Camping in the South

Monday, July 20, 2015

Bandy Creek NP CG 2015

July 17-19 2015..... We camped at Bandy Creek campground in Big South Fork

Spot C-8 for the peak season it wasn't very full, I'd say about half the sites were empty.

We really liked this park... they have pool that is open on WE's... its not included in the camping fee, but only $3 and well worth it on a hot day. No diving boards, but there are lifeguards.

Be sure to watch where your stepping... it is copperhead country and we did see a baby one

We hiked The Twin Arches Trail while we were there... amazing place.

All the sites are paved with gravel pads and fire pits.

The bath houses are nice... each with 3 stalls, 3 sinks and 2 showers. There are plenty of them, I counted at least 5. Very nice for a NP

There was even a path from the bath house to the site....

This is the playground in C loop

Some of the open sites.... I don't think it would be necessary to make reservations as long as its not a holiday weekend.

You know your in bear country when you see these kinds of trash cans and "food storage lockers" We didn't see any or hear of any sightings. Just don't be careless with your food.

This was late afternoon... Plenty of shade

Night time entertainment is Diary of a Wimpy Kid..... (kind of a tradition)

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, FL 2015

Spent 3 days at Stephen Foster Folk CC, SP.

Very nice, clean, quiet, a real hidden gem for 22 dollars a night. Its a small town, has gas, ice, Dollar General. The Florida trail comes right though it. The bath houses are clean, there are two of them in the campground.

We had spot 7 but every one of the sites were nice

Grill and a fire ring.

This is the bell tower where they play melodys of Stephen Foster songs all day long.... none at night of course.

The campground is only 1.5 hours away from Jacksonville, so we decided to check out the beach.

Spanish Moss is everywhere

Below is a miniture of the bell mechanism that is in the tower, I believe it is the largest of its kind

Cousin Thema's is the gift store, lots of books and nick-nacks.... they do have ice cream and free wifi

Below is the museum dedicated to Stephen Fosters works... has some of his instruments admin is free

Below is the famous Swanee River.... featured in one of his songs. (we didn't do any swimming)

Hiking on the Florida Trail....

Packed up and ready to head home... Really enjoyed the stay

St Andrews SP, FL 2015

ST Andrews SP, FL. This year we stayed at spot 72 again. Others my have their favorite spots, but mine is 72. Next to a small cove. Large enough to spread out and relax by the fire ring. Bath houses 1&2 are newer and nicer than the other 2 older ones.