Torrey Trails RV and Golf Resort
Torrey Trails RV and Golf Resort in Bowling Green. The first 158 RV sites of this luxury resort opened this year with plans to add another 210 sites in 2022.
Words by Jeff Crider
Following reports from Florida park operators about a busier than expected summer with higher volumes of early winter bookings compared to recent years, there will now be more choices this snowbird season with the development of new RV parks and/or upgrades to existing ones. As a result, Florida is now considered to have more new parks and resorts under construction than any other U.S. State.
“We’re almost 85 percent sold out for January, February and March at our Canopy Oaks location in Lake Wales,” said Tristan Farrell, president of Sunlight Resorts. “We’re taking an enormous amount of reservations and our summer numbers were also better than expected.”
The Resort at Canopy Oaks is the largest new RV resort in Florida and opened in December 2020, offering 411 sites with room to expand to 1,000. Park amenities include several lakes, a tiki bar, deli, coffee shop and ice cream parlor as well as a country store, hair salon and spa.
“We also do a variety of special events,” added Farrell. “The park organized an Easter egg hunt, and nearly sold out Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. We had face painting and candybar bingo for the kids. Plus, live music is held every Friday and Saturday and we also host large fireworks shows. We try to create attractions that make people want to visit us.”
This winter, the park will also cater to snowbirds with, hopefully, RVers from Canada.
Other park operators across Florida are seeing unprecedented demand and earlier-than-normal winter bookings as well, including Breezy Oaks RV Park in Bushnell.
“We’re almost completely sold out for the winter,” says Mike Wood of Breezy Oaks RV Park. “Our occupancy has never been this high this far out and it will be the best year since I’ve been involved with the park.”
The Waves RV Resort
The Waves RV Resort in Naples. The resort completed construction of a 416, 395 L (110,000 gal), zero-entry resort-style swimming pool in 2020.
To meet the demand, many are also developing new properties throughout Florida including RV Sunlight Resorts with four locations (that are expected to open next year) including:
- Champions Run RV Resort, Ocala
Scheduled to open in April 2022 with 492 sites, Champions Run will have a variety of amenities including a full-service tiki bar, large swimming pool, hot tub, fully-equipped fitness centre and pickleball courts.
www.sunlight-resorts.com/resorts/champions-run
- Palm Breeze RV Resort, Punta Gorda
This 439-site RV resort is expected to open in winter 2022. Similar to Champions Run, it will have a large swimming pool and hot tub, full-service tiki bar, fitness centre and pickleball courts.
- Rum Runner RV Resort, Sebring
About 90 minutes southeast of Tampa, Rum Runner RV Resort is currently under construction and will consist of 147 sites with an opening date of August 2022.
www.sunlight-resorts.com/resorts/rum-runner-luxury-rv-resort
- Sebring Square RV Resort, Sebring
Expected to open in early 2022, Sebring Square RV Resort will consist of 215 sites along with a full-service tiki bar, large swimming pool, hot tub, fully-equipped fitness centre and pickleball courts.
www.sunlight-resorts.com/resorts/sebring-square/
“We estimate that more than 7,000 new RV sites will come online in Florida this year and next,” says Bobby Cornwell, executive director and CEO of the Florida RV Park and Campground Association.
According to Cornwell, the 7,000-site figure will include approximately 5,000 RV sites at 21 new Florida RV park/resort locations, which have opened since December 2019, as well as nearly 1,500 new sites at more than 20 existing locations. Cornwell also explained that RV parks and resorts that have not been officially announced by developers will offer an additional combined total of over 1,000 new sites.
ADDITIONAL NEW RV PARKS AND RESORTS TO CONSIDER THIS WINTER (OR ANYTIME) IN FLORIDA
There’s no doubt that RV parks and resorts are on the rise in the Sunshine State. To provide you with the best choices for this coming snowbird season (and for next year), we’ve compiled a comprehensive list with descriptions of new parks; those that are making significant improvements; and parks that have come online since December 2019.
