What started out as a larger group trip, quickly turned into an adult getaway for Paul, April, Jennifer and myself.
As could be expected, all of the spots at Blue Springs state park were taken, so we opted for a neighboring campground, Clark Family Campground, which gave a Passport America discount.
Right when you pull in, you see the signature A-frame office, making it pretty obvious that this property was once a KOA. We checked in at about 8:30PM, shortly before they closed at 9PM. With it only being our second time out in our Jayco, it took us a little while to get the camper leveled out and setup, but there were no issues.
Our plan for Saturday was to get up early and spend a few hours at Blue Springs, tubing and snorkeling. Instead, we decided to explore Cassadega and downtown Deland.
In Cassadega, we explored the bookstore and the hotel. Overall, rather uneventful, unless you are into/believe in afterlives and/or supernatural. We had to get out pretty quick, to keep Paul from offending someone with his séance noises…he has a broken filter sometimes.
We introduced Paul and April to and had lunch at Bellini’s Deli in downtown Deland. The greek salad was awesome.
After lunch, we explored and window shopped the downtown district, then headed to Zaxby’s for their Banana Pudding milkshake, which is amazing.
Saturday night, we introduced Paul to the world of Poker, as he 1) has never played and 2) hates card games. Turns out he is pretty good and enjoys it. I think this will become a staple camping activity. But next time, everyone has to buy in.
Sunday morning we made french toast on the Coleman, began packing out camp. Our plan was to stop off at Flea World in Sanford, but Jennifer’s back was out so we skipped it and headed home.
Overall, I was very impressed with the campground and guarantee we will be back. For the price, location, and amenities, it is a great deal.
Before this trip, Paul was 100% anti-camping. On the way home they went shopping at Camping World for a camper. It is contagious.
Specifics
- Dates: 2015-05-15 through 2015-05-17 (2 nights)
- Weather: Clear, upper 80s
- Spot: 78, Full Hookup
- Price: $40, Passport America Discount, paying for two extra people
Pros
- Very Shaded and nicely maintained.
- Good price
- Very convenient to Blue Springs, Downtown Deland, Volusia County Fairgrounds, and Cassadega
Cons
- Only one bathhouse
- Very friendly operators
- Some of the spots would be pretty tight if there was a crowd
- Non-Campers using pool (possibly a day-fee system)
Advice & Lessons Learned
The spot we were in was in a good location. Not too far from the bath house and a pull through spot. A lot of the spots will require some leveling, so prepare for that. The roads through the campground are narrow, dirt, single lane and have lots of turns. This added with how wooded the area might make it a challenge for some.
Images
