So let’s begin there. First things first, the name of this place – Big Tree RV Park – would have you believe that this is a playful, idyllic space full of wonderment and amusing distractions, perhaps something fit for the kiddos even. But yet, the truth of the matter is that the name should be changed from ‘Park’ (because it isn’t, in fact, there's no slides or swings within several miles of this place) to perhaps something more befitting like ‘Parking,’ which would be more accurate of this unremarkable roadside RV pitstop. But hey, if you are looking for a no thrills place to park your camper for the night and indeed want to see some ‘Big Trees’ then you could do worse than this place.
This brings me on to perhaps the greatest asset (and maybe its biggest challenge) of Big Tree, which is its very close proximity (and I mean, like literally a block away) to I295, which is a major bi-way taking you in and around Jacksonville, FL (aka ‘the beltway’). So for some of you – that might be a big plus. Yet for others, this might be enough to steer clear. Whatever your circumstance, bear the location and proximity to the highway closely.
If you’re looking for a pull-through or a back-in site with all the proper hook-ups (30 and 50 amp electric, sewar and water) with all the free WiFi you can marshal then you are in luck, my RV rolling brethren! Big Tree RV Park offers daily ($50), weekly ($275) and monthly ($600-$750) and make it very clear that they do not offer satellite, cable or phone. While this parking lot doesn’t tell you that they are pet friendly, they are dog friendly (so keep those parakeets and monkey fish in your RV, I guess!), but not with aggressive breeds (keep Scooby Doo locked up too!).
This place does offer amenities such as car/ truck wash, storage, laundry and shower facilities as well as dumpsters and even an arbor (although I must confess, I do not know what this is for as there wasn’t even a picnic table there). The community itself is quite hospitable and there’s even a main office where the mailroom is located - for those of you who are dropping anchor for more than a few days. The land is quite level, and it is generally organized like an open football field with 4 lanes dissecting the place and encircled by… you guessed it, Big Trees!
Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) I recommend staying in the NW corner of the place, which puts you furthest away from I295 as well as the entrance (Dunn Road), which will give you the shelter from the Big Trees you are looking for and will hopefully be the quietest spot on this otherwise nondescript parcel of land; (2) As this isn’t a destination, I recommend getting in late and checking out early; (3) Unless your goal is to save some $’s, then this place is very, very affordable, but again, you have that highway to bargain with each and every night; and (4) if you’re looking for a great place to grab some local grub, I HIGHLY recommend Pig Bar-B-Que, where you’ve got to order the Pig Ribs with the Hot Pig Sauce (where for $25 by the gallon is a great steal) and fried corn (yes, I typed that right).
Happy Camping!
