In this episode, I'll car camp inside my no build minivan camper at (and review) Ashley Campground in the West Tract of the Green Swamp Wilderness. This is another FREE property managed by SW Florida's WMD (essentially our equivalent to BLM land out West) I'll give you a tour of my site, and the campground, which happened to be completely deserted the entire time I was there. It was a unique experience to have the whole property all to myself! I'll also share with you my camp neighbors...which ended up being a whole family of barred owls - such a special and unexpected surprise! This was another fantastic place to camp at no cost at all here in Florida. Definitely a beautiful little gem with great hiking trails and lots of peace and quiet! ==== Check out my playlist of other awesome free options for boondocking here in Florida! th-cam.com/play/PLoZ0vzM0yMplFVkuNSdYCidE1aURyiHmL.html ==== My setup details **As an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission for any qualifying purchases made using the links below, but this is at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend the items I personally use and love. Using these links is a great way to support my channel and ensure that I can continue to deliver quality future content, so thank you in advance for your support - I truly appreciate it! Product Links for Indoor & Outdoor Setup/Items Used: Jackery 240 Power Station: amzn.to/3wIiHgX Jackery 1000 Power Station: amzn.to/3lzmMyP Bluetti EB70S Power Station (800W inverter with 716Wh): amzn.to/3nhu0ft Shower bag: amzn.to/39LSDtM collapsible tea kettle (700W): amzn.to/3XG5Rvd "C" table over bed: amzn.to/3Ki06AQ cup holder phone stand for watching TV: amzn.to/3Kk6veY disposable female urinals (Travel Jane): amzn.to/3EGHebl urinal/reusable no spill bottle: amzn.to/3Z3lWMM portable DVD player: amzn.to/3lLyZ70 string lights: amzn.to/3IxI3oW Luci Light inflatable solar lantern: amzn.to/3YXvJ6U set of mini cooking utensils: amzn.to/3IdBlTD Lunatec pressurized water bottle: amzn.to/3KBgXyX macrame fruit hammock/bag: amzn.to/3lOlwLT Koonie 8" blades rechargeable USB fan with clamp: amzn.to/3lHxBCl cup holder inverter: amzn.to/41bpluz USB mini fan with reading light: amzn.to/3EhsDCE bamboo breakfast tray: amzn.to/3GiXM8Q Hot Logic Mini: amzn.to/3YD1YbV glass Pyrex container: amzn.to/40MXfog Dash Mini Maker Electric Griddle: amzn.to/413y6qF low wattage (300W) BalBali electric kettle: amzn.to/3YD96EV Aeropress coffee maker: amzn.to/3lLFKG5 handheld battery powered milk frother: amzn.to/3kat7DV mesh window screens: amzn.to/3GiXSxe magnetic window curtains: amzn.to/3G8TqAW Alpicool C20 12V car fridge: amzn.to/3MHL9X1 metal utility shelf: amzn.to/3wF2tXp trunk storage unit: amzn.to/3wBFNXY Insulated cooler bag: amzn.to/38FK6IG ergonomic gel memory foam seat cushion: amzn.to/3wBLNjg boot scraper: amzn.to/3z1eaJc side slot cup holders: amzn.to/3wC6IS0 hands free phone cup holder stand: amzn.to/3sTLHS1 hands free phone dash mount: amzn.to/3G8Uvsu LED flameless chargeable lantern: amzn.to/3lE8EVf USB LED light bulb: amzn.to/3yVudZc stained glass "rainbow" decals: - phases of the moon: amzn.to/3WBaxm9 - mandalas: amzn.to/3hJXlfF magic mesh screen doors: amzn.to/41OXq3x mosquito netting: amzn.to/44aPhrU Outdoor rug: amzn.to/3yuV5Pv Folding camp table (aluminum): amzn.to/37GGGF2 Coleman Camp Chair: amzn.to/3L52sQg CLAM Quickset Traveler 6x6ft screen shelter: amzn.to/3G48ql8 privacy panels for screen shelter: amzn.to/3FALXus
Nice campsite never worry about being alone the crazy campers are the only thing to really be afraid of except the gators bears sharks snakes spiders and panthers …You know the nature you’re there to see…Have fun stay safe
One of the nicest things about the water management areas is so few people know you can camp there. I visited some along the Saint Johns river without actually knowing I was supposed to reserve a spot. No one else was there, so I guess it didn't matter. The first half of the river from its source near Yeehaw Junction, to Sanford is all water management. Each area is adjacent to the next. I'd like to travel the entire river, kayaking through creeks and irrigation canals at first, then in a cabin cruiser.
Once I was at a presentation about birds of the Sierra, and someone asked what was the best thing to do to help birds. He said- plant an Oak. They have everything birds need. Today I was looking at Oak branches like you had there, which are like their own terrarium, so much growing on the branches.
