Solo Car Camping and Cooking | Blue Spring State Park and Green Spring

[@whoogoesthere]

I love a woman that is not afraid to be out with nature. Love the vid's, keep em coming!

[@hannusiltala5400]

Kelly your happiness is the play of the sun's rays on your skin, the wind stirring your hair, the smell of smoke on your clothes, sitting in silence alone.😊💙

[@blessedx2rn]

I live 2miles from Green springs. It is green because of sulfur, you're correct. Did you happen to see the little gator in there? There's little side trails there as well. Cute park! I walk my dog there several times a week. Thank you for showing it!

[@theresabassemier9901]

Kelley, I really like your videos. They are simple, informative and fun to watch. I’m like you, in starting to get out on my own because it’s hard to mesh schedules with my friends and family and my husband doesn’t like hiking or camping. It gives me the inspiration to do things on my own. Thanks so much for letting us be involved in your joyous travels. Also, I watched the video of you with Cody and Kellie. What a great time.

[@extraart1]

I'm exploring and camping in the best Florida campgrounds thanks to Kelly Hays Hikes!

[@billevans9231]

Need to get some Old Bay seasoning for those shrimp

[@kellyhays23]

Agreed! Old bay is the goat

[@JoeandEmmaLee]

17:53 awww dude the bears look so good!!! Happy they are working out in a camp setup! 😊

[@ChanceAdventure]

Just camped there, at the boat ramp down French road. Peaceful

[@runningwater4995]

Thanks for taking me camping, many, many times. Your fine energy encourages me to do the same here in Connecticut.❤

[@RJ-ix4co]

I’ve always believed cardinals mean angels are near! Makes me always think of my Dad. Might just be your Grandpa saying hello. Great video.

[@kellyhays23]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@JoeandEmmaLee]

16:57 oh my yum!!!! We love shrimp tacos! Teleport us there now!! Beautiful place, beautiful food, beautiful human! Sending love and hugs! ❤

[@lisasescapades]

Great video Kelly. You’re an inspiration. Making yourself do the run when you didn’t want to. 😊

[@katanapr3]

I think Blue Spring is the only thing I miss from central florida. I used to live 20 min from Wakaiva Springs but I always chose to go to Blue Spring.

[@nopeanutsnopaddle]

Just another day, chillin with my main villain, Kelly Hays!

[@anthonybarbour43]

Great video. I love Florida State Parks. We got to paddle with manatees at the Itchetucknee River and at Silver Springs last February in Florida. Those were great experiences.

[@MrJoshuahendrickson]

Blue springs is my favorite... all the springs feeding the St. Johns are awesome... I'm thinking about living on the river

[@ipadthree4992]

Oh man my favorite part of heading to the springs is all the good food on the way. If you’re back up that way kind of out towards wekiwa springs make a stop at Cubans on the Run in Casselberry. Or if you’re coming up 95, hit Taco Shack in New Smyrna on your way to/from the springs in the Ocala national forest.

[@vickifg13]

That Green Spring was beautiful. I love the way you show us all the beauty of Florida.❤❤

[@MrTitanTopper]

Been loving all of the content lately. Keep it up Kelly!!

[@cwesley2005]

Kelly Hays, best outdoor channel on KZbin! Hey cow!

[@BootsAndPearls85]

The wildlife that you have encountered over the past year or so in your Florida videos are my favorite! It really gave me a different outlook on Florida, it once was a place I never really had a desire to visit, but now I hope to one day. The manatees are so peaceful looking, that sign telling people to not harass them was disappointing - you'd think that wouldn't need to be said but, there are assholes everywhere, even at manatee safe zones. 🙄 Glad the car camping worked out for you, these camp and cooking videos are fun, thank you for sharing!

[@richardthorne2804]

That was pretty darn cool. Those Manatees are really gentle animals. The tacos look fantastic. Enjoying the channel.

[@musingwithreba9667]

Yay manatees! ♥️ I love them. Green Springs is crazy! Wow. Maybe a wool blanket or 2 on the air mattress will insulate you from the cold.

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

I look forward to each video! I know that someday we will get to see the CDT or the PCT ( maybe both) through your eyes and that will be fantastic, but, for now I’m loving the way you are showcasing FL. Thanks👏👍

[@beckyumphrey2626]

We love that park. It is beautiful.

[@ronfox1140]

There is a trail in Polk County Fla. that may not be on your radar. The Van Fleet Trail. It isn't your typical trail. It's an old railroad bed. They removed the tracks and cross ties and paved the whole thing. It's flat and straight. It runs north and south. 35 or 40 miles. Not sure, but it would be easy -peasy for

[@flounder2394]

I liked this video. It's great to see there are people who camp alone as well. Been single for 5 years now after being married 17 years and it still feels weird camping by myself sometimes but like you said it replenishes the soul.

