We are headed to Central Florida (Tampa Area)in March 2013 for three weeks. Our goal is to explore workamp opportunities for the winter of 2014 . We have two questions.
Has anyone workcamped in the Central Florida area and could you share where and what your experience was.
Does anyone have a campground recommendation for that area. Howard and Linda reviewed Manatee State Park and that is under consideration but we are looking for others.
We appreciate all you thoughts and help!
Mike + Anne
RVRon said
03:32 PM Aug 2, 2012
Not sure how close you want to be to Tampa but I can suggest a couple of good parks. Our number one pick for that area is Fort Desoto Campground in Tiera Verde, just south of St. Pete. It's a very popular campground so it may be tough to get a site but it has the best sunsets over the Gulf, especially if you can get a site right on the water. When we stayed there a couple of years ago we talked to a workamping couple who got the job just by being in the right place and asking about it. It's run by Pinellas County.
Another favorite of ours when we visit the Florida RV Supershow is Hillsboro River State Park. It's a little out of Tampa near Thonotosassa, kind of northeast of Tampa.
South of Tampa we've stayed both at Myakka River State Park and Oscar Scherer State Park. Myakka is famous for its BIG gators. They have an airboat ride you can take that looks like a steamboat and gives you an up-close-and-personal look at some huge gators. Oscar Shearer is in Osprey, just south of Sarasota. It's heavily wooded yet close to the beach. There are lots of activities in the area to keep you busy.
I can't comment on any workamping positions but if you're looking for a volunteer position at a state park for winter 2014, you may be too late by waiting until March 2013. We secured our position for this upcoming 2013 winter season last year around Christmas time! It wouldn't hurt to submit your applications this early for a year and a half away. It also helps to seek out a personal interview with the volunteer coordinator where you want to be. Face to face beats a computer application every time!
Hope this helps!
-- Edited by RVRon on Thursday 2nd of August 2012 03:36:32 PM
Team Murc said
12:10 AM Aug 3, 2012
Ron,
Thanks for the heads up . We have signed up for Workamper News and currently working on our profile. I know we are a little behind the curve on this but hoping that we will be successful in landing something for our first job.
I have family that has spent time at Fort Desoto and we hear great thing about it. We will have to give that a serious look.
Thanks again!
Mike + Anne
Dog Folks said
03:32 PM Aug 3, 2012
You may have to take a job that doesn't fit you perfectly, the first year. If offered, take it, especially with the Florida Park Sytem, as your past experience and good references count for a alot with these parks.
We are headed to Central Florida (Tampa Area)in March 2013 for three weeks. Our goal is to explore workamp opportunities for the winter of 2014
. We have two questions.
Has anyone workcamped in the Central Florida area and could you share where and what your experience was.
Does anyone have a campground recommendation for that area. Howard and Linda reviewed Manatee State Park and that is under consideration but we are looking for others.
We appreciate all you thoughts and help!
Mike + Anne
Not sure how close you want to be to Tampa but I can suggest a couple of good parks. Our number one pick for that area is Fort Desoto Campground in Tiera Verde, just south of St. Pete. It's a very popular campground so it may be tough to get a site but it has the best sunsets over the Gulf, especially if you can get a site right on the water. When we stayed there a couple of years ago we talked to a workamping couple who got the job just by being in the right place and asking about it. It's run by Pinellas County.
Another favorite of ours when we visit the Florida RV Supershow is Hillsboro River State Park. It's a little out of Tampa near Thonotosassa, kind of northeast of Tampa.
South of Tampa we've stayed both at Myakka River State Park and Oscar Scherer State Park. Myakka is famous for its BIG gators. They have an airboat ride you can take that looks like a steamboat and gives you an up-close-and-personal look at some huge gators. Oscar Shearer is in Osprey, just south of Sarasota. It's heavily wooded yet close to the beach. There are lots of activities in the area to keep you busy.
I can't comment on any workamping positions but if you're looking for a volunteer position at a state park for winter 2014, you may be too late by waiting until March 2013. We secured our position for this upcoming 2013 winter season last year around Christmas time! It wouldn't hurt to submit your applications this early for a year and a half away. It also helps to seek out a personal interview with the volunteer coordinator where you want to be. Face to face beats a computer application every time!
Hope this helps!
-- Edited by RVRon on Thursday 2nd of August 2012 03:36:32 PM
Ron,
Thanks for the heads up . We have signed up for Workamper News and currently working on our profile. I know we are a little behind the curve on this but hoping that we will be successful in landing something for our first job.
I have family that has spent time at Fort Desoto and we hear great thing about it. We will have to give that a serious look.
Thanks again!
Mike + Anne