5 camping sites in Volusia, Flagler counties to go warm-winter camping
As temperatures begin to cool in Florida, residents and visitors alike are flocking outdoors.
Florida offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities including the beach, natural springs and of course, camping.
Florida was recently rated the best state for warm-winter camping by Outdoorsy, a travel and rental company.
With average highs in the upper-60s and lows in the mid-40s, winter in Florida is the perfect time to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. Or, you know, park the RV and snuggle into a comfortable bed.
Here are five camping sites in Volusia and Flagler counties to pitch your tent.
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Lake Monroe Park
Lake Monroe Park is one of Volusia County's oldest and, according to the county, one of the most popular parks in the area. Located right on the lake, you can camp, boat, fish, have a picnic, take a stroll through nature trails or, if you have kids, they can romp around the playground.
In 2004 the park reopened after a $1.2 million renovation and improvement project that included brand new restrooms, redoing the entrance road, floating docks, picnic pavilions, improved the parking and created a trailhead for the Lake Monroe-Gemini Springs-DeBary Hall trail.
Entering the park itself is free.
Cost: $15 per night, includes power; $5 dumping fee; $2 boat launch fee
Address: 975 U.S. Highway 17-92, DeBary
Contact: Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; 386-736-5953
Nova Family Campground
Located just 6 miles from Daytona Beach in Port Orange, this Florida property sits on 18 acres of tree-lined campgrounds. Nova Campground offers guests a relaxing place to unplug and unwind, but it's still close to nightlife, the Daytona International Speedway and the beach.
This camping site is great for novice to experienced campers. Amenities include Wi-Fi; heated pool and tanning deck; game room with a pool table; reception hall; cable TV; onsite general store; laundry; BBQ grills; picnic tables; RV storage; propane; and fire wood.
Cost: Rates fluctuate depending on events in Daytona Beach including races, Bike Week, Biketoberfest and Turkey Rod Run. Non-event rates start at $25 a night for tents and up to $116 for a cabin.
Address: 1190 Herbert St., Port Orange
Contact: novacamp.com; 386-767-0095
Lake Ashby Park
This 71-acre rural park offers tent camping; a playground; volleyball court; nature and horse trails; boardwalks; a fishing pier; grills; pavilions; and canoeing.
Lake Ashby was named for Major James A. Ashby, who helped lead American military forces during the second Seminole War.
Admission to the park is free.
Cost: $15 per night plus tax
Address: 4150 Boy Scout Camp Road, New Smyrna Beach
Contact: 386-736-5953
Tomoka State Park
Former home of Native Americans, the land containing Tomoka State Park, which is surrounded by lagoons, was abandoned in 1835 during the Second Seminole War. In 1937, the Florida Board of Forestry acquired the first parcels of land that would become Tomoka State Park.
A bird-watchers' paradise, more than 160 species have been spotted. The park protects a variety of wildlife habitats and endangered species such as the West Indian manatee.
There is a boat ramp for canoeing and boating. There's also a store onsite that offers snacks, canoes and camping rentals.
Cost: Entering the park is $5 a vehicle, $4 for a single occupant vehicle and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists. Camping is $24 a night plus a $6.70 reservation fee. This includes electricity and water.
Address: 2099 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Contact: FloridaParks.org/Tomoka; 386-676-4050
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation at Flagler Beach
This 145-acre park on the barrier island, named for Florida folk singer and storyteller Gamble Rogers, sits between the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Take a swim in the ocean, build sandcastles, collect seashells, go fishing, take a walk, look for birds, try out geocaching or have a picnic on one of the many picnic tables.
There are 34 camping sites on the beach and 34 on the river. There are two wheelchair-accessible campsites and a beach wheelchair is available upon request.
Cost: Entering the park is $5 a vehicle, $4 for a single occupant vehicle and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists. Camping is $28 a night plus a $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RV, cabin, bungalow, boat and yurt units. This includes electricity and water.
Address: 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach
Contact: FloridaStateParks.org/GambleRogers; 386-517-2086
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Warm-winter camping | 5 camping sites in Volusia, Flagler counties
