Geneva Wilderness Area

Campground Review: GCI  Outdoors Slim Fold Cook Station at Geneva Wilderness Area

I took part in helping with a Camp Out for 10 families with 41 people at Geneva Wilderness Area in Seminole County, FL which covers 180 acres. This event used the group camp site with a good size pavilion.  This area was quite big for our group and perfect.  We had at least 10 tents in the big group area and four more in a smaller area off to the side for those of us that had to get up at the crack of dawn to cook breakfast, that way we didn't wake people up.  There were restrooms at the pavilion but no showers.  The pavilion area had lights and a grill with a cooking area just off to the side.  And there was a fire ring in the camping area for the families to hang out around and have S'mores at night.  This was a very, very good and well run event on everyone's part.   We had free time with some outdoor games, fishing nearby, and dutch oven cooking, cobblers, yum.  This is the perfect place for a weekend camp out.  I am so ready to take a group of friends there for a weekend.  The group area is just a short walk to the lake and the fishing pier.   Most of the kids in the group tried to fish, some for the first time.  We used worms and…..cut up hot dogs……shhhhh.   We caught 7 fish in the short amount of time we were there before dinner.  The fishing pier was very nice and set on a small lake, one of several on the property.   There is an Education Center: Ed Yarborough Center on the property near the group site that was open for our group and was an amazing.   Everyone in our group….all 41 enjoyed the park immensely.  We also did a night hike around one of the lakes that went past the primitive camp area.  I went back out the next day and was amazed at how nice that area was.  There is a fire ring, picnic table, benches, and a very small covered bench or kitchen area.  And even fire wood.  Lots of room for several tents and it was on the backside of another lake so what a view.  There is also a wildlife viewing blind that was built by an Eagle Scout right there too.  And I did notice a few feet away there seemed to be a small simple shower blind too.  Continuing around the lake brought you to the H.E. Buddy Long Memorial Chapel which was right on the water and very neat.  It had a little chapel and benches built by a Boy Scout group.  Great view and a good spot to relax and think.  A great place to visit.  I absolutely loved it and was amazed it was right there and what all was there.

https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/locations/Geneva-Wilderness-Area-And-Ed-Yarborough-Nature-Center.stml

You can access Little Big Econ State Forest through trail hiking from Geneva Wilderness Area (yellow trail).  There is an equestrian stable nearby and a couple of air boat outfitters and guides.  Titusville would be a good area to go to afterwards to spend time on the coast.

Overall, I loved the park and I think everyone in the group enjoyed all the park had to offer.  I think the many lakes on the property make it super unique.  

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Product Review:  GCI Outdoors: Slim Fold Cook Station

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At Geneva Wilderness Area I tested The Slim Fold Cook Station.

https://www.gcioutdoor.com/tables-camp-kitchens/slim-fold-cook-station/

This cook station is an easy fold one piece design.  It can be set up and folded down in seconds.  It has multi use side tables which can be used to hold your beverage, wine glass, paper towels, garbage bags, or cooking utensils.  It has a storage rack under the top shelf for a cooler and other dry good storage and holds up to 35 lbs.  It has a heat resistance aluminum top that is perfect for camping grills and stoves and can hold up to 48 lbs.  It folds flat for easy portability and has a carrying handle.  It also weighs less than 19 lbs.  

1.  I loved that I had an easy time setting this up for the first time,  I was pleased with the ease.

2.  I loved the fact that I was pleasantly surprised about how sturdy it was and the fact that it did not weight a lot.  Even a seasoned camper commented on how sturdy it was and how great it was to have on this trip.

3.  I really loved how well the aluminum top held up to a camp stove.

4.  It was so easy to use and fold back up.  And easy to clean too.

5.  And it can be used tailgating easily.  

6.  And the price was the best thing….it wasn't super expensive as far as camping equipment goes….. and I can tell you it is worth so much more than they are charging.

I can't wait to use it again on my own small family camping trip.  I am so happy I got this product to try.  I was debating it because I thought it might not be very sturdy for the price.  BUT I was proved wrong and love it.  I am so glad I got it.

This is a lovely property sitting on the Northern boarder of Little Big Econ State Forest. There is one small hike in to primitive campsite on the far side of the lake from the nature center - on less than 2 mile loop trail. Site will hold approximately 5 guests comfortably. There are no amenities except a primitive toilet around the bend from the site. There is a fire ring on the site and a picnic table

The trails are filled with wildlife! Gopher tortoise, raccoon, shore birds, deer and so much more. the wildflowers in the spring and fall are eye catching and there is a small lake not far from the trail offering fishing opportunity.

The nature center is very well done and there is a new group pavilion with bathrooms, picnic tables and room to play for a small fee. They host family camp outs in this area 2 times per year.