reason #1: It’s easy.

Stand up paddle boarding is a sport that is very beginner-friendly. There really isn’t much of a learning curve, and literally anyone can be up and paddling in no time at all.

Reason #2: It’s for all ages.

Paddlers of all ages are enjoying this wonderful sport. It’s a low-impact activity that is safe and can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Reason #3: It’s a great way to meet new people.

SUP is a social sport, and there are an abundance of local paddling meetups that you can attend. Most paddle boarding enthusiasts are laid-back and friendly, and it won’t take long for you to make plenty of new paddling friends.

Reason #4: It’s dog-friendly.

Many paddle boarders enjoy bringing their dogs along when they go out on the water. It’s a great way to get your pup out of the house, and most dogs absolutely love coming along for the ride!

Reason #5: It’s healthy.

Stand up paddle boarding is a great way to get into shape, and it’s an excellent activity for increasing strength and overall conditioning. Whether your goal is muscle toning, weight loss, or simply some tranquil time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life — SUP is something that will have a positive impact on your overall health and well-being.

As you can see, stand up paddle boarding is a sport that has a lot going for it. It’s something that anyone can enjoy, and can have a very positive impact on your social, mental, and physical well-being. If you haven’t already tried paddle boarding, we encourage you to give it a shot!

If you want to learn more, our friends at InflatableBoarder.com have a free guide about Florida paddle boarding that we would recommend checking out. It covers the top spots in the state for paddle boarding, and even lists the Suwannee River as one of them! They also have a lot of inflatable SUP reviews published on their website, if you’re interested in buying a board of your own.

Happy paddling!

The History of Convict Spring

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More than a hundred years ago, the serene site of Convict Spring looked mighty different, and not just because there were no cars, no planes overhead, no cellphones and certainly no TVs.
Instead, right here at the Suwannee River Rendezvous, if you were taking in the sights, there’s a very high probability you were working on a chain gang.

Back in the early 1900s, our spring was used by Lafayette County’s incarceration system, notes Florida Caves. Their prisoners worked on road construction projects – often called chain gangs – and when it was too late or too far to get the inmates back to the county jail, they would spend the night at remote camps scattered throughout the county, and Convict Springs was one of those remote camps.

It’s hard to imagine grizzled criminals gathered around campfires, the light reflecting in the spring, but history doesn’t lie. Every once in a while, someone will turn up an artifact of one kind or another that further confirms the property’s colorful past.

Convict Spring sits atop a fascinating underwater cave system as well, one we’re certain the convicts didn’t spend any time exploring. This particular cave system is a dangerous one, with a restricted entrance and the need for a side-mounted style of diving through extremely narrow passages, notes Cave Survey in its assessment of the spring.

In 2001, Dell Moats, John Moseley, Michael Poucher and Bill Rennaker swam through Convict Spring Cave to take a full survey. They captured extraordinary video footage showing the beautiful yet dangerous conditions inside the cave. We have DVD footage of their excursion, and in the lodge.

We invite you to come enjoy the spring – from the surface, of course – for swimming during the sultry summertime at Suwannee River Rendezvous. In the evening, over the sound of crickets and frogs, you might just hear the faint rhythm of a chain gang.

Convict Spring is just one of the many amenities and conveniences that makes our resort and campground such a popular destination for visitors from all across the country. To plan your trip, call us today at 386-294-2510.