Midway Campground Everglades National Park (RV Living Full Time)4K

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Күн бұрын

Camping in Big Cypress National Preserve, in the Everglades National Park, at Midway campground was an amazing experience. One of the reasons we love being full time RV Travelers. Beautiful setting, close to Shark Valley & Oasis Visitor Centers, as well as the Loop Road. Don’t forget the famous Tamiami Trail, as well.
The first part of the video shows all the fun things that we did close by. The second half is a site-by-site tour of the campground and its amenities, along with some gator footage right in the campground. See the chapters below:
0:00 Intro
1:48 History
2:30 Oasis Visitor Center
3:41 Shark Valley
5:59 Loop Road Tour
7:28 Attractions
8:49 Map
9:25 Campground Tour
13:02 Conclusion
Campground Info: Open Year-round; dump station, restrooms, no shower, drinking water, day-use area, 26 RV and 10 tent sites. RV sites allow electric hookup.
Address: 52870 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141
Mailing Address: 52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141
For campground inquiries, please call: 1 (239) 695-1205
Fees: RV site $30 per night / $15 with a Senior or Access Pass. Tent site $24 per night / $12 with a Senior or Access Pass
www.recreation.gov/camping/ca...
Oasis Visitor Center: part of Big Cypress National Preserve; shop; boardwalk [lots of gators; safe distance]; southern terminus Florida trail off US41 (52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141) www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisi...
Shark Valley Visitor Center: part of Northern Everglades; loop road [bike, tram, or walk; lots of wildlife up close; observation tower] (36000 SW 8th Street Miami, Florida 33194) www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisi...
Loop Road: Dirt road; stop at bridges; up close wildlife viewing; (south and east from Monroe Station for 24 miles until it eventually rejoins the Tamiami Trail) www.nps.gov/bicy/learn/histor...
Skunk Ape Research Center: store; selfie w/ skunkape & giant leopard statue; tours; campground; (40904 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL) www.skunkape.info/
Clyde Butcher Big Cypress Gallery: sculpture out front; gators; tours; cabins; shop ( 52388 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee, FL 34141(239) 695-2428) clydebutcher.com/big-cypress/
US Smallest Post Office: buy specially marked postcards (38000 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL 34141) www.roadsideamerica.com/story...
Miccosukee Indian Village: Giant gator & wrangler out front; museum; store; restaurant; alligator wranglers; tours (Mile Marker 36, US Highway 41, #100, Miami, FL 33194 305-480-1924) village.miccosukee.com/
🛒RV Products we use 🛒
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Pepwave Internet Router and antenna (mobile Must Have)
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Barker industries blue boy sewage tote amzn.to/3pHF28N
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portable vacuum amzn.to/2NKl4xa
Mopeka Tank Check for propane tanks amzn.to/3k5uCia
Magma Gas Grill amzn.to/2M9m7Gv
Levelmate Pro leveling system amzn.to/3pAUi7p
XChocks - chocks for RV reduce movement amzn.to/2ZBZdui
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🎥Links to videos 🎥
Long Pine Key Campground Tour Everglades National Park
• Long Pine Key Campgrou...
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#rvliving #bigcypress #midway

Пікірлер: 102

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Check out our other campground ⛺️ tours kzfaq.info/sun/PLTSSVhr0HOzi6qoqEPGBCHgAdFRkK-8A0

@shellbobaround 2 жыл бұрын

my have to check this out in 2023 when we visit Florida

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely. It’s a great area to see Big Cypress and the north part of the Everglades 🤗

@johnlagrega4435 9 ай бұрын

Heading to midway this winter, absolutely can’t wait 😎👌🏼

@DownsizingMakesCents 9 ай бұрын

We so loved it there. Be careful of gators in the pond there

@rvtravel4501 Жыл бұрын

Exactly the info I was looking for! Great video as always.

@DownsizingMakesCents Жыл бұрын

Glad we could help

@cathymisze3163 3 жыл бұрын

WOW oh my WOW so many gators!

