Our Review of Whispering Pines RV Park in Silver Springs, FL

Addendum 1.  9/11/17:  This was originally scheduled for last Friday, until Hurricane Irma came along. Then I postponed it for a week. But I have decided to publish it today, because I have follow up photos after the hurricane, and it might be helpful to visualize the entire park first to get an idea of where things are. For those on Facebook, I have already posted the "after" photos, but will follow this blog post up with the photos tomorrow.

On April 1st, we relocated from Fore Lake Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest to Whispering Pines RV Park. We only had to go about seven miles, and could remain in the same area we had been in, east of Silver Springs. That was basically a coincidence in our favor, because we would have been willing to drive farther to get the same situation as we have found in this park.

Whispering pines RV Park is just a short drive off of Highway 40, the main east/west route through Ocala and Silver Springs. It has kind of a round-about way of getting to it, because the most direct road is not the best. But that only helps to keep traffic to a minimum, and that is exactly what we want... peace and quiet.

The owners live in a nice double-wide home on the left as you enter the front gate, and the office is attached to the end of the home facing the driveway. They (at first) seemed to be very cordial (more on that later), but tended to remain quiet and stay to themselves to get their work done, and that's fine with me. We have been in their position, and have seen what happens when managers start getting "too" chummy with the residents. It can be very disruptive to work flow, and sooner or later, you have to stop it, as we had to at the park we managed. Managers are there to manage the park, not to keep you company or entertain you! It's a business! They're working! Please respect their time!

There is ample room to pull off to the side to register for any size RV, although not for many at a time. Some that have reserved sites from previous visits and know where their site is may find it easier to go to their site and park first and then come up to the office.

Immediately past the mailbox on the right is a wash station for people to wash their vehicles.

You can see the wash station hose at the center of the photo.

There are a few RV sites past it that are reserved for the hosts, and then there is a small house-looking building which is the clubhouse for the park.

The clubhouse.

Although small, the clubhouse is nicely appointed with a fireplace, a big screen LCD TV (Direct TV satellite signal provided in peak season), tables and chairs, a kitchen stove, a microwave, a refrigerator, a Bingo board and a countertop in the first room...

First Clubhouse room at our park.

... and a second room with a small library which includes puzzles and games and a coffee station.

Second clubhouse room at our park.

A dish-washing sink is outside. There is no restroom in this building, so one must walk about 200 feet to the building at the front of the park, or about the same distance to the one slightly farther to the west on the main drive.

In front of the clubhouse is a covered concrete patio with two picnic tables for additional seating, and also serves as the smoking area, since it is not allowed in the clubhouse.

The covered front patio on the clubhouse at our park.

Behind the clubhouse is a single shuffleboard court (looks like it doesn't get used much, except for fun). Some places live for their shuffleboard tournaments, others don't. The resort that we lived at in Mesa, AZ, had multiple shuffle board lanes that they polished to a shine and covered with wax, and which were surrounded by grandstands. They were SERIOUS players whose teams competed with other resorts! Obviously, there's no one here like that, and it suits me fine... less people to deal with! Besides, there's little room for extra visitors to park near the clubhouse!

The shuffleboard court behind the clubhouse at our park.

To the west of the shuffleboard court, almost end to end, is one horseshoe court. I hear that there are a few players in the park, and I like to play, so I'll have to see what happens after November 1st! (Update: I never did see anyone use the horseshoe pits the entire 13 months we stayed at this park!)

The horseshoe pits behind the clubhouse at our park.

Just past the office on the left is a small picnic table with an umbrella. This is a convenient place to wait if the office is busy with other people, as there's (purposely) no waiting room in the office. We found out later they don't want extra people in the room. There is also a coiled Ethernet line hanging on the corner of the office, which can be stretched out to reach the picnic table. The park does NOT have WI-FI, so anyone that does not have access by other means can come up there and plug in to use the internet... one at a time. Not sure about power, though, so make sure your battery is charged! That also has the extra benefit of preventing high volume users from coming up there and monopolizing the line for hours on end! Be respectful of others' needs.

The office with Ethernet cable and picnic table.

