CAMP MARGARITAVILLE AUBURNDALE

‘HOME IS WHERE YOU PARK IT’

Written by: Dave Kelly

Sometimes you find tropical enchantment where you may least expect it.

Welcome to Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins in Auburndale. Nestled up against scenic Lake Myrtle in Central Florida, this 65-acre slice of magic is everything you could want in the deluxe RV, trailer, and cabana cabin lifestyle—all in a luxurious yet laid-back setting befitting the Margaritaville name.

The park was built on land owned by the longtime local Knapp family and was once an active blueberry farm and packing facility. It opened in February 2021 as the Cabana Club but was soon licensed under the global Margaritaville brand, becoming the third Camp Margaritaville property in the U.S. less than a year later.

It is still family owned and operated while proudly being a part of Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville family of businesses.

Options Abound

Before heading to Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, we had a decision to make. The property has 328 RV sites, all with full hook-ups, cable, Wi-Fi, private picnic tables and charcoal grills. We knew we could get our truck-and-trailer combo into either an 80-foot back-in site or one of the huge 90-foot pull-throughs. We cannot imagine a big rig that could not fit somewhere on this extensive property.

In addition to these traditional RV sites, they also have 11 motorhome suites. These oversized slots feature all the amenities of a regular site plus full hookups with 110/30/50-amp breakers, a private tiki hut with outdoor kitchen and TV, a Kamado Joe grill, and more. Additionally, these “5 O’clock Suites” overlook the brand-new License to Chill Pool and Lake Myrtle.

But despite the temptation of the RV sites, we opted to stay in one of the 75 Cabana Cabins that line the streets of the park. We were personally escorted to our site, where we learned that these cabins sleep four to six people comfortably, with each featuring a private bedroom with king-size bed and a queen-size pull-out couch in the main living area. Some even have youth beds, including a few with lofted bunks for the kids.

These are no tiny homes—each includes a large bathroom, a kitchen with full-size appliances, and a private porch with two Adirondack chairs and a view. A private parking space, covered picnic table and charcoal grill round out the amenities, making our decision to stay in a Cabana Cabin feel like a vacation paradise with the comforts of home.

So Much To Do

We began our stay like we start most travels … at the tiki bar! There are two of them on the premises, with the main tiki bar being situated conveniently near most everything, including the enticing and inviting swimming pool. Open to adults and kids alike, it features a twisty 147-foot waterslide. Tucked in right next to it is the Jolly Mon Kids Splash Pad that is exclusively for the young ones. The adjacent main building houses the Fins Up Fitness Room, Fin City arcade, and Joe Merchant's Camp Store and office.

As you might imagine from a Margaritaville-themed park, the emphasis is on outdoor activities. The centerpiece of this is Parrot Island Mini Golf, the 9-hole putting course next to the tiki bar, where the family can enjoy a round or two of mini-golf among the lush waterfalls and tropical landscapes. There are also two basketball courts on-site, as well as two Parakeets Kids Parks. Additionally, unlike many other RV parks, Camp Margaritaville knows that dogs are a part of the family, so it features three “Bark-aritaville” dog parks, a dog run and even a doggy wash-down station. Best of all, all of this is included your site rental.

The outdoor theme continues with live entertainment multiple times per week, corn-hole tournaments, Tiki Bar Bingo, guided painting classes and more. The License to Chill Tiki Bar and Pool feature the Boardwalk Dock on Lake Myrtle and food trucks in the evening for all to enjoy.

Additionally, by the time you read this article, The Feeding Frenzy and Frank and Lola's Pizzeria will be open on-site. Camp Margaritaville Auburndale is also in the process of building an event space to accommodate meetings, special events and receptions for over 1,000 people that should finish within a year.

A list of additional activities publishes weekly on their website and is handed out to each guest as they arrive. Three-legged races, trivia contests, and even streamed church services from Berkley Chapel in the Pool Pavilion on Sunday morning, are just a few options.

Next door to Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, you can also find Elite Cable Park, a lakeside operation that teaches wakeboarding and other watersports in a safe, healthy and family friendly environment. In fact, folks at the License to Chill pool bar can see the cable park’s participants having fun on the water daily.

Family Style Travels

Many guests at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale are families traveling with children and pets. The park often appeals to those who want to use the site as a home base for their vacation plans while they branch out to explore the nearby Disney, Universal and Sea World theme parks, major league sporting events, and other attractions in the Central Florida area. While most travelers come from within 150 miles of the resort, guests from virtually all 50 states have visited since the park has been open.

For those full-time RV families who would like to stay for an extended period, Camp Margaritaville Auburndale welcomes guests for up to six months. Mail can be picked up in the camp store, and they offer secure package delivery for guests as well.

To top it all off, there are golf-cart rentals available for those who like to explore in style.

Plan a weekend, a month or a season at Camp Margaritaville Auburndale. You will soon come to see why so many have come to believe that “Home Is Where You Park It.” FCM

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Rhonda May of Orlando, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Shalizar (Czar)

Best Friend’s Breed: Quarab

Czar and I have been a team for over 20 years. I purchased him when I was 16 years old. He has been there through many rough times, including losing my parents in 2006. My two daughters have grown up around him too. Czar turned 32 in January. At his age he is now fully retired and has to do nothing but be a pasture pal. He deserves it … and he means the world to me!

Judy Throop of Okeechobee, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Ruffus and Daisy Mae

Best Friend’s Breed: Rotti/cur mix

Florida Country magazine runs a “My Best Friend” contest on Facebook every other month, for each issue of the magazine. 2 3

Ruffus and Daisy Mae are my furbabies, my family. They are both rescues … but they rescued me. They are my earth angels, they make me laugh, entertain me all the time and give unconditional love. They are best friends to each other as well. They are more than dogs, they are my best friends.

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Pamela Rhoades Burleson of Clermont, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Two Eyed Pete (aka) Cowboy

Best Friend’s Breed: APHA (paint)

My big goofy boy Cowboy is my go-to when I need to decompress from the craziness that sometimes makes me wonder why. Cowboy gives me wings to fly. He is so forgiving and kind. No matter how bad the day is, it's always better when I'm up on him. I have asked my doctor why is it that I don't hurt so bad when I ride? The only answer he could give is because it's my happy place. God has blessed me with some good horses in my 63 years, and Cowboy is one of the best.

Donna Killam of Groveland, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Kane

Best Friend’s Breed: Australian shepherd

2 3 60 FLORIDA COUNTRY June | July 2022 and literally crawls into my lap, hugging and kissing me. I would not be handling my journey without my best friend, Kane.

Nicole Nair of Winter Garden, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Jack Run

Best Friend’s Breed: Morgan cross

Jack was rescued from a junkyard and was given a second chance. Of all the kids he could have chosen as his rider, he chose me. He always takes care of me when we are together. In this picture, my right stirrup came off my saddle. He kept me safe for a clear round. Our bond is like no other and I love him so much. He is and will always be my best friend.

Shane Connelly of Eustis, Florida

Best Friend’s Name: Cracker

Best Friend’s Breed: Jack Russell terrier

Cracker and I oversee, feed, hay and water 20 horses at Shane Stable, a retirement center created in 1999. Three devoted employees accomplish the dayto-day grooming, bathing and general care of these residents. Twice each day Cracker faithfully reminds of feed time. She is far better than any alarm clock and I enjoy her unique sense of timing.