We enjoy camping and in Switzerland we would pack up our tent and find a site up in the mountains or down by a lake. But there is also something to be said for the ease of arriving at a cabin, with air-con and your own bathroom – especially in hot, humid, mosquito-full Florida. So far we have used the Kampgrounds of America website and stayed in 2 different locations on the gulf coast of Florida.
Firstly at the St. Petersburg/Madeira beach site. This was a very last minute get away, not long after moving here, for one of those long weekends in autumn that I’m not used to celebrating. Enquiring only 2 days before, there was limited availability – I had the choice of two cabins; one with bunk beds and the other with a loft.
We try to keep a mix of activities planned so everyone is happy (at some point) and in the hope that the children learn to deal with experiencing other people’s interests and maybe, just maybe, they find something of interest that they weren’t expecting to like.
We went to the beautiful white sandy beach at Siesta Key, a gentle horse riding trail and, a surprise favourite for everyone, the Dali museum. My children enjoy an audio guide and the kids’ version here was fun and interesting for them. The museum offered a scavenger hunt for children with a small prize (my daughter chose the false moustaches) plus there is nice outdoor space for a run around afterwards and a cafe.
Back at the campsite the camp shop had barbecue popcorn, s’mores kits and firewood – which is delivered to your pitch by golf buggy, so our evening entertainment was set.
Another time we would pack our kayak and fishing rods since right outside our cabin was a fishing dock and access to the waterways through the mangroves.
A different long weekend, this time in spring, we chose the Naples/Marco Island site – deluxe cabin once more to save on packing. Each site seems to choose their own style of cabins. For the children, we had bunk beds and a sofa bed in the living area and a separate bedroom for us. We also had a screened porch with table and chairs.
This trip we were more prepared with our kit, but the site also had a good selection of kayaks and canoes to rent – also delivered by golf buggy! We passed our time fishing and kayaking on the site and barbecuing in the evening. Plus trips to more great sandy beaches on Marco Island and in Naples. Simple outdoor fun that we all enjoy.
Hoping to try this one—thanks for the tip!
I look forward to hearing how your glamping goes – or joining you!