Behind the picnic table and office is a huge corrugated metal quanset building which serves as the maintenance shop. I haven't been in it, but based on the tractors, mowers and other equipment that I have seen working, I would guess that it is pretty well equipped.

Maintenance building at our park.

A small loop drive goes around behind the first four RV spaces on the left. Where it intersects with the main loop there is the first of two restroom/shower/laundry buildings with his and hers rooms with multiple stalls (typically 2 toilets and 2 showers). I do not normally use the public restrooms (we prefer to use our own in our RV), but from what I can see these are kept very clean and in good repair.

The front shower/laundry building at our park.

The shower stalls (2) and toilet stalls (2) in the front building at our park.

Men's room urinal and vanity at our park.

The second (identical restroom/shower/laundry building is halfway down the main drive that goes straight back into the park, and on the left. Both buildings have outside umbrella-style drying racks for those who prefer to hang their clothes outside. (Nice touch!).

The back shower/laundry building at our park.

Both laundry buildings have two medium-sized washers and two medium-sized dryers, all coin operated. Loads are all $1.25 each, whether washing or drying. The washers run for about 25-30 minutes, the dryers for about 45 minutes.

One of two laundry facilities at our park

A laundry folding table, clothes pins, and other things available opposite the machines.

Both laundry buildings also have dump stations, located at the left rear corner on both buildings. There are four sites that don't have sewer connections on site, so this is where they (or visitors) can dump their tanks.

One of two dump stations at our park.

Most sites are full hook-up (except the four without sewer), and all but one has 30 amp electrical connections. Currently they only have one site with 50 amps available. The cable TV is free, although limited to 12 channels and there are duplicates of more than one network! Signal quality is below average on many stations, and often drop out totally. I never could find a program guide that matched what they were presenting! If you are really into TV, figure on paying for satellite service. There are also phone lines on each post, although we didn't use them. The water spigots are also on the back sides of the power posts.

Typical utility post at our park.

Our site is a metered, long term site, as most are here. At first, when I saw only a meter feeding directly into a 30-amp RV receptacle I was concerned as to whether it had overcurrent protection (fuse or breaker). But upon further investigation, I saw that in the middle of each group of sites is a utilities board or pole with load centers and breakers.

Typical electrical load center at our park.

Undoubtedly, these feed the individual sites, and each site is properly fused on its own breaker, so all is well, although not as convenient as the newer style load center/meter posts most of us are used to seeing. However, just for your own protection, you should always provide your own surge and ground fault protection.

The only big fault I see with the hookups (at least some of them) is that the sewer connections  (4-inch PVC pipe) are stubbed way too far above ground, such that in some cases, they may be as high as the sewer outlet on the RVs. Our motorhome sets especially low, with the sewer hookup facing straight down, under the coach. I use an add-on 90-degree elbow on it, and it is still too low to even get a proper hose support under it to level out the hose to the sewer. The waste water has no choice but to run slightly uphill. And I have no choice but to get out there and lift about half the hose at a time to get that half to drain into the sewer. I repeat that process until everything is emptied out.

Sewer hoses can sometimes run uphill... or can they?

For that and other reasons, I don't leave my sewer hose, nor my fresh water hose out. (The sun and constant water pressure eventually destroys hoses.) It takes me less than fifteen minutes to go out there and refresh the tanks, about every three to five days. I start the fresh water filling first, and by the time I get done dumping the other tanks and put the sewer hose away, the fresh water is ready to be topped off and that hose put away. If you want easy, this probably isn't the park for you!

It would be much simpler to cut the PVC sewer pipes down below ground level and add a coupling, so that the tops of the screw-in caps were below ground level. That way, they could mow over them, instead of around them. But maybe there is a plumbing code reason for them being above grade level... maybe so ground water doesn't drain in and overwhelm the septic system. Or maybe that is one problem created by a previous owner/manager that they just haven't had time to correct yet. Either way, its not my call, and I'll just deal with it. No place is ever perfect.

One of the two water stations here at our park.