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Cathy, and we had so much more footage 😂 Alice

@SteveTurtle 3 жыл бұрын

So, cool, gators! I think walking would be my preferred method. love the babies. Oh no! I saw my cousin, Wilbur Turtle! We have the post office on our bucket list. Skunk ape! Was that William? Great campground tour, although, it's a lot of grass to mow! Lots of gators. Thanks for your share.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Steve, you see so much more walking. But I didn’t walk the full loop 😂. I love seeing turtles 🐢 There are a lot of cool places to check out on Tamiami Trail. Funny, William made a crack about the Skunk Ape, too Thanks for coming by, Alice

@alanjones9884 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. Thank you.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Alan, glad you enjoyed it, Alice

@4SunnyinMiami2 2 жыл бұрын

Wow never knew that gators hiss! Very nice video guys😊

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 жыл бұрын

Oh, yes. Best to be in a safe place if you hear that sound 😬 And thank you. We are behind on our videos because of Larry’s recent rare disease diagnosis. But he’s getting better and editing more campground tours 🤗

@garyedick2910 3 жыл бұрын

You’re freaking me out!! Way to close to that gator Alice. But you two are very entertaining to my wife and me.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Gary, the first gator video, the gator was actually below me in a canal on loop road, but he did scare me, obviously 😂. Ive lived in Florida since I was 2 and take it seriously when near gators. Often we use zoom cameras or a go pro on a long pole. At Shark Valley, no one seemed to worry about the gators right there on the main path! Even park rangers had their back to them. It’s like being bear aware. Alice

@pennyusa8514 4 ай бұрын

We are going tomorrow for the week

@DownsizingMakesCents 4 ай бұрын

Penny, Great spot. So close to Big Cypress Visitor Center and Everglades (north end) Alice

@pennyusa8514 4 ай бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents thanks I can't wait do you have any recommendations for eating or seeing the most?

@davidstallard2235 3 жыл бұрын

Great video

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

David, thanks. Glad you liked it, Alice

@RVAmerica 2 жыл бұрын

I promise that we are not following you even though it may appear so. LOL we are on our way to this campground now. Looks very nice even though I'm not excited about all of the gators. We had heard about the Python's in the area. You gave us a couple of things to do that we're not on our list. Thank you very much. Lynn and Danny

@DownsizingMakesCents 2 жыл бұрын

😅 I wish we were in Big Cypress now. It’s a great area for exploring. Never saw Pythons 🐍 but lots of gators Have fun 🤗

@juliegolub2602 3 жыл бұрын

Welcome to our neighborhood! We live at Port of the Islands on 41. We have an old hotel with restaurant and marina with groceries.. Stop by sometime.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Julie, we hope to be there again next winter. You can message me your address on IG or Facebook. Room for an RV? 😂 Alice

@sherriweber7105 3 жыл бұрын

I couldn’t believe how close you were to the gator. Are all those gators that friendly? Are they like any animal if they see you afraid then they come after you. I saw that one across from the family there by their Rv. It’s a very nice park there you were at. I used to watch Steve the guy that died from a sting ray stinging him. He was good with alligators. I can’t believe all the alligators. Sorry for talking about alligators. They kind of scare me and fascinate me at the same time. Can’t wait to see your next video. Hope you have a great week.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Sherri, gators are always to be considered dangerous. The gator in the very first video was actually below me in a canal and i had the truck door open and ready to jump in. The gators at Shark Valley seemed very docaile- i saw park rangers turn their back on them. in one of my pictures, you could see a kid walk by one without even looking at it- i would not recommend it. those gators seem very used to people. the one at the camp ground left soon after. you are warned at the campground to use your flashlight before you come out of your RV at nigh to make sure there are no gators nearby. Gators are scary. but they wont attack unless they feel threatened, its mating season, or they feel their babies are threatened. For now on, I’m putting a disclaimer “dont do this at home” 😂 Alice

@sherriweber7105 3 жыл бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents Right! That’s like a dog if one starts near you just turn your back and ignore it and do the Shoosh shoosh and put your hand up the dog wines and goes away. That’s what Caesar Milan said to do and it works. I would have done what you did open the truck door to get ready to jump in. Best thing is to not look at them. I was told by a old class mate of mine that he lived in Florida and he shears went waking and saw them and to the stores and saw gators. I guess it’s common. There’s a lot of gators there. Thank you so much Alice fir this information. Have a great week.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

@@sherriweber7105 I wouldn’t treat a gator like a dog- unless you were an experienced handler- much worse consequences 😬 If you see a gator, better be safe than sorry. Alice

@sherriweber7105 3 жыл бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents Right I hear you in that. Thank you again Alice. Stay safe. Travel safe.

