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Tampa Bay, Florida
SMART MOVES
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WELCOME TO OUR CAMPGROUND
Did you know that there is a campground in Florida that is for Masons and their families? A
campground where you can be in the company of other Masons on vacation? A campground
that is reasonably priced, central to many attractions in Florida and lots of Masonic activities?
Well, let us tell you about it. What we are talking about is the 22 & 23 MASONIC PARK and
YOUTH CAMP of Hillsborough County.
The Campground is located in Central Florida, about 20 miles south of Tampa. It covers 204
acres of pristine wooded land on the Little Manatee River. There are only 72 R.V. spots, which
are separate from the Youth Camp. They all have hook-ups for water and electricity. I say
only 72 spots because most of the park is wooded area, that is back to nature and unspoiled.
The area that has been developed is minimal. If you desire civilization, you can have that
also. A few miles to the south is Bradenton a few miles to the north is Tampa and a few
miles to the west is St. Petersburg.
With only 72 spots you can understand that for part of the year the park is very populated. But
for other times of the year the park is almost vacant. R.V. sites are on a first come, first served
basis. You should call ahead for availability. The rates are only $10.00 daily so you can
understand why the park is popular.
The park contains two small lakes, and is on the
Little Manatee River. There are pavilions and
buildings suitable for meetings and events. There is a two mile hiking trail, designed by the
Suncoast Chapter, Florida Trail Association, and is maintained for your hiking pleasure. The
roads around the camp are mostly paved and the campground area is well maintained. There
are washing machines and public bathrooms and showers.
LOCAL MASONIC ACTIVITIES
There are many Masonic activities conducted at the park including an "Outdoor Degree" and
two spaghetti dinners during the year. You will find over
25 Masonic Lodges where you will
be welcome within an hours drive. For
Scottish Rite Masons,
York Rite Masons and
Shriners
there are gatherings for you year around. We have a Grotto, Tall Cedars and other organizations
within that distance. All of our lodges are friendly and would welcome you to visit.
WATER SPORTS
The park is a few miles from the Gulf Beaches where you can swim, surf, deep-sea fish, dive
or just enjoy the beach. The Manatee River is a short distance away and is ideal for fishing
and boating. Canoes can be rented less than ½ mile from the park The canoeing and kayaking
is excellent on the Little Manatee River.
PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
Big league sporting events are a short drive year around. You can choose from, NFL Football and the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Major League Baseball with the
Tampa Bay Devil Rays,
Arena Football with the Tampa Bay Storm, and
NHL Hockey with the World Champion Tampa Bay Lightning.
There is also College Football with the USF Bulls.
There are several Stock Car Racing Venues in the area, including dirt and asphalt.
SHOWS, CONCERTS AND MUSEUMS
If you are interested in world class shows and concerts, that is available also. In Tampa there
is the St Pete Times Forum where you can witness many events and concerts. Also there is
the Tampa Performing Arts Center where you can see plays, and shows. In St. Petersburg you
can find the Salvador Dali Museum,
in Clearwater Ruth Eckerd Hall and, in Tampa,
Busch Gardens,
Adventure Island,
the Florida State Fairgrounds,and the
Museum of Science and Industry. Also you will find there
The Florida Aquarium and the
Lowery Park Zoo. And
don't forget a visit to historic Ybor City.
THEME PARKS & TRAVEL
A two hour drive will bring you to the Orlando area and Disney World.
There you will also find
Universal Studios and Sea World. Another hours drive will put you in
Daytona Beach and a
little south of there you can tour the
Kennedy Space Center.
WHY COME TO THE MASONIC PARK AND YOUTH CAMP?
You can have the vacation of your dreams, in Florida and not spend a lot of money. At the
Park you will find lots of things to do or just relax. If you choose to see the attractions, there
are many for you to see and enjoy. If you want to travel around the state you can start from
a central location. If you enjoy visiting Masonic events, then you will be in the right place to
meet many friendly Masons. Whatever you want to do you will either find it at the Masonic
Park or you can travel a short distance and find it. Come to Florida and spend time with your
fellow Masons and meet some really nice people. We would love to meet you too.
Dayton Ward - Park Manager
DIRECTIONS TO THE PARK
The Masonic Park is easy to find and is a short distance off of Interstate 75, about 20
miles south of Downtown Tampa.
You can take Interstate 75 south to Hwy 674. Then turn east. Go approximately two miles
to US 301. Turn Right and go about 3-½ miles and you will see the Park Sign just after
you cross the Little Manatee River.
Another way to go is to take US 301 off of Interstate 75 and travel about 15 miles south.
OTHER WEB LINKS OF INTEREST
Grand Lodge of Florida
Boy Scouts of America
Canoe Outpost - Wimauma (rentals)
Click for our Calendar.
NETSCAPE/MOZILLA USERS - Use Ctrl+D to add this web address to your Bookmarks.
Little Manatee River
Tel: 813/634-1220
E-Mail: ptflash21@tampabay.rr.com
18050 US Highway 301 S.
Wimauma, FL 33598-4328
Ed Warren - Assistant Park Manager
Tel: 813/633-9010
Click for
MAP (with directions).
National Camping Travelers, Inc.
Girl Scouts of the USA
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
· Fishing Regulations & Licenses
Wimauma, Florida