Paynes Prarie State Park Campground Tour Part 1 (RV Living Full Time) 4K

RV living full time took us to Canada and away from our "boys" for 3 months. So for our first Florida State park campground, I wanted to be near them and for it to be special. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy, Florida was just that and more. The lush greenery that provides privacy, the friendly staff, and the proximity to Gainesville and the University of Florida made it the perfect choice. Plus all the wildlife! Bison, wild horses, gators, and birds! And its dog friendly in the campground, but not all trails allow dogs. So please check before hiking with Fido.
This Florida State Park Campground Tour video is a site by site tour with a view of the bathhouses and the amenities in each site, along with the area map, campground map, and trail map.
Because there is so much to do within the park, like the 50' observation tower to see bison and wild horses, and so much to do close by, there will be a second video to show hikes, the day use, boat ramp, and boardwalks.
Time Stamps:
intro 0:00
Campground Map Overview 01:15
Outside Loop 02:40
Inside Loop 05:15
Tent Area 06:55
Amenities 08:51
Campground Address
100 Savannah Boulevard
Micanopy, FL 32667
Park opens at 8am and closes at Sunset
Quiet time: 11pm to 7am
Ranger Station: 352-545-6000
Visitor Center: 352-466-4100
Assistant Park Manager: 352-258-9310
Park Manager : 850-519-0288
www.floridastateparks.com
www.floridastateparks.org/par...
www.prairiefriends.org
www.reserveamerica.com
to reserve your site or 800-326-3521
Article on Paynes Prairie
www.visitflorida.com/en-us/th...
Check In : 3pm
Check Out: 1:00 pm
35 RV sites
15 Tent only sites
All RV sites and water and either 30 or 50 amp power ( see video for which)
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We are a married couple in our mid 50s who downsized and sold our house so we can see the sights and enjoy every day to live deliberately as full time RVers - traveling with our dogs, Scrappy & Chewie, in our Grand Design Solitude 310 GK fifth wheel.
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#rvliving #flstatepark #campgroundtour

[@houseofbreadsoul4796]

Great Video. The layout is perfect. So informative & very well made and enjoyable. You guys are becoming my go too RV reserach channel. Please don't stop making these.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Wow. Thanks. It’s because of comments like yours that we keep making these because they don’t get the same views as others. We are just glad we can help, Alice

[@FollowThomas]

One of my favorite campgrounds

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

It’s ours too. Plus it’s close to our kids. A great bonus. Alice

[@nancymichels8745]

We love the content of your videos! We appreciate the fact that you share experiences with us and not a channel where we feel we are watching an infomercial for products.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Nancy, give us a slap 👋 in the comments if we ever do that 🤣. If we do a review of a product, it will be one we have used for a long time and just because we think it will help. Keep an eye on us. Alice

[@LuckyDawgProductions]

Great site by site tour of Paynes Prairie State Park. You do such a good job showing the sites. We love Florida State Parks. Thanks Larry & Alice.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Bob, we are huge fans of Florida State Parks. I wish we could only stay in them. The site by site helps a lot of people see what they are getting or pick a better site if it’s available. We mostly just get what’s open 🤣. Alice

[@leanneglover979]

Thank you for doing videos like this! We’re new campers with our first travel trailer purchase this Summer. We are so excited to visit more State Parks!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Leanne, we love state parks. And we found we couldn’t find good pics of sites so we decided to do it ourselves 😂 Congratulations 🎉🎈🎊🍾 on the rig. Enjoy. Happy Holidays Alice

[@jamesavila562]

Very nice park to set up camp. Thanks go to both of you for your efforts to share.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

James, it really is a beautiful campground. Alice

[@joycemoses2411]

Thank you for the excellent drive-thru!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Joyce, I’m glad you liked it. Best way to see a campground before you go. Alice

[@joycemoses2411]

@@DownsizingMakesCents I agree. Thank you!

[@lisamcgrath3132]

Looks like a nice campground to spend some time at, thanks guys for another great review & for sharing with us all🤗

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Lisa, wait until we show you all the hikes and wildlife in a follow up video. Alice

[@nfmermaid]

Great tour! Thanks!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Your welcome. We are actually rewatching it now to help find a spot for next year, Alice

[@stevebradley7690]

Enjoyed the park tour. We never stayed in anything like that. I like all the space between each camp site. Thanks for sharing.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Steve, you need to visit state parks in Florida. They usually have more space, privacy, and nature than private RV parks. This is why we love them. Then there is the wildlife. Plus there are so many with crystal clear springs ❤️ Alice

[@vickyzoo7074]

Great Video. Thank you so much.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Vicky, thank you. We have another video all about the trails and fun stuff to do. Alice

[@boberdman8146]

Another great video. Going to checkout the campground tomorrow. Only 70 miles from my house. Thanks for all the info.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Bob, I can’t believe this was our first time their since both kids went to UF. Did you see the other video about all the trails in the park? Lots to do, Alice

[@RVOnTheWayside]