Beautiful place. Amazing you had the whole place yourself... Although that might have creeped me out a bit. BEAUTIFUL footage of the owls. Really enjoyed this video.😊
I was a little dubious when I first arrived (especially b/c of the questionable route my GPS took me in on, which made it seem wayyyyy further away from civilization than it actually was lol!!) But I ended up being so relaxed and at ease! Must have been all the trees and their good energy!
That is a nice campground, looks like it is well maintained. How did you say you knew how to unlock that gate, I haven't ever seen a lock system like that. The pictures of the owls were beautiful, I haven't ever heard a baby owl before, so thanks for that information. Your new lanterns were pretty, can't wait to see how they look when they are charged up. Be safe.
I wish I'd thought to film the lock. I'd never seen a system like that before yet either, and it would have taken me a while to figure out I think. I was fortunate enough to see another video on the campground before that "Two For The Road" did where they showed how the lock worked, so I remembered from that!
Baby owl: “Moooooommmm, there’s a crazy lady taking my picture!” How peaceful to have your own campground. Sometimes it’s nice to not have to share with strangers. How often does that happen in Central FL?! Thanks for info on booking and accessing the gate. I don’t know why, but I’m totally confused by their process and have held off going to the Wildlife Management site. I must bite the bullet and just plunge in!
🤣🤣🤣🤣 Yes, it was such a treat to have the place to myself! I was a little intimidated by the water management district process, but so far I've found the SWFL to be very user friendly (the St Johns one not as much)! I do want to try out a couple of the other district sites here too soon, though 🤞
Thanks, Heather. I am in the Tally area and camp in a mini camper too. If you ever head up this way, give me a holler. I enjoy your travels and videos a lot. Thanks to you, I have a beachside space reserved at Flagler Beach coming up!
Ooooh, awesome, so excited for you!! And thank you so much! I definitely want to spend more time exploring the panhandle this next year - I haven't visited hardly any of it before, so I need to change that!
I like water management areas, campsites are free. Are you planning to head up north for a summer or staying here in Florida? The good thing about camping in Florida is that in the middle of summer nobody is around, it's too hot.👍
So far a the water mgmt properties I have stayed at have been great!! It's looking like I'll probably be in Florida through summer (I might manage a quick getaway into the mountains in GA 🤞) until I go to chase the leaves this fall!
Now that I think about it, I usually do for "HORSES!!" but then just say "HIII!" to the cows lol!! I know, I didn't even think that was possible at any of the FL campgrounds, but it sure was nice!
Thank you!! It's actually a tapestry/sheet lol! I keep meaning to get an actually waterproof cover I can wipe down, but I have a small stack of these I always keep handy to use as towels or tablecloths for now, and they are getting the job done! I checked my past Amazon orders, and the specific links I used aren't available anymore since they're so old, but I think I initially searched "boho tapestry" for them.
Thank you for the video. Can you please share the name of the solo piano tune you played on this video (or artist’s name)? It has an old-fashioned jazz sound to it, the kind of music I enjoy. Thank you!
Thank you!! I wish I knew! It's just in the "relaxing" section of the free license music options on my phone's editing program, but it doesn't list the artist or name of the piece 🙁
Thankfully I had decent reception here. A lot of the water management district free campgrounds are definitely off the beaten path here, but most are still relatively close to "civilization" once you drive a couple miles. A little slow for streaming or uploading, etc... but still able to text and call. I also have a Garmin in-reach mini for places where coverage is spottier.
![[Disastrous]Camping alone in a Small Car in Heavy Rain. Spending a Night at an Emergency Dam Lake.](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gyLftS0HLJc/mqdefault.jpg)
![[Disastrous]Camping alone in a Small Car in Heavy Rain. Spending a Night at an Emergency Dam Lake.](/img/tr.png)
In this episode, I'll car camp inside my no build minivan camper at (and review) Ashley Campground in the West Tract of the Green Swamp Wilderness. This is another FREE property managed by SW Florida's WMD (essentially our equivalent to BLM land out West)
I'll give you a tour of my site, and the campground, which happened to be completely deserted the entire time I was there. It was a unique experience to have the whole property all to myself!
I'll also share with you my camp neighbors...which ended up being a whole family of barred owls - such a special and unexpected surprise!
This was another fantastic place to camp at no cost at all here in Florida. Definitely a beautiful little gem with great hiking trails and lots of peace and quiet!
====
Check out my playlist of other awesome free options for boondocking here in Florida!
th-cam.com/play/PLoZ0vzM0yMplFVkuNSdYCidE1aURyiHmL.html
====
My setup details
**As an Amazon Associate, I do earn a small commission for any qualifying purchases made using the links below, but this is at no additional cost to you, and I only recommend the items I personally use and love. Using these links is a great way to support my channel and ensure that I can continue to deliver quality future content, so thank you in advance for your support - I truly appreciate it!
