Craig’s RV Park Treats Guests to the Best of Old Florida
Old Florida meets contemporary hospitality at Craig’s RV Park in Arcadia, located 50 miles east of Sarasota. The park puts guests in the rustic heart of Southwest Florida, known for its scenic waterways, unspoiled landscapes, and cowboy culture. This is the wild side of Florida, away from the big tourism centers, so saddle up and explore a slice of the Sunshine State far from the crowded tourism spots.
Photo Credit: Craig’s RV Park
At Craig’s RV Park, management creates an atmosphere that’s as friendly and laidback as the surrounding community. It’s been that way since the Craig family founded the campground in 1979 on a 20-acre orange grove. Over the decades, the RV park has grown to 77 acres with more than 300 sites, along with lots of amenities and activities to keep guests pampered and entertained.
Guests enjoy 41 pull-through sites with a maximum of 90 feet. Each site has full hookups and Wi-Fi, and there are 161 seasonal sites for snowbirds. A dump station, laundry facilities, and metered LP gas ensure convenience.
Photo Credit: Craig’s RV Park
Let Them Entertain You
When guests aren’t relaxing on the patios at their sites, they can participate in one of the many recreation opportunities offered by the park. Guests can enjoy the heated pool and rec room, along with games like shuffleboard, billiards, and horseshoes.
Photo Credit: Craig’s RV Park
Music plays a big role in the park, and there are dances as well as musical performances. Fans of bluegrass music can tap their toes to performances by the Heartland Bluegrass Association, which typically meets at the park on the fourth weekend of each month. Music enthusiasts can jam with the group in performances that start on Friday evening and continue throughout the weekend.
If you’re just a beginner, you can sign up for a slow-jam workshop and hone your guitar, mandolin, and banjo skills.
Arcadia at Large
Beyond the campground, the town of Arcadia, with a population of around 7,000, punches above its weight when it comes to charm and culture. The Arcadia Historic District preserves elegant buildings from the early 20th century and many house restaurants and boutiques that retain their old-school atmosphere.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Fans of bucking broncos can attend the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, held every fall at the Mosaic Rodeo Arena. Located in the heart of town, the venue also hosts several other agricultural expos, the popular Monster Jam, and musical concerts. This popular spot reminds visitors of the region’s vital role in the cattle industry.
Lush Landscapes
Just outside of town, explorers can discover some of Florida’s most popular natural treasures. From the DeSoto Veterans Memorial Park on the western edge of town, paddlers can launch their craft on the Peace River, which flows for 70 miles through lush forests. Folks who go canoeing or kayaking on this waterway will pass Spanish moss-clad cypress trees along the banks, along with alligators and birds thriving in a lush environment. Captain Zac’s Airboat Tours takes passengers on speedy cruises of the river.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Put down the paddle and lace up the hiking boots for a visit to 75-acre Brownville Park, with a family-friendly loop nature trail along with more challenging hikes through the woods. Thirty-six miles to the west, the 39-mile Myakka Hiking Trail treats adventurers to a rich patchwork of habitats, including grasslands and shady oaks hammocks. Keen cyclists will find miles of trails here. At Brownville Park, anglers can drop lines in the Peace River current for bream, bass, and snook.
More Wild Attractions
Art lovers will get a charge out of Solomon’s Castle, the home and exhibit space of international artist and sculptor Howard Solomon. Take a guided tour of this quirky and fun destination, where Howard’s sense of humor comes alive in puns and tongue-in-cheek artwork. Have lunch on the Boat on the Moat restaurant or stroll along the banks of beautiful Horse Creek.
Photo Credit: psyberartist
Take a ride on the ultimate off-road vehicle on a tour arranged by Peace River Charters. The company uses swamp buggies, which are trucks with raised platforms and huge wheels that take passengers into deep wetland environments. Riders can get rare views of Florida flora and fauna from safe and comfortable seats.
Ocean lovers can head west to explore the Gulf Coast, where fun towns like Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg offer outstanding travel experiences.
After a day of touring the surrounding area, fans can enjoy a relaxing stay back at Craig’s RV Park. There won’t be any big city noises — this is Old Florida, after all.
The post Craig’s RV Park Treats Guests to the Best of Old Florida appeared first on RV.com.
