KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
From Orlando
From FL-408 W take the Florida's Turnpike exit toward Ocala. Keep Left to stay on Florida's Turnpike for 41.2 miles. Take exit 307 toward Inverness. Turn left on to FL-44 W for 15 miles. Turn right onto US-41 N which becomes Main St. Continue on FL-44 for 7.5 miles. Keep right to stay on FL-44 for 7.4 miles. Turn right on to N Turkey Oak Dr for 0.2 miles. Crystal River KOA will be on your left.
From Tampa
From I-275 N take exit 53 to merge onto I-75 N toward Ocala for about 55 miles. Take exit 329 for FL-44 toward Inverness. Turn left onto FL-44 W and take to N Turkey Oak Dr and turn right. Crystal River KOA will be on your left.
OR
From I-275 S take exit 39 to merge onto FL-60 W. Continue onto FL-589 N for 67.1 miles. Turn left onto FL-44 W for 4.7 miles. Turn right on to N Turkey Oak Dr for 0.2 miles. Crystal River KOA will be on your left.
From Gainesville
From I-75 S take exit 350 toward Dunnellon. Merge onto FL-200 for 16.1 miles. Take a slight right onto County Rd 491 for 10.2 miles. Turn right onto County Rd 486/ W Norvell Bryant Hwy for 3.9 miles. Turn right onto FL-44 for 1.5 miles. Turn right on to N Turkey Oak Dr for 0.2 miles. Crystal River KOA will be on your left.
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Everyone knows the classic S'more; it is the most common dessert to bring during a camping trip and enjoyed by everyone. What's not to love about the gooey marshmallow, melty chocolate on a graham cracker treats? However, there are some new fan favorites out there which are definitely worth exploring! So, check out these three easy options to bring on your next camping trip.
First up are Campfire Banana Boats. These are another seldom known classic camping dessert that needs more love. If you have not tried this fun treat, you definitely should!
Banana boats are if you were to take a banana split and a smore, then mix them together to get an even tastier dessert. They are super easy to assemble and roasted right over your campfire. Just split the banana along the curve, carefully avoiding cutting completely thought and then open it up to create your "boat". Now that you have your boat, it is time to fill it with your toppings of choice. This is where you can get creative! the usual direction would be to use something crunchy, something sweet and something melty. The most used combination would be crushed graham crackers, chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. You can easily swap out any of these for something else and still end up with something delicious, the options are endless so have fun with your toppings.
Once you are happy with your Banana Boat is made, wrap it up in some foil and place over some still warm embers. The goal is to cook it low and slow, just enough to warm up the banana and melt the fillings. You can still cook these with a larger fire, just take caution and watch your creation to avoid anything burning. In just a few minutes your banana boat will be ready to enjoy!
Tip: we recommend keeping tongs on hand to safely place or pick up this desert and the next on this list as well.
Up next on our list are Campfire Cones! These are a less messy option to s'mores, but with the option of endless variations to try. They are perfect for groups as you can make them ahead of time, no special equipment is needed to make them and since they are completely customizable even the pickiest of eaters will be happy. Just like the Banana Boats, there are no wrong choices of fillings when making this campfire dessert.
While any ice cream cone will work, the larger waffle cones tend to be the best option when making this treat. Simply stuff them with your choice of filling and they are ready to go!
Now that you are ready to cook your Campfire Cone, wrap it up in some foil and twist at the top to seal. Then place at the edge of the campfire, not directly in the flames, rotating them every so often for about three to five minutes. Once done carefully check that everything is melted and let it cool before eating.
Tip: want to keep your cones from tipping over? you can use some rocks to keep them up right. If you want, you can also use a metal cone holder for extra ease.
Last, but definitely not least on this list of delicious desserts are Campfire Strawberries. This is a quick and easy treat, with as little as two ingredients, will definitely be a hit at your next camping trip.
For this dessert, take a whole strawberry without its green top and place it on a skewer. Next get marshmallow fluff and dip your strawberry in all the way to the top. Then all you have to do is roast the marshmallow fluff over your campfire to your desired golden color. You can enjoy this treat just as it is or take it a step further by rolling your toasted treat in a crushed topping of your choice! Some of our favorites are crushed cookies or nuts.
Whichever dessert you decide to test out next, we at Crystal River KOA hope you enjoy them! Show off your new creation at your next stay with us. We even offer fire pit rentals and have a large community fire pit for you to use.
Happy Roasting!
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