Category: Water Activities

Join Us This Winter at Suwannee River Rendezvous

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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!

Get Away from the Winter Chill in Florida

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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!

Kayaking Tips for Beginners

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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.

Camping Hammocks are Good Alternatives to Tents

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

If you’re an avid tent camper, you know the struggles of laying on the ground and dealing with weather elements from time to time. However, there is a great alternative that can be less expensive than tent camping, which is investing in a camping hammock. Hammocks can be more comfortable than laying on the ground, which is good if you don’t want to be sore every morning of a camping trip.

Man camping in a hammock

Here’s How to Beef Up Your Hammock Set-Up

Most hammocks come in two options of either a single nest or a double nest system with carabiners and a suspension system. If you’re looking for more room, a double nest hammock is probably your best bet. These are the basic features of the hammock, but there are add-ons you should think about investing in if you want to make hammock camping a regular enjoyment.

Hammock Accessories that Benefit Your Camping Experience:

  • Rain Fly – To combat some of the weather elements, a rain fly will help keep the rain off the hammock. Rain flies come with a suspension system as well, which will hover over your hammock keeping the rain clear.
  • Mosquito Net – A bug net is also a great option to make sure the “bed bugs” will stay away from you during the night.
  • Under Quilt – For some of the colder nights camping out in the mountains, an under quilt can be added on for extra warmth underneath the hammock material.

The Benefits of Camping Hammocks

Camping hammocks provide you with better comfort when camping. You don’t have to worry about a sore back with lying on the ground anymore in a tent. It also is versatile picking a spot to camp. It’s easier to carry on your back if you’re going backpacking. As long as you have two trees to strap onto, you’re in good shape. It’s also easily portable.

Suwannee River Rendezvous is a great place to go and camp in Mayo, Florida. We have a plethora of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, water activities, and much more! If you’re looking for a great place to camp in Florida, contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information!

Places to Visit in Florida After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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!

Stay Safe on the Suwannee River With These Helpful Tips

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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!

Helpful Tools to Keep In Your Tackle Box

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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!