O'Leno State Park
O’Leno State Park was our second stop, marking our first real moving day as full-time RVers. Check-in was different than expected — no office, just campsite tags and a map that revealed our assigned spot was technically too small for our rig. With no backup options and a full campground, we took a deep breath and eased our way in. Against the odds, it worked, and the site ended up being shaded, quiet, and surprisingly private.
- 📍 Location: High Springs, Florida
- 🏕 Stay: RV campground
- 🌿 Environment: Forest, river, historic suspension bridge
- 📅 When we stayed: January 2026
Once we were set up, the campsite felt tight but workable, with deep shade that made a big difference during the day. While we managed to fit our 30-foot rig, it’s not something we’d recommend trying if you can avoid it.
The shade kept things comfortable enough for Brandon to work outside throughout the day, with evenings cooling off nicely. Because the truck had to be parked alongside the trailer, space was limited for coming and going, but it also created a surprising upside — a private, enclosed area where the dogs could play without distractions.
O’Leno quickly became a place of movement and exploration, balanced with quiet days spent working, riding, and settling into life around camp.
We spent our time exploring O’Leno on foot and by bike, walking the trails around the campground and crossing the suspension bridge as we got familiar with the area. We fit in a couple of bike rides, including one longer ride where we spotted deer along the way.
Even after our stay, it didn’t feel like we had seen everything. With only one full weekend day and a rainy morning that cut plans short, we opted for a shorter afternoon hike instead of the longer route we had hoped to do. O’Leno feels like a park that rewards extra time, and it’s one we’d happily return to for deeper hiking and biking exploration.
- Cell service: Strong and reliable, with no issues working or connecting to the internet
- Campground vibe: Very quiet, with a mostly retiree crowd
- Best for: Longer stays if you want to fully explore — there are plenty of trails, and it’s worth giving yourself a few days to hike and bike the area
- Nearby town: Close and convenient; easy access to essentials (and even a vet visit for Akela — no more cone)
- Bugs: No noticeable issues during our stay
O’Leno State Park is a great choice for anyone looking to spend real time hiking or biking, with an extensive network of trails that invites exploration. Just keep in mind that the roads and campsites are narrow, making this park better suited for smaller trailers or rigs that are easier to maneuver.
