By Anna Hider - Thor Motor Coach
December 16, 2015
There's nothing wrong with the snow and the cold... they have their advantages, but let's be real. There are some major downsides. For example: cold-weather camping is kind of a bummer. If you find yourself craving some outdoor adventure staying cooped up inside while it's frigid out, then an RV trip to the Florida Keys is just what the doctor ordered. Load up the ol' RV and get ready to warm up your cold, frozen heart this winter with some beachside camping in the Sunshine State!
If you're going to camp out in Florida, it may as well be on the beach, and there are tons of awesome parks that offer sandy shores and camping, likeJohn Pennekamp State Park. It's fitting that the country's first underwater park protects the incredible and unique ecosystem of the Florida Keys coast. Snorkel amongst the coral and look for the Christ of the Deep, enjoy the beachy shores, rent a paddleboard or kayak, or go for a glass-bottom boat ride and check out the marine life at this one-of-a-kind oceanside spot. And, as an added bonus, they have some top-notch RV and tent camping, so you can spend a few days there and fit in as much fun as you can.
One of the best parts of visiting the Florida Keys is driving across Seven Mile Bridge-- the views of the blue water make for a mesmerizing, seemingly neverending drive that will instantly get you in vacation mode. I suggest blasting "Kokomo" by The Beach Boys as you cruise along... it really enhances the experience. And if you're really into the bridges, check out the old one at Bahia Honda State Park.
Once part of the Overseas Highway, it's since been abandoned... and you can see that a chunk of bridge was removed so boat traffic could navigate past is more easily. It's a popular icon for photographers, so remember your camera! Bahia Honda has RV camping, too... you could wake up early and catch the sunrise over the beach, or you could sleep in a little late, since you're probably worn out from all that vacationing.
Popular attractions in the Key West area include the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (trust me, it's more interesting than you realize...), theSouthernmost point buoy (because you can't say you visited Key West without a picture here), and the Key West Butterfly Conservatory; you'll forget that it's the dead of winter as you enjoy the brightly-hued insects as they flutter around their steamy habitat. For excellent views of the ocean, head to the top of the Key West Lighthouse and take a moment to bask in the fact that the cold temperatures and slushy snow are hundreds of miles away. You can find seafood restaurants, bars slinging fruity cocktails, and giftshops bursting at the seams with seashells aplenty all across Duval Street-- it's not vacation without some beachy cuisine and shopping, after all.
And when it comes to sleepytime, you don't have to sacrifice tropical kitsch just because you're staying in your RV-- Key West's Bluewater Key RV Resort Blue Water Key RV Resort has lots that come with tiki huts placed along the white sand beaches; they come decked out with fairy lights and wicker furniture for the perfect tropical vibe. All you need is a margarita maker and some Jimmy Buffet blasting from your speakers, and you're ready for the perfect winter getaway! Just remember to bring some sunblock :)
Ready to get going? Thor Motor Coach has you covered with brand new, compact RUVs! Please visit our Lazydays Tampa and Tucson locations or log online to see our complete inventory. Please schedule an appointment with a sales consultant to help guide you through the selection and purchasing process. The consultant will be able to explain all the discounts and benefits you will receive when you become a Lazydays customer.
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