A longer camping trip to north Florida near Gainesville. We brought our two cats along.
When we pack up our camper we often head north. From our home in Edgewater to the Ocala National Forest area, travel time is about two hours. Some of our favorite camping spots are in that area.
We have camped at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch, in Keystone Heights, a few times before. It is northeast of Gainesville but close enough to attend events in the city. This time, my son was going to the Gator Nationals drag races.
This time we took our two cats with us. They were able to enjoy some outdoor time inside their crates. Skittle enjoyed being outside more than Fontana. She preferred to be indoors and sleep peacefully.
We were in campsite #2 this time. It is on the outside of the Sand (Sandhill) Loop. Each site backs up to a sparse pine forest and grass. The sites are spacious, but without a lot of shade – at this time of year anyway. The sites on the inside of the loop have more trees, but are smaller.
Site #2
Our site was very sunny, but thankfully the weather was not hot. We were there in March. I did spend some time inside the screen house, but it’s warm inside.
Two tall oak trees were just beginning to get their leaves. Once that happens, there may be more shade in this campsite.
Our site from the trailSkittle inside the screen houseBurned treeCharred stump
We had a good stay, without much to complain about. One couple did walk through with their dog running loose through all the sites! I was inside the camper, and so were my cats, thankfully. I thought the dog had gotten loose because they were calling and calling for it. But once the dog appeared they just scratched his head and off he ran. My cats would have been terrified if that dog ran up to them.
The cats had just been on a trip with us in January. They seem to have adjusted to camping life! I won’t say they love it, but seem content enough.
We have really enjoyed the nature that can be found at our Florida State Park campgrounds. With my senior citizens discount it only costs around $22 a night (total with charges).
Our next camping trip will be to a new spot – for us. It is a unique park known for its abundant wildlife, wild horses and bison. I will be sure to write all about our trip to Paynes Prairie near Gainesville.
My son and I have been camping in our 28 foot long, Grand Design XLS 23LDE camper since 2022. Because we have two cats, and prefer to not have to take them camping, our camping trips are usually only two nights long. For that reason, all of our camping travels have been close to our home, which is on the central, east coast of Florida.
Our Travel and Camping Area
We have traveled south to Melbourne, west to Tampa, and north and northwest to the Ocala area. Usually we camp for the simple fun of it, and at other times we need to camp close to a certain location. My son attended a concert in Tampa and we camped over on the west coast (Hillsborough River Campground) for that. With an RV we have the freedom to do that.
Campsite Photos From the Past Two Years
O’Leno – FL state park near Ocala
Hillsborough River – FL state park near Tampa
Long Point – Melbourne island camping – east coast
Long Point site on the water
Gamble Rogers – FL state park
Salt Springs
Juniper Springs – no hookups here
Mike Roess Gold Head – FL state park near Gainesville
Rodman Campground
Booking a Campsite Can Be a Challenge
Booking a campsite takes place through websites. If your only chance to camp is weekends, it can be tricky, as weekends book fast.
Many of the beautiful places to camp can be found in Florida’s state parks. It was a learning curve for me to navigate the Florida State Parks reservation system. Now, as a Floridian, I am able to book sites 11 months out (state parks only), which is one month more than out-of-staters. Unfortunately, my son is a firefighter and doesn’t know what days he is off that far in advance.
Camping is inexpensive, and even more so if you are over 65. There is a fee if you must cancel a reservation or make changes.
Florida state parks offer camping discounts for Senior Citizens.
A few of the parks we’ve stayed at were booked through Recreation.gov. Juniper Springs and Salt Springs are two that come to mind. Sometimes there will be a few photos of the actual campsite before you book, but sometimes not. I believe that sites can’t be booked more than 6 months out. If your campground choice is full, you can be asked to be notified of openings. They also list other campgrounds nearby in case you can’t find a reservation at the desired campground.
Other campgrounds have different rules. When booking our campground at Kelly Park near Orlando, we couldn’t choose our site until 45 days out.
Campsite Maps Are Elusive
I’m not sure why all the secrecy of the campground maps. The only ones I have seen are posted by campers. Usually you’ll be handed a campground map once you check in at the campground. One campground didn’t even do that. We could only take a photo of the map, once we arrived.
