Author: Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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

Posted September 28, 2016 by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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.

The History of Convict Spring

Posted July 22, 2016 by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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.

4 Must Have Travel Games This Summer

Posted May 10, 2016 by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

If you are heading out on the open road this summer and are always trying to come up with the next best game for your kids to play, we have a few ideas for you.

If you are on your way to visit us at Suwanee River, even better! We can’t wait to see you this summer.

Travel Bingo – this themed game is great for time spent on the road. It keeps your kids focused on the trip, and not on how many minutes till they get to the destination.

This game will have road signs and other common items that people will see while on the road.

Movie and Name Games – this will test your and your children’s knowledge of pop culture. You will start by naming a movie for example “Finding Nemo” and then the next person would name a movie that starts with the last letter of the previous movie so a correct answer would be “Oliver and Company”.

You can do the same thing with celebrity names and go on for hours on end.

KanJam – this will get everyone up and out of the lawn chairs and out of the RV. If you have not heard of this game, it is so easy to setup – there are two goals and a Frisbee. The objective of the game is to score 21 points by throwing the Frisbee into the goals. Check out KanJam’s website or watch this video:

Farkle – if you are faced with a rainy day or a cold night and are looking for something that everyone will enjoy indoors, you should try Farkle, it is a dice game where the goal is to be the first player to get 10,000 points. Buy Farkle for your trip now.

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we know how to have fun this summer with games, kayaking, fishing, entertainment and more. Contact us at 386-294-2510 and reserve your vacation spot today!

Looking To Vacation During Spring Break? Head out to the Suwannee River Rendezvous

Posted March 7, 2016 by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

With the spring semester just about half-way over, that means spring break isn’t too far away.

During this time, many will simply head home for some rest and relaxation while others will be looking to get away and enjoy themselves.

If you are a part of the latter, then the Suwannee River Rendezvous might be just what you’re looking for.

Now, at first, heading out to the wilderness might not be the first choice for college students but we offer a wide variety of fun activities that are sure to keep you and your friends more than entertained.

If you want to hit the water, we offer canoe and kayak rentals that will allow you to travel along the river. While on the river, you will be able to take in all of the beautiful sights that surround it.

There is also a great deal of wildlife around the river as well-meaning you might be able to get a glimpse of some of the animals that call the area home.

We also offer fishing for anyone looking for something more adventurous during their break.

While on the boat you will have an opportunity to catch numerous different fish including Large Mouth Bass, Suwannee Bass, Mullet, Bream and Channel Catfish.

We also offer affordable lodging as well. Whereas booking a hotel in tropical location might cost an arm and a leg, our pricing won’t cause you to break the bank just for a little fun on spring break. This will allow you more money for extra activities will on break, creating an overall more memorable experience.

Suwannee River Rendezvous is a resort and campground in Mayo, Florida with numerous activities that will make any vacation, including spring break, unforgettable.

If you would like more information on our campground or would like to book a stay with us, then call us today at 386-294-2510!

Suwannee River Rendezvous is a resort & campground offering a wide variety of attractions and activities to make your vacation great!

Posted February 24, 2016 by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

With summer not too far away, many families will be hitting the road in their RV for a nice vacation.

It could truly be a great time but if you don’t come prepared your trip might turn into quite the nightmare.

Bedding

Depending on the RV you’re traveling in will depend on what kind of bedding you bring. If it is strictly for traveling, then you will need a sleeping back and even a tent to sleep in. However, if it comes equipped with a bed, then a few sets of sheets should be more than enough.

Cooking Equipment

Again, this depends on what kind of RV you have, but some pots and pans should be able to handle anything you’re going to cook no matter where you do it. Be sure to bring along utensils like can openers and tongs also. If you can’t eat everything you’re bringing with your hands then bring along enough forks, spoons, and knives to last the trip.

Entertainment

Even though it’s a vacation, the travel can become quite redundant and boring after a while. So bringing along items such as board games and sports equipment will help keep things fun and exciting.

