Best Glamping near Penney Farms, FL

What I love about Ocean Grove is that it puts you smack dab due south of St. Augustine (a.k.a. Ancient City), but far enough away where you can get away from the noise, traffic and otherwise touristy area of the country’s oldest city. While the downside is that this roadside RV stand is, well, located roadside and in fact, right on the AIA, it does place you within a few minutes’ drive to some of the best beaches, like Crescent Beach, which is only 4 blocks away. Given that this is a fairly well-known attractive area known for its beaches and southern way of seaside life, there’s also no shortage of tiki bars, fish shacks and taco stands to choose from, all within walking distance. 

As for the RV Resort itself, Ocean Grove lives up to the word ‘resort’ given all the amenities that you’ll find here, especially the very well-maintained, amazingly massive heated in-ground pool, gargantuan paved patio deck (with separate area for dining) complete with patio chairs, umbrellas and lounge chaises, along with the overgrown group-sized bubbling hot tub, in addition to offering a very well-stocked market store, restaurant and bar (can anyone say “Mai Tais poolside, por favor?!”) as well as perhaps its most impressive asset, offering direct water access to the Intracoastal (along with kayak rentals, in case you forgot yours). 

Additional amenities include: basketball and bocce ball courts, coin-operated laundr-O-mat (complete with community book exchange / library), billiards and foosball tables, propane refilling station, pull-through and back-in RV slots complete with full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, sewer and water), perfectly level paved RV pads to park on, picnic tables, horseshoe ring, fishing pier on the San Julian river, lagoon with turtle watching, children’s playground, doggie park with designated dog run, boat ramp, RV / boat / jet ski storage area, complimentary WiFi, large picnic pavilion, cable TV (additional charge), golf cart parking, designated dumpsters, community fire pit (the only place on the premises where fires area allowed), recreation hall with A/C and oversized wall-mounted TVs, heated and air-conditioned bath houses with showers. Extra points here for Ocean Grove providing a gated entry point with actual staff that adds additional layers of security, important given the proximity to the AIA. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) IMHO the best spots here at Ocean Grove are those that are waterfront: F138–F141 next to the fishing pier or J100–J126; (2) One of the very few detractors at this place is that of the 208 RV slots available, you will notice that Ocean Grove attempts to make every square inch count, so no matter where you are parked, there won’t be a ton of privacy and your hook-ups will feel very crowded (sewage line right next to the picnic table, hmm, not very enticing to say the least!); (3) When you get tired of trying to figure out what that next meal is going to be when staring down at your mini-fridge or cooler, then check out some local haunts, like Salt Water Cowboy (where anything from the Land, Sea and Swamp section like fried Alligator is pretty amazing), World Famous Oasis Restaurant or Connolly’s Shore Grill for fresh caught seafood; and (4) If you are looking for a decent place to do some great hiking, then look no further than due southwest of Ocean Grove where you can check out Matanzas State Park, that has miles and miles of unspoiled hiking trails with virtually the entire place to yourself (save the deer and gators that you might come across). 

Happy Camping!

We arrived to the campground to take our little 3 yr old Grandson camping for his first time and were SHOCKED to find out that our site was under construction and had no electricity.  We had booked online and at no time were we informed that an entire section of the campground had lost all electric.  It was over 100 degrees that week with the heat index and there was no way we could camp in the sun with a small child, without air conditioning.  We were so upset and even more so when they said it had been that way for a YEAR and it was rented 'because we got a new reservation system and I guess it didn't show those sites as off limits'.  

Thankfully, they saw how disappointed we were and called around and found us a site at Fort Clinch State Park, 12 miles up the road.  Do not book here unless you're positive your site has the amenities you need.  The sites we know NOT to book at Little Talbot Island are sites #23 and 24.  There may be others, so beware.

Ranger Review: Matador Backpack Beast 28L at O’Lena State Park, Florida.

Campground Review:

Ever seen Jurassic Park? O’Lena is a lot like that :)

I travel with my three amigos ( Pomeranian, Dachshund and Australian Cattledog) and was on high alert as soon as we entered the park. My dogs don’t understand that this is the type of park where the wildlife will chase and eat them instead of the other way around ………So that being said keep a close eye on your kids and pets!

