Author Topic: Atlantic Coast Route - Florida  (Read 11304 times)

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Offline etsisk

Atlantic Coast Route - Florida
« on: September 20, 2014, 10:57:26 am »
I'm thinking about riding that next year from Key West to Bar Harbor Maine (and then on to Oshkosh, WI, for Airventure). I'm looking at south Florida and as best I recall from living down there, there aren't a lot of options for camping and such. Anyone have any advice for camping from the Seven Mile Bridge northward? Thanks!

Offline etsisk

Re: Atlantic Coast Route - Florida
« Reply #1 on: September 23, 2014, 01:05:47 pm »
Seriously? Three days and nothing? Surely someone has experience riding through Florida! Thanks!

indyfabz

  • Guest
Re: Atlantic Coast Route - Florida
« Reply #2 on: September 23, 2014, 03:17:44 pm »
Try searching Google Maps for "campgrounds near [insert name of town along route]". I just completed a 500 mile trip across PA with eight nights of camping using this method. Once I had the basic route down, I used this method find camprgounds, making adjustments to the route where necessary.

For example if you do the above for Fort Pierce, FL, which is on the ACA route north of Seven Mile Bridge, you get a number of results. You will need to weed out the mobile home parks and other non-applicable results this method sometimes produces, but overall I think it works rather well.

BTW....If you need any suggestions for the section of the route from the Philadelphia area to Port Jervis, NY, get in touch when the time draws closer. I am very familiar with that portion.

Offline etsisk

Re: Atlantic Coast Route - Florida
« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2014, 05:49:29 pm »
thanks!

Lucky13

  • Guest
Re: Atlantic Coast Route - Florida
« Reply #4 on: October 03, 2014, 06:29:21 pm »
>>Anyone have any advice for camping from the Seven Mile Bridge northward?>>

John Pennekamp State Park is in Key Largo. The campground can quickly fill up in season - and Florida doesn't seem to have any clear policy on accepting bicycle tourists without campsite reservations. I have read of cyclists being turned away from full state park campgrounds:

http://www.floridastateparks.org/pennekamp/

A hostel is available in Florida City - with space for tents:

http://www.evergladeshostel.com/

A county park can be found in Oakland Park (north end of Fort Lauderdale). It's about 5 miles or so west of the beach road:

http://www.broward.org/parks/easterlinpark/Pages/Default.aspx

In Jupiter, camping is available at Jonathan Dickinson State Park - on US Hwy 1:

http://www.floridastateparks.org/jonathandickinson/

The folks here *might* be a bit more flexible concerning a bicycle tourist and tent space. Also, chances for stealth camping are better when north of the Miami/Fort Lauderdale/West Palm Beach area.

State Park camping is available at Sebastian Inlet:

http://www.floridastateparks.org/sebastianinlet/

Offline etsisk

Re: Atlantic Coast Route - Florida
« Reply #5 on: October 04, 2014, 10:20:15 am »
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Offline Westinghouse

Re: Atlantic Coast Route - Florida
« Reply #6 on: October 12, 2014, 10:37:29 pm »
I stealth camp most nights on long tours. I have done that route, the Keys, six times. There are always places to get off in the woods somewhere if you look. As for formal campgrounds, they are easy enough to locate on the internet. If you are stealthing, take a look around. You will find.

Offline Norsman

Re: Atlantic Coast Route - Florida
« Reply #7 on: October 13, 2014, 04:43:41 am »
I am planning to cycle this same route next spring.  I got a lot of my information from this site:  (http://www.allstays.com).

You can purchase their Pro version but it is very expensive.  I used the free version and was able to create a fairly long list of campgrounds along the Atlantic Coast. Simply go to their site, click on Florida under Campgrounds, then the Florida Campgrounds Map near the top left and on the next page whatever Map Filters fit (I used Tents Allowed) 

It is quite useful and often includes a Website link to the campgrounds. One caution. Double check their map locations.  I found several mistakes.

Offline etsisk

Re: Atlantic Coast Route - Florida
« Reply #8 on: October 13, 2014, 09:36:25 am »
Thanks so much! I'll definitely check them out!

Offline SlowAndSlower

Re: Atlantic Coast Route - Florida
« Reply #9 on: November 21, 2014, 03:59:08 pm »
It is quite useful and often includes a Website link to the campgrounds. One caution. Double check their map locations.  I found several mistakes.

I rode all day to get to a campground listed by AllStays only to find out it was members only. :(

Offline Norsman

Re: Atlantic Coast Route - Florida
« Reply #10 on: November 21, 2014, 04:22:29 pm »
I had the same thing happen to me at one of their listed sites in Quebec a few years ago. Now I always check by website, email or phone. I also always contact allstays if I find a mistake. They have fixed all I have sent to them.
« Last Edit: November 23, 2014, 02:15:15 am by Norsman »

Offline fnegron44

Re: Atlantic Coast Route - Florida
« Reply #11 on: November 21, 2014, 09:10:03 pm »
Hi etsisk:  Check out Larry and Penny Thompson Park.   It's something the locals know about and kind of off the beaten path.  Neighborhood is kind of rough but within the park you'll be fine.  Just a short ride off of US1 on 184 Street (Eureka Drive).  We are hosts on Warmshowers so don't hesitate to contact us if you need a place near Ft. Lauderdale.
Enjoy the ride....

Offline etsisk

Re: Atlantic Coast Route - Florida
« Reply #12 on: December 09, 2014, 10:06:57 pm »
Hi etsisk:  Check out Larry and Penny Thompson Park.   It's something the locals know about and kind of off the beaten path.  Neighborhood is kind of rough but within the park you'll be fine.  Just a short ride off of US1 on 184 Street (Eureka Drive).  We are hosts on Warmshowers so don't hesitate to contact us if you need a place near Ft. Lauderdale.
Enjoy the ride....
Thanks for the input! I will be looking for a place to stay in the Lauderdale area, so I may very well be in touch. Thanks again!