Clothing

If you’re traveling the country, be sure to have clothing for any situation you may encounter. Also, be sure to bring enough to last the whole trip as well because running out of fresh clothes will not be fun for you or your fellow travelers.

RV Essentials

Just as if you were traveling by car, it would be smart to bring some automotive essentials with you just in case. Bring a tire gauge, jumper cables, and tools such as wrenches or screwdrivers because out on the road anything could happen.

Suwannee River Rendezvous is a resort & campground in Mayo, Florida, offering a wide variety of attractions and activities to make your vacation great!

With so much to see and do, you won’t ever want to leave!

If you would like more information on our campground or would like to book a stay with us, feel free to contact us today or call us at 386-294-2510!

Plan on a 2015 Winter Camping Getaway

Posted August 11, 2015 by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

It’s depressing to think that the summer is almost over. We’re already in the first week of August! Before long, the crisp winds of autumn will be sweeping over your body like a marching band of multi-colored spiders. Your body will tingle, but your heart will know that any opportunity to extract the resources of summer have long passed you by – and that’s always a blow to the soul. Not something that will propel you into winter. Even writing (or reading) that word gives us headaches.

Thankfully, Suwannee River Rendezvous is located in Florida, which means that we get to avoid the avalanches of cold so many of you have to struggle with. But statistics show that winter is expected to come early and more furious than in years past. You might as well enjoy the rest of the summer when you have the chance, and that includes hopping in your RV and seeing the country – it’s what all the baby boomers and adventuresome seniors are doing, which are behind the biggest resurgence in RV sales since the early 1990s.

Jackie Crosby of Fredericksburg.com writes, “The skyrocketing sales are fueled by the 10,000 or so baby boomers who are turning 65 every day, plus a large band of 50-somethings who are planning for an active or early retirement.” Basically, these people are determined to experience the romance and grandeur of America, but have no interest in camping. We can’t blame them, as camping isn’t for everyone – but since we encourage the outdoors by any means necessary, RV-ing it up is the only option for some people!

Jeff Nobbe, general manager at Shorewood RV Center in Anoka, Minnesota sums it up best: “People are retiring and living more for today than the future. They weren’t doing that before. They were buying lake places before.” This is most certainly an exciting trend to see! Experience America this summer! You don’t have much time left!

Charlie’s 6th Post

Posted February 2, 2014 by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

I’m Charlie and mom says that I hog most of the web site, but I have so many friends. Check them out.

I just celebrated my 12th birthday. All my friends help keep me going in my senior years. I’m not as old as mom. I may have to trade her in one day if she can’t keep up with me.

: A.J.’s mom is a retired cop from NYC. She is so gentle. Not at all what you think coming from a big city.

: Zebea was looking at the treats that I keep on the counter for all my friends. Her dad wanted her to look at mom so she could get a nice picture. Zebea and I know what is really important. Food!

: Cocoa has quite the wardrobe. She had a jacket for every day she visited. I bet she has more at home. Girls usually don’t pack all their clothes when they go on vacation.

: Cody is from Australia. Well his family was at sometime in history anyway. He has really cool blue eyes but mom’s camera kind of made them black.

: Cricket and Magic came down to visit me. They have a lot of energy and completely wore me out just watching them. Doesn’t take much now a days.

: Deco loved going after the ball. His dad must of been really tired after throwing the ball every day he was here.

: Dixie and Hershey came to visit me. I shared some of my treats with them. I hope they come and see me every day.

: Paxil and Prozac came to visit me. They are from Australia because mom said they were Australian Sheppard’s. They are both therapy dogs but they didn’t like my office treats much. I like them a lot so I just ate what they didn’t want.

: This is Jake, he is A.J.’s little brother. He just came in from California and is adjusting to Florida. He sure missed his mom! He begs her to hold him. Mom says no way when I beg to be held.

: Lois Clark, yes that is her name, swam the entire time she was here. She was swimming with Tina and Morgan. It wore me out just watching them swim. They wore out one ball while they were here.

: This is Fiona. Isn’t she beautiful? She is also very smart. She has her dad very well trained and he does what ever she wants. It took me years to get Mom that well trained.