Cabana Club RV Resort, Auburndale
A family-owned resort located between Tampa and Orlando, the Cabana Club RV Resort consists of 155 sites and 60 park model rentals. Amenities include zero entry, a heated swimming pool, nine-hole artificial turf putting course, tiki hut/bar, and splash pad. Activities for all ages include basketball, corn hole and yoga. Separate dog parks for large and small pets plus a dog wash station are also on site. Plans are in the works for an additional 125 RV sites, 65 park model locations, as well as six covered/shaded pickleball courts and multi-use sports courts.
Coconut Cay RV Park and Marina, Marathon
Located in the scenic Florida Keys, this RV park opened in June 2020 with 25 sites. Features include a swimming pool, bath/shower house, an exchange library, as well as bicycle and kayak rentals.
Fort Pierce KOA, Fort Pierce
Construction is currently underway for this new KOA location and will have 115 sites with at least two deluxe cabins. It’s expected to open by summer 2022.
www.koa.com/campgrounds/fort-pierce-west
The Tides RV Resort
The Tides in Palmetto is another new luxury RV Resort, which opened in January 2020.
Island Oaks RV Resort, Glen St. Mary
Reservations are now open for dates starting October 1, 2021 (at the time of publication). In addition to 385 sites, the park features waterways, plus a lake (with swimming), pool, tiki bar, fishing lake with dock, and paddle boards and kayaks. Sports courts, nature areas, and ponds are also on site.
Keystone Heights RV Resort, Keystone Heights
Construction crews have completed the first 193 sites, which are now open for RV business. Features include a 1,021 sq m (11,000 sq ft) clubhouse, 250 sq m (2,700 sq ft) swimming pool, spa, bathhouse, laundry facilities, and pickleball courts.
Madison RV & Golf Resort, Madison
This park opened in June 2020 with 95 sites. Amenities include a recently renovated nine-hole golf course with golf cart rentals, lighted pickleball courts, woodshop, and swimming pool. Catch-and-release fishing is also available on the grounds.
www.madisonrvresort.com/rv-resort/
Ponce de Leon RV Park, Ponce de Leon
Set across 60-acres, Ponce de Leon RV Park opened in July 2020 with 41 sites and construction for another 50 sites are underway this year. Among the many amenities, there’s a swimming pool, and a 465 sq m (5,000 sq ft) open-air pavilion with picnic tables. Laundry facilities and cornhole are also included.
Quiet Rest RV Park, Paxton
Developed by Pat O’Neill and his family business (who also own Twin Lakes RV Resort in DeFuniak Springs), Quiet Rest RV Park is expected to break ground in spring 2022 and will initially offer 50 to 60 sites with an eventual buildout of 125 to 150 sites.
Ridge Manor Campground, Reddick
According to Bradley Winteroff, owner/manager, adjacent property from the campground was purchased with plans for a new RV park to open by late 2022. Winteroff explained it will consist of 65 sites with 15 reserved for rental cabins or park models.
Santa Fe Palms RV Resort, Gainesville
Expected to open November 1, 2021, this Gainesville RV resort will consist of 115 sites and feature a swimming pool, nature walking trails, pickleball courts and cornhole.
http://www.santafepalmsrvresort.com
Southern Leisure RV Resort, Ocala
Developer Alan Wallace explained construction is underway for the 185 sites at this gated resort, which is expected to open this fall. A 650 sq m (7,000 sq ft) clubhouse, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a spa, bocce ball, pickleball and shuffleboard courts are just some of the activities that will be available.
RV Resort and Water Park, East Milton
This 62-acre, $20 million resort and water park is currently under construction but will initially feature approximately 351 sites, 34 to 40 park model cottages, and six furnished Conestoga wagons, according to Marcus Lauren, the park’s general manager. It’s expected to open this spring. Some highlights among the grounds include two swimming pools, waterslides, a lazy river, as well as bocce ball, pickleball and basketball courts. The latest updates are posted on the park’s Facebook page or visit www.splashrvresort.com.
Sunkissed Village RV Resort
Picture your RV here. The spacious sites at the Sunkissed Village RV Resort in Summerfield.
