Like a scene right out of an Alfred Hitchcock film noir, as you are heading southbound on Highway 301, the storm clouds build and the thick humid air hangs heavy in the north central Florida air when you approach one of the most decrepit roadway signs that upon closer inspection reveals you have arrived to Bradford Motel & Campground. One part front-facing motel, one half backyard campground (er, RV grass parking lot pasture).
Maybe this place makes sense if it’s late at night and you simply need a place to drop anchor for the night, but if you can bear to drive a bit further down the road to one of the other campgrounds that has a higher rating and better commentary than what you’ll find here, you should absolutely heed that inner voice that is saying ‘keep moving.’ So if you find yourself with no better options, here’s what you’ll expect: a dozen or so never-been-mowed before grassy parking knolls, sparsely surrounded by tall pine and magnolia trees casting a slight shadow on the canopy of RVs below, most of which are permanently grounded to where they are currently parked.
As far as amenities are concerned, there’s not much here, my friends. No BBQs. No picnic tables. No children’s playground. No fire ring. It looks as though the only amenities available are free WiFi (if you are parked close enough to said motel), a semi-gravel pathway chock full of potholes, at least an electric hook-up, token trash bins and, of course, the aforementioned partial tree shade.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) When you see that weather-riddled sign with Bradford Motel on it, just keep driving away from this place– just 7 minutes further south you’ll come across the local KOA; (2) But if you do find yourself stuck looking for a place, then just make sure you get here late enough where you can still make your way to the slot you’ll be renting for the night, and be sure to pack up and head out before dawn breaks; (3) Looking for a slice of hiking (and real camping) heaven? Just head due southeast to Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, where you can drop a kayak and swim in the lakes/ springs; and (4) When you get tired of foraging for the next meal from your onboard RV cooler, head into the town of Starke for some local grub, wherein I highly recommend anything from the ‘Swamp Things’ portion of the menu at Cedar River Seafood, where afterwards you can finish the meal off with a scoop of the cold stuff at nearby Strickland’s.
Happy Camping!
