One Tank Trip for South Florida Camping

Sponsored by: The Boardwalk www.boardwalkrv.com [email protected] Southern Florida is magical. In less than an hour into your visit here, you'll want to trade in the rat race for a pair of Bermuda shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, and just a fishing pole to keep you company. Don't fret, it happens to just about everyone who comes here. The fresh air, warm, humid breezes and perfectly sunny days are intoxicating. Today, we begin our one tank trip in the city of Okeechobee. Located on the northern tip of Lake Okeechobee, the name is derived from the Seminole language, and literally means, 'Big Water'. In English, that can only mean one thing: good fishing! The second largest freshwater lake in the US, Okeechobee is an angler's paradise, offering great fishing opportunities. For the adventurous, take one of the airboat rides offered, and tour this incredible lake. You just might see a gator or two, as well as some endangered species. In the mood for a hike? The Florida Trail is the perfect way to see this beautiful body of water in its entirety. There are many points along the lake to access the trail, and plenty of covered benches along the route if you want to stop and marvel at the beauty or have a picnic. Our next South Florida RV camping destination is the city of Clewiston. Taking Hwy-78 S, you'll get an incredible view of Lake Okeechobee. Merge onto Hwy-27 E, and in no time, we'll have arrived. Clewiston is located on the southern shore of Lake Okeechobee, and if you didn't catch anything up on the north side of the lake, feel free to cast your line on this side and give it a go. A must visit when in this area is the Big Cypress Seminole Reservation. Home to the Billie Swamp Safari, a 2,200 acre eco-heritage wildlife park located in the Everglades, visitors can take a tour on an airboat or swamp buggy, watch some swamp critter shows, hike the nature trail, and marvel over the reptile and animal exhibits. The Swamp Safari is located on some of the reservation's wildest land, an area that hasn't changed much over the last 150 years. If you close your eyes, you can just imagine what it was like when cowboys herded their cattle through the scrub, and warriors ruled the swamps. The Reservation is also host to a casino, and the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, a wonderful place to learn about the life and customs of the great Seminole tribe. Take Hwy-27 S out of Clewiston, and merge onto Hwy-997 S, and in about an hour you'll arrive at our next South Florida RV camping destination, Homestead. This amazing city sits on the edge of the Everglades, and it's here that travelers can kayak through the mangrove tunnels, and spot some of the 200 species of birds that migrate through the area. Also known as a great site for fishing, visitors enjoy the half-mile hike on the Anhinga Trail. Be on the look for alligators, birds, and turtles as you hike. If you're a racing fan, then you have to take a trip to the Homestead-Miami Speedway for some heart-pounding fun. Considered one of the most beautiful tracks in the country, the speedway hosts several major races, and is a racing fan's dream. Moving on, take US-1 S through the beautiful Everglades to arrive at our next stop, Key Largo. Upon arriving, you'll notice right away why so many people include a trip to the Keys as part of their vacation. Home to the only living coral barrier reef in North America, Key Largo offers some of the finest diving and snorkeling opportunities in the Keys, and there are many guided trips available. Key Largo is nearly as famous as a sport-fishing destination as it is for diving. Offshore, anglers can test their fishing skills on any number of charters available in the area, and with the some of the best charter fishing guides and captains at the ready, it should make for a wonderful experience. Returning to US-1 S, get your camera ready, as this is one of the most incredibly scenic and breathtaking stretches of highway anywhere in the world. If you weren't in love with this area before, you will be! In a little over an hour, you should arrive at our next South Florida RV camping destination, Marathon. Scenic Marathon is home to the Dolphin Research Center, and a place you won't want to miss. Better than any regular sightseeing tour, visitors here can experience one-on-one time with these amazing mammals, and even swim with them! Also home to several sea lions, it is a great place to learn more about their fragile habitat, as well as these endearing creatures themselves. The last stop on our one tank trip takes us to Key West, just a little further on US-1 S. If this is your first visit to the city, you are in for a real treat. Aside from more great fishing and even more great diving and snorkeling, Key West is a perfect place to sample some spectacular seafood. At the Theater of the Sea, you'll get another great opportunity to swim with the dolphins, stingrays, and sea lions. The Key West Aquarium is another must see, and one of the most unique aquariums in the world. This fascinating place has been delighting visitors since 1934. And if after all this, South Florida isn't your favorite runaway destination, stay for the sunset...it's awe-inspiring! Other Area Sponsors in South Florida: Bluewater Key RV Resort Boyd's Key West Campground Calusa Campground Condominium Association Florida City Campsite (City Park) Grassy Key RV Park & Resort Imperial Bonita Estates RV Resort Jolly Roger Travel Park Neapolitan Cove RV Resort Okeechobee County Tourism Development Council Okeechobee Landings Paradise Island Raintree RV Resort Riverbend Motorcoach Resort San Carlos Island Resort Seminole Campground Silver Palms RV Village The Glades RV, Golf & Marina Resort Twin Lakes Travel Park Vacation Inn Resort Woodsmoke Camping Resort Yacht Haven Park & Marina Zachary Taylor RV Resort Back to One Tank Trips for 2011 Woodall's Recommended Florida RV Campgrounds