Living The Dream- Horrible experience Lake Louisa State Pk, Fl

[@bobbingbirds8381]

I camped at Lake Griffin State Park during the summer 6 years ago. There were quite a few sites that had 2 tents with multiple people staying there. I mentioned to the manager that they all looked homeless and the manager replied that during the summer when it's not busy, the homeless share the costs and stay for the maximum 14 days. This homeless group also had a minivan that shuttled them around. I didn't have any issues with them, but felt uneasy because I was by myself. One funny thing was a black bear showed up and wouldn't leave for days and they wouldn't come out of their tents. I miss the days when the rangers at all Florida State Parks were officers with guns on their hip and everyone had to show ID when checking in. Ironically, the manager at Lake Griffin SP is now the manager at Lake Louisia SP.

[@livingthedream2020]

Wow, I agree I just wish we would get back to personal responsibility, we didn’t make any waves, we just went on our way to camp another day

[@kellybrock3333]

We have been to that campground many times. We are also Florida State Park volunteers. The Rangers could have evicted them if they broke a single rule on the sheet of paper that they were handed when they checked in. And also they would have the backing of the local police if these people were resisting.

[@laurakilmer8652]

I just listened to this again. You were so right. I would have left also. We had a bad camper once in North Carolina that was made at us just b/c we were put next to him. No other reason. When we left, a wheel came off due to loosened lugs nuts. It did a lot of damage and we ended up trading it in a month later. Very expensive neighbor. Once again. You were so correct for getting yourselves out of there. I live near that campground in Ocala, but I dont think I am going there again. Thanks . You are the good responsible people in the world, it is unfortunate that we have welcomed in a bunch of thugs that are going to make our lives worse off.

[@jimmywarren6685]

You did the right thing...ALWAYS follow your gut!! I have lived my life following my gut and it has never guided me wrong. I have carried a gun all of my life, but I depend on my awareness and my gut to keep me and my family safe. It is much easier to avoid issues than it is to deal with them and the aftermath. Jeff Cooper's color codes are spot on in my opinion...and I was using them before I ever heard of Coop. Good job by you and your wife.

[@alexk7286]

retired from jersey. live in fl .(and love it) as we would describe on the job your regular whiskey tango,s!

[@aprilfregd8254]

Our son has autism and has a very difficult time making eye contact. It doesn't make him a bad person, he does his best and has great manners. I am sorry it was a problem for you and it sounds very unpleasant.

[@TechOutsider]

As I get older, I see the societal apathy and complacency eroding what we used to call "couth", or general manners. The most dangerous people are those with nothing to lose, and you have far more to lose than they did. Both your sacrifices in life, ie working hard, not quitting when life gets tough, making the hard decisions, provided you with a decent life. It wasn't luck, it wasn't happenstance, it was doing the right thing when no one is looking. As a younger man, I may have made the poor choice in standing and fighting for the site to defend my honor etc, but I realize in my older age that it wouldn't teach them anything, and the probability of going to jail, losing my property, or my life for that matter wouldn't be worth the effort. Good decision and I look forward to watching your journeys. Thanks for sharing.

[@livingthedream2020]

Amen to that….

[@scottaustin7237]

I have been hearing more and more stories of the homeless community infiltrating public parks and "squatting". As the situation worsens, more law enforcement will have to be installed in these areas or they will be taken over.

[@stevenbryant8382]

I would have got the park ranger.

[@livingthedream2020]

We did, she was awesome

[@robertbdesmond]

Lake Louisa State Park is our go to park, ever since we have owned an RV, about 5 years now. We live about 21 miles from the park. I am in love with the park! Why? Because I am a hiker, and there are over 22 miles of hikable trails at LLSP. As far as the campground goes, I like it, but most campsites lack shade! This to me is the campground’s downfall. Also, there are not trash dump receptacles except for the two dumpsters a hike from the campsites. I’ve complained about this, but to no avail. As for your experience with the campers who wouldn’t leave your campsite when ordered, those people are low life scumbags, that’s all. And unfortunately, it was your day to have to deal with them. I personally would have physically dragged their crap off of my campsite. But of course, all hell could have broken out! And I’m a peaceful guy. I’m surprised that the Rangers didn’t evict them or call the cops. In the end, it was your day to get screwed. I would have left too, rather than escalate the situation. You came across some inconsiderate low life maggot type of campers. It was what it was. As for LLSP- I would have to say that it has slowly been going down hill. The hiking trails are poorly maintained and I have discussed this with the head ranger, Rachel. But it all comes down to lack of funds and seemingly uncaring maintenance crew. I still love LLSP. It’s a beautiful place. We also rent cabins a couple times per year. Sadly, you guys came across some inconsiderate low life scumbags. Please don’t let that bad experience ruin your opinion of the overall park. It’s a beautiful and magical place. I have found that most campers can be nice and I have found that some are not. I usually keep my distance unless I feel their love. I do all I can to avoid confrontation. I will also tell you that I go on very long hikes there and I arm myself with pepper spray, bear spray and a hunting knife, just in case. I hike many miles there and find myself way out from the normal hikers trails. It’s all about being prepared should something go wrong. My policy is to avoid confrontation at all costs, but be prepared should I find myself in harms way. Give the park another chance. I know you have camped there before and you have said how beautiful the place is. You just had a bad day there, no fault of your own. We all get screwed once and a while. I’m sorry that it was your day. You did the right thing by leaving. One’s “gut feeling” is usually correct.

[@sharonevans1257]

Love your furrbabies!!!!