Sorry, but I am old school and like the paper map in my hand. I keep the ones we’ve camped at, and printout whatever I can find online. Maps are a good place to keep notes.
Here are a couple of maps of campgrounds we have yet to visit.
Paynes Prairie Campground MapKelly Park Campground
We’ve stayed in some of the worst (small, not level) campsites on our first visit to a campground. It is a chance to look around and then choose a better campsite for next time. The best way to find the perfect campsite is to see it in person, but there is another way. I read reviews (and have left a few) at RV life campground reviews, where people share their photos and opinions of campgrounds around the country.
It’s smart to NOT share a best campsite online, or it will always be booked next time you want it!
I quickly discovered that it’s tough to book a spot at campgrounds on any weekend. Fortunately we don’t have to camp then, but we like to meet up with friends who only have weekends available. Not only does Florida have locals who camp, but out-of-state campers are constant. As is true with all things Florida, there are too many people.
Site 52 at Rodman Campground
Sometimes online info will be out of date. Campground updates are usually done in the “off season” so Springs may be closed during the winter months. At one place kayak rentals were offered online, but when we arrived, they no longer did that (Gamble Rogers).
Coveted Beach Camping Locations
It seems that everyone yearns to camp on the beach. Most campgrounds with ocean front sites pack the campers in as much as possible. Beach camping also means there will be little, if any, shade. The windy conditions may keep your awning rolled up too. It will be sandy. There is no way around that, and the sand will be everywhere. In fact, if you camp anywhere in Florida, be ready for sand.
Entrance to Gamble Rogers camping on beachside.Riverside Camping Loop is sunny
Making a reservation at any campground on the ocean will be tough, as you will be competing with all the other ocean-loving camping people trying to book those spots. For instance, good luck ever getting a campsite at Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys!
We lucked out and got a spot at Gamble Rogers (FL state parks website), which has campsites right on the ocean. It was a fluke. I was looking at other campgrounds and one opening showed up at Gamble. It was not on the ocean, but on the river side.
After we arrived, I took a walk around the ocean campsites, I saw only a handful that actually had ocean views! The sites were very close together and sunny. We will probably never go back (or have the chance to), but it is nice to say we’ve been. It is a coveted ocean camping spot. Read more at my review page.
Our campsite on the river sideRVs in the ocean camping spots as seen from the beach – no views!Sunny campsites on river side at Gamble Rogers
Everyone Comes to Florida
While camping in Melbourne at Long Point, my son and I drove to another campground to check it out. The Sebastian Inlet Campground sits along the inlet that leads to the Atlantic Ocean. Some of the campsites offer water views. The campground has a fishing pier. There might be water access right from the campground, but I am not sure. The ocean and beach is a short walk or ride down the park road. It’s a great location, and especially for saltwater fishermen.
I thought that this campground would be nice to visit in cooler months, so when I got back home, I checked for availability. There were no openings until the end of next May. So, from July 2024 until May 2025 the campground was full! I doubt we will ever have the opportunity to camp at Sebastian Inlet.
My Preferred Camping Trips Are in Forests
Personally, I prefer to camp among lots of green. I love a campsite that is spacious and has trees. Those type usually have lots of walking trails, bike trails and sometimes swimming and paddling. Florida’s natural springs are beautiful, and the swimming is done in crystal clear, cool, water.
Later this year we are planning a trip to Kelly Park and will hopefully (weather permitting) enjoy paddling the Emerald Cut.
What to Expect From Florida Campgrounds
We enjoy camping. You never really know if it’s for you until you get out there and do it. We love the state parks especially. Camping is affordable, and if you can get that senior citizen discount, it’s even cheaper. The parks are well-maintained and we’ve always been impressed with the cleanliness.
Hookups
Most campgrounds have an electric and water hookup. Rarely do we have a sewer connection right at the campsite. But all campgrounds, that we have been to, have dump stations. (Salt Springs has a sewer connection at each site, which is a rare thing, but camping is more pricey.)
Evening campfire at Salt Springs with a big grassy back yard behind us
Juniper Springs big campfire area – can you believe the size of this?