The foliage is lots of fern and primitive looking fauna which makes for a very intriguing visit. Another movie that came to mind while hiking on the river loop trail was “Anaconda”, no I didn’t see any snakes( or alligators for that matter) but the trail and bridges were reminiscent of that movie , no machete required. Instructional signage along the way and interesting sights along the Santa Fe River. The bridges were pretty cool and the original recreated settlement is pretty awesome. All CCC construction. There is a picnic area, a pavilion, a lodge, a museum, several other structures and a swimming area (WHAT!!) which was closed when we visited due to high water levels. Funny sign ( LOTS of sarcasm cause you know somebody did it) says to not swim with the alligators……I was glad for that warning cause I had my water wings ready to go.

There are several trails available for hiking and biking and a primitive campsite on Sweetwater Trail. Santa Fe River goes underground in this area and you can check it out along the trails, going in and coming out again.

There is equestrian camping and trails available but I did not visit that area. Bug spray and be aware of your surroundings while enjoying the trails.

The Dogwood campground sites are well spaced out with sand, electric, sand, water, picnic table and sand. Some of the sites are more suitable for group camping. The Dogwood trailhead is in the campground. It is a well maintained easily accessible area. Other then being on constant watch for wild creatures waiting in ambush to grab my dogs I like this park. It felt very tropical primitive and has several activities to enjoy.

Product Review:

Matador Beast28 Packable Technical Backpack https://matadorup.com/ has been a very useful and versatile addition to my outdoor gear. It hangs in its stuff sack in the back of my vehicle out of the way until needed (PRO). When I have need of a small sturdy backpack for day hikes or light overnighters it’s right there ready for use.

When I first received my Matador Backpack I pulled the Beast28 out of its stuff sack and explored all its pockets and possible attachment sites. I then Re-folded it and actually got it back in the stuff sack (PRO), a definite plus since I often have a hard time re-stuffing gear into its original bag.

I have extra bladders from my hydration systems so I loaded the Beast with a bladder, no problem. There are right and left “ports” from inside to outside the pack and elastic straps on the shoulder straps to run the hose through. This option of course goes on both Pro and Con. PRO-the ability to load bladder and run hydration hose , CON-it’s not going to fit in the stuff sack anymore. So hydration bladder has to be packed and carried separately (not that big of a deal).

I’ve read where other people were not to impressed with the pocket size but when I loaded it up I was able to fit everything I wanted to pack for an overnight. Mind you I’m not a “professional” backpacker, however I stay pretty comfortable when I do venture into the woods.

I used the Beast as a day bag while at O’Lena , I packed it with snacks and a few other essentials. I am long in torso and noticed that the hip belt is more of a middle waist belt for me. The Beast worked well and was comfortable for a short hike around the river area.

I wore the Beast again while hiking on Ft Campbell, Ky. Longer distance, little bit more gear. I had to redistribute my load because my cook pot was sitting in the bottom of the bag and riding in the small of my back, not comfortable. I adjusted the shoulder and waist straps a few times on this hike for comfort. Something that would be a nice upgrade would be pockets on the waist straps for snacks, etc so that you don’t have to completely remove the bag to reach your snacks.

Most recently I wore the Beast at Mammoth Cave National Park for an overnighter. Everything I needed fit in the Beast(PRO). Two things (CONs) I noticed, one the Beast has no “frame/skeleton” per say so when you are attempting to pull single items out other items tumble out also because the bag basically collapses on itself…if that makes sense :) two, once again due to the lack of a “frame” when you work up a sweat while hiking your back gets wet because the bag is sitting right on your shirt/skin, no breathable material in between.

Overall I like the Matador Beast 28 , it is convenient, versatile and well made.

