Ever wonder where the quintessential southern campsites are located, look no further than Camp Mack…read more- this is where the piney woods meets up with the Florida swampland. You ain't never experienced old Florida charm until you been here, the land of airboats and alligators, a place where the mosquitoes swarm at dusk and the screeching wildlife will wake you before dawn. Ahhh this is the life I love, a place where the internet struggles to connect you with the real world, the only agenda here is rest and relaxation, a place where chores are something you'll look forward to, most consist of filling the yeti with ice and can beer and visiting your neighbors on your golf cart or 4 x 4 ranger. There are no strangers here it seems everybody shares the same mindset.
I spent five days here and I didn't want to leave when it came time to break camp. This place is known for its fishing and believe me they are plentiful, it's a simple recipe - catch / clean / fry. I like beer but I'm not a beer drinker I prefer vodka so I stocked up before arriving, finding beer is easy if you like the hard stuff it's a trip to town I'm guessing it at least thirty miles round trip and leaving the camp will break the vibe and there's no reason to do that if you prepare.
There are no typical days here every is different but everyday is the same in the sense that you own one hundred percent of your time while you're here, it's a place you can turn your phone off and disconnect for awhile and forget anything else exist - I know I don't do that enough but I do know this is the kind of life we should be addicted too. Okay okay I'll review the place instead of the lifestyle that seems to be the norm here.
Things to do: cross the street and you're in a beautiful State Park, find a shady spot down at the boat ramp and watch one of the best shows on earth there seems to be an endless number of unique water crafts being launch or being pulled from the water (airboats, bass boats, skiffs, pontoon boats, jon-boats, etc) I say with the utmost respect this place is like the redneck yacht club where everyone seems to have a buzz e.g people ride in the boats while it's still on the trailer going down the road - yes they are creeping along but it's still fricking awesome.
I recommend you leave any pretentious behavior at home and pay attention to the dress code it's very easy to look out of place here - acceptable clothing includes - anything camouflage, women should have a few pairs of short shorts and a ragged pair of cowboy boots and any kind of top you can tie in the front, men shirts are optional but a stained tank top and a pair of Tevas gets you status. After the sunsets fire pit sitting beer drinking attire rules can I get a little yeehaw repeat day two and day three and so on and so on.
Other highlights include a visit to the outpost store lots of beer and snacks, a indoor fish cleaning area and a bait shop, a outdoor projection screen, community fire pit, you can rent bicycles and pontoon boats or take a swamp tour on an airboat. They occasionally have live music which I hear is pretty amazing with an outdoor food court and beer for sale. The campsites are large and plentiful with full hookups with concrete or paver pads, they offer up to 50 amps, water and sewer all included unless you're planning on staying awhile then you pay for utilities.
There are a few bars and restaurants, maybe restaurants is a stretch but you can buy food on property. There's a lodge onsite if you don't have a camper and still want to experience this unique venue. Theres lots more I don't think it's possible to take it all in at least not in the five days I spent here - I believe having a good cup of hot coffee at sunrise sitting in your favorite chair is nirvana, having a cocktail at sunset in the same chair by the fire pit will rejuvenate you, there's nothing wrong with freeing your soul once in awhile...