Tag: tent camping

Secrets to Camping Light This Summer Season

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Camping in the summer at Suwannee River Rendezvous requires a different type of camping experience. Since summers are mostly hot in Florida, you must adjust your camping materials and equipment to ensure an enjoyable camping trip here.

One of the most important tips when it comes to camping in general is to always pack light and only bring the essentials. Now, you don’t have to stick to a boring camping trip, but don’t over pack unnecessary items. Here are some tips on packing light for your summer trip.

Camping Gear

If you’re planning to bring an RV, then your packing task will much more flexible since you’ll have the extra storage space. This is good for longer camping trips. If you are planning on lodging or even tent camping, you’ll have to make sure you’re pretty much only packing the camping essentials.

  • Pack light clothes due to the weather being hot
  • Bring water jugs to be refilled when you need
  • Tent, camping chairs, sleeping bags
  • Toiletries
  • Raingear, Hiking Boots, Bathing Suit and other water gear
  • First Aid Kits

Miscellaneous Gear

Make sure you are packing the proper camping equipment and gear for your camping trip in Florida. Packing only the necessary items should be your top priority, but it doesn’t mean that you have to limit your gear. For the weather down in Florida, it’s important to pack other items that can help with your trip. Bug spray, protective clothing, and sunscreen are just to name a few extra items that you should bring.

Planning Your Days Out

One of the biggest things campers don’t plan out is their days while on the camping trip. This is one of the most important aspects of planning out the adventure. If you’re able to plan each day (without too many restrictions), you can make sure that you are packing the right equipment for those days. We want to make sure that you don’t restrict your flexibility on the trip, though. Camping is about relaxation and enjoying the great outdoors, so you don’t want to have a strict itinerary.

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we can provide you with the best camping for you and your family here in Mayo, Florida. If you’re looking to bring your family or friends down to Florida for some adventure on the river, contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information!

Prepare for Hot Weather Camping in Florida

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

It’s only March, but before too long that famous Florida heat will be returning to the Suwannee River. Hot, humid weather can make tent camping a little challenging during the peak months of summer, but it doesn’t have to keep you from having a good time. In fact, with a little care and preparation, you can camp comfortably and enjoy yourself even on the warmest days of the year!

Here are some tips to help you stay cool:

Stay Hydrated

Of course, this is the most important thing to keep in mind on especially hot days. Drinking plenty of water will not only prevent you from getting dehydrated, but also help to regulate your body temperature so that you don’t overheat. Keep a bottle of water on hand at all times, and consider packing some refreshing snacks like cucumbers and watermelons for the trip as well.

Stay Dry

Circulation is key for keeping your tent cool overnight, but it can be problematic if you get surprised by a summer rainstorm. If your tent’s rain fly makes it feel hot and stuffy inside, create a canopy over your tent by tying a tarp to a couple of nearby trees instead. This will keep your tent dry without blocking air flow and impeding circulation.

Dress Light

How hot you feel depends largely on what you’re wearing, and certain materials perform better in heat than others. In general, you should avoid clothes made of cotton. For shirts, consider a merino wool base layer that washes well and is light to wear. These days, you can also find active-wear pants that are soft, light and capable of wicking away excess moisture. Be sure to bring a good pair of waterproof shoes, too; if you’re sweaty, you don’t want your feet to be.

Getting ready to plan this year’s summer camping getaway? We’d love to see you at Suwannee River Rendezvous. If you’re nervous about the heat, you can even stay in one of our air conditioned vacation homes! Give us a call or contact us online today to learn more.

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

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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 Stay Cool During a Summer Camping Trip

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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!