Product Links for Indoor & Outdoor Setup/Items Used:
Jackery 240 Power Station:
amzn.to/3wIiHgX
Jackery 1000 Power Station:
amzn.to/3lzmMyP
Bluetti EB70S Power Station
(800W inverter with 716Wh):
amzn.to/3nhu0ft
Shower bag:
amzn.to/39LSDtM
collapsible tea kettle (700W):
amzn.to/3XG5Rvd
"C" table over bed:
amzn.to/3Ki06AQ
cup holder phone stand for watching TV:
amzn.to/3Kk6veY
disposable female urinals (Travel Jane):
amzn.to/3EGHebl
urinal/reusable no spill bottle:
amzn.to/3Z3lWMM
portable DVD player:
amzn.to/3lLyZ70
string lights:
amzn.to/3IxI3oW
Luci Light inflatable solar lantern:
amzn.to/3YXvJ6U
set of mini cooking utensils:
amzn.to/3IdBlTD
Lunatec pressurized water bottle:
amzn.to/3KBgXyX
macrame fruit hammock/bag:
amzn.to/3lOlwLT
Koonie 8" blades rechargeable USB fan with clamp:
amzn.to/3lHxBCl
cup holder inverter:
amzn.to/41bpluz
USB mini fan with reading light:
amzn.to/3EhsDCE
bamboo breakfast tray:
amzn.to/3GiXM8Q
Hot Logic Mini:
amzn.to/3YD1YbV
glass Pyrex container:
amzn.to/40MXfog
Dash Mini Maker Electric Griddle:
amzn.to/413y6qF
low wattage (300W) BalBali electric kettle:
amzn.to/3YD96EV
Aeropress coffee maker:
amzn.to/3lLFKG5
handheld battery powered milk frother:
amzn.to/3kat7DV
mesh window screens:
amzn.to/3GiXSxe
magnetic window curtains:
amzn.to/3G8TqAW
Alpicool C20 12V car fridge:
amzn.to/3MHL9X1
metal utility shelf:
amzn.to/3wF2tXp
trunk storage unit:
amzn.to/3wBFNXY
Insulated cooler bag:
amzn.to/38FK6IG
ergonomic gel memory foam seat cushion:
amzn.to/3wBLNjg
boot scraper:
amzn.to/3z1eaJc
side slot cup holders:
amzn.to/3wC6IS0
hands free phone cup holder stand:
amzn.to/3sTLHS1
hands free phone dash mount:
amzn.to/3G8Uvsu
LED flameless chargeable lantern:
amzn.to/3lE8EVf
USB LED light bulb:
amzn.to/3yVudZc
stained glass "rainbow" decals:
- phases of the moon:
amzn.to/3WBaxm9
- mandalas:
amzn.to/3hJXlfF
magic mesh screen doors:
amzn.to/41OXq3x
mosquito netting:
amzn.to/44aPhrU
Outdoor rug:
amzn.to/3yuV5Pv
Folding camp table (aluminum):
amzn.to/37GGGF2
Coleman Camp Chair:
amzn.to/3L52sQg
CLAM Quickset Traveler 6x6ft screen
shelter:
amzn.to/3G48ql8
privacy panels for screen shelter:
amzn.to/3FALXus
Nice campsite never worry about being alone the crazy campers are the only thing to really be afraid of except the gators bears sharks snakes spiders and panthers …You know the nature you’re there to see…Have fun stay safe
Yep, nothing EXCEPT.... LOL!!! 😉😂
@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures At least the Hawks and Owls were sorta friendly….
The owls were a terrific surprise.
They were an awesome surprise!! I looooooove old oaks... especially ones covered in resurrection fern and Spanish moss. My fave!! 💚
I love your channel! Who knew there were so many free camping opportunities in Florida?
I know!! I had no idea when I first started, but I'm really enjoying finding and checking them all out - they've been awesome so far!!
And thank youuu!!
@Heather's Hikes & AdVANtures Any outside of the SW Water District? It's a bit of a haul for me.
One of the nicest things about the water management areas is so few people know you can camp there. I visited some along the Saint Johns river without actually knowing I was supposed to reserve a spot. No one else was there, so I guess it didn't matter.
The first half of the river from its source near Yeehaw Junction, to Sanford is all water management. Each area is adjacent to the next. I'd like to travel the entire river, kayaking through creeks and irrigation canals at first, then in a cabin cruiser.
I haven't camped any of the SJRWMD sites yet, but I do a lot of hiking in that area!
What a beautiful campground.
It really was!!
Peaceful and pretty out there. I’d hug that tree❤
Yes!! The trees were so incredible there! 💚💚💚
Love your shirt.
Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galactica. 😂 🌺🌼🌺🌼🌺🌼
Omg I literally have a tshirt that says that, too!!! 😆💚
Once I was at a presentation about birds of the Sierra, and someone asked what was the best thing to do to help birds. He said- plant an Oak. They have everything birds need. Today I was looking at Oak branches like you had there, which are like their own terrarium, so much growing on the branches.
Beautiful place. Amazing you had the whole place yourself... Although that might have creeped me out a bit. BEAUTIFUL footage of the owls. Really enjoyed this video.😊
I was a little dubious when I first arrived (especially b/c of the questionable route my GPS took me in on, which made it seem wayyyyy further away from civilization than it actually was lol!!) But I ended up being so relaxed and at ease! Must have been all the trees and their good energy!
thanks for this review of Ashley camp
It's one of my favorite free Florida campgrounds, I'm glad you found it helpful!!
What a beautiful area.❤
It really was!!
That is a nice campground, looks like it is well maintained. How did you say you knew how to unlock that gate, I haven't ever seen a lock system like that. The pictures of the owls were beautiful, I haven't ever heard a baby owl before, so thanks for that information. Your new lanterns were pretty, can't wait to see how they look when they are charged up. Be safe.
I wish I'd thought to film the lock. I'd never seen a system like that before yet either, and it would have taken me a while to figure out I think. I was fortunate enough to see another video on the campground before that "Two For The Road" did where they showed how the lock worked, so I remembered from that!
Wow nice looking van must be great for camping!
Thanks so much!
Baby owl: “Moooooommmm, there’s a crazy lady taking my picture!”
How peaceful to have your own campground. Sometimes it’s nice to not have to share with strangers. How often does that happen in Central FL?! Thanks for info on booking and accessing the gate. I don’t know why, but I’m totally confused by their process and have held off going to the Wildlife Management site. I must bite the bullet and just plunge in!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Yes, it was such a treat to have the place to myself! I was a little intimidated by the water management district process, but so far I've found the SWFL to be very user friendly (the St Johns one not as much)! I do want to try out a couple of the other district sites here too soon, though 🤞
Thanks, Heather. I am in the Tally area and camp in a mini camper too. If you ever head up this way, give me a holler. I enjoy your travels and videos a lot. Thanks to you, I have a beachside space reserved at Flagler Beach coming up!
Ooooh, awesome, so excited for you!! And thank you so much! I definitely want to spend more time exploring the panhandle this next year - I haven't visited hardly any of it before, so I need to change that!
Enjoyed again, can't predict fla weather
So true. Only predictable thing about FL weather is that it can't be predicted lol!!
I hope to get there someday! Thanks for sharing your adVANtures!
I hope you do too!! 💚
That was fun ❤❤😊
💚
I like water management areas, campsites are free. Are you planning to head up north for a summer or staying here in Florida? The good thing about camping in Florida is that in the middle of summer nobody is around, it's too hot.👍
So far a the water mgmt properties I have stayed at have been great!! It's looking like I'll probably be in Florida through summer (I might manage a quick getaway into the mountains in GA 🤞) until I go to chase the leaves this fall!
You dont yell COWS when you see cows? 😉😄
I cant believe you had that entire place to yourself!
Now that I think about it, I usually do for "HORSES!!" but then just say "HIII!" to the cows lol!! I know, I didn't even think that was possible at any of the FL campgrounds, but it sure was nice!
Great video! I was wondering about the colorful tablecloth u usually put on the picnic table. Do u happen to have any info or links to purchase it?
Thank you!! It's actually a tapestry/sheet lol! I keep meaning to get an actually waterproof cover I can wipe down, but I have a small stack of these I always keep handy to use as towels or tablecloths for now, and they are getting the job done! I checked my past Amazon orders, and the specific links I used aren't available anymore since they're so old, but I think I initially searched "boho tapestry" for them.
Thank you for the video. Can you please share the name of the solo piano tune you played on this video (or artist’s name)? It has an old-fashioned jazz sound to it, the kind of music I enjoy. Thank you!
Thank you!! I wish I knew! It's just in the "relaxing" section of the free license music options on my phone's editing program, but it doesn't list the artist or name of the piece 🙁
8:04 nope not today
These places seem to far from a main road if anything happened and help is needed. What about using your cellphone?
So much happening to RVers.
Thankfully I had decent reception here. A lot of the water management district free campgrounds are definitely off the beaten path here, but most are still relatively close to "civilization" once you drive a couple miles. A little slow for streaming or uploading, etc... but still able to text and call. I also have a Garmin in-reach mini for places where coverage is spottier.
better to avoid 😢😅
I have a feeling it won't be empty again until next April or May now though... busy season is here! Lol
I have a feeling it won't be empty again until next April or May now though... busy season is here! Lol
Love your info god bless your journey's. Full timer now 3 months April 2024
Thank you and happy 3 month-anniversary!!