Hiking Boots are a Camping Necessity

Picking out new hiking boots can be a challenge because you want to make sure you get the right fit and look, while making sure they’re good quality. There are different hiking boots for different terrains, so it’s important to know what kind of trails you’ll be exploring. Hiking boots are also essential gear for going camping and exploring the outdoors. They give you support and durability to withstand harsh terrains.

Exploring Light Trails

You’ll be able to wear an ankle-high hiking boot or shoe when the trail is well maintained.  You’ll want to make sure the hiking shoe has a good support and durable sole. Many of these types of shoes are not waterproof, so you’ll need to keep that in mind. The Danner Trail 2650 and the Women’s Trail 2650 are perfect for long miles on light terrains and easier trails.  

Tougher Trails

If you’re serious about exploring the wilderness and want a book that you can put a good amount of miles on, the Danner Skyridge and the Women’s Danner X Timbers Jag are your best options. Both of these are 100% waterproof and are meant for a variety of terrains. You can wear these everyday out walking or on some long hiking trails.

For a Mountaineer

The mountains and rougher trails call for a more durable and rugged boot that can do some lifting in rough conditions. The Mountain 600 and the Women’s Mountain 600 are the best all-around hiking boots from Danner. These have awesome grip for any type of surface ensuring a successful hike up in the mountains or on a windy trail in the woods.

There are plenty of hiking areas around Mayo, Florida and where the Suwannee River Rendezvous is!

For your next camping trip, stay with Suwannee River Rendezvous. We have so much to offer when it comes to camping, hunting/fishing, kayaking, and much more. We offer lodging and RV camping as well. Contact us at 386-294-2510 today.

How to Manage Camping with Dogs

Taking your dog camping with you can be a lot of fun, both for you and for your pet. But before you decide to bring your four-legged friend along for the ride, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that everyone has a great time. Check out our suggestions below!

Find a Campsite That is Pet-Friendly.

First thing’s first! Before you book a camping trip, you need to make sure the campsite you’re going to visit allows dogs. After all, you don’t want to arrive at your destination only to find out that it isn’t pet-friendly. At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we’re happy to welcome dogs to our campsites as long as they aren’t noisy or aggressive. Just be sure to clean up after them!

Take Your Dog to the Vet First

Make sure your dog’s flea and tick medications are up to date before you take them camping. If it’s been awhile since your last trip to the vet, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit prior to your camping adventure. This way, you can rest easy knowing your dog is healthy and ready for the journey ahead.

Pack a First Aid Kit for Your Dog

In the event that your dog is injured while camping, it’s important to have a first aid kit handy. There are many helpful tools in first aid kits for humans, but certain items like veterinary bandages can only be found in first aid kits made specifically for pets.

Bring a Tether and Stake.

Even if you don’t always tie your dog up at home, camping can be a much different experience. Your dog might get spooked by animals in the woods, or unexpectedly run off and get lost. With a tether and stake, you can give your dog some room to roam at your campsite without having to worry about them getting lost.

If you’re looking for a pet-friendly campsite in Florida, look no further than Suwannee River Rendezvous. We would love to host you, your family and your pup on your next camping trip. Give us a call or contact us online to book your getaway today! Call us at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information!

Tips for Planning a Winter RV Camping Trip

Although it might be tempting to spend the cold months of winter hibernating at home, an RV trip can offer a great way to beat the winter blues and refresh yourself with time in the great outdoors. Most modern RVs are well equipped to handle cold temperatures, but it’s still a good idea to take some extra precautions before you embark on a winter camping trip. Check out a few of our favorite tips for traveling in an RV this winter below!

Check Seals Around Windows and Doors

Before you leave, inspect all the windows, doors, storage compartments and access panels on your RV to make sure they are properly sealed with weather stripping and caulk. An RV can be a cozy shelter during winter camping trips, but only if it’s properly protected against the elements. The last thing you want is to spend your whole trip searching for the source of a draft that could have been sealed before you left.

Pack Emergency Supplies

In addition to packing your usual emergency supplies like a first aid kit and weather radio, it’s a good idea to bring some additional cold-weather accessories as well. These include extra blankets and warm clothes, sleeping bags rated for sub-freezing temperatures and tire chains for your RV in case you get surprised by a snowstorm.

Choose Your Destination Wisely                                      

Taking a winter camping trip doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend the whole time traveling through a frozen tundra. There are plenty of destinations in warmer climates you can get away to instead! At Suwannee River Rendezvous, our campground and RV resort in Mayo, Florida is open all year round.

To reserve a spot for your next winter camping trip, feel free to give us a call or contact us online today!

Keep These Campfire Safety Tips in Mind on Your Next Trip

Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, telling scary stories or just enjoying the company of family and friends, there are few things we love more than spending some quality time around a campfire. It’s important to remember, though, that campfires can become dangerous if you’re not careful. In the spirit of Smokey, today we’ll share a few important campfire safety tips to keep in mind on your next camping trip.