Sunkissed Village RV Resort, Summerfield
A 267-site luxury resort that opened in December 2019, Sunkissed Village offers spacious RV sites with water, sewer and 50/100 amp electrical. Some amenities you’ll enjoy include a large heated salt water swimming pool with a paver deck, tiki bar, grill area, an outdoor gas fire pit, plus pickleball, bocce ball and shuffleboard courts. Winter activity programs, and a spacious, modern clubhouse with a commercial kitchen and fitness centre are additional niceties. Other amenities include a dog park and dog washing station - with hot water.
The Surf RV Resort, Palmetto
Zeman RV Resorts is developing this 449-site park on 40 ha (100-ac) and is expected to open in the winter 2022. Along with a variety of amenities, there’s a clubhouse, fitness centre, swimming pool and sports courts to enjoy.
The Tides RV Resort, Palmetto
Also operated by Zeman RV Resorts, The Tides is another new luxury RV Resort and opened in January 2020. It has 389 sites and many great amenities including a fully-stocked, catch-and- release fishing lake, heated resort-style swimming pools, and 1,394 sq m (15,000 sq ft) clubhouse with kitchen facilities and a fitness centre. Scheduled activities and special events are also hosted.
Torrey Trails RV and Golf Resort, Bowling Green
According to developers Amir Harpaz, Alan Wallace and Bill Harvey, the first 158 RV sites of this luxury resort opened this year and there are plans to add another 210 sites in 2022. Built on an existing golf course, there’s a nine-hole course with disc golf capabilities, an indoor/outdoor fitness centre, tennis and pickleball courts, plus a dog park and dog splash pool.
EXPANDING RV PARKS AND RESORTS TO ALSO CONSIDER
Bay Bayou RV Resort, Tampa
Evanston, Illinois-based Jennings Realty expanded this resort by 53 RV sites in 2017 and there are plans to add another eight this year on an adjacent property, according to Darla Sinnard, the park’s manager. A fire pit with seating and a fitness centre are also new this season.
Breezy Oaks RV Park, Bushnell
Park owner Mike Wood is expanding this park with 53 new RV sites, which are expected to be open this spring.
Fiesta Key RV Resort and Marina, Long Key
A redevelopment of 70 sites on the resort’s west side was completed in early 2020. There has also been extensive renovations to 17 rental units and are now open.
www.rvonthego.com/florida/fiesta-key-rv-resort/
Fisherman’s Cove RV Resort, Palmetto
More than $1.5 million in improvements have recently been made to this active lifestyle resort on Terra Ceia Bay. New updates include streets throughout the resort, eight paved RV sites with an asphalt storage area, plus water and electrical hookups. The clubhouse now has a large game room plus a remodeled kitchen. Another addition is a new pickleball court. You’ll also enjoy the waterfront heated pool, spa, fitness centre, and expansive dog park. A newly built vacation rental is also on site and can be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Hidden River RV Resort, Riverview
This park is adding another 85 RV sites. While 51 are already completed, the remaining 34, which are located along the river, will be completed in the spring. The resort is also expected to add pickleball courts and a fitness facility (once the existing upgrades are completed).
www.sunrvresorts.com/resorts/south/florida/hidden-river
Holiday Travel Park, Holiday
Expect enjoyment throughout the season at Holiday Travel Park with many upgrades such as a renovated clubhouse, an outdoor kitchen area, and pool with new patio furniture. Shuffleboard courts (that have been resurfaced), new pool tables, and horseshoe pits are other highlights.
www.rvonthego.com/florida/holiday-travel-park
Sunlight Resorts
North Beach Camp Resort, St. Augustine
North Beach Camp Resort has 150 sites and recently embarked on a 70-site expansion. According to park co-owner Ken Usina, the first of these sites are expected to be ready by next winter.
Ocala North RV Resort, Reddick
This 260-site park is planning to add 141 sites, mostly for RVs, trailers and fifth wheels. https://www.ocalanorthrvresort.com
Pecan Park RV Resort, Jacksonville
Pecan Park doubled its occupancy to 341 sites plus 158 concrete sites in 2020. The resort’s new sites have concrete driveways, parking and patio areas, as well as full hookups and complimentary WiFi. Other improvements include the addition of seven vacation rentals, an ADA home, and six loft-style park model rentals that sleep six. The park is also currently building a new amenity centre (that’s expected to be completed as early as May) where visitors can enjoy basketball, horseshoes, pickleball, tennis and bocce ball. It will even have a pavilion to host live performances.
