Masonic Park & Youth Camp

For Floridians seeking a unique blend of outdoor adventure, community gathering, and a return to the natural beauty of "old Florida," Masonic Park & Youth Camp in Wimauma, FL, presents an intriguing option. This expansive property is more than just an RV park; it’s a multifaceted destination designed to create lasting memories for all generations. From its highly praised summer youth camp to its capacity for hosting various events and offering RV spaces, Masonic Park & Youth Camp aims to provide a welcoming environment for a diverse range of visitors.

Nestled on over 200 acres, this hidden jewel offers a vast natural playground that stands in contrast to the rapid development seen in many parts of Florida. It provides a rare opportunity to experience the state's natural charm, characterized by its "old Florida goodness." Whether you're a family looking for an enriching summer experience for your children, an individual or group seeking a peaceful RV stay, or planning an event that benefits from ample space and unique amenities, Masonic Park & Youth Camp endeavors to cater to these needs within its serene setting.

The dual nature of the park – serving as both an RV park and a youth camp – means it offers different experiences depending on your purpose for visiting. For RVers, it can provide a tranquil base to explore the surrounding Hillsborough County, while for families, the youth camp promises an action-packed and educational summer. Understanding the full scope of activities and facilities available is key to appreciating what makes Masonic Park & Youth Camp a distinctive destination for locals across Florida.

Masonic Park & Youth Camp is conveniently situated at 18050 US-301, Wimauma, FL 33598, USA. This location in Wimauma places it within Hillsborough County, providing a balance between a natural, expansive setting and relatively easy access to the greater Tampa Bay metropolitan area.

US-301 is a significant north-south highway that runs directly past the park's entrance. This makes the camp highly accessible for visitors traveling from various parts of Florida. To the north, US-301 connects to Riverview and eventually leads into Tampa, offering routes to major attractions, shopping centers, medical facilities, and the Tampa International Airport. To the south, US-301 extends towards Manatee County and Sarasota, providing further connectivity to Florida's Gulf Coast destinations.

The strategic position on a major U.S. highway means that whether you're bringing an RV, dropping off children for camp, or attending an event, navigating to Masonic Park & Youth Camp is generally straightforward. While Wimauma itself maintains a more rural feel compared to its bustling neighbors, the proximity to US-301 ensures that essential services such as gas stations, local eateries, and small shops are within a reasonable driving distance.

For locals in Florida, this accessibility is a significant advantage. It allows families from across the state to easily reach the youth camp for summer programs, and for RV enthusiasts, it serves as a convenient stopover or a peaceful longer-term base from which to explore the region without being too far off the beaten path. The 200+ acres provide ample space for various activities while the main road frontage ensures ease of arrival and departure. Despite its large size and rural feel, its connection to a major highway helps maintain its suitability for a wide range of visitors.

Masonic Park & Youth Camp offers a unique blend of services, catering primarily to youth development and outdoor recreation, while also providing facilities for RV camping and events.

• Youth Summer Camp Programs: This is a core service, providing an "amazing" summer camp experience for children. The camp offers a wide array of activities designed for engaging and educational fun, making it a dream for many kids. This includes a diverse range of outdoor and creative pursuits.
• RV Camping Sites: The park offers spaces for RVs, though the specifics of hookups (e.g., full hookups, 30/50 amp, water, sewer) are not detailed. It functions as an RV park, allowing individuals and families to stay in their recreational vehicles.
• Event Hall with Equipped Kitchen: The presence of a "great hall with a fully equipped kitchen" indicates that the facility is suitable for hosting various events, such as family reunions, Masonic lodge gatherings, community functions, or other large group activities.
• Horseback Riding: A standout activity offered, indicating dedicated facilities and potentially trained staff for horseback riding experiences, which is a significant draw for a youth camp and general visitors.
• Paintball: This high-energy activity suggests a designated area and equipment for paintball, appealing to adventurous youth and potentially adult groups.
• Ropes Course and Ziplining: These challenging and thrilling activities point to professional-grade installations, offering adventurous experiences that build confidence and teamwork.
• Canoeing: Access to water and canoes allows for paddling activities, providing a serene way to explore the camp's natural surroundings.
• Crafts and Games: Beyond high-adventure, the camp offers traditional youth camp activities like crafts and various games, ensuring a well-rounded experience for younger participants.
• Extensive Natural Grounds: With "Over 200 acres of old Florida goodness," the camp offers vast natural spaces for exploration, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors.

