Old Town Campground 'N Retreat
The Old Town Campground has tent and RV sites. Tent sites have picnic tables, fresh water access and barbecue grills. RV sites can accommodate most size RVs and have 30- or 50-amp electric, sewer, and water hookups. Options for Wi-Fi and cable TV are available for the RV sites. Bathrooms and showers are on the grounds for guest use and comfort. Pets are allowed if leashed. Snorkeling and swimming with manatees can be had in nearby Fanning or Manatee Springs.
Old Town Campground 'N Retreat
2241 SE Highway 349
Old Town, FL 32680
(352)542-9500
campingfriend.com/OldTownCampgroundNRetreat/
Manatee Springs State Park
As the name suggests, Manatee Springs State Park has many opportunities for manatee spotting, including snorkeling and swimming with the docile sea-mammals. Guests should read the rules regarding manatee-human interaction before going into the water with them, and if they are present in the spring, there is no scuba-diving allowed in the park's waters. Tent and RVs can be accommodated at the state campgrounds. Tent sites are primitive, and RV sites have water and 50-amp electric. There are toilets and showers for guest use. Pets must be leashed in the park, and if manatees are present pets cannot go in the waters of the park.
Manatee Springs State Park
11650 N.W. 115th St.
Chiefland, Florida 32626
(352) 493-6072
floridastateparks.org/manateesprings
Suwanee River Hideaway Campground
The Suwanee River Hideaway Campground offers a riverfront location and activities such as bird-watching, wild-life spotting, and hiking and biking. The Nature Coast State Trail Head is within three miles of the park, where visitors can ride bicycles or walk the trails. The campground offers sites for tent campers that have fresh water access and picnic tables. RV sites at the campground have the standard 30- or 50-amp electric, sewer and water hookups. Pets are allowed but need to be on leashes while on the campground premises. There are showers and bathrooms for guest use, as well as a laundry facility.
Suwanee River Hideaway Campground
1218 S.E. 346 Hwy
Old Town, FL 32680
(352) 542-7800
riverhideaway.com
Article Written By Eric Cedric
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