Pick the right place for your campfire.

Campfire safety should really start before you ever strike a match. Prior to building your campfire, look around to make sure there aren’t any low-hanging branches or brush nearby that might ignite from a stray spark. If you’re staying at a campground or state park, you should always use established fire pits whenever possible rather than trying to build one of your own.

Keep water and a shovel handy.

You never know when a strong gust of wind might blow and turn your little campfire into a roaring blaze. With this in mind, you should always keep a bucket of water and shovel nearby in case you need to smother the fire in a hurry. You can even wet the area around your campfire to prevent sparks from catching in the grass.

Avoid leaving the campfire unattended.

From the moment you start a campfire, you should keep an eye on it at all times. If you have to leave your campfire for a few minutes, make sure there’s someone else nearby to tend to it while you’re gone. Before you go to bed, smother the fire with ash and water and spread out any remaining embers to prevent them from reigniting.

If you’ve been missing the warm glow of a campfire this winter, we’d love to have you come visit us at our campground in sunny Florida. Book your reservation today or give us a call at (386) 294-2510 to learn more!

Four Clever Ways to Make Coffee at Your Campsite

If you’re like us, you need your morning cup of coffee whether you’re at home or on the road. The good news is, making coffee when you’re camping is easier than you might think. Check out these four clever ways to make coffee at your campsite:

Cowboy Coffee

All you need for this classic method of campsite coffee brewing is a kettle and a campfire. To make cowboy coffee, boil water in a kettle, then remove it from the heat source and let it cool enough to stop boiling (about 30 seconds). Then, stir in two tablespoons of coffee grounds per serving. Let it rest for two minutes, then stir again and let it rest for two more minutes. Once the grounds settle to the bottom, pour the coffee as slowly as possible into a mug to minimize grit.

MacGyver Coffee

If you really don’t like drinking your coffee unfiltered, you can make coffee at your campsite using a thermos, a fastener such as a rubber band and a mesh coffee filter or cotton cheesecloth. You can find detailed instructions for this method here.

Coffee Bags

You can either buy coffee bags (essentially tea bags for coffee) or make one yourself with a coffee filter and twine. All you need to do is throw it in a cup of hot water to brew your coffee.

French Press

No need to bring your French press from home—these days you can find French press coffeemakers designed specifically for camping.

There’s no better place to enjoy a fresh cup of coffee than the Suwannee River Rendezvous campground and RV resort. With plenty of hiking, swimming and entertainment options to enjoy, you’re sure to having a relaxing, refreshing time when you stay with us. To book your next trip, just give us a call or contact us online today!

Health Benefits of Camping in the Outdoors

If you’re trying to lead a healthier lifestyle, you might want to start by taking camping trips throughout the seasons. In addition to being a whole lot of fun, camping can also offer some very real health benefits.

Reduce Stress Levels

According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is something that affects millions of Americans every year. If the demands of everyday life have been taking a toll on your nerves, a camping trip is a great opportunity to unwind and reduce your stress levels in a peaceful, natural setting.

Getting Away from Crowds

Sometimes, everyday life can leave us overstimulated, especially with work, people, and daily tasks. These things can build-up and sometimes we need a break from the crowded lives we live. Camping can give you the chance to escape to a quiet place at a state park or national park. Bring a friend or two that needs the same escape!

Breathe Fresh Air

Simply breathing some fresh air can be hugely beneficial to your overall health and well-being. Trees produce plenty of clean oxygen, which can promote serotonin production, aid in digestion and boost your immune system.

Learn New Things

Stepping outside of your comfort zone and learning new things can also help keep your mind sharp and healthy. From learning how to read a compass to campfire building and meal preparation, there is always more to learn on a camping trip. Plus, all that extra physical activity can stimulate your mind as well.

Ready to enjoy a refreshing camping experience in Florida? We’d love to see you at Suwannee River Rendezvous! Give us a call or contact us online to book your reservation today!

Keep Camping More Environmentally Friendly

Want to minimize your impact on the local ecosystem during your next camping trip? Camping offers a great way for people to reconnect with the great outdoors, but it can have some unintended consequences on nearby plants and animals if we’re not careful. Check out a few of our favorite environmentally-friendly camping ideas below!

Leave the Plastic Water Bottles at Home

It’s important to stay hydrated when camping, hiking and canoeing, but that doesn’t mean you need to pack cases of disposable water bottles that will wind up in a landfill. Instead, use a water bladder or reusable bottle that won’t create additional waste. This way, we can all do our part to cut down on the 50 billion water bottles that are consumed each year.

Take Everything you Brought Camping Home with You

After spending a few days in the woods, you might be tempted to toss some things in the garbage instead of bringing them home with you. Rather than leaving these items behind, try to make sure you have everything you brought with you when you leave your campsite. Any remaining waste and recyclables should be sorted and disposed of in designated collection centers.