Loving all the production in your Park tours. Really nice and I can't imagine how much time that must take you to get it put together. We are showing your channel this Saturday Night 730-9pm EST, as you are our Channel Champions this week. Love you guys. ❤️👍👏 Donovan & Jodi

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Wow. Thank you so much. We greatly appreciate it. We have been super busy dealing with our broken leaf spring and hope it will be fixed tomorrow. We are not sure when that video will be live. But we sure learned a lot. Alice

[@sherriweber7105]

It looks like a real nice camp ground. And looks fun to do a little bit of hiking through there. The amount to stay there is not bad. I’d stay there. Stay safe. Thank you for the video.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Sherri, state park prices are very reasonable for what you get. Big sites, often privacy greenery and of course all the nature within walking distance. Lots of hikes here and wildlife. That video is in the works. Alice

[@PanhandleHopper]

Thanks for all the info. Very thorough. I've driven past there so many times on I-75 but never made a stop.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Us too going to visit the boys. But now I know how amazing it is. Even if you aren’t at the campground, there are amazing trails. Alice

[@BikesBoatsBivouacs]

Another great spot in Florida! Hopefully I can get down there next year.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

So many great state parks in Florida. I hope you make it here as well. Alice

[@TheArtofRVing]

*Those camp grounds are different than ours in Texas. So natural looking. Those sites had such privacy. Fun music*

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Florida state parks do in general have large sites and lots of greenery. The artist is one of our favorites. Alice

[@ItsAboutTimeNow]

Love seeing this and all the trees! We were afraid with a name like Prairie, it would be just grass LOL. Thank you for posing. ~ Brad and Diana

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

🤣😂 If you are going, go to the look out behind the welcome center with some zoom equipment. Also, I know a couple of good trails to see wildlife. I’m still working on that video. Alice

[@AmericanWanderers]

There is lots of prairie just north of the wooded campground. It used to be a lake which suddenly drained in a few days down a sinkhole back in the 1800's. The lake was big enough to support ferry boats

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@AmericanWanderers Yes. In my second part video about the trails, I mention about that and more interesting info. Alice

[@mcyoung2375]

Looks like a very nice campground!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

It is a beautiful place. Alice

[@SantosChronicles]

I really do enjoy these videos. Love the music you guys use and those areas are so pretty. All we need is Larry Vlogging from the top of the camper - Teen Wolf style.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

😂🤣 Is the teen wolf comment because of his beard? Or because he acts like a teen 😂. They are beautiful campgroundS. Alice

[@bryanwood84]

WE are 50 somethings as well and can't wait to join you in downsizing!! June 2022 is my retirement date and we will hit the road that summer starting with the east coast of Canada. Love your Muskoka and Canada T's glad you enjoyed our area of North America. Hope to enjoy your area soon. Love your vids keep them coming!! Cheers

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Bryan, we plan on sharing our awesome Canada adventures when it gets close to camping season again up north. We visited 8 provincial parks. And Larry filmed every one of them. We wanted to visit his nephew in Nova Scoria but couldn’t. Maybe next summer. But for now, enjoy our Florida travels. And good luck with your downsizing. A little every day. Alice

[@bryanwood84]

@@DownsizingMakesCents That's awesome cant wait to see them! I hope Killbear was one of them I spent most of my summers there!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Killbear was our favorite ❤️

[@yceltirao2779]

Wow nice place. Friend here from the Philippines visiting and sending my support. 🙏

[@bluskyodyssey]

I have heard they have wild horses there, would love to see them. Last time we tried to go there it was full. Nice tour! Debbie - BluWave Odyssey

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Debbie, it is hard to get into this park, especially weekends. Book early. It is an amazing park. Alice

[@LovingLifeHitchedUp]

great information on this park. we love florida state parks. loyal and supportive new friends here. looking forward to watching more of your videos. we have a small rv travel channel.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Florida state parks are amazing. Thanks for coming by. Alice

[@SmallSpaceLiving]

Wow we love FL parks. Jessica is all about the trees. I love the space in the sites. They are amazing. I think they have to have some of the best state parks in the country. These riding tours are neat to be able to see a spot if you are considering a stay. Did Larry happen to wreck his bike on this tour? That tends to be a real thing. lol. Like the music to. Very relaxing and laid back. Larry did you want into the ladies room to shot? That was to clean for a men's restroom. We can't aim. lol Great backdrop to for the talking part. Very cool and well done. I got a question. Does Down sizing really make cents like the penny? Don't get eat by a gator. lol

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

You are too funny. Florida state parks are amazing. Especially ones with springs. Yes. The site by site tours do help people pick the perfect spot. No bike injuries lately. He’s riding his good bike now 🤣. The music is from one of our favorite artists on epidemic sound. No ladies room visit- that I know of 🤔 That spot is day use and walking distance from campground. It’s a great sunset spot. It does still make cents😂. Yes. Many gators here. We are in Florida. Alice

[@mpiercecfp]

Wow guys! Thanks so much for sharing. I really enjoyed watching. So beautiful and lush. I was surprised that there were so many empty spots. Was that just because of the time of day or week? Thanks again!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Mark, there are a few empty spots still on the weekend. It is surprising. It’s a great place in an awesome location. Alice

