We’re back from our First Rally of the Year in Lake City, Florida — and what a weekend it was!
We stayed at the charming and beautifully maintained Lake City Campground, the perfect home base for a history-filled getaway. Just down the road at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park, history roared back to life during Florida’s largest Civil War reenactment — the legendary Battle of Olustee. With rolling gun smoke, booming cannons, and thundering cavalry, the scene transported us straight to February 20, 1864. In the original battle, evenly matched forces clashed, resulting in 1,861 Union casualties and 949 Confederate casualties — a powerful reminder of the day’s intensity.
What Did We Do?
Friday: Many in our group explored the lively Olustee Festival in Downtown Lake City. The park was filled with arts & crafts vendors, homemade jams, local honey and soaps, leather goods, and more — all alongside a massive food truck court serving up festival favorites.
Saturday: In addition to the thrilling reenactment, some members visited the Lake DeSoto Farmers’ Market, where farmers, artists, food vendors, and small businesses showcased items that are truly homegrown and handmade.
All Weekend Long: Outdoor enthusiasts hit the trails at Big Shoals State Park, exploring more than 28 miles of wooded paths perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. For the adventurous, the Big Shoals even offer rare-in-Florida whitewater experiences!
And as if that wasn’t enough — Valentine’s Day 2026 fell right in the middle of our rally! We celebrated with a delicious potluck featuring red bean & beef chili, white bean & chicken chili, all the toppings, cornbread casserole, and a table full of desserts. After dinner, we gathered for a lively round of the “Nickels Game,” while many enjoyed Jack Cohen’s homemade Peppermint Schnapps. Great food, great friends, and great memories — the perfect way to kick off our rally season!
#RVlife #RVcamping #RVcampingclub #LakeCityFL #Campingflorida #Campingclubs #RVclub #Palmcoastrvclub #Northeastflcampingclub


Leave a comment