The water here at the park is fine, BTW. I don't need my double filter pack on it at all! It comes right from the ground by way of two pumping stations here in the park. Even though they are private wells, they are feeding what is considered a public water supply, and quality must be controlled the same as any other public water supply. I used to be a public water system operator when we managed a park, so I know. Since I don't like to leave my hose connected all the time, I fill my fresh water tank every time I dump the other tanks. The RV pump takes care of the water pressure just fine... not a big deal. Using from the storage tank on my RV is no different than using from their storage tank.

Back to layout... beyond the clubhouse on the right are three more RV spaces, and then the rest of that side is open storage lot. At the far end is an outdoor community fire ring, but you have to bring your own seating. I had heard they do have fires out there when there's more people in the park, and that proved to be true. However, this far north in Florida can still bring chilly temperatures after dark, so dress warmly. One of the long term seasonal visitors is the fire tender, so you don't have to do anything but bring a chair and a beverage!

The community fire ring to the west of vehicle storage at our park.

The park does not allow individual open campfires on site. I'm not sure about propane campfire pots, although that's probably not a good idea, either. I can understand and respect that rule, too, after discovering that we had a broken propane line on our RV. It could have been catastrophic if we had been in close quarters with other RVs and an open flame caused an explosion! Also reflective heat from a small fire can damage siding up to ten feet away. It's better to be safe than sorry!

That being said, if you are into campfires of your own, this is NOT the park you want to come to!

Most spaces have a picnic table on site, although they look like most of them need to be refinished (paint peeling, some warped boards, but still usable). Besides table cloths, you may also want seat covers before you use them. BBQ grills are allowed, either free-standing or table top.

An average picnic table, solid and heavy, but in need of refinishing.

Just past the fire ring is a small duck pond. It was almost dry when we got here, but with the summer monsoons, it has filled to overflowing several different times. The ducks were also absent when we arrived, but we have recently seen three to four snow-white ducks enjoying the water.

The pond at our park, filled to overflowing.

The ducks.

Also, there are three huge sand hill cranes that seem to hang around the park, but they tend to wander all over. When we first saw them, they were up by the entrance. We have heard their loud squawking back by our motorhome, too, but whenever the pond has water in it, they seem to like to wade in it.

The three "semi-resident" sand hill cranes at our park.

Past the pond are several pull-through sites with a lane that can be used for exiting by looping around against the far fence. The lane itself is grown over with grass, but few actually use it, anyway.

Back lane for pull-through sites at our park.

The main drive straight through into the park goes all the way to the back, and then loops around left to go past more parking spaces.

Far end of main drive, where it loops around at our park.

The back loop road at our park.

At the front end of that back loop is the single 6 x 5 x 6 dumpster, which serves the entire park. It would be nice if they had one at the other end, but don't expect it. This is the only one we ever saw.

Dumpster at our park.

The park was only about 20% full all summer. There is one park model here, and a few others in motorhomes and RVs that are staying for the long term. Some residents are retired, and some appear to be still working. Those with longer plans are allowed to have a deck (no posts in ground), a screen room, and one small (max. 8 x 10) storage building on site. The rules seem to be somewhat flexible on how many vehicles are allowed on one site, but there is ample space, so why not, as long as it isn't hurting anyone else?

Only one park model (so far) at our park.

Pets are allowed as long as they are non-vicious, and not a constant barking nuisance, but as with any public property, they must be on a leash and be picked up after. Also, pets can't be tied outside and left unattended. There is no "official" doggy park, but there is ample grassy space to walk your pet where it won't bother anyone.

Update: A future post relates the issue we personally had with one of the dogs in the park. This dog has a history of being vicious and was normally muzzled when outside. But we heard from others that this dog was in the park the year before and attacked a smaller dog, doing serious injury. So why are the managers letting this dog back into the park? Your guess is as good as mine, but it wouldn't be the only instance of seeing them play favorites with certain people in the park!

There is also a small wooden bridge that goes into the woods at the back (west end) of the property. We haven't been down that path yet to see where it goes, but I have seen some people take their dogs back there, too. I'm not sure to whom that property belongs.

The wooden bridge leading into the back woods at our park.

Please note! This IS black bear country, as well as Florida Panther country! We did see evidence (along the back street behind the middle laundry building) that a bear had come through the park one night, although we never saw the bear itself. Still, we were ever watchful when out walking!