: Goldie came and sang with mom at the sing-a-long. She has a very nice voice. She really liked the song “How Much is that Doggie in the Window”

: This is the herd of Yorkies that are visiting. Neeko, Kiwi, Roo and Coco. Their mom and dad take them on walks all the time and they visit me in the lodge. Unless mom gives me a ride, I don’t get up to the new RV resort where they are staying. Their mom gave them all a bath at the dog wash station at the new bath house. They liked the warm water and the hair dryer that mom has for them. Mom better not try that hair dryer on me.

: Morgan and Tina loved swimming in the spring. They don’t care if it is browned out. It wore me out just watching them fetch the ball. Mom tried throwing the ball for them and it was sad. Very sad. She sure can’t throw like she used to. I think she must be older than me.

: Roy and his dad came down to play with me. I like being scratched and Roys dad is real good at it.

: Rufus is and Old English sheep dog. I don’t think he is all that old. We swam together in the spring and cooled off. Well Rufus swam and I walked, I really am old.

: This yellow lab is a sweet heart but my senile mom forgot her name. I don’t now what I am going to do with her.

Charlie’s 5th Post

Posted October 30, 2013 by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Hi, I am Charlie and if you haven’t seen my pages you are missing all my friends that visit me. Lots of my friends come back again. Mom tries to get pictures of all of them. Come on down to the lodge to get your picture taken if mom hasn’t gotten to it yet.

: This is Jimmy. He wore his neckerchief all weekend. I would have lost it ten minutes after Mom put it on me

: This little guys name is Killer. He was about as violent as my cat brother Killer.

: This is King. He loves the water but does not want to go in over his head. The last time King was here he was just a puppy. He is really big now and very sweet.

: This is Maggie and boy can she talk. Her mom and dad have her saying all kinds of stuff. Very impressive!!

: Miss Betty is such a sweet heart and so cute!! She is only 7 months old and so well behaved.

: This is Missy the Cow. That’s what her mom said anyway. Some people don’t know their animals too good because even I know that Missy is a basset hound. Some humans…

: Nestle loved swimming in the spring. I swam with him two years ago but I am feeling my years now. I wade in the spring cut and get my tummy wet.

: Nikki is 5 months old and got kind of tired at the concert.

: Odie and Bella are both Chihuahua’s. Mom wanted me to say that because she just learned how to spell it. They both had fun here. My friends come in the lodge to visit me and sometimes they stay for Karaoke.

: This is Okie. He is old like me and he likes food like I do. We have a lot in common. I showed him my food bowl but he is not into the diet senior food that mom buys me.

: Pearl is a Malamute. I believe she is from Alaska. Kind of hot for her in Florida but she loved swimming in the spring and that had to have cooled her down.

: Pierre was a little tired. Mean Mary was really good but two hours is a long time to sit with mom and dad.

: Amy, Pica and Ringo look like little teddy bears. They were so cute. Mom had a hard time with the picture so their dad sent mom this one. All proper sitting on the sofa.

: Pickle’s mom wanted him to go in the spring but he was not to sure about it. The water is kind of cold and I think that Pickles prefers warm bath water.

: Raffiki has been here before. He is waiting at the Cookin’ Shack for something to eat. He was hoping that someone would drop something and he would have first shot at it. No such luck on this day.

: I was showing Roscoe the art of discreet begging. He is only two years old but he was getting it down. He may be a little too discreet with the laying down part.

: Sam is my cousin from Minnesota. He came to visit with his mom and dad. His grandfather is the one who gave us the moose antlers that hang in the lodge. It was nice visit with family from up north.

: Sun Shine liked it here. She liked the water and the food. I try to show my friends the art of begging but most of them have it down anyway.

: Happy Doodle watched TV with mom. I was on the other sofa. We were watching the weather channel. I watch whatever my friends want to watch.

: Zanax gave me a good scratching. First my head then my back. Oh it felt soooo good.

: Alley was waiting for breakfast. She likes just about everything on the menu.

: This is Bam Bam with the cool leash. It glowed with the camera, kind of spooky.

