Rivers Crossing RV Resort in Branford, FloridaWhile some Florida RV parks and resorts expect their occupancies for the upcoming winter season to exceed last winter’s figures, others are offering special promotions to stimulate winter bookings.
“Business levels are mixed at RV parks and resorts across Florida as we head into the winter season,” said Bobby Cornwell, executive director and CEO of the Florida and Alabama RV Park and Campground Association, which hosts CampFlorida.com, the travel planning website.
“While some parks are reporting very strong business levels heading into winter, others tell us they expect their occupancies to be down compared to last winter,” Cornwell said. “The good news for snowbirds is that many parks are offering special promotions right now, which can improve their winter business levels.”
“At the same time,” Cornwell continued, “Florida’s newest RV resorts and those that are making investments in new amenities are continuing to strengthen their occupancies, which demonstrates the ability of parks to gain marketshare even during a more challenging business environment.”
Here’s what several Florida park operators have to say about their current and anticipated business levels this winter:
Applewood, which owns and operates seven private parks in Florida, anticipates a drop in six-month seasonal reservations compared to last winter.
“We attribute the decline largely to the Canadian guest, some of whom are staying at home and some of whom are staying with us for a shorter period, reserving for the absolute peak — January to March — versus six months,” said Applebrook CEO Richard O’Brien.
“We believe that the 2026-2027 season will be the trough for the Canadian guest and are optimistic to see improvement for the 2027-2028 season,” O’Brien said, adding, “We continue to target the Canadian visitor and expect Canadian tourism will increase as we have so much to offer in Florida and as a nation.”
Applewood’s transient reservations are also softer than last year, which O’Brien attributed to “higher gas prices” and “economic softness.” “Applebrook RV Parks & Resorts continue stay well-occupied,” O’Brien continued, adding, “We continue to provide a high level of standard services and activities, creating memories to last a lifetime.”
Applebrook’s Florida parks include Cypress Campground & RV Park in Winterhaven; Frostproof Mobile Village in Frostproof; Hickory Lake Estates in Frostproof; Palms & Pines Campground & RV Park in Jennings; Kissimmee RV Park in Kissimmee; Morningside RV Estates in Dade City; and Silver Springs RV Park in Silver Springs.
Avalon Landing RV Park Pensacola in Milton
This park anticipates a slightly slower winter season, according to park manager Wende Behnke. “We are offering a snowbird special for any stay with continuous months that are between October 2026 and June 30, 2027: Pay full price for four months and get $200 off the fifth month. The offer is limited to first-time campers at Avalon Landing.
Cabana Bay RV Resort by Boca Grande in Placida
This park, which opened in October 2025 with 170 sites, is anticipating a busier winter because it’s a new park with new amenities, according to Miya Love, the park’s manager. Amenities include a clubhouse, pool and spa, fitness center, pickleball courts and dog parks.
Haines Creek RV Village in Leesburg
Park co-owners George and Sue Ireland expect their winter business to be down by up to 20%. “Normally, for seven years, we’ve always been totally full and had a comfortable waiting list,” Sue Ireland said. The Irelands have improved their park by repaving park roads and adding lots of new landscaping and new parking areas. The park is nestled along the picturesque Haines Creek River and offers 600 feet of dock space, making it a haven for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
This Northwest Florida nudist park expects to have fewer snowbirds this winter. The 110-acre park is offering snowbirds a 10% discount on monthly stays.
Indian Mound Fish Camp in Oak Hill
“Our business is slated to be very similar to last year with mostly USA reservations for November to April 2027,” said park manager Kelly Bonds. She said the park stays busy because most of its sites are available for nightly stays of up to 21 days, whereas most parks in her area have monthly guests. “We have upgraded our park with a brand new pickleball and basketball court for our guests as well as paver pads on most of our canal front and riverfront sites,” Bonds said.
Outback Springs RV Resort in Bonifay
Advance snowbird bookings were down 70% at this park, although park co-owner Pete Swales expects business to pick up closer to the holidays.
“We have advertised on Canadian social media in French and English with inconclusive results, but we get the feeling Canadian RVers may be a little intimidated by the current political situation. This, combined with fuel cost, may be turning Canadians to other options for their winter break,” Swales said.
“In the case of our U.S. campers, it would seem the cost of fuel is the dominant factor that is altering their plans. Fortunately, we are situated close to I-10, and we are finding anecdotally that a significant number of Rvers are traveling with a ‘purpose.’ By this we mean their travel is primarily to visit friends or family rather than taking a vacation. This results in more overnight stays as they travel to and fro, but not ‘vacation’ stays.”
Recent park improvements include adding a roofed structure over our picnic and barbecue area giving the park year round usage. “This facility is proving popular with RV groups who enjoy traveling together. We have also re-paved our park roads with a smooth asphalt finish that should encourage recreational walking around the park,” Swales said.
Rivers Crossing RV Resort in Branford
Business is up at this new 50-site park, which opened in November 2025. “As a new resort, our snowbird business is up significantly for the upcoming winter season,” said park spokeswoman Jessica Walker. “We are seeing approximately a 25% increase over last winter as more guests discover us. Our returning guests from last season have already booked, plus we have a strong number of new reservations.” Walker said. several factors are driving the park’s growth. “First, we are a brand-new resort with premium amenities that snowbirds are looking for — including a resort-style pool, dog park, bike trails, and large, open full hook-up sites. Second, our location in Branford is within walking distance to stores and restaurants, which our guests love. Finally, word-of-mouth has been our biggest driver,” Walker said, adding, “Nearly every snowbird from last year is returning this season and many have invited friends to join them.” River Crossing guests are just a short drive or bike ride from popular outdoor destinations, including Ichetucknee Springs, Ginnie Springs, and Troy Spring State Park, offering opportunities for kayaking, swimming, boating, and fishing, and cave diving.
This park expects to exceed last winter’s business levels, according to Karen Case, the park’s marketing manager. “Year-over-year word-of-mouth is consistent. We are also revising marketing for targeted demographics,” she said. This park features numerous waterslides, swimming pools, a wave pool, a family wave pool and a lazy river. The park’s campground can accommodate any type of RV. A restaurant is also located onsite.
While the economy and relations with Canada are affecting the winter business outlook, this park anticipates many return customers, according to Kim van Noor, a park facilitator. Many park improvements are also underway. “Expansion of the pool area is in progress and (we) will be adding a tiki bar along with a seating area,” van Noor said, noting that a fitness area and reverse osmosis water filter have already been added to the clubhouse. The park’s grass lots have also been updated with new decking.
Travel World RV Park in Clearwater
This 320-site park expects its winter business to be down about 10%, according to Candy Springfield, the park operations manager. “Several key factors are impacting our business levels, including gas prices, Canadian insurance costs, tariffs, exchange rates, and concerns among Canadian travelers regarding travel within the United States. We have seen a decline in Canadian snowbirds and have not fully offset this loss with travelers from the U.S.” Park amenities include a clubhouse, heated pool and Jacuzzi, shuffleboard, and an exercise room as well as planned activities.