It is important to note a specific detail regarding RV access from a customer review: the camp has a policy against travel trailers without a built-in restroom. This indicates a specific requirement for RV types that can be accommodated, and prospective RV campers should confirm their vehicle meets this criterion before planning a stay. While the primary focus seems to be on the youth camp and larger events, the RV park aspect exists with certain conditions.

Masonic Park & Youth Camp is distinguished by a remarkable array of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for various purposes, particularly appealing to families and groups seeking an immersive outdoor experience in Florida.

• Expansive Natural Setting: The most prominent highlight is its sheer size – "Over 200 acres of old Florida goodness!" This vast expanse of natural landscape provides ample space for diverse activities, exploration, and a true sense of being immersed in the wilderness, which is increasingly rare in developed Florida.
• Premier Youth Summer Camp: The summer camp is described as "every kid's dream" and "amazing place!" This speaks to the high quality and variety of programs offered, making it a top choice for parents seeking enriching and memorable summer experiences for their children.
• Diverse Adventure Activities: The camp boasts an impressive list of thrilling and engaging activities, including horseback riding, paintball, a ropes course, and ziplining. These high-adventure options cater to a wide range of interests and provide unique opportunities for fun and personal growth.
• Traditional Camp Fun: In addition to the adventurous elements, the inclusion of crafts, games, and canoeing ensures a well-rounded camp experience, appealing to different preferences and providing both creative and active outlets for participants.
• Dedicated and Trustworthy Staff: The positive mention of "Sandy, who is running the camp this summer is so wonderful, kind and trustworthy," highlights the commitment to providing a safe, nurturing, and high-quality environment for children attending the youth camp. Trustworthy staff are paramount for a successful youth program.
• Versatile Event Facilities: The "great hall with a fully equipped kitchen" makes the camp an excellent venue for private events, family gatherings, corporate retreats, or Masonic functions. This versatility broadens its appeal beyond just camping and youth programs.
• Multi-Generational Appeal: The statement "All ages can enjoy this hidden jewel! Also has a great hall... Great place for all generations to enjoy and create memories!" emphasizes the park's capacity to host and entertain diverse age groups, making it ideal for family reunions or events involving people of all ages.
• Affordable and Accessible: While specific pricing isn't detailed, the overall tone suggests that the camp aims to be a valuable and accessible resource. Its location on US-301 ensures ease of travel from many parts of Florida.

It is worth noting the specific RV policy highlight: the camp requires RVs to have a built-in restroom for overnight stays. This is a crucial detail for potential RV campers and should be considered a key feature that defines eligibility for overnight parking at the site. This policy aims to ensure guest comfort and sanitation given the camp's specific infrastructure and primary focus.

Information regarding specific promotions or special offers for Masonic Park & Youth Camp is not publicly detailed in the provided customer reviews. As a facility that functions both as a youth camp and an RV park, its "promotions" would likely vary seasonally and depend on the type of service being sought.

For the Youth Camp:

• Early Bird Registration: It is common for summer camps to offer discounted rates for registrations made well in advance of the camp season.
• Sibling Discounts: Discounts might be available for families enrolling multiple children in the summer camp program.
• Group Rates: For organizations or large groups sending multiple campers, special group pricing could be offered.
• Scholarships or Financial Aid: As a Masonic-affiliated entity, there might be opportunities for financial assistance or scholarships for deserving youth, particularly those affiliated with Masonic families, though this would need direct confirmation.

