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Charlie's Suwannee River Home

host type

This is a Boondockers Welcome host in Bell, FL

  • Max Rig Size

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    unknown

  • Parking Spaces

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    2

  • Same Day Requests

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    Yes

  • Preferred Check-in Time

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    1:00 PM

NOTICE: Some hosts go far beyond parking in a driveway and a 15 amp drop cord. I am not one of those. I have FULL hookup and more, therefore I ask a $5.00 per night donation to cover my out-of-pocket costs for electricity and other costs. I also ask all potential guests to text their approximate ETA in the AM on another about a half hour prior to arrival. My 2 RV sites are located across the access road from my home and the Suwannee River. My sites are quiet, fenced, shaded and private. River access can be had through host's yard. A free county boat launching ramp is approximately 1/8th mile away while other free ramps are plentiful along the river. Rock Bluff General store is within easy walking distance (gas, drink and some food supplies). Sun Stop Grocery Store, Dollar General and Family Dollar stores are located 4 miles distance in Bell. Walmart is qin Chiefland. Gainesville with its many hospitals, doctor's offices, stores, etc. is q45 miles. Palm Medical Clinic in Bell, 4 miles. Several buffets and restaurants in area (List available from host). I also include an area information handout of area places, stores and recreation places. RVs greater than 28ft must back in a short distance through the gate due to the location of the septic tank, drain field and trees. German Shepards Dobermans, rotwilers, pit bulls, etc. are limited to one dog and MUST NOT show aggression toward humans or other dogs. Firewood is free and generally available at the fire pit. WIFI is not available. Rock Bluff General Store has earth worms for guests wanting to exercise their fishing skills. A fresh water fishing license may be purchased at the Courthouse in Trenton during week days or in Chiefland at Walmart. Suggested local attractions and several state parks are located within easy driving distance. One near by park has a very clear water for tubing it’s 72 degree year round water. , Canoes and kayaks and pontoon boats are available for and used on both the nearby Santa Fe and Suwannee Rivers. Gainesville, FL is about 38 miles northeast with all of its shopping, medical facilities, University of Florida and attractions. Recently Rock Bluff Springs Park opened June 2019 within easy walking distance of my RV sites. The spring water is clear and an excellent swimming location with flowing water 72 degrees year round. During summer months when river is low watch gulf sturgeons jump that range from 10 to 200 pounds. They are harmless fish but approximately 10 people a year get injured due to running in to them in their fast moving boats and PWCs. while they are still airborne. Rock Bluff area is their prime jumping area. They come up river from the Gulf of Mexico during the spring and summer months to spawn. During summer months, guests may swim in the river though host prefers they check with him prior to doing so for a river swimming briefing. Unlike lakes and pools, rivers and oceans do have currents that can be dangerous to beginner swimmers and those who have never swam in rivers or oceans before.

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Vehicle Suitability Information

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Pets Welcome

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Electric Hookup: 30A

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Separate Tow Vehicle Parking

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Campfire Ring Provided

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RV Dump Station

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Generators Allowed

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Water Hookup

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Slideouts Allowed

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Offleash Area for Pets

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Outdoor Cooking Allowed

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House Rules

House rules are pretty common sense. Alcohol can be consumed in moderation at the RV sites or on host’s river deck or floating dock. Please pick up after pets and prevent them from chasing squirrels. No dogs in bathroom area. If steps to deck and dock are wet, do not use. They are super slippery when wet and it is guaranteed that you will slip down no matter how careful you are. I know. I have done so. No pets or smoking in the enclosed areas. Exit by 1:00 PM on your exit date unless host has given permission for a later exit time.

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Location

Access Road Conditions: Paved highway up to graded road, then 1/8th mile of graded limerock road. RVs over 28ft must back in to sites. I have had 40 ft 5th wheels back in but drivers were experienced full time RVers. My #2 site is pull in for 30 foot motor homes so water, electric and dump are on the correct side. When site #1 is occupied the utilities must be passed under the RVs to hookup for all RVs other than the 30 ft motor homes. Tow Vehicle Parking Details: Plenty of space at RV sites for towed vehicles. Pull through for bumper pull, 5th wheels and motor home RVs 28 ft or less may be available depending how many guests and size of their RVs. Larger motor homes, bumper pulls and 5th wheels MUST back in through the gate from the road. WATCH FOR TREES AND GATE POSTS WHEN PULLING THROUGH OR BACKING IN.

