Need a campground near Gainesville

[LMC]

We will be leaving for our trip on a Sunday, planning to arrive at FW on Monday. I need some nice campground suggestions convenient to I-75 between Lake City and Ocala.

We don't know exactly where we will end up at what time since we are camping in a different town that weekend for special olympics. I know we will make it to Lake City before dark and will stay at KOA if it is close to dark but I am thinking we will make it closer to Ocala. Of course, the farther we can get Sunday, means the earlier we will get to FW on Monday!

Anyone know anything about the Travelers Campground? Are there any Jellystones down I-75? Need something safe and with a pool.
Thanks!

 

[noopdoggy]

I live in Gainesville, but before I did I stayed at Travelers campground, it's fine, you will enjoy it, plenty of space for parking, huge sites..easy in and out. have fun! Lin

 

[wildernessfamily]

where is Travelers campground? is it N of Gainesville? or south? Just wondering, I don't have a FL campground book. Thanks

 

[LMC]

I think travelers is just north of Gainesville near Alachua. I think this is all a 20-30 mile radius. I am having a hard time getting a campground link. I google and go to a weird site and they don't give much info.

 

[wildernessfamily]

We stayed in the Starke KOA, it is very nice. But it is too far off of 75 probably for you, since you are just spending the night. In mileage it is not too far, but traffic in Starke can get quite backed up during the day time so it can take you a while. It is probably only 24 miles from Gainesville but will take 45 minutes or so. Some parts through towns have slower limits too. On 301 you have lots of night time animals too if you travel late at night. So if you are looking for a quick pull off, I don't think I could help you there.

 

[LMC]

We stayed in the Starke KOA, It is probably only 24 miles from Gainesville but will take 45 minutes or so.

YIKES!! I think we'll pass on that one. I know there are some FL state parks near I-75 around Alachua and Gainesville. Anyone know about these? Proximity to I-75, pull thrus?

 

[tim5055]

I like Silver River State Park. It's about 10 minutes east of I-75 in Ocala.

Water & electric at every site and the accept pets if you have one.

We like to stop there for a day or two on the way to Disney to relax.

 

[LMC]

thank you tim5055. i absolutely hate going thru reserve america for our reservations. do you know if all fl state campgrnds leave a few spaces open for last minute stop ins? I think I read somewhere that they do.

 

[tim5055]

thank you tim5055. i absolutely hate going thru reserve america for our reservations. do you know if all fl state campgrnds leave a few spaces open for last minute stop ins? I think I read somewhere that they do.

I'm not sure if they do, but I can say the staff at the park was fantastic. On the morning we were to leave for FW our F-250 Diesel has some "issues". Ford towed it in and fixed it, but eh staff at the park was great. No problems with staying late; they helped the wrecker get to the site; checked to see that we were doing OK.

Give them a call and ask, I'm sure they will help out.

 

[LMC]

I bet we used the same ford dealership when we broke down in that area in January. Our excursion has been having some "issues" as well and even though it has been in for repairs about every 6 wks something quirky still happens. I am hoping to have an uneventful trip in May reqarding the vehicle.

I'm not sure if they do, but I can say the staff at the park was fantastic. On the morning we were to leave for FW our F-250 Diesel has some "issues". Ford towed it in and fixed it, but eh staff at the park was great. No problems with staying late; they helped the wrecker get to the site; checked to see that we were doing OK.

Give them a call and ask, I'm sure they will help out.

 

[tim5055]

I bet we used the same ford dealership when we broke down in that area in January.

Were you treated well? It was Ford of ocala where we went.

 

[LMC]

Oh, diff dealership, we were a little farther north. But ours was great it was closing and they waited and then took us to the rental car place. I came home that wknd so kids could return to school and when the car was ready mid-week they picked DH up at the hotel so he could get our car.

My only complaint (and now I know) was that they didn't include my rental on our extended warr paperwork so now we are out that $$.

 

[lmjacobs]

Like you're going to have time for that. Duh.
(yeah, i can talk to her like that she's my sister. i found this posting just browsing. hee hee)

Yep, had time to surf the forums today.

 

[disneycanuck]

In February 2004, we stayed at Stephen Foster Cultural state park White Springs. This is only 5 miles off I75. The rates are only $16 per night. We are planning to stop there again this October.

 

[LMC]

In February 2004, we stayed at Stephen Foster Cultural state park White Springs. This is only 5 miles off I75. The rates are only $16 per night. We are planning to stop there again this October.

Thanks! I'll check into that one too. I haven't been able to reach Silver River SP and I really don't want to have a ressie. We want to find a place that doesn't book solid and leaves a few sites open for drop ins. Since we aren't sure where we will actually end up that day we want to have a few options. I think we will make it to Gainesville maybe even Ocala.



and, lmjacobs...............get back to work!