An Epic, Meaningful Nature-Based RV Trip in a Place You Wouldn’t Expect
Florida is an outdoor adventurer’s dream destination. Along the state’s two stunning coasts, experiences are often defined by where you stay. Inland, it’s shaped by how you move. I set out with my best friend on a week-long road trip through Central and North Florida, renting a 23-foot RV from El Monte RV, RV experts with over 50 years of experience, for the journey. We were equal parts excited and intimidated by the sheer number of experiences available in the Sunshine State, but it didn’t take long before we found our rhythm.
Travelling by RV became central to the experience. With our gear always within reach, it was easy to follow the landscape as it unfolded and pull over whenever something caught our attention.
Stargazing in Ocala National Forest
Just as importantly, where we chose to stop shaped how we experienced each place. On an RV road trip, where you stay becomes part of the landscape rather than separate from it. At Juniper Springs Campground, set within Ocala National Forest, that connection feels immediate. The sites are spacious and shaded by towering palms, offering both privacy and a sense of being fully immersed in the forest. From there, the springs are just a short walk along a tree-lined path.
That sense of immersion comes with a few trade-offs. With no hook-ups on site, a bit of planning goes a long way. Before arriving, we picked up a few ready-made meals from The Fiery Chef, a gourmet meal prep company based in Ocala, which made cooking in the RV simple without relying on generator power for too long. The dishes were fresh, well-prepared and easy to heat, an ideal solution after long days outdoors.
But as the day winds down, those small inconveniences start to feel like part of the experience. At dusk, the forest begins to shift. As the light fades, fireflies appear, drifting through the trees and blinking softly against the darkening backdrop. It was my first time seeing them and I found myself completely captivated by their flickering glow.
As night settles in, the campground grows noticeably darker without the usual glow of artificial light. Looking up, the sky comes into sharp focus and it’s easy to lose track of time while stargazing beneath it. I stayed up much later than planned that first night, but it was worth it.
Swimming in Florida’s Spring Waters
Excited to explore more of Florida’s wilderness, we got up early and headed to Salt Springs Recreation Area. Set within Ocala National Forest, which spans some 383,000 acres across four counties, it’s part of the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi and one of the last remaining strongholds of sand pine scrub in the world. The spring water was too inviting to pass up, so I headed back to the RV to change.
The moment I dipped my toe in, the chill caught me off guard. At a constant 22 C (72 F), the water stays cool year-round, making it especially refreshing on a cloudy day. As I swam, I noticed a subtle buoyancy—one of the defining characteristics of Salt Springs, where traces of salt trapped in the limestone of the Floridan aquifer give the water a slightly different feel than totally freshwater springs.
After swimming, we went for a walk among the expansive live oak trees. It looked so inviting that we wished we had a little more time to cozy up on a bench and get lost in a book. This is the kind of place where it would be easy to lose track of time, but with the day still ahead of us, we eventually pulled ourselves away.
Cruising on a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
From there, we made our way to Silver Springs State Park, stopping for lunch at Springside Cafe Silver Springs before heading out on the water. We opted for a glass-bottom boat tour, but the park can also be explored by kayak or stand-up paddleboard.As the boat moved across the clear water, the view below came into focus. Fish and turtles drifted through the current, while a steady stream of bubbles rose from the limestone, revealing the powerful springs at work beneath the surface. During our tour, two alligators rested along the shoreline, a reminder of just how much life exists at the water’s edge.
Before returning to our campground, we stopped for dinner at Mojo’s Grill & Catering, a bright blue building that’s hard to miss. Its spacious parking lot made it an easy stop for the RV—something we quickly learned to factor in. Inside, the lively atmosphere carried through with musical décor and a striking Elvis portrait on the wall. Known for its blend of Cajun, Cuban and American flavours, the meal was as memorable as the setting.
Horseback Riding Through the Forest
Arriving at one of the few places in Florida with a noticeable elevation change, we were about to see the springs from a different perspective. At Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park, we saddled up and set out on horseback, riding through the rolling terrain above the vibrant teal waters. We were no longer simply observing the landscape, but fully immersed in it. I was grateful for my helmet when my horse, Jiminy Cricket, wandered a little too close to a palm tree, its fronds brushing against my head.
Afterward, we stopped for lunch at Big Hammock Brewery & Bites before continuing to Dreamin n Driftin RV Resort to set up camp for the night. Surrounded by live oak trees, every site has full hook-ups and amenities including hot showers, laundry and a swimming pool. After exploring the grounds, we enjoyed dinner in town at Phish Tales Grill, voted the best local restaurant in Lake City.
Kayaking Through Crystal-Clear Waters
It wasn’t long before we were back on the water, this time for a five-kilometre paddle along the spring-fed river at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. A popular spot for both kayaking and tubing, the gentle current carried us downstream past an abundance of wildlife. Fish moved beneath us while turtles lined the banks and overhead, ospreys, hawks, great egrets and little blue herons moved through the canopy.
Afterward, we cooled off with a swim at the Ichetucknee Head Spring before continuing to explore downtown Lake City. The day ended with dinner at Halpatter Brewing Company, where we sampled a tasting flight of local brews alongside our meal. The F Around and Find Stout stood out as my favourite.
From Central Florida, we made our way north toward the coast. Our base for the next stop was New Smyrna Beach RV Park, located just a short drive from Canal Street. After browsing the shops and picking up a few locally made souvenirs, we settled in for dinner on the patio at Corkscrew Bar & Grille, where the food, service and easy-going atmosphere made it a place we didn’t want to leave.
Watching Surfers in New Smyrna Beach
After breakfast and coffee at LUMA Cafe, we spent the morning exploring Flagler Avenue, making our way down to the beach to dip our toes in the ocean. After a sandy stroll, we settled into a patio table at Crabby’s Bar & Grill and watched the surfers ride the waves. I couldn’t pass up the buck-a-shuck lunch special to sample some of the local oysters.
Our final stop was a walk along the boardwalk at Smyrna Dunes Park, where coastal views stretch out in every direction. For those travelling by RV, it’s worth noting that parking is limited, with vehicle length restrictions of 23 feet or less.
Paddle Kayaking with Dolphins and Manatees
On our final day, we traded spring-fed rivers for the ocean and joined Viking Eco Tours for a pedal kayak tour at River Breeze Park. The entire trip had been filled with standout moments, but when a manatee surfaced beside my kayak as dolphins played in the distance, it felt almost surreal. It was a side of Florida I hadn’t expected and one that stayed with me.
That evening, we returned to Flagler Avenue for one final meal at Flagler Tavern. From our seats on the upstairs patio, we watched the street come alive below while sharing a slice of key lime pie, a simple ending that felt fitting after days spent moving through the landscape.
In this part of Florida, the experience isn’t defined by a single destination, but by the way each one is reached. Travelling by RV makes it possible to follow that rhythm, carrying what you need and staying close to the landscape as it shifts. The result is a version of Florida that feels less visited and more fully experienced.