[@livingthedream2020]

So do we…( most of the time) lol

[@siinfloridasi]

Really sorry to hear about this situation, and that it rose to the level of “uncomfortability” that you felt you needed to leave (and all respect to that decision). I’m always amazed that today, Americans “self-divide” for over-broad ideologies, like political party, social class, etc., when in reality - if we were smarter - it would simply come down to “good people” vs. “not-so-good people”…and neither political party or social class has a monopoly on either. Anyway, wishing you better luck on your next adventure.

[@DandeMackiewicz]

Sorry to hear about this experience. We're headed to that campground in 2 weeks and I am wondering about water hookups. Is there a place to fill the water tank? I'm assuming no water hookups at the site. How do you handle getting more water if you run out? Thanks,

[@SoonerGirlTravels]

Without going into detail we had a bad experience there last week with an individual. Not the staff but another customer of the park. It was our first time there and we don’t feel comfortable going back.

[@jeriludvik3337]

If you camp in Flordia you don't pay for daily day fee just camp fee and electric fee which is new. We paid 34.92 per night at lake lousia. We had issues not there but at another Fl. SP with there dogs on our site and shi$ on our site. We did ask them to pick it up.This couple stayed a few nights then left but came back at a different site never picked up there dogs poo. At a different place in Fl. a State forest the site next to us had a tent people came in, in a motor home, they talked to the ranger and the ranger through everything in the back of his truck. That person came back looking for his stuff at 10pm he left without incident thank goodness. We wouldn't of left because our 5th wheel is our home and we would have no where to go.

[@batshtcrazy5293]

Sometimes I feel the majority of people are evil. Its why I prefer boondocking away from em. But kudos to you for having patience and being so nice about it. I would have gone to the office within half an hour. If nothing was done half an hour later, I'd have asked for a refund and left. I always go with my gut feeling, and leave a potentially bad situation. Glad you guys were ok in the end.

[@Happycamper1998]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience. We live in lake county and love LLSP. The ranger should have contacted LCSO to have these individuals moved. The homeless issues in FL are out of control.

[@dgator3599]

So sorry you had this experience.

[@SteadyeddieFPV]

All good, and if you ever need to jump ship up north you can park at our place “cousin Eddy” style. Lol. Love you guys. Stay safe.

[@K9RickRet]

As you know only too well….if something doesn’t feel “right,” then it probably isn’t! Good call! Best to avoid a problem than to have to later fix one! 👍

[@livingthedream2020]

Brother you ain’t lying’ This had midnights in August written all over it!

[@K9RickRet]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Eddie-jc8xn]

Please get to know Florida State Parks: Check out is a 1pm, check in is at 3pm. You were 4 hours early and the folks in the spot had 2 hours to leave..... Your arrival time is not your check in time, plus on a Holiday: virtually impossible to come in early..... Good luck in the future..... Cheers

[@FLAlocal]

Check out time in Florida State Parks is 1pm for campsites and 11am for cabins. As a tent camper, I know I am guilty of staying until the last minute. I am usually not pulling out until close to 1pm bc I like to take my time and enjoy my last morning before having to go back to reality lol.

[@carolsmith5531]

Always follow your gut feelings!!! If you feel uncomfortable it is ok to leave. You are safe.

[@livingthedream2020]

Ty- Honestly, it was a really weird interaction

[@imejias01]

Sorry this happened. We will be going in October… newbie’s I hope we don’t encounter a similar situation.

[@flawedexistence]

81° is most definitely *not* comfortable! I keep my home in IL at 63° year round!! I'd never be able to sleep at that high of a temp!!

[@bendemby924]

Follow your gut.👍👍👍

[@russgilbertson8689]

I'm totally on you side, If you see " My scamp travel adventure" with John and little man, He was surrounded with party people and were very obnoxious and very rude., so this can ruin a good vacation. Sorry this happened to you. A very good post.

[@livingthedream2020]

Amen…safe travels

[@hikewithmike4673]

I have had many bad experiences with knuckleheads at popular campsites or free campsites....got tired of it, every campground should have camp hosts...that being said...I prefer backcountry camping...most knuckleheads are too lazy to hike several miles to get to a campsite...this issue gets worse every year..worse in the wintertime when those from Northern areas come down to Florida to camp

[@laurakilmer8652]

We were just there last week. They said we got the only open site. it was site 9 open to the road, no privacy, in the sun. After 2 or the 3 days we went home. The land is beautiful and most sites are good. (just not ours). You folks are not wrong. You had the right to be a little put off. Why didnt the rangers get these people out of there at chjeck out time. I would have gone to the campground host immediately. sorry about your visit there.

[@northernspirit87]

It’s the Park’s Ranger that should have evicted them and/or called the sheriffs office’s. It’s the Park’s and the park’s rangers responsibility /job to address any wrong doing in the parks they work at and address any issues they have with any campers regardless of stature. No body in today’s society takes accountability for their actions. That is what is wrong with today’s society. As the old saying goes, A few bad apples, ruins the bunch. Sadly, it’s just going to get worse. With inflation so high and with a lot of the younger generation that cannot afford rent, there will be more of the younger generations going to go car/truck/van camping/living because it is cheaper. Campgrounds use to be for the nature / hiking enthusiasts and now have become a cheaper way to live without out paying rent or mortgage. Definitely the park and ranger’s responsibility to enforce the rules for everyone and should have evicted the people that would not leave on time.

[@sail-o9j]

Rangers should have the authority to deal with law or rule breakers.

[@carolmorgan6734]

As a Tennesseean, I resent the stereotyping. We all know you meant Kentucky. LOL

[@livingthedream2020]

Haha sorry

[@willmcgowan9971]

people who do the right thing - are being bullied by people that ignore the rules - bring in the police if they have not been defunded

[@livingthedream2020]

Spot on!

[@sylvain65]

Go with your gut