[@kellyhays23]

It does! You get to do what you want and not worry about someone else! It’s the best! Keep getting out there!!

[@RickINFJ]

My Pathfinder has the same slant issue with the seats, but I have GERD so it works out. 😂 I've never been to Florida but have learned sooo much from your vlogs. It truly is uniquely beautiful. Nice psych-out at the end stopping in to Portillo's! ✌️

[@russhay422]

Cooking with Kelly! I usually watch when I’m eating so the cooking was a treat to watch. Props for the cast iron. Big fan of Cayenne. I’ll even put that on salads.

[@joebacarella1304]

Kelly, I love your detail with the marinade and the cooking in general. The tacos looked great! Been watching you for years and you never disappoint!

[@Randee04]

Love your videos!! And thank you for cooking too! Yay!

[@florida-alaskasummer22driv62]

I've been to both of those this year, as I live close. I haven't seen the manatees yet! I When I car camp, I alternate between sleeping in my Subaru or a (large) tent. I added a 2'x2' plywood board to the passenger side for more headroom, and slept on that side, leaving the other side for cargo. 25"W mattress. Loved the video. ❤ There are always several aspects that are interesting or inspiring in your vids. PS, I love cold temperatures! I slept sometimes in the 40s last year with just a sheet & small blanket that you would scoff at. 😂

[@jasonjones5213]

Another great video, I never even thought about going to Florida until I watched your videos.Now I want to go.

[@carolwerner3881]

Both springs are just beautiful! Had never heard of the green spring but will have to go there. Enjoyed another great video and loved seeing you make the tacos!!! Will try to copy, thank you Kelly!!

[@graym7803]

Awesome video! Its been a few years since I've been to Florida. Your video makes me feel like visiting there again!! Have a great day!

[@lynnpike988]

Good video!I like your new word “de thaw”. If something thaws it unfreezes, so to de thaw it would freeze.😊

[@yudunno888]

Love your adventures Kelly.. my wife I use to camp in our outback…blue springs is in our backyard, as we live in the Sanford area…

[@jduggan4129]

What a great video. Love the springs. Love California Joanna

[@starman9458]

I’d love to visit a lot of springs in Florida and those manatees are beautiful while swimming around in the springs. Those shrimp tacos are good, I’ve tried them when I was on a cruise ship.

[@Elizabeth-pt4bv]

Love going to all these cool places. Thanks for sharing

[@steven6692]

I think a roof top tent is the type of gear that you will enjoy/ need kelly...and yes, and a good used 4x4 ...what do you think..?

[@mattbratcher3383]

I want to go! I love the springs in Ocala. Another favorite place of mine is Sebastian Inlet. They have a nice place to car camp there. And the inlet is awesome with some great local places to eat.

[@jr.7302]

Some vehicles, you can flip the bottom of the seats up and out of the way first, this allows the back to fold flat with the cargo area.

[@ciscoponch67]

Portillos are in St. Pete, too!!! Great video, Kelly!!! Happy Holidays!!! ❤❤❤❤ 😊

[@TheArtisticGardener777]

That green spring was so pretty!❤

[@zaftra]

you can get exernal car covers that go over the windows only, leave it loose at the back to get in and out..

[@MarcoTrilliano000]

WoW WoW & WoW Kelly , what can I say your content is up there with the very best on YT. Your knowledge is incredible & you’re very inspiring & give off a great vibe. What I admire most is your so genuine & grounded, how old are you by the way Kelly? AIM for the top Kelly because you got bags of talent & ability it’s so refreshing to see so well done! Reach for those 🌟 All the best Marco (United Kingdom) ❤

[@tedmoret530]

You mentioned the quiet at the campsite. Yes, until the nearby train blows it whistle and jars you out of your sleeping bag at the wee hours of the morning.

[@Michelle514C]

HAPPY HOLIDAYS KELLY - I'm a new follower from Atlanta, thanks for sharing and please STAY BLESSED AND SAFE

[@BRIANDRAUGHN-o8x]

Thank you so much Kelly for the video. Such an inspiration from you seeing places we may have never known existed. Thank you. Stay strong and see you in the next adventure. ❤

[@yvetteconn8678]

Rest In Peace Dollar Store juicer…. those tacos looked amazing!

[@thatsamazinggrace9512]

that looks so nice ❤ I love Florida! I used to camp with my dad when I was a kid and I miss it so much. the abundance of wildlife is so amazing!

[@JohnBoxler]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks for your videos. I always seem to enjoy them

[@SuperdutyExplorer]

I'm hopefully finishing my truck camper this week then starting a road 2-3 week road trip. Getting down to Florida for at least a few days. Just depends how weather is in each state when I leave..

[@robinhoward4204]

It would be awesome to see these gentle creatures. In Australia we have dugong, otherwise known as sea cows - very similar.