Occasionally there will be a campground with no hookups at all. We dry camped at Juniper Springs in January! This meant running the generator during the day to charge the battery for heat overnight – and it was cold and rainy. This was a pretty awesome park, nonetheless. I plan to go back when the weather is hot to enjoy the springs. The campsites were very shaded and big.
Picnic Tables and Firepits
Park campgrounds have picnic tables – some nice, some not so nice – and a fire ring. Juniper had a bear container – that big green box in my photo. We bring our own wood, and have never been told not to. Most places also sell firewood.
Water Access Camping
I’ve talked about beach camping, but there is also river access camping. At Long Point in Melbourne many of the campsites are right on the water. The water is not really “nice” water, which ruins it for me.
Indian Mound RV and Fish Camp is right down the road from where I live, and I’d love to go and take our boat. Camping is expensive at this place – close to and over $100 a night. Campsites are close together, but you are right on the river.
Springs are one of Florida’s best water features if you ask me. Camping near the springs means having access after the crowds have gone home. I plan to camp more often near the springs.
Time of Year
Fewer northerners will be here in summer which opens up campsites for us Floridians. However, packing, unpacking at the campground, and packing up again, in the heat, is not a lot of fun. We also have the possibilities of hurricanes and severe thunderstorms during summer which can ruin camping plans. Also, local families and kids are out of school and heading to the beach, springs, etc. when the weather is hot, which contributes to overcrowding.
By October, the northern crowd is heading back down here and filling up the state, including campgrounds. So, when is the best time to camp in Florida? I’m not sure. Plan and book sites months out, and cancel if you have to – for a small fee. If you can camp during the week, as opposed to weekends, you have a much better chance of finding camping spots.
We have been camping with our two older cats this winter. They seem to be adjusting to RV living. I have some advice for those who are thinking about camping with a cat.
We just took a five day camping trip in January. We leave our two cats home when we do a short 2-day trip, but this time they had to come.
Skittle and Fontana are older cats – around 15. They do not like riding in the truck. They don’t like to change their daily routine. They had to come with us, and it all worked out. I also learned some new ways to improve the experience.
Transporting the Cats
We pull our 28 foot RV with a Ford F250. The backseat has plenty of space for a cat carrier. The one I have is Life Stages Small Dog Crate (Amazon paid link). I actually have two of these and will take both next time. I’ll tell you why further down the page.
Our travel time to the campground was about two hours. Fontana meowed most of the way. Skittle was quiet as always. After our first cat camping trip in March 2024, we figured out that Skittle prefers the small carrier while riding. She tends to get carsick too. For that reason we put her up high to see out the windows and get fresh air. Fontana is in the open cage on the seat, and Skittle is in the carrier and hooked in on top.
The cage is a bit heavy and awkward for me, but it has two carry handles on the top. I can move it from the truck to the picnic table by myself (empty of cats!). I am an older (over 60) woman. By the way, it folds down flat for storage.
Transporting the cats
For safety, we attached the cage with a seatbelt through the bars. On top, Skittle is hooked to the cage with a bungee cord. They did really well. They don’t need food, water and litter box for such a short trip.
Dealing With Cats at the Campground
We stayed at Rodman Campground for two nights and then went west to Mike Roess Gold Head Branch. It was the first time we went directly from one campground to the next. I already had one trip planned, and then I heard from my niece who wanted to camp over the weekend. So the reservations were back to back.
We had some cold weather, but during the day it was sunny and nice. Last time we had the cats with us, I set up the screen house. The idea was to give the cats someplace to be outside, yet contained. The cats did not love it. As soon as they went into the screen house, they were looking for a way out. Now I have a better idea.
Skittle inside the screen house, March 2024
This time, we didn’t bother setting up the screen house. Instead, I put the cat cage on top of the picnic table. I carried the cat out from the trailer to put her inside the cage.
At first they were nervous but eventually Skittle came to enjoy her outdoor time. She goes out in my garden all the time at home. Fontana preferred being inside. She is older and does a lot of sleeping. I saw no reason to stress her out by making her stay outdoors. She took short trips into the sunshine.
SkittleFontana
This is why I will be bringing both cat cages on our next cat camping trip. They can both go outside at the same time. (They can’t share one cage because they don’t get along well.) All campgrounds seem to have picnic tables. Most of the time, the tables are next to where we park the RV. I can carry the cats, one at a time, out to the cages on the table.
