Cities with RV Parks are shown in blue type.
The other listed cities on I-10, in green type
are included for orientation.

I-10 and FLORIDA

   For many of us who lived through WW-2, Pensacola evokes many memories, the least of which is Pensacola as a vacationer's Paradise. But here it is and Pensacola seems to have it all. Perdido Key on the Gulf sucks them in by the hundreds. In addition to the usual hotels and condos, Pensacola has quite a few RV parks — some quite deluxe. Of course we list those more easily accessed from I-10 — US-98 (Gulf Breeze Hwy, here) is not convenient to I-10 and, as you go east, it gets more distant. Pensacola is the nearest I-10 will get to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. From the moment you roll onto the Escambia Bay Bridge you are heading northeast and away from the Gulf. Part of the reason is that I-10 has to skirt the huge Elgin Air Force property. Before we get away from Pensacola, there is a very different RV park (actually much more than an RV park) about a dozen miles north of Milton (a suburb northeast of Pensacola). It's called Adventures Unlimited.
   Floridians frequently get a little upset when I tell this story but it does a good job of making my point. A chap from New England told me he hates Florida (he vacations here every Winter:-). I finally got him to tell me why: "People go there to die. They leave never to come back. You visit them and they are just sitting around playing bridge or, at the highest energy level, playing shuffle board. And that's why they die; they have quit living."
   You'll find the people in Florida, for the most part, are very active. Not only does the weather encourage it but the spirit seems to be contagious. Speaking of active, another RV park (they prefer to be called 'resort') is northwest of De Funiak Springs: Sunset King Lake Resort. You want activity? There, you have it.
   Only a few miles south of I-10 exit 120 in Chipley is Falling Waters State Park. The center of attention is a cylindrical pit, like a missle silo, 20 feet in diameter and about 100 feet deep. A small spring-fed stream flows into the pit dropping about 73 feet to the bottom never to be seen again (as far as we know). There is much more in the park: a very cool lake, three easy nature trails, a butterfly garden (which can be exciting when the little guys are migrating). And they have a 24 site RV friendly campground with water, electricity and a dump station. Camping fee — only $15.
   It seems almost every state has a spectacular cavern they want you to see. Some are really exquisite; other are about as interesting as a subway station. Florida also has caverns, many of them. One, just north of Marianna (eastbound use exit 136; westbound exit 142) offers guided tours (considered 'moderately strenuous') and a visitors' center with an audio-visual program. We didn't go (our favorite is in eastern Nevada far, far away from any Interstate highway) but, if you're interested, check out their web site.

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   There's another great, state operated, campground at Three Rivers State Park just north of Sneads (exit 158). It is on the Florida side of Lake Seminole (the impoundment of the 'three rivers'). Here, again, you have water, 50 Amp electric, generous-sized spaces and a dump, — plus a very beautiful park.
   Now to change channels, there is a spectacular garden 1/2 mile north of exit 203 in Tallahassee: Alfred B Maclay Gardens State Park. (Sorry, no campground here.) If you'd like to stretch your legs, the park has some 8 miles of trails. The park is on the south and west shores of Lake Hall. We were told that, though the lake is not within the park grounds, it is used by park visitors.
   Changing channels, again, here's something for music lovers (perhaps not all of them): Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. And, yes, they do have camping; how about 600+ improved campsites with water and 50 Amp electric hookups? Each campsitre is about 40' by 60' and they have both pull-throughs and back-ins. The real attraction, however, is the long list of music venues they present through the year. You'll have to visit their web site to see what is coming, when. The pricing for camping during a specific venue depends on that venue. Pricing when there is no concert scheduled is reasonable (around $30 - $40 inclusive).
   "Are we there, yet...?" Yes; Jacksonville is the eastern end of I-10. Jacksonville is the largest (counting acres) city in Florida. I would guess that half of those acres are water (St Johns River). It also seems like Jacksonville has more major bridges than anyone else. The best way (my opinion) to see Jacksonville — the city — is from the St Johns River. And there just so happens to be several river cruise companies that are ready to offer you that opportunity One web site of interest is JaxRiverCruises.com. We have 'sailed' with them several times to watch the fireworks but they regularly have dinner cruises with dancing to a live band, etc.
   One last diversion: we reached the end of the Interstate — but — there is more: Jacksonville Beach (and its neighbors). Getting there is on again, off again freeway hopping but even the non-freeways are four-lane and excellent highways. For the route with the most freeway head south on I-95 to exit 344. Turn left at the end of the off-ramp and follow FL-202 west all the way to the beach. The first 2.3 miles are good road but not freeway; the remaining 2.3 miles are freeway. Note: Unless they've just been changed, the signs directing you to Jacksonville Beach along I-95 direct you to US-90 — none of which is freeway. It is a good highway, though. You chose.
   Hope you've enjoyed your trip as much as we do.

contributed by Bob Masters

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American Interstate System Florida Directory of RV Parks near I-10 Exits (from West to East)

I-10 and FLORIDA

American Interstate System
Florida Directory
of
RV Parks near I-10 Exits
(from West to East)