Stay in Designated Camping Sites

If you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast, you might enjoy camping off the beaten path in remote areas that don’t have established campsites. Unfortunately, this can disrupt sensitive habitats and leave lasting environmental damage as well. In general, it’s best to stay at designated campgrounds rather than make your own campsite in areas that have been undisturbed by humans.

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we offer comfortable camping accommodations with environmentally-friendly amenities like recycling containers and water hook-ups. To book your reservation, give us a call or contact us online today!

Learn How to Build a Great Campfire with These Helpful Tips

There’s nothing like sitting next to a roaring campfire underneath a starry sky, but do you know how to get the fire started?

Learn how to build a great campfire with these helpful tips:

  • First, gather your tinder—material that will catch fire and burn fast. This includes dry grasses, leaves, bark and wood shavings. Many campers also like having firelighter cubes on hand.
  • Make sure all the wood you’re using is dry. Wet wood is not only harder to burn, it’s also more prone to generating smoke and small bits of debris.
  • There are three popular campfire designs to consider: a cone, a log cabin and a pyramid. You can familiarize yourself with these three options here and choose the one that works best for you.
  • Using a match or lighter, light the tinder. Then, blow gently on the base of the fire to add oxygen, which will intensify the flame and help light the larger pieces of wood.
  • Stay near your fire as it burns. Never leave a campfire unattended.
  • As the fire burns, move embers toward the center so they’ll be completely burned. Ideally, you should burn them until they become white ash.
  • Eventually, it will be time to extinguish your fire. Pour water on it, stir the ashes and repeat as many times as needed. Before you leave the fire, make sure the remaining ashes are cool to the touch.

Now that you know how to build a great campfire, it’s time to book a campsite! Check out the Suwannee River Rendezvous campground and RV resort, where each campsite comes equipped with its very own fire pit. Contact us today at (386) 294-2510 to book your spot.

Fishing this Fall in Suwannee River

There are few activities in life as fulfilling or relaxing as enjoying some quality fishing, and if you can do it in such a beautiful place as Suwannee River then that is even better!

Here at Suwannee River Rendezvous, anglers can enjoy some of fun in the sun right alongside this famous river as you try to catch some of the most sought-after fish in the area. There is plenty of great fishing to be had with Suwannee bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue gill, sunfish and more up for grabs within the river’s waters.

Fishing is a splendid way to bond with your loved ones or just get away from it all and spend some time soaking in the glory of nature as you let your worries slip away. It is also a chance for the little ones to experience a connection with nature that they just can’t get in the real world. But don’t take our word for it – check out our gallery of fishing fun featuring adventurers of all ages!

No License? No Problem!

As with all forms of hunting, some restrictions and regulations must be met. When fishing here in Florida, a fishing license is required – most of the time, anyway, as the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers a few days each year for license-free fishing. The free freshwater days are the first Saturday and Sunday in April and the second Saturday and Sunday in June, so if you’re thinking of making a trip from out of state on those dates, make sure to bring your poles and fish without needing a license. Don’t forget: Fishing restrictions still apply on those dates, so be sure to review the state rules on catch and size limits.

Nothing Beats Fishing at Suwannee River Rendezvous

In the end, it is important to remember that fishing at the Rendezvous is really all about fun, relaxation and the love of the sport. Our property is rich in its history and is the perfect place for people around the country to come to have their own little fishing adventure and relaxing respite in Floridian paradise.

Plan your fishing and camping trip at Suwannee River Rendezvous today. Learn more or book your stay by calling us at 386-294-2510.

Essential Tips for Your First RV Camping Trip

Are you in the process of planning your first RV camping trip? Congratulations! Traveling in an RV is a great way to explore the country. But before you go, you should take some time to familiarize yourself with RVing so that you can make the most of the experience. Check out a few essential tips for your first RV trip below!

Come up with a plan—but don’t be afraid to deviate from it!

When you first hit the road, you should have a general idea of where you’re going. Otherwise, you’re going to waste a lot of gas and potentially miss out on some amazing sites. Plan out some destinations you want to see, but don’t feel like you have to follow every single turn on the map. Allow yourself to take detours and visit sites that weren’t on your itinerary. Embrace the spontaneity that RVing offers.

Find time for yourself throughout your trip.

While the average RV offers plenty of space for you to stretch out, you’re still going to be spending a lot of time with your fellow passengers. Whenever you get the chance, find a way to make a little time for yourself. Whether that means taking a walk on a nearby trail or retreating to the back of the RV with headphones, a little alone time can go a long way during a road trip.

Ask questions of your fellow RVers along the way.

When you stop at an RV campsite, you’re going to come in contact with lots of other people on similar journeys! Don’t be afraid to ask questions or let them know about any concerns you may have. You may be able to learn a lot from these more experienced travelers.

Next time you’re in Florida, be sure to visit our RV Resort on the beautiful Suwannee River! Give us a call to learn more, or book your reservation online today!