Florida for the winter - Reservations?

[Sauced Hog]

Hi all,
Looking for those who travel to sunny Florida to escape the winter chill. We retired last year and have been kicking around spending winters in a warmer climate. Florida seems to be our top choice, looking South of Tampa. While getting reservations can be difficult or next to impossible, I've heard many campgrounds can bump your reservation if a better one comes along? We've had friends that have told us we need to buy a space to be guaranteed a spot or risk losing our reservation. Has anyone heard of this? While I would consider purchasing, I'd rather give snow birding a try before committing to ownership.

If I'm mis-informed please let me know. Also if anyone has any advice on the best way to reserve (what to look for, how far out, location tools, etc) I'd be grateful. Next winter is coming.

Thanks,
Mike

[DougW9876]

I have a friend who got bumped. They had a 3 month reservation but someone else went for an annual contract on that site so my friend was bumped. I don’t know if all RV parks do this but some certainly do so asking about it would be prudent when making a reservation.
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As far as what to look for in a park, it depends on what you like to do. We don’t particularly care for the beach scene so we are a bit further inland than some folks would like to be. The amenities offered by the park will also be important but also will depend on what you like to do.

[FlyStar]

We made reservations for Nov and Dec 2022 in the Sarasota area in August 2022. We were able to get a site but things were pretty tight.

Close to Ft. Meyers may still be very busy due to closures after last years hurricane.

They all seem to get busier after Christmas.

[trailrydr]

Have some friends who camp near Bradenton area typically 5 months out of each year in the winter there for the past 6 years. They told us that its becoming harder to keep their reservations and/or find others due to the same issue. Their CG as well as others were wanting them to commit to a annual reservation. But, the CG could rent out their space while not there.... dont remember how they worked out the subletting if anything could be worked out at all.

[geotex1]

A lot of the Escapees are reporting the same frustration with getting bumped. The CGs want full occupancy, and if they can get it... It's apparently in reservation fine print too. Now, if you're going to be staying put for couple months, you will be the "bumper."

[Hoopy Frood]

So, do you suppose someone who reserves for 1 month will bump someone who is only there for 3 weeks?

[Sauced Hog]

So, do you suppose someone who reserves for 1 month will bump someone who is only there for 3 weeks?

That's what I've heard happens! We're going to the Naples area next month and are going to check out several resorts that sell deeded lots. Obviously, owning a site would solve bump issues, but the cost is way up there along with HOA fees and taxes. We can recoup some of it renting during the year, but I'd be surprised if renting covered half the costs.

[FlyStar]

And don’t forget the red tide. Maybe the desert southwest is a better choice. Great that these things have wheels.

[Riverbug]

Agree with others. It's luck of the draw finding a place if you "only" want to stay for 2 or 3 months (depending on location of course). We stay in the Bradenton area because my Father is down there. If you aren't set on the high season (Jan/Feb through April) you may have better luck going down in December - February. But still, they won't allow you to make a reservation until the summer usually because they want to first try to fill the months with others that want to stay the full season. And if someone comes along with an offer to stay more months, they'll likely bump you. It's just the way it is. Can't really blame the CG. They take the business they can get. Staying away from the high traffic beach areas will certainly improve your chances.