Suwannee Banjo Camp Logistics

Here's some logistical information to make your stay at Suwannee Banjo Camp as pleasant as possible

Entry: When you get to the ranger station at the Park Entrance, tell them you're attending Suwannee Banjo Camp. That prompts them to waive the daily "use fee."

Finding our site: You're looking for the Group Camping Area. Once you've left the ranger station, proceed roughly 1.5 miles along the road, then curve around a stop sign into a parking area. We'll try our best to have a couple of "Suwannee Banjo Camp" signs posted along the way, but you shouldn't really need them to find your way to our site.

Climate: Mid-March weather in North Florida can be extremely variable. Daytime highs can be anywhere from low 60s into the 80s, while night-time lows can vary from mid-30s to mid-50s. Mornings can be quite chilly, but temperatures can warm up dramatically by early afternoon. Our best advice is to dress in layers. In addition, it might not be a bad idea to bring an umbrella or rain gear, just in case! ABOVE ALL, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU CHECK THE WEEKEND FORECAST BEFORE LEAVING HOME.

Sleeping Arrangements: Those staying in the cabins need to bring their own sleeping bags (or bedding) and pillows. Take into account that it can get quite chilly in the cabins at night. If you can manage it logistically, bring a couple of extra blankets just in case (if you don't need them they'll just sit in the car, but if it turns cold you'll be VERY glad you brought them).

Bring a Heater? We had an unseasonable and quite rare cold-spell during the 2007 camp, and a lot of folks felt cold at night in their cabins even with a sleeping bag. In the unlikely event of extremely cold weather in the forecast for the 2008 camp (i.e., lows below the mid-30s), you might want to consider bringing a heater along with you to warm the cabins. Important Note: The only kind of heaters permitted in the park are oil-filled electric heaters (they look like little radiators and have no open flame or electrical elements).

Coming by air and can't bring a heater or extra blankets? If cold weather is in the forecast but you are coming by air, we will have a few extra blankets and perhaps a couple of extra heaters around to lend out. Be sure to let us know in advance, so we have enough on hand.

Other Things to Bring: towels, soap, shampoo and whatever else you need for personal hygiene. Bring an alarm clock, too!

Bathroom facilities: Although a few cabins have "en suite" bathrooms, most cabin residents will be using one of two common bath-buildings. You might want to bring something warm you can throw on, in the event that you need to visit one of these facilities after you've retired for the night.

Electrical Outlets: All cabins have electricity, so you can bring hair dryers, electric shavers, etc.

Flashlights: There are no street lights at O'Leno, so bring flashlights AND extra batteries!

Music Stands: Some classes are scheduled for covered outdoor locations. So if you bring a music stand, bring some kind of clip to hold paper fast when the wind is blowing.