Simply put, the ‘surf’ side of Little Talbot Island State Park is all white capped oceanfront and white sand beach paradise with its opposing side strategically located across the street is the ‘turf’ that hosts some 3 dozen or so campsites in lush, verdant foliage completely encapsulating the campground in a jungle-like canopy of ancient Oaks complete with signature draping Spanish moss. While there’s definitely oceanfront camping options out there, particularly in Florida, what is quite unique about Little Talbot is that while you will be able to access the beach and ocean, you aren’t parked right in front of it. In fact, you’ll have a decent hike or a short ride to get to the seaside from your campsite. 

Serene beaches await you on this remote barrier island where snake-like river inlets provide ample kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding and boating options further inland, while choppy waves from the frolicking Atlantic Ocean will beckon you further east. Beachside, you’ll discover that there’s half a dozen or so picnic shelters running parallel to the seaside, along with a perfectly paved bicycling / running pathway along with dedicated restroom and shower facilities. Just over the sand dunes, you will arrive at some of the most pristine, well-kept beaches in Florida’s entire eastern coastline. 

With the actual campground in mind, there’s 3 circular loops or ‘neighborhoods’ that the campsites are organized around – on the far eastern side are sites 1-10, and by far, these are the most secluded, but also IMHO, the best of all the sites. There’s great growth here between each individual campsite, so while you’ll hear (and likely see) your neighbors, there is a decent amount of privacy. The second set of sites 11– 20 sit in the center of the campground and nearest to the bathroom and shower facilities (which are just OK BTW), but offer somewhat better waterviews of Myrtle Creek and further beyond that, Simpson Creek. These sites are much more open and don’t offer much if any privacy. The third set of sites is on the far western side of the campground and feels the most dated and in dire need of some TLC as most of the sites I saw were overgrown with substantial leaf pile-up on the picnic tables, which were pretty dilapidated anyway. 

As far as amenities are concerned, bearing in mind this campground leans more basic, rustic and primitive, you'll find: 20 / 30 amp electricity, fresh water, decent fire ring w/ BBQ lid and picnic tables.  There is a laundry facility along with two bathhouses and there is a proper trash dumpster upon exiting the campground.  There's a decent kayak / canoe launch (and if you don't have your own, Kayak Amelia located just a 1/4 mile up the road has rentals) on the western periphery of the campground where there is a short dock for casting a fishing line along with a bait cleaning station.  The kiddos will discover a nearly brand new playground (although submerged by water when we were there) and a group campfire circle for larger groups offered on a first-come, first-served basis

Insider’s tips? Here's a few: (1) If you’d like to get a good hike on, well, of course you have the 7 miles of unspoiled beach shoreline, but if you’re looking for something further inland there is a small nature loop that is pretty nice and is located at the campground; (2) Up in these parts, you have to mind the timing for low and high tide, so when checking in, ask the park rangers and they’ll get you all squared away; (3) no pets on the beach or boardwalks; and (4) If you need a break from roasting hotdogs and beans fireside, head due south to The Sand Dollar for some pretty great seafood while overlooking St. Johns River with Jacksonville as a backdrop. 

Happy Camping!

If your idea of a magnificent campsite includes the opportunity of waking up to an endless blue horizon eclipsed by the sinking sun at dusk, then look no further than this very quaint, out-of-the-way boutique lakeside gem. Located on the outskirts of the Ocala National Forest, Pine Island RV & Marina offers up 9… that’s right, count‘em up, just 9… lakefront RV slots. IMHO, the best spots are #1 and #2 or #7… but hey, EVERY SINGLE SLOT faces an unobstructed view of blue bliss, so you’d be lucky to get any one of these waterfront vistas. Let’s just say, book your slot early as the pickins’ are slim here. 

Jennifer, the on-site manager, who has served this wonderful little outpost for the past 3 years was nothing short of sweet, helpful and very informational. She informed me when we visited that the entire place is in ‘upgrade mode,’ but I was quick to inform her that the views needed no improvement. Look for an expanded general store, where today you’ll simply find a billiards table, stand-up bar in one corner, while the rest of the store is lined with camping gear, basic groceries, toiletries, sundries, snacks, cold beverages, games, books, fishing gear, etc. 

