Lichgate on High Road
With its almost perfect year-round weather, Florida is one of the top RV vacation destinations in the country. Tallahassee is the capital city and the home of Florida State University. It is a great place to stop for a few days for some RV camping among the local natural wonders as well as to visit a little-known Florida attraction, Lichgate on High Road. The charming and romantic little house is the genuine article and a real gem. It is on Florida’s U.S. National Register of Historic Places list and a delightful and quiet place to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Photo credit @lichgate on Facebook.com
Lichgate on High Road
Three acres that defy time and allow you to step into a different world altogether surround the English Tudor cottages, ancient Live Oak trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. The home was built by a true romantic, Laura Jepsen in 1956 when only the ancient tree and empty fields beckoned her to make her home there. She was a comparative literature professor at Florida State University and her former students and friends look after the place today. It is located at 1401 High Road, Tallahassee, FL and is open to the public.
The huge oak tree is still there along with the fairy-tale cottage, a Shakespeare Garden and a labyrinth. It is within walking distance of the University’s main campus, but even so, the sign, a post with the name engraved on it may only be seen by those who are drawn to the unique.
Photo credit @lichgate on Facebook.com
RV Camping at its Best
Whether it is your final destination or just a stop on the way to the greater Florida attractions down the peninsula, you have a good selection of RV sites that offer beautiful scenery and a variety of outdoor recreation. Here are a few of the state or county-run RV parks near Tallahassee.
This beautiful forest is in Tallahassee and a great place to get back to nature without deserting the city. It offers untouched landscapes and an authentic outdoor experience with kayaking, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, golfing, horseback riding and much more. The local attractions include the Alfred B. Mclay Garden State Park, Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park and the Tallahassee Museum. With the wide open spaces and gorgeous scenery, this is one of the best national forest RV parks in the state.
Newport Campground is about 17 miles southwest of Tallahassee. It is run by Wakulla County and has 34 sites with 50 amp electric, sewer hook-up, pull-through sites and pets allowed. It has a boat ramp and floating dock with a River Observation Area. It is a quiet, well-maintained RV park close to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with plenty of hiking and biking trails and streams for canoeing. This park is among the best in the state for outdoor recreation.
Run by Gadsden County, this beautiful RV park is about 22 miles northwest of Tallahassee. It has 14 sites with 50 amp electricity, pull-through sites and big-rig access. The best part is it is right on the lake with fishing piers and a boat dock. The sites are grass with shade trees and pets are welcome. It has a boardwalk around the lake for evening strolls or great fishing spots.
Coe Landing is run by Leon County on the banks of the Ochlockonee River. The river joins Lake Tanquin and there is ample opportunity for boating and fishing. It is considered by the locals to be the best fishing spot for miles around. It has 20 sites with 30 amp electricity and a dump station. Pet are allowed and it has showers. The location can’t be beaten as it is close to shopping while giving the feeling of being in the wilderness.
Located near Tallahassee it offers pull-through, big rig access, 30/50 amp sites, a marina and boat ramp, showers, restrooms and sewage. It is near some of the top Florida attractions such as the Leon Sinks Geological Area, Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park and the Tallahassee Automotive Museum. With trails for hiking and biking, golf courses and wildlife viewing, there is something for everyone.
The labyrinth at Lichgate. Photo credit Kimberly Bechtel on atlasobscura.com
If Florida is your RV vacation destination, don’t hesitate to stop in Tallahassee to visit the only forest in the state as well as the Lichgate cottage for a restful moment back in time. You will find several national, state and local government-run RV parks that offer the best scenery and amenities for affordable prices.
