Category: River Lore

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!

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!

Spring Camping on the Suwannee River in Florida

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Many people choose to vacation in Florida when the weather is colder in their area. Northerners enjoy traveling down in the winter and early spring to enjoy warmer weather and relaxation. What if we told you that one of the best places to go camping is in Mayo, Florida along the Suwannee River?

If you’re one who enjoys the great outdoors, come join us this Spring season at Suwannee River Rendezvous!

river camping in Florida

Camping Activities Along the River

We offer plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to get away to a warmer place during these somewhat colder months. We offer kayaking/canoeing excursions along the river, fishing/hunting opportunities, hiking, and other park activities at our resort. Get away with family or friends this spring and enjoy what Florida has to offer.

Lodging and Camping

We do offer areas for tent camping and RV camping. If you’re someone who loves to set up your own camp, we can accommodate. We also can offer lodging for your stay if you’d like to sleep and eat comfortably in one of our beautiful lodges here at the park.

An Endless Amount of Activities

We offer plenty of activities including:

  1. Hal W. Adams Bridge (Hwy 51 blue bridge)
    6 miles – 4 hour float
    $45/Canoe, $45/2 person Kayak, $40/1 person Kayak
    Shuttle departs from SRR between 9am – 2pm
  2. Lafayette Blue Springs
    12 miles – 6 hour float
    $50/Canoe, $50/2 person Kayak, $40/1 person Kayak
    Shuttle departs from SRR between 9am – 11pm
  3. Branford (Patrician Oaks Boat Ramp) **
    12 miles – 6 hour float
    $50/Canoe, $50/2 person Kayak, $40/1 person Kayak
    Depart from the SRR boat ramp between 9am – 11am

Fishing is a wonderful activity to do in Florida. You and your family will be able to enjoy fishing along the Suwannee River and other locations nearby.

Looking to change up your camping trip this spring? Come visit us here at Suwannee River Rendezvous in Mayo, Florida. Contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information!

Join Us This Winter at Suwannee River Rendezvous

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Many people in the United States that live in colder climates travel down to Florida in the winter. Florida is the place to go to get away from the cold winters up north. If you’re looking to become a snowbird this winter for a vacation in Florida, come stop by and stay with us here at Suwannee River Rendezvous.

Florida rv camping

Suwannee River Camping & Outdoor Activities

At Suwannee River Rendezvous, we offer premiere camping, lodging, and outdoor activities on Suwannee River in Mayo, Florida. From hiking and kayaking to RV camping and fishing, we have so much to offer for you and your family. Come stay with us this winter when you don’t feel like shoveling snow at your home up north. Who knows? Maybe, you’ll decide to make it an annual tradition.

Lodging Opportunities:

We have several options for lodging at our campgrounds that include different style cabins and lodges for your family and friends to be comfortable in. Our RV campground offers full hookups for power, internet, satellite tv, and much more!

Outdoor Activities to Enjoy

With the weather turning cold up north, it’s still important to get outside and get some physical exercise. Down in Florida, we can provide you with the opportunity to do so. With our camping resort, we have activities to offer you that will allow you to enjoy the outdoors this winter in a warmer place.

Canoe & Kayaking – Hop on a canoe or kayak rental on the Suwannee River with your friends and family. Enjoy the river and paddle up and down for the day.

Fishing & Hunting – Our region, we can offer you bass fishing, hog hunting and more! Come join us to spend your days fishing or hunting for hog.

Park Activities – We also offer fun park activities and events daily for you and your family to enjoy. It’s truly a special place to vacation to in Florida, and we would like for you to come join us.

Contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information!

Fishing Tips for Beginners

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

boys_with_fish_011One of the most popular activities our guests like to take part in is the amazing fishing on the Suwannee River. What’s so great about this sport is that folks of all ages can enjoy it! Whether you’re a beginner who’s just looking to have a little fun on the water, or an avid fisherman in search of some excitement, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for on the river!

For those of you who are just starting out though, we’ve got a little bit of advice to help you get the most out of your experience:

Make sure you have the Right Equipment

There are plenty of great brands that carry rods and reels that are specially-made to help make things easier for someone who is just beginning. Check them out at your local sporting goods store and see if anything peeks your interest.

