A nature lover’s guide on when to go, how to plan, & where to stop…
Known for its diverse wildlife, crystal clear springs, unique natural landscapes, and wide variety of outdoor adventures, central Florida is nothing short of a beacon for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility alike. While we have visited Florida countless times, this area of the Sunshine State in particular continues to call us back again and again. But this time, we swapped our plane tickets and typical accommodations for something different.
On our most recent visit, we decided to road trip from Washington, DC and try out van life for the week. We spent seven days hopping from spring to spring, swimming with manatees, and camping throughout the region. Now, we’re sharing all of our tips on how to road trip and camp your way through this pristine paradise including our recommendations on must-explore springs, affordable and free places to camp, and how to ethically encounter Florida’s iconic manatees.
When to Visit Central Florida
While this region of Florida is a year-round destination, timing is key when planning your adventure, as seasonal variations in climate and wildlife presence can significantly impact your trip. Ultimately, the best time to visit Central Florida depends on your interests and preferences, but for those looking to experience peak manatee season, winter is the time to visit. During cooler months, lower temperatures in the Gulf drive manatees to seek refuge in the region’s springs. Peak manatee season spans from November through April, and the population is at its highest from December through February.
Camping in Comfort with Avanti Camper Vans
As Washingtonians, never did we ever think that we’d be team “let’s drive to Florida,” but when Avanti Camper Vans offered to let us borrow one of their decked out Grand Caravans to try out van life for a week, we couldn’t say no. Forgoing a flight allowed us to bring all of our gear, thus saving on rentals, AND saving on hotels because our van was equipped with a full bed and all of the other essentials needed for a week on the road. They also offset the carbon for every mile driven— so road tripping was a no-brainer.
We posted a full tour of our Avanti Camper Van on our Instagram, but here are the highlights:
- All of the things you need to camp in comfort are included in your rental, including a gas stove, pan, pot, plates, cups, silverware, can opener, bottle opener, and cutting board. A shade canopy, two folding chairs, folding table, camp shower, rolling cooler, and two towels are also onboard.
- The seats in the back of the van have been removed, and replaced with a bed consisting of a memory foam mattress, fresh linens, comforter, and two pillows. The bed folds in seconds to allow for extra storage when you’re on the move.
- Window covers and a privacy curtain in the front provides complete darkness for a peaceful sleep every night.
- There is also space to sit, get dressed, and put shoes on without exiting the van which proved to be great when it was raining outside as well as when we stealth camped at in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrell.
If you’re interested in renting one of Avanti’s Camper Vans for your travels, we’d greatly appreciate it if you used our link as we’ll earn a small commission with no extra charge to you… and if you DM us your receipt on Instagram, we’ll buy you a coffee for the road!
You can also join Avanti’s new affiliate program and offset the cost of your trip by sharing your link with your friends. You’ll earn up to $150 per uncanceled reservation made via your personal link.
In addition to rentals, Avanti offers several other ways to partner including roles as van preparer, a marketing affiliate (as described above), or a consignment vehicle owner. You can also purchase one of their kits and convert your own vehicle. More information on all of these opportunities can be found here.
Where to Camp in Central Florida
From private campsites, to National Forests, to State Parks, to Water Management Districts, Central Florida boasts a variety of camping opportunities, making it an ideal destination for vanlifers, RVers and camping enthusiasts alike. It’s important to note that depending on what type of land you decide to camp on, you’ll encounter varying price-points and reservation requirements, so a bit of research is required to find the right site(s) for you.
Water Management Land: On some of our past trips, we camped on Florida’s water management land. The Southwest Florida Water Management District offers up their land for all sorts of recreation like hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, etc. The most exciting aspect of camping here though, is that it’s FREE to do so.
To take advantage of these sites, you’ll need to secure a permit. After making an account at www.swfwmd.state.fl.us you are free to browse and reserve (availability pending of course) from one or more of their 24 sites. Some districts may be periodically off limits for camping and other recreation for things such as hunting, prescribed burns, and other wildlife management techniques, so be sure to do your research and plan ahead.
State Parks: This time around, we opted to take advantage of the amenities offered at Rainbow Springs State Park. The park features a designated campground equipped with both tent and RV sites, clean and spacious bathroom/shower facilities, and provides a convenient base for exploring the nearby attractions (more on these below). We paid $30/night for a drive-in site with a picnic table and charcoal grill.
Florida residents may make state park campsite or cabin reservations up to 11 months in advance, and all others can reserve sites 10 months in advance. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521. One thing to keep in mind is that cell service is limited in many state parks, so if you need access, it’s best to call ahead or check reviews.
If you are in a pinch, there is also free camping at some Walmart, Cracker Barrel, and Cabela’s parking lots. We spent a night at a handful of these during our road trips, and it’s safe to say that “Barreldocking” or sleeping in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel is the most peaceful. There are over 650 Cracker Barrels across the United States, and Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee have 40+ of these restaurants each.
