Lake in the Forest, Oklawaha (Ocala), FL Site 39 ~ 9/03/10-9/06/10

This was our first 3 Night ~ Holiday Camping Trip. We got there Friday night after they closed at 5:30, but the owner stayed late for our arrival, around 7:30pm. Great family owned and managed campground. We settled in fairly quickly, for a really unleveled site. It was a challenge to assist with directing Neil on pulling through and backing up and so forth and so on, onto itty bitty wood planks to "level" the site. The wood pieces were a bit too thin for my liking, or for the trailer's desire as they would not stay put on these pieces, but he prevailed, as always... and did the best he could to level out the camper for the next few nights. It is always a bit tense, while the kids have got to sit tight until we get set up, but then they were off. They went out in teams to explore, but in site of parents while we I got dinner ready. After a quick dinner and setting up the chairs and mat outside, we got to relax for a bit before we started the bedtime camping routine :) But before that, we went on a family bike ride. It was tough, as Owen had on his training wheels which don't mix well with the soft sand. We brought all the bikes for the first time (carting them in the camper) and took full advantage of our new mobility. We found a few trails, especially the one that leads to the dock.

Morning started early, as the boys were anxious to get a chance on the dirt trails on their bikes. . While I was working on the inside cooking, Neil was out cooking on the outside griddle, all while helping my youngest get his training wheels off(as I was unaware). When I came out to call them all to breakfast ~ he was officially was a true bike rider (amazing quick learner, all of 20 minutes) We had been trying this for about 6 months, so this was a HUGE accomplishment. Once he learned ~ he was off all weekend, trying to jump trails with his older brothers!!

Our daughter got to head to the rec room for the first of the scheduled crafts ~ a glass picture frame ~ that she got to create and design! This campground was cool for this, as they had fun crafts lined up all weekend for the kids, which there were alot of at the campground. After she was done, we headed to the pool for a few hours of relaxation and a little sun before the sprinkles started. Saturday night, our little singer loved the fact that they had a band there and 8000 songs to choose from for Karaoke. If anyone knows her, knows she loves the spotlight. She was one of the first to sign up, and did so 6 times. She sang Miley Cyrus, Hannah, Carrie Underwood, and was disapointed that they didn't have any Zradio artists (Christian Contemporary) She did an awesome job, and loved getting to watch the videos that we got of her singing. The youngest got to go up on stage on the last song :)  

The next day, more swiming, bike riding, exploring, fishing, gator watching but most of all llama and goat walking. Yes they had a small petting zoo to feed, walk, and pet the animals :)

I told you they were kid friendly...

REVIEW: Nice family friends campground, with 40 sites and 8 or so cabins. Lake front access with canoe/kayak rentals, heated pool, full hook ups, kids activities, rec hall, and lots of room to play. The kids loved the group campfire along with karaoke and dancing Saturday night and the chance to meet lots of other kids!!! The site that we had was the only pull through that they had (or could tell) but it was very unlevel. Great and complete shade and pretty much on it's own. Some of the other sites were fairly close to one another, but all sites looked pretty nice. Will come back to same site with the leveling blocks next time!

Blue Springs State Park, Orange City FL 8/19-8/21/201

We stayed at this park on a Friday after work until Sunday morning. It was such an easy park to get to on 1/2 a tank of gas and less than an hour away. We got there before 6pm, and were set up in about 1/2 an hour. After we filled our bellies with a quick dinner brought from home, we ventured out before it became too dark to see. We went on a trail to see the springs, as this is always the highlight of our summer camping trips The problem was that we didn't make it before it became way too dark. It is a fairly good walk to the swimming area, far enough away, that the next two trips to the springs ~ we drove :) On our way back to the campsite - we got offered a ride in the back of a pick up truck by fellow campers, and jumped on the opportunity for the "How much further questions?? and "our there bears out right here" to end.  Once back, kids were showered , movie time then bedtime for the little campers. We relaxed a little outside until the bugs took over our little nook underneath the awning. 

REVIEW OF THE CAMPGROUND: This park and sites are very private. The other state parks that we have visited over the summer, typically have large fields around us, so the kids make friends quickly with their camp mates as well as have a place to burn off energy.  These sites were covered with trees on all three sides, but you could see your neighbors through the brush. This was the biggest downfall of the campground. Due to the trees, we couldn't get very good reception to the antenna. Also, this site was a bit further from the bath houses than I would have liked for the kids, but it was the last site available to book online 2 weeks prior, so we had little choice. They were clean, didn't use the showers, but they were adequate. There is no sewer hookup - but a dump station that we had to navigate back into the campground to get to before exiting.  We would come back here again, mainly due to the water activities as well as the proximity to our house. It is not my favorite location so far, but after we try the other FL State Parks next summer, we will probably visit again.

The old Mansion (kids on porch)

We spent Saturday morning at the Springs ( the extremely cold springs) swimming, reading, walking to the old mansion,fish finding, and spotting the one lone manatee. It is a beautiful spring, but there is no area to stay around the spring to read/relax etc, unless you are going to be going in. You can't set up your chairs nearby. When the littlest was tired of swimming ~ we hoofed it back up to our stuffy, which was in a grassy field until the others were through. This is quite boring for a 5 year old.  He did manage to wander over to the shower a few times to "cool off". We made it back to the camper, just before it started to rain heavily. We spent some nice time together, while the youngest napped, and all us curled up to watch a DVD and read. 

After the rain slowed down, it was dinner time, and we chose to go to CiCi's down the road, which is a special treat to our kids. After we got back, we headed to the playground area ( had to drive to this one) Didn't want to get picked up hitch hiking again in the dark. Dad got a little fishing in, while Mom watched about a dozen gators all around the opening of the Spring. Due to this fact, mom's irrational fear stopped the ability of the kids to hit the springs the next day. Instead, we went for a walk and a drive around the campground before loading up to head home. It was so close, that we were home before lunch time, and had plenty of time to wash the piled up camping laundry LOL :)
To Visit this Park: http://www.reserveamerica.com/