Choose the Right Bait

Your basic worm on a hook can go a long way for a relaxed day on the water, but consider doing some research on which type of bait attracts the particular fish you’re looking to catch. Just like you’re attracted to different types of food, fish are attracted to different kinds of bait.

Check the Weather

You may be praying for sunny skies but sometimes, it’s the overcast that leads to a great fishing day.

Dress Appropriately

Boots are your new best friends. Make a note of it.

Bring Food

It could be a while before you catch anything on your first day. Be sure to pack a snack!

Bug Spray

Need we really say more?

Once you’re ready to take on some serious fishing fun, be sure to give Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort & Campground a call! We’d love the opportunity to watch you hone your skills as you make your way to pro fisherman status!

Buying a Kayak: Things to Consider

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

kayaking The sport of kayaking has become very popular these days, and more and more people are jumping into the water, paddles in hand ready to take on their next adventure. There are lots of things to take into consider when choosing a kayak, however.

Different Types of Kayaking

First and foremost, you need to think about what type of kayaking you’ll be doing. Will you be whitewater kayaking, sea kayaking, kayak touring, sit-on-top kayaking, surf kayaking or just recreationally kayaking? This is important to know because one can’t go out and buy a sea kayak and expect to whitewater kayak in it so you have to make sure you’re choosing a kayak for the right reason.

The Kayak Make

The next question you should consider is what should the kayak be made out of? A lot of times beginners will want to purchase the best boat they can get their hands on, however you should really consider starting out slow and continually upgrading down the road. For this reason it is probably best for you to purchase a plastic kayak to start and the reasons for this are they are durable, less expensive and heavier than the composite ones.

Size of the Kayak

In correlation to the make of the kayak, you’ll also want to evaluate what size you need to buy as well. While there are many different kayaks, the size generally refers to the volume, length, width and weight of the kayak. Pay very close attention to the weight range of the kayak as well as the comfortability of it. You do not want to be sinking in the water while kayaking downstream, or feel crammed inside of the boat either.

Finally, decide if you want any other types of kayak accessories to come with your boat. You can purchase kayaks with different riggings, types of hatches, backrests or storage compartments. Find and analyze all the options in this department and choose the one that best suits your style.

Kayaking is a great way to spend your summer or warmer weather months. You can take a kayak in a pond, lake, river, and many other bodies of water. If you’re an avid camper and outdoors-person, investing in a kayak may be a good choice.

Contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information about our camping and summer adventures!

Camping Hammocks are Good Alternatives to Tents

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

If you’re an avid tent camper, you know the struggles of laying on the ground and dealing with weather elements from time to time. However, there is a great alternative that can be less expensive than tent camping, which is investing in a camping hammock. Hammocks can be more comfortable than laying on the ground, which is good if you don’t want to be sore every morning of a camping trip.

Man camping in a hammock

Here’s How to Beef Up Your Hammock Set-Up

Most hammocks come in two options of either a single nest or a double nest system with carabiners and a suspension system. If you’re looking for more room, a double nest hammock is probably your best bet. These are the basic features of the hammock, but there are add-ons you should think about investing in if you want to make hammock camping a regular enjoyment.

Hammock Accessories that Benefit Your Camping Experience:

  • Rain Fly – To combat some of the weather elements, a rain fly will help keep the rain off the hammock. Rain flies come with a suspension system as well, which will hover over your hammock keeping the rain clear.
  • Mosquito Net – A bug net is also a great option to make sure the “bed bugs” will stay away from you during the night.
  • Under Quilt – For some of the colder nights camping out in the mountains, an under quilt can be added on for extra warmth underneath the hammock material.

The Benefits of Camping Hammocks

Camping hammocks provide you with better comfort when camping. You don’t have to worry about a sore back with lying on the ground anymore in a tent. It also is versatile picking a spot to camp. It’s easier to carry on your back if you’re going backpacking. As long as you have two trees to strap onto, you’re in good shape. It’s also easily portable.

Suwannee River Rendezvous is a great place to go and camp in Mayo, Florida. We have a plethora of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, water activities, and much more! If you’re looking for a great place to camp in Florida, contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information!

When Is Good Age to Start Taking Your Child Fishing?

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Fishing is one of the best bonding activities you can do with your child. When you take your child fishing, you’re teaching them discipline and patience, and you’re also having a bonding experience with them. The great sport of fishing is something that male and female, young and old can go out and participate in together, all the while getting to know each other and learning the patience and exuberance of the catch.