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Parking Surface

Grass

host Profile

Hosted By CharlieJ

Age:

65+

Retired Marine, Retired AT&T, Details: Active person. Have 5th wheel and have traveled all 48 lower states, Alaska and all of Canada with the exception of two most center Northern Canadian territories.. When I worked for AT&T after retiring from the Marines,, I had the Southwestern states and Hawaii as my territory. I worked for AT&T almost 21 years before retiring from them.. During my 21 years in the Marines, I was an embassy guard for 2 years in Vienna, Austria where I met and married my late wife. When I retired from AT&T in 2000 we bought a 5th wheel. Each year a day or 2 after the 4th of July we would head north to the northern states, Alaska or Canada until Labor Day or a little later. Once Covid is over I look forward begin traveling once more. For now I just host BDW guests on my 2 full hookup RV sites pretty much year round.. Home Town: I was raised in Jacksonville Beach, FL but my home town now is in the Bell, FL. area on the Suwannee River. I joined the Marines right after high school graduation retiring from the Marines in California after 21 years service. I found my job with AT&T soon after retiring from the Marine Corps so I remained in CA for 26 years until 2000 when I retired from AT&T. I returned to Florida where I had previously purchased my home just outside of Bell in what is known as the Rock Bluff community, 3 miles west of Bell on the Suwannee River. Favorite Boondocking Locations: I have only stayed at 3 BDW sites since joining on a three week vacation to Canada. One night in SC and 4 in Ontario, Canada. I don’t think I have a favorite place yet. Previously I have been staying in state parks, military RV parks, Passport America parks and other private parks in my 19 years as an RVer.traveler. Skills or Expertise to Share: When in the Marines, after my tour as an embassy guard, I worked 6 years as an aircraft radio technician then retrained as a Ground Controlled Approach Radar Technician. While with AT&T my first 5 years was as a microwave radio technician then as a supervisor for telephone electrical power, both AC and DC. I spent almost 21 years before retiring from AT&T. Presently, I do some woodwork in my shop which I built and enjoy. I help neighbors with whatever they need help with. I have a tractor and help neighbors using it when needed. I learned some welding though I would not call myself a welder.

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References for this location from other RVers

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    JudandMindy

    1 day ago

    Just had an amazing stay at Charley's RV site! The spot had everything we needed with full hookups and a serene atmosphere. Charley was incredibly welcoming, opening up his backyard and dock for us to enjoy stunning river views. Despite the tight fit through the gate for larger rigs, Charley's patience and assistance were top-notch, even helping a newbie back in their rig with saintly patience. While the lush tree coverage provided shade, it did hinder our Starlink connection, and cell coverage was sparse, but that didn't bother us much. Just a heads up, the pads aren't concrete, so bring some blocking for landing gear. Overall, an unforgettable experience—we'll definitely be back! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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    Asadowskk

    1 day ago

    Charlie was very helpful, communicative, and friendly! Thanks, Charlie!!🥰

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    Grizzz474

    4 days ago

    What a beautiful place to stop. I was here for 2 days and it could not have been more perfect. Water, electric and a connection to be able to dump. There are 2 parking spots so you may have to share the dump connection but that is not a problem. Charlie and Sandra were great hosts. They do invite you to cross the street to their property where you can sit on the deck over the Suwannee River. I promise I will be back..

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    TheJimmies

    3 weeks ago

    Enjoyed our stay here again. So nice to have a full hookup. Appreciate all the info we get for the area. Plus we even got some time to play Sequence with Charlie and Sandra. Such a great host.

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    Roadmoves

    3 weeks ago

    This is probably the best boondocker location we have stayed at in two years of travelling. Charlie has a beautiful place on the Suannee River with two full service RV pads including electricity, water, dump facilities and a shower. In addition he has a deck that overhangs the river and we had the opportunity to sit and chat with him and get to know him a little. Certainly southern hospitality at its finest.

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