Recently, a friend posted a photo of a campsite on Instagram. Immediately, the photo transported me back to those beachy Florida days in a tent, quickly reminding me of engraved memories of cooler winter camping nights!
Living in Florida certainly offers perks and convenience for winter camping! Actually, it is almost the perfect time to explore and hang out with nature. But, first - a few tips I have found to make any camping experience an exciting one.
- Know your tent and campsite well. Nothing can start a camping trip on the wrong foot like trying to figure out how to set up your tent in the wind and cold. Therefore, practice at home and know all your parts and pieces before heading off to adventure. Preferably, plan to set up your campsite in the daylight. (Especially important, since night falls much earlier in the winter.) I will never forget a time at Jetty Park near Cape Canaveral, trying to set up a brand new tent in strong winds, and it almost flying away. It took over an hour to figure it all out in under 40 degree weather - burrrr!
- Bring lots of layers. Sounds crazy right? But yes, Florida nights can get really chilly. Pack socks, flannels, sheets, blankies and cozy sleeping bags.
- Pre-plan easy meals. One of our go to's - walking tacos! Precook your ground meat and pack in a container that will be easy to heat up on a campsite grill. Take some Doritos bags, cheese, cilantro, sour cream, etc. - and simply dump all in your chips bag for an easy - no mess - meal.
- Protect your tech gadgets. If you did not know, batteries drain faster in cooler weather. Great place to store or charge them at night, is under a blanket or at the foot of a sleeping bag. After all, don't you want all those pictures and videos of your escapade?
- Reserve your favorite spot with as much advance notice as possible. Yup, with cooler weather, comes snowbirds, so, prevent disappointment by planning well ahead. One of our favorite spots is Turtle Beach Campground in Siesta Key. Sold out almost all year, hence we plan well in advance. While there, stroll over to the Turtle Beach Pub for a nice local libation.
- Finally, invite friends! Florida camping is amazing when shared with others. Explore together, plan endlessly and share the joy of roasted marshmallows!
Winter camping can offer the coziness and camaraderie so much yearned for.