But when is a good time to introduce your young ones into the family tradition of fishing?

Make Sure They’re Ready

They should be at a certain age that the child is engaged in the act and still find it fun because sometimes it can take a long time for that pesky fish to bite the line. If the waiting is not understood or accepted by the young child, then they might not enjoy the overall fishing experience. And the equipment being used, such as a fishing pole, lures, hooks and bait, can be a challenge and dangerous if not properly handled. That’s why it is important to introduce them to fishing and its etiquette slowly.

How Young Can They Start? 

By the age of three, many kids have gathered the rules and grasped on its patience, reacting properly to the various situations that might arise.

Helpfully, by the age of three the natural curiosity and the want for inclusion will take over, drawing them into the new adventure and experiences. At three-years-old your offspring will have a better understanding of fishing from their senses, hearing, seeing, and talking about it. If you show your enthusiasm for the sport, that alone will give them excitement as well to be included. 

Show them the good and the bad, not to feel bad if they don’t catch a fish that day and learn that there will be more fish in the sea, lake or river to get the next time they try. When they do get something to latch onto the hook, show them how special the occasion is and how proud of them you are, putting a cap on the wonderful day you spent with your child.

For more information on our fishing activities or reserve a camping or RV vacation, please feel free to contact us today at 386-294-2510 or visit us online for more information! 

The Benefits of Exploring the Outdoors for Vitamin D

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Exploring the outdoors has many benefits to your physical and mental health. One of those benefits is getting the proper amount of Vitamin D from the sunlight. Although, you have to be careful when spending time outside in the sun. Always remember to wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun for long hours during the day. 

What Does Vitamin D Help With?

Vitamin D is produced naturally by your body when your skin is exposed to the sunlight. Certain foods and supplements also contain Vitamin D because not everyone can get outside all the time in the sunlight. Vitamin D also really helps with keeping your immune system strong and functioning. Vitamin D on the other hand is vital for kids’ bone growth. 

How Can You Get the Most Vitamin D Exploring the Outdoors? 

A great way to get the proper amount of Vitamin D is to get outside and go camping. Spending a weekend camping in the wilderness forces you to step in the sunlight. Another way to get sunlight is to go hiking. You will receive the right amount of Vitamin D during a day’s hike, and you’ll also get quite a bit of exercise along the way.

Where’s the Best Place to Go Camping in the Sun? 

It’s not called the sunshine state for nothing. Florida is a wonderful place to go camping with the family. In fact, Suwannee River Rendezvous is the perfect place for you and your family to camp, hike, go fishing, kayaking, and much more! 

Located in Mayo, Florida, Suwannee can give your family the weekend you need to spend outside. If you’re looking to get outside and get more Vitamin D, contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510 today or visit us online for more information!

Why You Should Go Camping After the COVID-19 Crisis

Posted by Suwannee River Rendezvous Resort

Camping has been many family’s tradition for generations. Getting out in the wilderness comes with plenty of great benefits regarding physical and mental health. After the country is able to open up, camping will play an important role in getting back in touch with nature and your loved ones. 

A Down to Earth Experience

There’s a beautiful experience when it comes to camping. Everything from organizing your gear, packing up the car, and setting up camping is a down to earth experience. In reality, you’re setting up a home for the next few days. 

Creative Problem Solving – When camping, there are always moments when problem solving is required. Cooking, setting up camp, preparing for bad weather, lighting a fire, and much more involves creative problem solving. You’ll always run into problems, and creative problem solving with your family or friends creates a great bonding experience. 

Physical & Mental Health Benefits

Getting outside is always a good thing to do. When we have been stuck inside for a few months, the outdoors seems like heaven. Well, it is heaven to be honest with you. With camping, you’ll get the exercise, stress relief, and escape you need to improve your productivity, mood, and physical activity. 

Whether you’re hiking, making simple meals, mountain biking, swimming, or doing other activities, you’ll most likely improve your sleep as well. If you have been struggling with sleep during the quarantine, camping might be a good reset. 

Suwannee River Rendezvous is your best place to get out camping in Florida. We have everything you need when it comes to camping. From kayaking and canoeing to hunting and fishing, escape to the outdoors with us. If you’re looking for a place to camp in Florida after the quarantine, contact Suwannee River Rendezvous at 386-294-2510.