I am always nearby and don’t leave them alone outside for more than a few minutes. They like it if I sit at the table, or in a chair, near them.
Using the Harness and Leash
First and most importantly I want to warn you NOT TO TRUST a harness on a cat! Do not trust “escape proof” and other such claims. Don’t think that you can walk your cat safely and keep him / her under control.
Everyone seems to camp with dogs these days. Do not assume that a dog won’t escape and come after your cat. Cats can wiggle out of a harness no matter how secure it seems. I know quite a few people who have lost cats while camping!
My harness failure story: When I moved to my current house, I was walking Skittle in the yard. I wanted her to get used to her new surroundings. She wore a nice handmade, cloth harness which I bought at Etsy. It looked perfectly escape proof. It was secured with velcro around her body and neck. Suddenly someone started up a Harley motorcycle, and she came out of that harness so fast I didn’t see what happened! Fortunately she went up to the house and did not run away. But if this happened at a campground, she could take off into the woods and easily get lost and confused. Do not trust any harness to contain your cat!!!
I put a H-style harness on each cat. They wear it the entire time we camp and don’t mind it at all. With a harness on, I can more easily hold onto them. I attach the leash before we go out to the cage, and leave it on while they are in the cage.
Leash and harnesses
This is my leash and two harnesses. I like the H-style, which you can buy here at Lupine Pet, or at Amazon (paid link) and other places. The older, blue harness is my favorite because the straps are fixed at one end so the strap doesn’t slide. Also the buckle / snaps are easier to use. It is a Tuff brand, which I can’t seem to find now.
The black one, with the stars and moons design, seems cheaper made, but it has a little bell. I thought it might be annoying, but it helped me keep track of Skittle’s movements in the RV. The black harness came with a matching leash. I bought it at Amazon as a last minute purchase before the trip. I wouldn’t recommend it for quality.
FontanaDinette bed
It was very easy for me to get the harnesses on the cats. I did it while they were comfortable at home, either sitting or lying down. I keep the straps loose enough that they can barely feel it. They wear it so I can grab them if need be.
Scratching the RV Furniture
I’ve had readers ask how I keep the cats from scratching up the RV couch and dinette seats. I was very worried about this. So far, I’ve had no problems.
The dinette is made into a bed so we don’t use it for eating while we camp. For this reason, I don’t have to worry about it getting scratched. It’s always covered with bedding. The sofa did need a cover.
Our RV sofa has a fold down drink holder in the center, with recliners on the ends. I found a cover that works and use it whenever we have cats in the RV. See the gray fabric in the photo below. The backing clings to the sofa and stays put! It doesn’t cover everything, but I’ve had no scratching problems. I found this sofa cover at Temu.
I was worried about the cats wanting to get out of the RV. At home they scratch on the screen and claw at the door. While camping, I have not had that trouble. One night Skittle did claw at the door, but I got up and blocked it with a backpack. For the most part, they are reluctant to go out.
I do let the cats sharpen their claws on the door mats and floor mats. I have some tough Waterhog mats from LL Bean at the doors and in the kitchen. Maybe with enough rugs to scratch the cats will remain happy.
The Litter Box
RV campers are made to conserve space and they don’t have a lot of extra floor space. At least mine does not. We have one slide, but it doesn’t leave enough room for a litter box to sit on the floor. And who wants that anyway?
We take the litter box from the house and put it into the RV shower floor just before we leave home. I have an old towel under it, and the scooper next to it. When we shower we have to move it temporarily. It works out.
Cats and Camping
It is not ideal to have to camp with our cats. I can relax better, sleep better and worry less when they are not camping with us. When they do have to come camping, they seem to adjust. My cats are older and prefer to sleep a lot, which is lucky. Skittle can be a problem when she gets bored.
My cats barely ate or drank last time they camped with us. This time they did much better.
Everyone knows their own cat. Be ready to supply what they need to be comfortable in the RV. Bring a favorite bed, treats, food, cat brush, etc. to make them feel more at home. I feel like my cats were much more comfortable being in the RV this time around. Trip #3 is coming up!
More kitties in cages enjoying the winter sunshine!
