Category: Benefits of Camping

How to Manage Camping with Dogs

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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!

Keep Camping More Environmentally Friendly

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

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!

Tips for Tent Camping with Your Family

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Camping is a fantastic activity for any young child. There is so much to learn and discover in the wonder of nature, removed from the noise and distractions of society for a little while. It is relaxing to just unplug from the hustle and bustle of life, but that doesn’t mean that your children can’t also learn something while spending time camping. Beyond just developing and growing your son or daughter’s appreciation for the wilderness, kids can learn a few important things about life from taking a camping trip.

Basic Camp Setup

The first thing that your child can learn is how to set up a campsite upon arrival. This involves many different steps, from identifying the best place to set up a tent, to clearing a tent location from stick and rocks, how to set a tent up and more. They can also help with other setup tasks, like putting up tarps for shade or rain protection, as well as gathering firewood and kindling. This will set your child up for success for your next camping trip and any trips they may take with friends or other family members in the future.

Break Out of the Routine

As previously mentioned, it is often wonderful to take a break from your busy schedule and do something a bit different. Camping allows you to take part in unplanned activities each day without having to worry about meetings or what time it is. Activities like fishing, canoeing or hiking are fantastic ways to snap out of the norm and experience something new, and can even introduce children to a new favorite hobby or pastime.

Get In Touch With Nature

Fishing and hiking are great ways to gain an appreciation for nature. Catching then reeling in your first fish is an experience unlike any other. The feeling of that fish in your hand after you’ve reeled it in is something you never forget, and can introduce a child to a lifetime love for the sport. Hiking is another fun outdoor option, and gives you and your child a chance to see nature you wouldn’t normally see in your backyard. Seeing wild animals in their native habitat is a serene experience and can make your child appreciate the world around them that much more.

How to Build a Fire

Building a fire is an essential skill for anyone. When you grow up, you might need to light a fire in a fireplace or create a small fire during a tailgate or while on another camping trip. Your child’s first camping trip is the perfect time for them to learn how to start a fire from scratch. It’s a lifelong skill that your son or daughter can carry with them for the rest of their life.

It’s still camping season here in Florida, so there’s ample time to book a weekend camping trip for you and your family! Suwannee River Rendezvous has many primitive campsites available as well as sites that offer electric and water connections for those who don’t want to full rough it. Our affordable rates mean that your camping trip won’t break the bank, either. Book your camping trip today or learn more about our campsites by calling 386-294-2510.

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!

Fun Things To Do In the Suwannee River

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Planning activities for vacation can be tough, especially when you haven’t been to the area before. Luckily for you, there is plenty to do along the Suwannee River that can keep you and your family busy for days.

Suwannee River Activities

Hit the Water

We here at Suwannee River Rendezvous offer canoe and kayak trips. On that trip, you can either bring your own boat, which we can haul, or you can rent one of the many we have available. The best part about them is they are on demand, so when you are ready to go, we will pack up and head out on the water.

Sights and Sounds

The area that surrounds our resort is full of Native American heritage which is really something to behold. Also, most of the river is still undeveloped, meaning that it’s a great spot to view wildlife in their natural habitats.

Take a Dip

Be sure to bring your bathing suit and any other swimming items you like as you are going to want to swim in the beautiful water of the Suwannee River basin. These famous springs are sure to make your swimming experience a fun time and one you won’t soon forget.

Hit the Island

There is a very small island just downstream from our resort that is ideal for fishing. Many of our past guests have had much success when dropping a line near it. So if you’re in the mood for it, you can take your canoe or kayak and head on down to see if you can bring home a new trophy from your vacation.

Suwannee River Rendezvous is a resort and campground in Mayo, FL.

If you are looking to hit the outdoors for your next vacation, then we are the perfect spot for you. For more information on our resort or to book a stay with us, feel free to contact us or call today at 386-294-2510!

The Best Games to Bring on Your Camping Trip

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Camping is a great activity to do with your family and your friends. Sometimes it can be tough when you get all unpacked at the campsite, and then have nothing planned for some of the hours of the weekend. Camping isn’t always about spending hours doing several activities, but when there is downtime, there are some games you should bring along to fill this time up with.

Here are some must-bring games on your next camping trip:

playing card games on a camping trip

Cornhole and Other Yard Games

Cornhole is a classic yard game you can bring along to your next camping trip. It’s a very simple set-up with 2 wooden platforms and the beanbags to go along with it. Usually, you can find them at your local sporting goods store, or if you’re feeling up to it, you can make a cornhole set yourself for less money.

Other yard games to consider bringing along:

  • Ladder Ball
  • Horseshoes
  • Ring toss
  • Lawn Jenga

Card Games for Late Night in the RV or Lodge

If you’re staying at a campsite where you’ll be lodging in a cabin or bringing your RV, card games are important to bring. At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we provide the opportunity for RV campsites, lodging, or tent camping options in Mayo, Florida. Card games are always good to bring on your camping trip. After spending all day hiking, exploring, or kayaking/canoeing, you’ll went to rest by the campfire with your friends or family to play some card games.

  • Cards Against Humanity (for adults)
  • Apples to Apples
  • Regular Deck of Cards
  • UNO

Board Games Can Also Be Fun for Downtime

At our camping resort here in Mayo, Florida, we have plenty of activities for you to do while camping with us. We’re set right near the Suwannee River, so there is always fishing and hunting opportunities, as well as water activities for you and your family to enjoy. Try bringing some of these board games for late night in the lodge or RV:

  • The Game of Clue
  • Monopoly
  • Settlers of Catan
  • The Game of Life

Plan to stay with us here at Suwannee River Rendezvous for your next camping trip in Mayo, Florida. We have all you and your family need for a memorable camping trip this season. 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.