14th Annual South Florida Gathering 2025 (12/12-12/14 2025)

[JckDanls 07]

OMG... Where do you start...

I'll start with Jeff ( TulsaJeff ) .. If not for Jeff starting the forums none of this would have been possible... Jeff, Thanks for creating the best forums on the internet and a place where anybody and everybody can come and find the most trustworthy information out there...

I also need to give a shout out to our administrators Jerry ( pineywoods ) and Brian ( bmudd14474 )... They made a surprise visit to the Gathering and we all welcomed them by choosing them to be our judges in the Friendly rib competition on Saturday night (which I had to back out of, more on that later)... Thanks for coming to our event you guys that was awesome...

Thanks to Doug ( dougmays ) and Al ( SmokinAl ) for being the brainchild and starting the S. Fl. Gathering 15 years ago... I was just a lurker back when they started organizing the 1st gathering so I joined the forums and asked if I could attend the inaugural one.. Without hesitation they both said well of course you can... Anybody, whether you are a lurker or a member is invited.. So they certainly deserve a big shout out.. Thanks guys...

more to come later...

 

[pineywoods]

Karen and I had a good time was nice to catch up with some old friends and meet some new ones.

 

[olivia11]

The sites are spaced out and it would take a couple of years to figure out the better sites to book so we are together. Lake Louisa is a newer campground and laid out nice for RVs and those wanting privacy from the neighbors.
One of the Rangers knew HH and she didn't offer any alternatives when I mentioned we wanted close and easy cross site access.

Bottom line, I would love to camp there solo, but it wouldn't work for our communal system.


I talked with a couple that are camping there. They are familiar with HH and also didn't have an alternative.
They heard the HH campground renovation is for electrical upgrade AND adding sewage hookups. Hold your ... uh ... breath John. You may get your wish.

Sounds like Lake Louisa is great for space and privacy, but not ideal for the close‑together, communal setup you’re used to.
Definitely a place I’d enjoy solo too, but not the best fit for group camping.

 

[olivia11]

Karen and I had a good time was nice to catch up with some old friends and meet some new ones.

Sounds like a great time always good catching up with old friends and making new ones. Glad you and Karen enjoyed it

 

[dougmays]

Wow, what a great gathering! I think the majority of us agree that we do not want to go back to Hardee Alcatraz for another gathering but other then a pain in the @$$ park ranger, what a good time and scenic park!

I think this was one of our high turnout events we've had! Thank you to Jerry and Brian for making the trip down and judging, and i'm not just saying that because i won (after 12 years of losing) haha. Fierce competition, with 9-10 participants, and some great looking ribs!

All the food was great, from day time snacking to Friday and Saturday night dinners.

I didnt get a lot of pictures, but attaching the ones i took :)

Already looking forward to next ye

ar, ill see if i can get any information from Highland Hammock on reopening plans

 

[jaxgatorz]

Looks like an awesome time !!