vulcanman1500
Port Charlotte , Fl.
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Joined: 05/09/2007
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I live in Pt. Charlotte , Fl. , You could park in my yard a few days . I have 30amp. service , and water if needed . I am 20-30 min from beach . Not scenic , . but workable
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englewood
Florida
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Joined: 04/19/2004
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Hi,
There is a little known State Forest on River Road in Englewood which is right in your target area.
http://www.fl-dof.com/state_forests/myakka.html
The site has maps and all the info. you should need along with their phone number.
They have been very friendly when I have called asking about it for a friend.
This is not Myakka State Park and as previously mentioned the Parks and Forests don't communicate.
This camground is primitive boondocking ( but so is Walmart ) and the last time I drove through the sites were just parking spots in the sand. I'm not sure about rest rooms and showers so I'd ask if you call.
The price posted was $5.00 per night. I'm not sure about reservations but I've never seen many camping there.
At $5.00 a night it is nice to have place you know you can go legally and not be hassled as RV parking in the area has been quite restricted.
The advantage of having a "B" is you only need the campground to sleep and can spend the whole day away at the beach, fishing, playing tourist etc. and have your home with you all the time.
The campground is close to shopping and many vacation activities in Englewood, North Port and Port Charlotte and has good access to I-75 but seems remote when you are there.
There are 4 public Gulf beaches on Manasota Key ( about 3 miles ). One is a State Park and one County both have parking fees.
Sarasota County has 2 beaches with free parking but are a couple of miles north on the key.
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Also:
If you want great free or almost free camping farther south you can find it in Big Cypress ( fees depend on the season )I usually go off season and it's free.
http://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
Browse the site for fees, dump station etc. info.
This would be a nice excursion for a few days and is within easy driving distance from Englewood. Mosquitoes not usually bad in January.
This is great if you like to see wildlife by driving the back roads
( dirt ) and a GPS very handy. Again the "B" is great as you have all your facilities with you.
Wildlife in Big Cypress
http://www.fcrosby.com/freeman/photos/gators/index.html
Freeman Crosby
http://fcrosby.com
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vulcanman1500
Port Charlotte , Fl.
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Freeman , Is this place across 41 going S/W on river rd. ? I don't think I went in there because it was posted no dogs .
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englewood
Florida
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Joined: 04/19/2004
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Hi Wayne,
Yes just east of the new Winchester Blvd. intersection on River Road.
I remember them building it a few years ago, will drive through again next time I get a chance.
I've not seen much activity there but always figured it would make a handy stop for friends to park if visiting in an RV as there is no room for them at my place on Manasota Key.
Not sure about dogs but it may be for their safety.
Did you see this ?
http://myakkagator.blogspot.com/
Freeman
Freeman Crosby
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vulcanman1500
Port Charlotte , Fl.
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I'm used to seeing Gators but none like that !
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englewood
Florida
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Hi,
I had to go to the Post Office on River rd. this morning and took a drive through the Myakka State Forest. Didn't see anything about dogs but the posted camping fee is $10.00 and the campground portion is now gated so couldn't check it's facilities.
In my opinion that price is too high but their web site says $5.00 for primitive sites for users over 65.
Didn't have time to stop at the park office and ask questions but assume any could be answered by phone.
Aside from the campground there is nothing but one dirt road, a picnic area and some parking areas for hunters, hunting is in season and permitted in some areas.
Freeman
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omjones
Stoney Point, Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 06/19/2004
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Good Sam RV Club
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Try here www.freecampgrounds.com
Hope it helps...
john 'I am Canadian'
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GailS
Indialantic FL
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Joined: 03/07/2007
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I do know some of the County Parks don't reserve the entire park but leave a few sites open for drive ups. January, February, and March is the busiest time for FL. Even if a campground says "Full" if you have a B, sometimes there will be a site available that cannot accomodate a larger rv. I hope you find something.
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Ondaroadagain
Illinois
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Joined: 09/17/2009
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Hello, friends,
I thought I had posted a thank you to all of you for your suggestions, but it doesn't seem to be here. Sure appreciate all your help and we have definitely followed up on your advice. Will let you know how we come out on this! Thanks again!
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VE3ESN
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 03/08/2002
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Although we haven't been to E.G. Simmons Regional Park yet, it's on our "to-do" list.
I bookmarked the above link several years ago for future reference. At that time, I believe it was $12 per night for elec/water (60+), but it may have gone up.
Ruskin is quite close to Tampa.
Jerry & Susie
1996 Roadtrek 190 Versatile (Dodge 5.2 L)
FMCA F390585
Trees are being destroyed through the transportation of invasive insects and diseases in firewood. For more information, please visit www.dontmovefirewood.org
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