[@jimschlabachpeacefuloutdoo7327]

I always enjoy your videos.

[@dandypoint]

Loved the video! I have seen manatees but never in such clear water. You are giving me lots of places to see when I get down there again! Would love to see you make some videos up here in South Eastern Virginia. You always seem to find the best in any place you go.

[@ralphp3057]

Just discovered your channel. I only live 100 miles north of BSSP . I usually go camping in the summer months. The parks are to crowded with snowbirds this time of year! I will check out other videos of yours ! Thanks for sharing.👍😁

[@user-David-Alan]

So nice to see you out enjoying yourself. I agree no spring diving please. That is definitely a beautiful state park. Another state park I hope you get to is Manatee springs state park but it might be kind of far for you to travel. The holy grail of state parks that I have been to is T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. This one is too far from you and would need a week to explore. I had a manatee swim by me at this park in the gulf. This park is like going back in old time Florida 60's, 70's very quaint area. The little town of Port St. Joe is awesome. You would need a week to visit this place and not until April, because it's too cold in the winter. There is a beach walk there like no other in Florida, all wild. This is a hidden gem of Florida. Did you get a contract extension? Stay well, be safe and be happy. Sometime ask me for my world-famous low country shrimp boil, so yummy.

[@kellyhays23]

These spots are going down on my list! Not getting an extension but Maybe I’ll have to take the van back out for some more adventures!!! Would love that boil recipe!!!

[@user-David-Alan]

@@kellyhays23 I will send you the recipe in a private message because it's a secret. My kids who are now adults use to beg me to make this on Christmas eve. It was like a family tradition.

[@Pauls_Adventures]

Just recently visited this park it was so beautiful! It was warmer so not as much manatees were out but still a cool experience!

[@stephtraveler7378]

Great content. Consider the Jetboil Genesis as a cooker. Its like cooking in your kitchen at home. Best flame control of all stoves.

[@kellyhays23]

Used one many time before on trail! They are great stoves

[@sonsoflibertyoverland]

This is the first video I've seen of yours. I went back and checked out your Katahadin summit vid. I completed Maine's portion of the AT in 2021, I section hiked that. I did the 100 mile and Katahadin in back 2013. So that brought back memories. Also watched your 5 mile hike / surgery video. WOW you are incredibly tough and that's insane. Glad you are ok now.

[@moniquen1751]

LOVE Blue Springs! We were there in the summer and loved floating down the spring. Wonderful experience. There are definitely black bears there! We had one run right in front of us on that trail from the campground to the springs when we stayed. Closest bear encounter I've ever had! Thanks for the great video :)

[@kellyhays23]

So cool!!

[@ralphp3057]

I stay away from the Orlando area in the summer. It use to be nice 40 years ago !

[@ladytrekkeradventures8376]

Checkout Hontoon SP near Blue. To cross the river you need use the ferry or a kayak. Primitive camping and good trails. Can also kayak down To blue springs.

[@dlwoodikf]

I loved your video! I work at Blue Spring State Park. It’s so beautiful!

[@aaronlaska6853]

Love the keep on truckin, hat!

[@jamesconnell323]

I used to go down to Fla springs to scuba dive. A we would watch the Manatees laying around the spring openings. The first one I saw I thought it was dead but in a minute it just raised straight up, took a breath of air and laid back down. I wish they would stop all propeller driven boats from those places, all the manatees then had Boat Propeller scars on their backs.🙁

[@fordtruckman80]

Closing off the water activities is for the best. I'm well experienced on kayaks, but back in July I had a manatee unknowingly swim right up to my kayak and when I looked down, all I saw was a giant gray blob the size of a minivan and it startled me which rarely happens. This could be a dangerous situation for people who aren't experienced with kayaks as they may freak out and flip their kayak/canoe. I can only imagine 134 of them in the water.

[@ralphp3057]

What ? It’s not good to close off swimming. I’ve been swimming in a with manatees over the years! I’ve lived in Fl my whole life ! I can’t believe some comments I hear !

[@fordtruckman80]

@@ralphp3057 I've lived here my whole life as well, and I'm more concerned with the welfare of the native wildlife than I am with human's ability to recreate. Not everybody will cause harm to the waterways and the wildlife, but a lot of people will, and those people ruin it for others who simply want to coexist with the wildlife. It's a sign of the times that you must come to accept in order to protect the wildlands of Florida.

[@ralphp3057]

@@fordtruckman80 I hear what you saying. But , you are on a slippery slope of just shutting too many things down! There has to be a compromise. Otherwise younger people will only be able to see it in pictures. Just my perspective on it . 😁👍 Happy Holidays 🎄

[@lynnpike988]

Thanks!

