Need a Plan B for trip to Florida late October

[the_fixer]

Picking up our new 13' scamp around October 20th and heading down to Florida for 2 weeks then back to Colorado.

I had reservations set for the Ginnie Springs the first week and Topsail the second week.

I thought we would be ok being up so far but Irma caused the santa fe river to swell and flooded Ginnie springs. The picture was taken 3 days ago after the water had dropped 3 - 4 ft already. It sounds like they are trying to reopen by the end of the month so all might be well by the time we get down there a month later....... However I need to have a backup plan.

The plan was to Scuba dive the springs in northern Florida around High Springs and Williston and I would like to keep with that plan for at least a few days.

Any Recommendations around that area that I should check into as a plan B?

[sharpstick]

Originally Posted by the_fixer

I had reservations set for the Ginnie Springs the first week and Topsail the second week.

I thought we would be ok being up so far but Irma caused the santa fe river to swell and flooded Ginnie springs. The picture was taken 3 days ago after the water had dropped 3 - 4 ft already. It sounds like they are trying to reopen by the end of the month so all might be well by the time we get down there a month later....... However I need to have a backup plan.

We plan on being there that weekend. We've been assured that the camp will be open by then. Come by and visit. (Burro 14 and Burgundy Highlander, license "SHRPSTK" with black roof cargo box), We have the west end loop reserved for our party of 30ish.

[CountrysideGrace]

My SOTF contacts shared last week that all state parks in FL are closed until further notice. So you would need to look at private parks. I camped at a small park in Cedar Key last year and loved it. It has small spots, but if you can get one on the water the view is awesome. Very nice people running it too. Sunset Isles RV Resort. 352-543-5375

Originally Posted by the_fixer

Picking up our new 13' scamp around October 20th and heading down to Florida for 2 weeks then back to Colorado.

I had reservations set for the Ginnie Springs the first week and Topsail the second week.

I thought we would be ok being up so far but Irma caused the santa fe river to swell and flooded Ginnie springs. The picture was taken 3 days ago after the water had dropped 3 - 4 ft already. It sounds like they are trying to reopen by the end of the month so all might be well by the time we get down there a month later....... However I need to have a backup plan.

The plan was to Scuba dive the springs in northern Florida around High Springs and Williston and I would like to keep with that plan for at least a few days.

Any Recommendations around that area that I should check into as a plan B?

[sharpstick]

Originally Posted by sharpstick

W We've been assured that the camp will be open by then.

https://www.facebook.com/GinnieSpringsOfficial/ as of Sept 18: "The flood water has receded about 3-4 feet over the weekend. We still are flooded, so we will be closed through Tuesday, September 26. We will re-evaluate conditions on that date. We will keep our Instagram, Facebook, and website updated with the latest."

[Jon Vermilye]

If you are interested in a campground near Cedar Key (about 9 miles away) check out Shell Mound County Park campground. A boat ramp in the park, sites are 30 amp & water, bathroom with shower. Inexpensive - $16.35 per night in 2014. Two caveats - the no see ums can be a problem, and it can be the air boat capital of Florida - they ran unmuffled engines until 11:00PM one of the nights I was there. Some Photos.

[the_fixer]

Based on your post I called topsail state park where we are staying and they said they are open and existing reservations are being honored but they are not taking any new reservations till the 23rd of September. This is allowing them to provide a place for refugees from the storm to stay.

Had me worried for a minute

Originally Posted by CountrysideGrace

My SOTF contacts shared last week that all state parks in FL are closed until further notice. So you would need to look at private parks. I camped at a small park in Cedar Key last year and loved it. It has small spots, but if you can get one on the water the view is awesome. Very nice people running it too. Sunset Isles RV Resort. 352-543-5375

[BatDude]

Try Jekyll Island, Ga. The entire Island is a state park with miles and miles of beaches, great food nerby and great reates.

We are heading there in Nov. after Huntington Beach State Park in SC.

Cheers,
Bat Dude

[thrifty bill]

Cedar Key is great if you want something quiet.

If you can divert your route somewhat, both GA and AL are full of great state parks.

[C&G in FL]

I would suggest you contact Rock Crusher Canyon Campground in Crystal River. You could then dive in King's Bay and maybe encounter a manatee or two. Don't miss the grouper sandwich at Crackers Restaurant, on the north side of town.

[stonewall]

If you want to be near Williston, this is a great place to camp. Hookups. Forest. etc

Black Prong Equestrian Center

[the_fixer]

Oh man I still think about the Grouper sandwiches I used to get at Johns pass as a kid they were amazing YUMMM I may have to try Crackers to see how they compare.

Thanks for all of the suggestions so far. Looks like the water has dropped a bunch where we were planning to stay so the next week or so should give us a good idea of what we need to do.

[sharpstick]

This just in. Ginnie Springs is closed because of Tropical depression "Nate". They say they may be reopened next week.

[the_fixer]

We still have our reservations so hopefully it will be open and ready for business by the time we get down there.

I know there is a large group of local scuba divers that I am in touch with arriving a few days before we get there so I will be able to get some first hand data.

Scouted our a few options and planning to figure it out on the fly....

What could go wrong, new Scamp, newbie RV owners driving half way across the country to a place that is still not open from the hurricane.

Adventure awaits

[Mitzi Agnew-Giles]

O'Leno SO is where we always camp.

[k corbin]

Canceling does not necessarily mean you won't still be able to get in there if you still want to. There will be a lot of folks who have already cancelled so it is quite likely there would be space available if the campground is open. You can call and talk to them about it if they are around to answer the phone.