For RV Camping:

• Seasonal Rates: RV parks often have varying rates for peak season (e.g., winter for snowbirds) versus off-season (e.g., summer). The "good prices" mentioned in a general review might apply to certain times of the year or types of stays.
• Long-Term Stay Discounts: Reduced daily or weekly rates for those committing to monthly or longer stays might be available.
• Masonic Member Discounts: Given its affiliation, it is highly probable that members of Masonic lodges or their families receive special pricing or preferential rates for RV stays or event bookings. This would be a significant "promotion" for that specific demographic.

For Event Hall Rentals:

• Package Deals: For events, there might be package deals that include use of the hall, kitchen, and potentially access to some recreational activities.
• Masonic Lodge Rates: Again, Masonic lodges would likely receive special, possibly reduced, rates for holding their functions at the park.

Prospective visitors, whether for the youth camp, RV stay, or event rental, are highly encouraged to contact Masonic Park & Youth Camp directly to inquire about their current rates, any available discounts, and specific booking procedures. It would be particularly beneficial for Masons or those affiliated with Masonic organizations to inquire about member benefits.

For those interested in the diverse offerings of Masonic Park & Youth Camp, whether for youth summer camp programs, RV camping, or event hosting, you can reach out using the following contact details:

• Address: 18050 US-301, Wimauma, FL 33598, USA
• Phone: (813) 634-1220
• Mobile Phone: +1 813-634-1220

When contacting Masonic Park & Youth Camp, it is advisable to clearly state your interest – whether it's for the summer youth camp, booking an RV site, or reserving the event hall. For RV inquiries, remember to specifically ask about their policy regarding built-in restrooms in travel trailers, as this has been a point of contention for some visitors. For summer camp information, inquire about dates, registration processes, activities, and any age requirements. For event bookings, discuss availability, capacity of the great hall, kitchen access, and any other facilities you might need for your gathering. Clear communication will ensure you receive the most relevant and up-to-date information for your visit.

Masonic Park & Youth Camp stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for Floridians, offering a blend of experiences that cater to various local needs and desires. Its unique combination of extensive natural beauty, dedicated youth programs, and welcoming atmosphere makes it a valuable resource within the state.

Firstly, for families across Florida, the youth summer camp is a significant draw. Described as "every kid's dream," it provides a safe, engaging, and enriching environment with a wide array of activities like horseback riding, ziplining, paintball, and canoeing. This allows parents to provide their children with a memorable outdoor experience and skill-building opportunities, all within a reasonable driving distance from most major population centers in Florida. The positive feedback on staff like "Sandy" underscores the trust and quality of care offered, which is paramount for parents.

Secondly, the expansive "200 acres of old Florida goodness" offers a vital escape into nature for all ages. In a rapidly developing state, finding such a vast, preserved natural space is a treasure. Floridians seeking hiking trails, quiet reflection, or simply a place to breathe fresh air and observe local wildlife will find the camp’s grounds ideal. This caters to a growing desire among locals to reconnect with Florida's authentic landscapes, away from crowded tourist hubs.

For RV enthusiasts, while the policy regarding built-in restrooms is a specific consideration, the park does offer camping spaces. For those whose RVs meet this requirement, it provides a peaceful and spacious alternative to more conventional RV resorts, especially for those seeking a tranquil base or attending an event at the park. Its location on US-301 ensures easy access, making it a convenient stopover or a longer-term base for exploring the central Florida region.

Moreover, the "great hall with a fully equipped kitchen" makes it an excellent venue for family reunions, community gatherings, or organizational events. This versatility means locals can utilize the camp for celebrations and functions, benefiting from its spaciousness and the unique activities available on-site. The emphasis on "all generations to enjoy and create memories" truly highlights its suitability as a family-friendly and community-oriented destination.

Finally, its identity as "Masonic Park" implies a strong community foundation and a commitment to certain values, which can be appealing to locals seeking a place with a sense of purpose and belonging, particularly for those connected to the Masonic fraternity. This underlying structure often translates to a well-maintained and responsibly managed property.

In summary, Masonic Park & Youth Camp offers Floridians a multifaceted destination that blends thrilling youth adventures, expansive natural beauty, and versatile event facilities, all within an accessible location that champions the spirit of "old Florida." It serves as a true "hidden jewel" for creating cherished memories for locals of all ages.