We crashed at a Cracker Barrel outside of Saint Augustine on our way into Florida, and got a great night of sleep– thanks to the window covers in our van that allowed us to block out all of the parking lot lights.
Must-Have Outdoorsy Experiences in Central Florida
Explore Florida’s Springs
No visit to Central Florida is complete without experiencing the area’s enchanting springs. There are over 1,000 of them state-wide, and each offer their own unique charm. Here, we’ll highlight a few of our favorites, and we’ll delve into a few of our favorites for encountering manatees below.
In addition to being a great place to camp, Rainbow Springs is known for its vibrant hues and crystal clear waters and offers opportunities to explore its beauty both above and below the surface. Hiking, swimming, paddling, and floating are all permitted in designated areas, with on site kayak, canoe, and inner tube rentals available. This time around, we choose to paddle throughout the river’s shallow channels and offshoots. We launched our own paddle boards from the Rainbow Springs campgrounds private Launch which required a bit of a walk as vehicles aren’t able to access to the river within the park. Another popular option is to grab/rent an inner tube and take a lazy float on the park’s natural river.
Another gem nestled in the heart of Central Florida is Wekiwa Springs State Park. You can spend the afternoon exploring the park’s extensive network of hiking trails, paddling along the Wekiwa River, snorkeling within the crevices of the headsprings, or enjoying a picnic and relaxing beneath the shade of the park’s towering oak trees. You can also snag a campsite and stay a while.
If you’re looking for more of a river-side party, Wekiva Island, located just a few minutes away, is the place for you. Here, you can jump into a game of volleyball or cornhole, soak up the sun on the boardwalk, or rent a cabana and relax for a few hours. Their open-air bar, The Tooting Otter, has a great selection of drinks, and also hosts local musicians every weekend for live music. Hungry? Head over to their on-site food truck, Without A Paddle Cafe. They too have an extensive menu (including lots of taco, hot dog, burger, and sandwich options), as well as some great vegetarian selections. If you’re up for more of an adventure, you can hop on a paddle board or kayak and paddle down to the springs at the Wekiwa State Park.
Hike or Bike Florida’s Trails
If you’re looking to get in a little exercise, there is no shortage of trails throughout the area; here are some of our recent favorites:
Hog Pond Trail in the Withlacoochee State Forest is at the top of the list, for good reason. This 5.8-mile loop trail is located near Homosassa and runs through the forest along old access roads to three beautiful ponds, one of which is pictured below.
If you end up camping at one of the aforementioned Water Management Districts, Flying Eagle Preserve is a beautiful one, and has miles of trails you can bike or hike.
If you’re looking to do more of a curated bike ride, the Withlacoochee State Trail consists no more than 3-degrees of incline in any section of its 46 miles. This rail line, turned bike trail (hence the almost non-existent grade) runs from Dunnellon to Tribly with endless access points in between.
Experience Florida’s Manatee Season
Citrus County is known as the Manatee Capital of the World, and while some individuals call these waters home year round, winter will guarantee you a sighting. When temperatures drop in the Gulf of Mexico, manatees flock to the springs. These aquatic mammals are unable to survive in water below 60°F, so the springs serve as their refuge. During peak season, when the Gulf is at its coldest, hundreds of manatees can be seen in one place.
There are a lot of springs in the region where you can see them, but Three Sisters Springs and Homosassa Springs are two of the best places to view manatees from land. Both provide viewing areas along shaded boardwalks, and both require a fee to enter.
Local guides also provide swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding, snorkeling, and diving tours, and we had a great experience with River Ventures. We took their Semi-Private Heated VIP Manatee Swim Tour and we couldn’t recommend it more. Our tour started with a movie covering the do’s and don’ts of swimming with manatees to ensure that we were fully aware of the guidelines for an ethical experience. Afterwards, we donned wetsuits and hopped on a heated pontoon boat. Our guides were super knowledgeable and made sure that everyone in our group had a great time while respecting the manatees in the process.
That said, whether you opt for a tour, or happen upon some of these sweet creatures when you are out on a paddle, it is critically important to remember that when you’re in/on the water alongside these gentle giants, you’re in their space. You should never approach a resting or feeding manatee, chase a manatee, kick/splash/poke a manatee, or otherwise harass a manatee. These cuties are protected under the Endangered Species Act as well as the Marine Mammal Protection Act, so knowing and following these guidelines is critical to their protection. That said, manatees are known to be super curious, so they may approach you, but you should never initiate contact.
Central Florida is nothing short of a nature-lover’s playground. From swimming with manatees in their natural habitat, to paddling through crystalline springs, to camping beneath the stars, this region promises an adventure of a lifetime and deserves a spot at the top of your bucket list.
