Paradise Pines RV Park, December 29, 2016 to March 29, 2017

Rating:  4.5 on a scale of 5

Location: Paradise Pines is located in Lutz, FL, about 20 miles from Tampa. We enjoyed visiting many museums, parks, beaches, and restaurants in the entire Tampa Bay Area. It is very convenient to every type of store imaginable including a premium outlet mail about 5 miles away near I-75. 

Lot size: We had a pull through lot with full hook ups and cement pad and picnic table. We had plenty of space between the RVs on either side of us. It was easy to pull in and out from the site.

Amenities: The heated pool is fantastic. There is a very nice clubhouse with restrooms/showers and the laundry room (4 [new] washers and dryers). A large flat-screen TV is in a large sitting area as well as a lending library with lots of books and jigsaw puzzles. On several occasions we pulled out the ping pong table and played some games. Also, get togethers were held on some Friday nights with everyone bringing a dish and their own drinks. There is also a pétanque court and we played cornhole on the lawn in front of the clubhouse. 

Cost: All of the lots here are owned by individuals who determine the cost to rent. It is, of course, highly variable based on the lot and amenities that are available. Some rent park units on their sites as well. We paid a monthly fee plus the cost of electricity (monthly) based on usage. Tow dollies or trailers are not permitted on lots on a long term basis, so we paid an additional $45/month to store it at a location nearby. Overall, this place was very reasonable. 

Management: Because we were renting from a couple that owned the lot, we dealt mostly with them. They provided us with the key to our on-site mailbox and two clickers that opened the gates to the private park. A board comprised of members of the park community meet regularly and determine the rules and regulations of the park. Information is published in the clubhouse regarding the guidelines. 

General Comments:  This is a clothing-optional RV Park, so may not be for you. Some owners have made major improvements on their lots with pavers, landscaping, sheds, tiki huts and more. We made friends with some of the residents as well as some that were renting lots, like us. Everyone was very friendly throughout our stay. The heated pool is a great place to meet and chat with neighbors. We are considering returning to this park next winter for a couple of months, but have not yet finalized our itinerary for the first quarter of 2018. 

For additional information about Paradise Pines, go to their website at www.paradisepinesrvpark.com/.  Photos are not permitted at the park, but you can see what the park looks like on the website.