@alnolan8574 3 жыл бұрын

I think you guys do the best job of covering campground sites on the internet! I know it’s a lot of work that goes into these video but, it gives the viewers a great perspective of possibly visiting these campgrounds in the future.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Al, it is a lot of work and really doesn’t get that many views. But because of comments like yours, we know it’s worth it to keep doing them. Thank you, Alice

@NinetyOneAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Born and raised in Florida but still get anxiety seeing a gator! LOL!!

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Hey, me too. I’ve been in Florida since I was 2. Just keep your head on a swivel, know the signs, and listen 😅 Alice

@NinetyOneAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents YES!!

@LeslinAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Nice 👍

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. It was an amazing area, Alice

@WTFgus 3 жыл бұрын

Forgot to mention it a nat'l park and give 50% off senior and access pass holders like COE.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Gerald, the video covers the National Park, the Preserve, campground, local sites. So we put info in the description, Alice

@WTFgus 3 жыл бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents sorry, just was watching scenery of area as I was there in Jan.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

@@WTFgus no worries

@22howards 3 жыл бұрын

Ah, my old stomping grounds. I miss it for sure. You stated SR29 is Collier Blvd it’s actually Collier Ave (well at least in Everglades city it is). Collier Blvd is 951 further west at exit 101 off I-75. And as another comment stated, you were brave for being that close to a gator. You do know they can outrun you correct?

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Chip, it’s a great stomping ground. Larry’s mistake on the blvd vs ave. Which time I was close to a gator? 😂 Yes. I know they can outrun me. I’ve lived in Florida since I was 2 and had the truck close by with door open. The ones below the bridge, I had a couple of seconds extra time. The ones on Shark Valley? Even the park rangers had their back toward them making a video 😂 Maybe they are used to tourists. But thanks for worrying about my safety. Larry just told me to get closer “for the content.” 😉 Alice

@22howards 3 жыл бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents, Alice, I was concerned for you, yes. However Larry with his leg over the bike with the gator so close in my opinion was too close. Just keep Larry’s life insurance paid up just in case...... so you can keep making videos 🤣.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

@@22howards 😂👍

@saltysteveandmisfitmichele 3 жыл бұрын

Another great campground video tour and some amazing photos. Thanks for sharing.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Stephen, we are glad you liked it. It’s even more amazing in person, Alice

@georgewheeler3731 3 жыл бұрын

Love the Campground Tours, nice reviews.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

George, thanks. Larry works hard on these site to site tours. Alice

@BrokenDreamsReborn 3 жыл бұрын

We would like to visit all these places! We enjoyed your Midway campground tour! Thanks for sharing! ~ Shion and Matthew

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

The Everglades and Big Cypress were amazing. And the campgrounds were in a perfect location. We hope you guys are able to visit, Alice

@WanderfulWorldofTravel 3 жыл бұрын

It is so scary to see people get that close to gators. It is dangerous! Seriously, they can run faster than you can!

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Yes. I have lived in Florida since I was 2. I’m not sure which gator encounter you are referring to. But I know the signs and always have an exit plan. I would never risk my life for a video. Alice

@SevenBears1 3 жыл бұрын

Another good video. Thanks

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. We really appreciate loyal viewers, Alice

@austinstitzel 6 ай бұрын

I'm going to guess that Larry is a Scorpio and Alice is a Taurus.

@DownsizingMakesCents 6 ай бұрын

Austin, interesting. Wrong on one of them 😉 Alice

@austinstitzel 6 ай бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents what are your actual signs?

@davelauraphillips8814 3 жыл бұрын

Too many gators and too close, right in the campground oh my. Not for us😳!

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

😂 I was a bit worried. But he left halfway through our reservation. You just have to use a flashlight 🔦 at night before you leave the RV Alice

@BikesBoatsBivouacs 3 жыл бұрын

This place is great. It is on my list. Really nice job.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

It’s amazing. So is Long Pine in the southern part of the Everglades, Alice

@robertfreeburn7573 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome vid. Thanks

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Robert, there was so much to do and see close by. And the campground was so peaceful, Alice

@werventuringlife 3 жыл бұрын

Great job on this video! Love visiting the Everglades, its in our backyard...

