Florida campgrounds

Many of Florida's campgrounds can fill up as quickly as its hotel rooms do, so it's best to call ahead to ask about availability and make a reservation if you can. It's aggravating to travel a few hours away after packing your gear only to find the place you planned to stay at is full. Like most anywhere, weekends are busier than weekdays, so reservations are especially helpful then.

When you call, you may want to ask for a description of the campground. Some elements you may want to avoid in a campsite include:

• It is near a road that gets heavy traffic, which can keep you up at night.
• It is near a body of water that is known to flood when it rains.
• It is too close or too far from the restrooms for your liking.
• It has too little or too much shade for your liking.
• It is too remote or not remote enough for your liking. (Check a good map.)
• There is no security gate.

Some campsites come with water and electricity outlets, and some don't. Even if you're tent camping, you may want these features. It's a good idea to ask if these are available and -- if you're in an RV -- if there's a dump station.

You'll also need to find out whether you need anything in particular to get into the campsite. Some campgrounds require that you provide a refundable deposit in exchange for a key that lets you in and out of the security gate. If you'll be arriving after dark, you may have to call the campground to remind someone of that fact so you won't be locked out. In some places, you have to pay to take a ferry across, or provide your own boat, to get to your campsite.

Make sure you have all the facts before you go.

Camping guidebooks

• Florida Camping by Marilyn Moore
• The Best in Tent Camping: Florida by Johnny Molloy
• Beach and Coastal Camping in Florida by Johnny Molloy
• Florida Atlas & Gazetteer