Amenities: Waterfront RV Sites, RV Rentals (they have 3-4 to choose from), Marina, Boat Slips, Boat Ramp, Camp Store, Bait Shop, Wine & Beer Bar, Kayak Rentals, Recently Remodeled Bathrooms & Shower Facilities, On-Site Laundry, Ethanol-Free Fuel, Firewood and Camping Supplies, Billiards, Corn Hole, Outdoor Area w/ Picnic Tables, Grill, Fire Pit. Individual Sites include Fire Rings, Picnic Tables and 30 / 50 electric Amp. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) With only 9 waterfront slots to choose from, you want to book as early as possible; (2) While there is a proper boat launch, you will note that while Lake George is the second largest lake in all of Florida, it is also one of the most shallow, meaning that if you’d like to launch right in front of any one of the camping spots, you can, but you definitely want to be wearing some aqua socks or something as the rocks here are both slippery and sharp; (3) When you get tired of trying to figure out what the next meal is and don’t want to turn to your cooler or on-board mini-fridge for the solution, then you are going to be hard-pressed as there really isn’t too much in the way of ‘foodie paradise’ out in these parts – the nearest restaurants include: El Amigo Mexican Restaurant, Mystic Bistro, La Esperanza Mexican and Palmeras, but all of these are just mediocre (at best) – the only place we did find that was definitely worth it, albeit a 30 minute drive from Pine Island RV & Marina, is Drifters Riverfront Bar & Grill, which has typical glorified bar food (think burgers, wings, sandwiches, fried everything, etc.), but their seafood offering was actually pretty dang nice; and (4) If you are on the lookout for decent trail hiking, then head back from whence you came to discover Lake George Conservation Area, where there’s some decent, albeit non-descript trail hiking to be had. 

Happy Camping!

My first solo tent camping trip, February 2019. So quiet, beautiful, that even whispering sounded to loud. Check in was easy, the ranger was friendly gave me easy directions to site #39. The camp grounds are on intercostal side of the park. The beach is the other side of the road.

My site was secluded and surrounded by lush natural vegetation and huge oak trees. Water, electric, fire pit with grill. After setting up my tent and unloading the car, took a walk around the camp grounds. Nicely maintained, not really designed for large RV’s road are narrow. Very few empty spots. The bathrooms were spotless and large. Nice playground for children. Excellent open space to launch kayaks. Camp sites were sandy with some shells, so if tenting, putting a tarp under your tent would be prudent. Thru out the night the rangers had regular patrols. There is a naval station nearby, so there helicopters patrolling as well. I felt safe and slept like a baby.

The beachside is like no other. A short stroll over the dunes on a well marked path leads a beautiful untouched beach and driftwood. About 5 miles of packed sand made an easy walk. Take your kite!

Will plan to visit again!

We just purchased our 33’ Salem travel trailer and we used Island Oaks as our shakedown trip. Honestly, its going to be hard to top this first trip. My Wife and I traveled with our 2 young children and our pup. We never had to leave the park, they had EVERYTHING. Heated resort pool with tiki pool bar & music, beach front lake with a massive inflatable obstacle course, an on-site restaurant & ice cream shop, not to mention multiple fenced dog parks. I cant say enough positives about this place! I chose a pull through site and it had sewage, water, & electrical hook ups. They do offer free Wifi, however I would not rely on it, it was spotty at best. Dont think twice. Give this resort a try. It’s a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere!

Stayed here in a tent for two nights, after driving up from at St Augustine KOA. The park's natural beauty is breathtaking. The lake, the bird islands, the serenity, the tall trees, the gorgeous beach on the premise are all juxtaposed with the actual state of the camp sites themselves. Having seen the mistake of choosing site #6, was able to switch to #243 with no neighbors, but a short walk to the bathrooms. The bathrooms are somewhat ghastly. The shower stalls are small, and the water pressure is questionable. The camp store is very well stocked. The bike trails are somewhat challenging because of the spider webs, haha. It rained during this outing. Site #232 is not quite level, and the bedding is natural dirt. Some mosquitos, but not as bad as the truck-sized ants. Paw prints on the picnic table was evidence of visitors during the bike ride absence, but they didn't pay visible visits like at Anastasia and Fort De Soto.