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks. We hope to go again next winter. You have an amazing backyard 😉 Alice

@bonnieverro 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent timing we enjoy all of your videos this one is closer to home we leave ortona in the morning headed for seven days at Midway thanks for all the information

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Bonnie, I’m jealous. I’d love to be there right now. Storm is hitting us in Central Florida right now. Have some fun for me. And share the video with anyone you know who might be interested 🤗 Alice

@turnbullstravels735 3 жыл бұрын

We stayed over Christmas in Site 13 (big side lawn)...but at that time, there had been so much rain that Loop Rd and ALL of Shark Valley were closed. The ground around the sites was absolutely sodden..we put a tarp down under our rv mat! Glad you enjoyed it.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Eileen, sorry to hear that. You definitely should go back then. So much to do do close to this campground, Alice

@jesserevilla992 3 жыл бұрын

Great under water footage 🌅🏁

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Jesse, thanks. We love using our Go Pro. Sometimes you get nothing. Sometimes you hit the jackpot Alice

@vernnelson3212 3 жыл бұрын

Are you guys ever going to travel the country ?

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Vern, we went to Canada and back 😂. But I know what you mean. Larry just recently quit his job so we can travel away from Florida now for longer periods of time, Alice

@SmallSpaceLiving 3 жыл бұрын

Now this looks like an amazing place with tons to see and do. Love the gators. You should have pushed Larry and we could spilt the life insurance. lol Those things are fast and mean. The bigfoot was cool. You know what I though about that from Instagram. Park looks really nice. Very nice sites. Love all the green. Great video y'all.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

William, if we camp together, I don’t think Larry will last long 😂. It really is a perfect location for a campground. You get Big Cypress and Everglades. Great experiences, Alice

@LuckyDawgProductions 3 жыл бұрын

Looks like a great campground, Larry & Alice. You guys do awesome site by site campground tours. It was cool seeing the gators on the trail. Can't believe the gator didn't take a chomp out if your camera when you had it underwater. Haha.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

If we only lost the GoPro, I’d be fine 😂 I was a bit frightened on the Loop Road in Big Cypress more so than the ones sleeping on the street as tourists walked by at Shark Valley

@thetravelingbrowns 3 жыл бұрын

We'll be rv living in about 5 years and already planning our stays. We especially love your campground tours and views of all the sites!

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Jenna, that’s awesome. The mire research, the more ready you will be. We are glad our tours are helpful. Good luck, Alice

@thetravelingbrowns 3 жыл бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents thanks so much! We enjoy following your journey ❤️

@adamkittok 3 жыл бұрын

The wife and i are going mostly full time rv'ing. We are doing it because we are travel nurses. We just bought a 2021 reflexion 31mb. Your videos are definitely prepping me for the RV life :) thank you for taking the time to make some excellent DIY videos. They look very professional 🤙

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

We have been hearing a lot about travel nurses lately. It’s definitely an interesting life. You stayed at one space for long periods of time? Thanks some much for the feedback. Larry takes his DIY very seriously 😅. This life can be stressful but very rewarding. Good luck, Alice

@adamkittok 3 жыл бұрын

@@DownsizingMakesCents we have been in DesMoines since the end of December. Most contracts start off at 8 weeks then there's the option to extend if they like you and you like them. Hotel life is alright we are just wanting something more of our own. My wife has been seeing pads open for 300 to 900 a month which is definitely cheaper than the hotels we have been staying in.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

@@adamkittok most definitely- plus no more packing and unpacking and sleeping in your own sheets 👍

@alnolan8574 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, you guys are brave! Getting that close to the alligator is quite impressive!

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

Al, I admit, sometimes it was scary, Alice

@joansrvadventures6112 3 жыл бұрын

I stayed at Collier-Seminole State Park in December 2020 and it was great. Very clean bathrooms with hot showers and room was heated during cold weather. They have canoe/kayak rentals. In Naples area on west side of the Everglades.

@DownsizingMakesCents 3 жыл бұрын

We tried to get a reservation there, but couldn’t. We did drive by it when we went exploring. But Midway was so close to everything I wanted to do. Alice