Southern Leisure RV Resort, Chiefland
Following an expansion with 218 sites in January 2019, park owner Alan Wallace explained another 279 sites were added and opened in November 2020, doubling its occupancy. Many upscale amenities include a 929 sq m (10,000 sq ft) clubhouse with excellent acoustics and a stage to host live entertainment, a heated Olympic-size swimming pool, bathhouse, fitness centre, and dedicated rooms for sewing, quilting, billiards and playing cards. The resort also offers a jam-packed activities program, a variety of social events, even a post office, dog grooming and salon services.
www.southernleisurervresort.com
Space Coast RV Resort, Rockledge
A 50-amp electrical upgrade project was recently completed that allows for 74 sites to receive higher amp service.
www.rvonthego.com/florida/space-coast-rv-resort/
Stage Stop Campground, Winter Park
A variety of upgrades at this family-owned RV park include resurfaced roads, an upgraded swimming pool, and 70 percent of its sites now have 50-amp service. The park’s WiFi system has also been improved and many of the park’s buildings have been updated with new roofs.
www.stagestoprvcampground.com/desktop.
Sunlake RV Resort, Ruskin
Recent improvements at this resort include repaved roads, remodeled restrooms, paved common area pathways, new laundry facilities, a renovated clubhouse and a heated pool.
Sunseekers RV Resort, Fort Myers
Among the many upgrades that were part of a two-year upgrade plan included 50-amp electrical service to more than 240 of its sites, plus improvements to the swimming pool, bathhouses, and roads. It also has a new pickleball court.
Upriver RV Resort
Sunshine Village, Webster
This active lifestyle resort completed a $2 million expansion in 2018 and 2019 that included the addition of 50 super-sites, which are located on a newly purchased 4 ha (9.5 ac) site. The sites span 25 x 13 m (83 x 43 ft) and include 22 x 6 m (72 x 20 ft) concrete pads.
www.sunshinevillageflorida.com
The Waves RV Resort, Naples
Approximately $2 million in improvements are being made at this 383-site resort. The latest upgrades are renovations to its 650 sq m (7,000 sq ft) clubhouse, new landscaping and a gated entrance. In winter 2020, the resort completed construction of a 416, 395 L (110,000 gal), zero-entry resort-style swimming pool, and the addition of four pickleball courts, several bocce ball courts, a putting green, obstacles in the dog park, fire pits and a tiki hut.
Thousand Trails Orlando RV Resort, Clermont
In addition to completing the development of land to allow for more than 160 new RV sites, a second pool area was completed, which included new bath houses. An updated laundry facility is currently being built and is expected to be completed this year.
www.rvonthego.com/florida/orlando-rv-resort/
Upriver RV Resort, Fort Myers
With a 57-site expansion in late 2019, other improvements have included new landscaping, a bathhouse, laundry facilities and WiFi system. https://www.upriver.com
Wildwood RV Village, Wildwood
This pet-friendly park opened 210 new sites in early 2020. According to owner Mike Wood, the park began adding another 159 RV sites last spring. Park amenities include a heated swimming pool with a sun deck, shaded dog park, picnic area, and big-rig friendly sites with free cable TV and WiFi.
Winter Garden RV Resort, Winter Garden
Winter Garden is currently completing a 50-amp electrical upgrade to more than 40 sites, following the installation of a new transformer.
www.rvonthego.com/florida/winter-garden-rv-resort/
Upgrades have also taken place at a variety of other parks including Pioneer Village RV Resort in North Fort Myers and Winter Quarters Pasco in Lutz. According to Randy Berman, a spokesman for Chicago-based Equity LifeStyle Properties, which owns and operates Pioneer Village and Winter Quarters, other enhancements include new concrete pads and picnic tables. Berman also explained that Breezy Hill RV Resort in Pompano Beach, Vacation Village RV Resort in Largo and Peace River RV and Camping Resort in Wauchula have been upgraded with new and/or refurbished pickleball courts.
For more information and to review all Florida RV parks and resorts visit www.campflorida.com. Also be sure to contact park operators and/or staff for updates and new developments.