Lodging – Dixie County

For an overnight, Dixie County offers everything from historic charm to rustic simplicity. If your family loves history, spend a night at the Putnam Lodge in Cross City – a nearly century-old hotel with cozy rooms and a touch of 1920s elegance. Prefer the great outdoors? Pitch a tent or park an RV at Shired Island Beach or a campground by the Suwannee River, where you can fall asleep to crickets and wake to birdsong. Vacation rentals and fish camps in the coastal villages of Suwannee and Horseshoe Beach let you live like a local, with porches perfect for watching sunsets over the marsh. Whether you choose a lodge, cabin, or campsite, Dixie County’s down-home hospitality will make you feel right at home.

In Gilchrist County, you won’t find big hotels – instead, you get to stay close to nature or in the heart of a small town. If your family likes camping, you’re in luck: Hart Springs and Otter Springs parks both have campgrounds (and even a few cabins to rent), so you can sleep just steps away from a spring and the Suwannee River. Imagine evening campfires and a sky full of stars with no city lights! For divers and outdoorsy families, Ginnie Springs offers tent sites right by the clear river, making it easy to take an early morning dip. Prefer four walls? Try a cozy vacation rental or country bed-and-breakfast around Trenton or Bell – maybe a historic home-turned-guesthouse with a welcoming porch. Wherever you stay in Gilchrist County, it’s bound to be relaxed, friendly, and never far from the outdoor adventures that brought you here.

Whether you’re after a breezy beach stay or a rustic retreat, Levy County has you covered. In Cedar Key, you can rent a cozy cottage or stay at a quaint inn right on the waterfront – wake up to the sound of seagulls and a beautiful sunrise over the Gulf. If your family loves camping, try Manatee Springs State Park’s campground, where you might glimpse deer at dawn and can hop in the spring to swim anytime. Fanning Springs State Park even offers air-conditioned cabins under the oaks for a comfortable “camping” experience with the kids. And for road-trippers, several friendly mom-and-pop motels in Chiefland or Williston are ready to welcome you for the night. No matter where you unpack, expect a warm welcome and a laid-back vibe that makes you feel at home on the Nature Coast.

Where you stay in Taylor County can be as adventurous or as comfortable as you like. Along the Steinhatchee River, you’ll find rental cottages and waterfront cabins – many come with a private dock, so you can bring or rent a boat and explore the river at your leisure. If waking up to sea breezes is your thing, consider camping at Keaton Beach or Hagens Cove. There’s nothing like grilling your fresh catch under the stars and then falling asleep to the gentle sound of waves. In Perry, the county seat, you’ll find a few motels and maybe a cozy B&B or two, perfect for road-trippers seeking the comforts of home. From coastal campgrounds and RV parks to quaint inns and fully-equipped cottages, Taylor County offers lodging to fit every family’s style – all with that laid-back, friendly vibe the region is known for.