[@ontherighttrail]

We will be heading to Blue Springs in the next couple weeks! Also peep the Mav Keep on Truckin hat!

[@chado_outdoors]

"...under 60 degrees and I'm freezing" girl, you've been away from Arkansas for too long 😂 Portillo's is freakin awesome!

[@stretch1151]

I am so jealous of people that can sleep in their cars! I have to sleep corner to corner in my truck box. LOL

[@leedanielson7452]

I’ve lived in Florida for 30 years and most of the places you are going to I have never seen!!! Kelly, I better get off my butt and start exploring! Thanks!😂

[@ralphp3057]

For sure ! Day trips are good! Be prepared for gigantic crowds in the summer! 40 years ago it was nice .

[@leedanielson7452]

@@ralphp3057 There are gigantic crowds down here all year round nowadays lol..

[@ralphp3057]

@@leedanielson7452 Your correct! I remember when only 3.2 million. Now, 23 million people. I did move away from the coastal populated areas! I now live in north central Fl in the woods! Lol Happy Holidays.😁

[@leedanielson7452]

@@ralphp3057 Cool! I live in highlands county, which isn’t too crazy over populated. Yet anyways lol… My brother lives up in Wewahitchka, which is very rural and like almost nobody lives up there lol….He likes it that way…

[@andrewchaney242]

I love watching your channel, it's very interesting.

[@markwampole7330]

I love your videos Kelly I also live in Florida Loxahatchee I definitely need to try them campsites they look really cool I also I'm allergic to red ants fire ants I get really bad bumps from them however I haven't had a reaction as bad as yours be careful maybe I'll see you sometime out there

[@silentj.]

that looks peaceful

[@michaeladkins7129]

Try Pollo Tropical! My favorite chain place to eat at when I'm in Florida.

[@nickwisor6165]

Well I just wanted to find a place in Pinellas to float a kayak and I've been stuck on this channel since the shell key video. You're a super cool chick

[@PackRaftTheWorld]

Love Blue Springs!

[@insidejokes8893]

Second time watching this. Great video as always and i cant wait to do this same adventure. Thank you

[@ginamarie5575]

I live in north east Florida… I would like to go on hikes but my experience with them hasn’t been the best . Lots of ticks out there especially during the colder months

[@rockydaleo6998]

I love that you make fresh food. It’s an Italian thing 🤣

[@bannerpage]

Was at that same Portillo’s a month ago!

[@OutLan]

That’s a beautiful park. I was there in summer of 2018 so I didn’t get to see the manatees. I’ve got to go back.

[@budgina]

Your it Kelly! Love your videos and content! Bud

[@ianwalker682]

I enjoy watching where your adventures take you but what really gets me is that food. Those shrimp tacos had me wanting to swipe one off your plate.

[@ReneVandyk]

Hi Kelly love your excitement and Awesome Beautiful Amazing Scenery ❤ go Kelly 😊

[@CaydenGaming]

Have you thought about Hillsborogh River state park, no manities but a good spot for hiking, kayaking and camping.

[@jeremyaustin6328]

I’m a spring fan and that’s the first time in my 47yrs of Florida life living that I’ve ever heard and seen Green Spring😳 That was cool. If you’re gonna do Florida foods then ya gotta do a Pub sub 🤤🙌🏻 It made Tom Brady a fan🤙🏻

[@kellyhays23]

Hahaha I live off pub subs!

[@marshallgordon5308]

Need to check out devils den probably the best spring in Florida

[@billmccabe6188]

Looks comfy ❤

[@amuddymoose]

What, if anything, do you take with you for personal protection? What do you recommend? I starting doing some solo hiking but feel like I need something…just in case.

[@stuartrollings602]

Howdy from Texas! Thanks Kelly! How are the mosquitoes there? Love the springs! Cardinals are angels! Saddle up!

[@kellyhays23]

No bugs when I was there🙌👏🏼

[@TeamIceHole]

Love your videos keep up the great work

[@marysalmon2367]

Now I have to go check if my Rogue would be comfy for camping. Curious, would you ever just try your sleep pad in the car? I am not a fan of air mattresses, too hard to toss and turn! Are you following a plan for your ultra training? Im asking because the plan I followed allowed rest days vs a 3 miler. I gotta say having a framework to follow helped.

[@kellyhays23]

I’ve tried a pad before but the surface was too uneven for it to be comfortable. One day I’ll get some plywood measured for the back so I don’t have to have that big blow up mattress!! Yes I’m on an ultramarathon plan!

[@budgina]

Luv you too!❤

[@ReneVandyk]

Hi Kelly just Love The Gorgeous Awesome Amazing Beautiful Scenery ❤😊

[@robertevans5121]

Love all your videos

[@justincredible1024]

Smokin HOT nice video Kelly look's like a great State park

[@jimweagant8920]

Thanks for the great video 👍👍