: This cute little thing is Beamer. Her mom had a milk shake at the Cookin’ Shack and Beamer had some too.

: This is Benz and he is from Brooksville. His mom took him to see Mean Mary sing at the fundraiser for Autism.

: Mom hopes that this is Buddy. Cool handshake. Mom kind of got a couple to pictures messed up with the names. She really is getting up in years and can’t remember anything anymore. I try to help out but there is only so much I can do.

: This is Buster Butter Butt. I know, really different name but who can figure out humans. Buster didn’t seem to mind and his parents were really good to him.

: Callie came to see me in the lodge with her dad and he brought treats. Callie let me have some of her treats. I have a bowl of treats that I share but it is nice to have something new.

: Dexter was waiting for breakfast too. I don’t think his mom dropped anything though. It is our job as a dog to clean up anything that happens to fall on the floor.

: Flipper brought her ball to play with her at the Rendezvous. She is almost as old as me and still runs around after a ball. I already told mom if she throws a ball she can go get it.

: Ginger was very shy and did not like to get her picture taken. I don’t know why? She is the same age as me and she looks great!

: Gipsy is a Siberian Husky. That means that she is an international guest and I have heard that it is cold where she comes from. She came to listen to the band but her dad wouldn’t let her dance. I don’t dance that good anymore but I bet she is good.

: Gracie is a Schipperke and her family was trained to chaise rats off the boats on the rivers in Belgium. I don’t think that Gracie has done any of that. She is pretty busy with her little sister, helping her with the leash.

: Gracie and Little Buddy came to see me in the Lodge. They got to explore the resort and see lots of squirels and lizards.

: Happy came to visit and boy was she happy. Mom had to take about 30 pictures to get one where she was not moving. This is a pretty good shot of her though.

: Portia watched her family swim at the spring. She was very intense and did not miss anything that went on down at the spring.

: Jasmine is Gingers sister and she is not camera shy. Her mom says that she is a shaved golden retriever. I don’t think so. She looks like a Shitzu to me.

: Jethro is only three months old. He liked Mean Mary too.

: This is Ruby and she really is a very pretty girl. Mom had a little trouble with the camera phone on this one. She sort of misplaced the real cameria on her desk. Go figure that one. Ruby liked to sleep on the porch of the river room. Just watching the water roll on by.

The Difference Between Canoeing and Kayaking

Posted April 24, 2013 by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Here on the Suwannee River, we have found that the most popular recreational activities for our guests are both canoeing and kayaking. We see a number of folks coming in for rentals each day, as they prepare to get out onto the water. However, with these boats being so similar, we are often asked one important question: What’s the difference between canoeing and kayaking?

Well according to our friends at Canoeing.org, there seems to be three major differences that should help others determine the variances:

1. Canoes are open while kayaks have a deck

2. Canoes are paddled with a single bladed paddle, whereas kayaks use a double bladed paddle

3. The seat height on a kayak is much lower, with the occupant positioned on the ground, feet stretched out.

While we could say that the canoe is like the sport-utility vehicle of the recreational boating world, kayaks, on the other hand, are more like sports cars. (Wonderopolis)

If you’re looking to take a leisurely trip out on the water with a few friends or family members, a canoe is going to be your best choice. Canoes are built a bit sturdier and are able to carry more weight, which means more room for you, your loved ones and maybe even a picnic basket.

Kayaks are going to be a better bet for those who are looking to race or get a good workout in. The sleek design of a kayak allows them to move much faster than a canoe, which makes them perfect for competitive sports and slipping through whitewater rapids.

Regardless of whether you choose to go with a kayak or canoe, at the end of the day it’s all going to lead to one thing: a whole lot of fun! So stop in our rental facility at Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campgrounds and get out on the water!

Friends of the Suwannee River Rendezvous

Posted April 6, 2013 by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

We are pretty much back to normal. The river has gone down quite a bit and we have moved back into all the buildings with no damage to anything. The springs are starting to clear up. We had a great turn out for the annual Easter Egg hunt. Lots of helpers, and lots of hunters.