[@audiecarter8886]

I am so happy I found your channel. BTW who does all the editing?? It is superb

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Audie, thanks. Larry does all the editing. He’s a perfectionist 😅. Glad you liked it and noticed his hard work. Alice

[@juliebolduc802]

Great video! So many don’t bother adding what the site numbers are!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thank you. That’s sort of our “thing” 😉

[@mikeurrego777]

Wow, thank you so much for this video! Great to see it before actually getting there! One question, how are they with noise ordinance? I know it’s quiet time at 11pm but do people still play music afterwards? Thanks!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Mike, from what we remember, we didn’t have a problem with noise. Plus there was a super helpful campground host. We try to get to know them just in case there is an issue. Hope you enjoy your stay. And we are glad we could help. Alice

[@imillionaires]

$18 a night is not bad. Looks like a nice campground.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Steve, it really is worth it. I’d much rather be at a state park than private one. Alice

[@ramblingamblin4649]

Love your site by site videos. Keep them coming. Tent camper in Site 48 with 50 amp and water. That’s just wrong 🤦‍♂️

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks. Larry decided this was one way of keeping track of good spots we are looking for. Part of the tenting area is closed so I guess that’s why they are in RV section. Who knows what a tenter might want to plug in 🤣😂. Alice

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

that flora looks like that old movie The Yearling with Jodie and Flag the fawn; do u get good cell phone wifi reception at your campsite? satellite tv reception?

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Lauren, the movie The Yearling was filmed partially in the Ocala National Forest which is about 45 minutes south. We stayed at Salt Springs and took the Yearling Trail awhile back. We are having no issues on our phones with ATT. Wait until part 2 when we show gators, birds, wild horses, and bisons! Alice

[@tracker5849]

We have reservations next week...never been there

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

So much to do. You will love it

[@AmericanWanderers]

We live in the area and I hope you didn't discover the meaning of tick central...heh. BTW not that you'll ever see it again, Micanopy is pronounced Mick Ah No Pee. Nice video only the second one of your I've watched.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

We lived in Central Florida for 23 years- we know too well about ticks and stickers 🤣 Yes. I actually had someone else correct me about Micanopy. Ooops. Our two kids live in Gainesville so we hope to be back often I actually wish I explored Micanopy more- so much history there. Maybe next time. Thanks for coming by Alice

[@imillionaires]

I have a very important question. In the spring I should have my hybrid trailer. So is it safe for bears in Florida state and National parks? For example cooking in camper and smell of food. It also has an outdoor kitchen. I had a close call with a Grizzly in Alaska when taking pictures of a bear teaching her cub to swim. Cub took off and passed 20 ft in front of me and of course mom chased after it. Tour guide was ready with bear spray and we froze. Then they headed into area the other tour group went and my guide hollard out to warn them. It was an adventure ;)

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Steve, Bears in Florida are not as aggressive as as elsewhere. But many state parks will have signs to be near aware and have bear proof garbage cans. When we owned a home, we did Jane bears cruise through the neighborhood. I would say don’t leave food or garbage outside or in your RV basement. Raccoons, squirrels or more of a problem from our experience. We have only stayed in the Ocala National Forest in Salt Springs and not national parks. But Ocala National Forest is full of bears. But wildlife experts will say that Florida bears are not dangerous unless they feel threatened or it’s a mom protecting Cubs. I’m no expert but this is our experience. I’ve lived in Florida since I was two. Question, what do you mean by hybrid? Alice

[@imillionaires]

@@DownsizingMakesCents hybrid trailer... Rockwood Roo 235s (has tent ends that pop down). Good to hear because canvas isn't going to stop a bear.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@imillionaires oh. Got it. A pop up. Most Florida state park have tent sections as well. See what they do about food. Plus there is info on their website and signs around how to be near aware. Alice

[@LivinLifeWithDean]

Looks like a beautiful campground! I am really enjoying watching your adventures and can’t wait to see what you get up to next! Feel free to check out my travel adventures if your interested! 🙂

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Thanks so much!

[@acehenshaw1504]

Missed site 11, my site

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Ace, that is so funny. No one else noticed 🤣. Did you like it? Sorry we missed it. Alice

[@acehenshaw1504]

@@DownsizingMakesCents loved it. Not to be sorry, it is my site for Christmas.....stay. Safe, and thank you

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@acehenshaw1504 I’m jealous. I’d love to be there for Christmas. Enjoy it for us. Alice

[@acehenshaw1504]

We are here now......11 is AWESOME!!

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

@@acehenshaw1504 That’s awesome. I bet Gainesville will be beautiful at night lit up for Christmas. Enjoy. Alice

[@tracker5849]

Mick...a..nope..eee. not mi..canopy

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yes. Thank you. We have been corrected on the pronunciation before but can’t change the video now

[@cathysmith8947]

It's not north of Gainesville it's south.

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Yes. Sorry. No easy way to correct it after it’s uploaded