STEPHEN FOSTER FOLK CULTURE CENTER STATE PARK, WHITE SPRINGS, FLORIDA

Our Opinion: Rave.  Huge level sites, plenty to see and do.

Date of Stay: March 22, 2010.

Weather During Stay:  Partly cloudy and breezy, mild during the day.  Low at night was 38, a cold surprise.

Site Description:  We’re in site 28, a large, level, pullout with 30 amps and water.   The 45 campsites are arranged in three loops, with about an equal number of back-ins and pull-throughs/pull-outs. Our site had plenty of privacy, and the campground is in a wooded area with lots of cool Spanish moss.  Sites are on gravel and each has a picnic table.  Roads are paved.

The campground has 2 restrooms with showers and covered outdoor laundry facilities (first time I’ve seen that).  A large playground is located near the Suwannee Loop.  A dump station is available.

Rate: We paid $22/night.  No discounts.  Florida uses the Reserve America system for reservations – but we weren’t charged the usual “convenience” fee; the total fee for our site reserved online was $22.

Phone/radio/TV: Great Verizon service for phone and aircard.  Although we had no problem locking on our roof-mounted TV satellite, the tree cover in some sites would present challenges.  We got nothing on our antenna.  NPR is available on 88.9, from Tallahassee.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain:  This is a flat campground at low elevation.  Lots of saw palmetto, tall pines, large oaks and huge deciduous trees draped in Spanish moss. Sites are relatively private; our view is of trees, moss and a few other RV’s.

Lighting/Noise:  No light or noise to bother us at night.  Sites near the restrooms might have a different light experience.

Favorite Sites:  We liked site 28, but would pick 27 next time, since a rig in site 29 would be smack in the center of our view and very close (it was empty last night).  This would be a great site for a 5th wheel, though.  There are MANY large, level, semi-private sites in this park.

Hiking/Walking:  Miles and miles of hiking, including a wonderful trail along the banks of the dark, mysterious, Suwannee River.

A typical campground loop view	The dark Suwannee River

Comments: LOTS to do in this state park: hike, bike, canoe the Suwannee River, visit the Stephen Foster Museum and the Carillon Tower (which plays concerts 4 times a day), visit the gift shop and craft demonstrations.  Lovely grounds and facilities.  The historic town of White Springs looked interesting, and we were given a brochure for a walking tour of their historic buildings.  That will have to be on the list for “next time”.  We would return here anytime we are in the area.