Most sites are grassy, except a few that have poured concrete patio pads (not for driving on). There is a nice choice of completely open (sunny) sites, as well as a few with at least partial shade, mostly from very tall southern pine trees near the back of the park...

Tall southern pines make for nice shade at our park.

... as well as a few shorter oak trees near the front, the latter of which usually have hanging moss on them, for that "southern" feel.

Mossy oak trees at our park.

The park is bordered on the south side by mostly empty field. It appears to be a five to ten acre (?) residential lot with a house and outbuilding at the front. On the north side is wooded area at the back half of the lot, and a nice horse ranch at the front half of the property. We see and hear some occasional activity from the property, but no "horsey" smells at all.

The horse ranch to the north of our park.

The roads within our park are just "whitish-colored" sand over what looks like limestone under it. In some places it appears that someone has tried to fix road problems with roughly poured concrete, and in other places I see asphalt pieces... as though the road had been poorly paved at some point in the past and then not maintained, and now it is all broken up. There are many potholes and small water puddles when it rains, but nothing that is going to swallow a small VW. The roads are a little bumpy, but plenty solid enough for any size or type of vehicle. Maximum speed limit is 5 mph. Please watch your speedometer, and obey the speed limit!

 A sunset on the main drive at our park... and our Angel.

As far as the weather in this area, it was very comfortable from the time we arrived in this area in early February, up until about mid-May. We opened the big windows on both sides of the RV and had a nice breeze coming in. Some mornings in February and March were chilly enough to need a little supplemental heat to take the chill off, but by 10 AM the bright sunshine took over. Humidity wasn't bad, either.

After mid-May, the days were getting progressively warmer and the humidity was on the rise (or so it seemed). Our hottest day (only one) in July was 98, but that's only during the peak in the afternoon. T night it cooled down to the 60s again. It was only for one day and it didn't stay there long. Average days all summer have been between 88 to 92 degrees at the peak of the day. If it weren't for the humidity, that wouldn't be bad at all. We simply do our outside tasks early or late in the day when it's very comfortable, and use the afternoons for inside tasks.

We finally had to close up the RV and start running the air conditioner around mid-May. But this first week of September is bringing temps back into the 80s again, and I suspect that before long (maybe by mid-September?) we will be able to open the windows again.

Also, I noticed this morning that the rain predictions are easing up, and starting next week (second week of September) we are again beginning to see three to five days at a time with no rain predicted! Hurray! Maybe we're at the end of the monsoon season!

We tend to tolerate heat more than some people. We both grew up on northern Indiana farms without air conditioning. We tolerated heat and humidity when it was even hotter than it has been here. I can't see that Florida is any worse on heat, although the humidity may be slightly worse than Indiana. Plus we spent ten years in southern Arizona and I had to work out in temps reaching as much as 121 degrees, so maybe I am somewhat acclimated to it by now. I can't see running an air conditioner if it's not necessary. I'd rather have the fresh air, and spend that utility money on traveling!

Like anywhere else in the south, we have had our rainy (monsoon) season since about mid-July, but that only means it rains in the afternoon for a couple hours almost every day, and then it goes away. It's nothing like the monsoons out west! We have had thunder and lightning sometimes, with a few strikes closer than we prefer, but it has not been a problem... yet! And although we have had some wet yards, we haven't seen anything more than temporary puddles around here. The water seems to dissipate rather quickly.

It's too early to tell what the social life will be like around here this winter, but judging from the activity sheet from last March, they have plenty to offer for a park of this size... and more than we will use. We may go up and have coffee in the mornings just to visit, and to an occasional potluck meal or special gathering, but I, especially, am not much into games and puzzles, and have my own TV and entertainment here at home. Sharon may go play bingo or work on puzzles, but I have plenty to do here with all the digitizing that remains to do, getting excess stuff listed on eBay (and/or Facebook local sale groups), working on the vehicles after it cools off outside, and working on my web work.

In summation, this park is near perfect for us... not too picky on rules, not too fancy, not too large, and with just the right blend of amenities and activities to suit us. Hopefully, I will have some personal time this winter to get things done without too many interruptions.

(Update: We found that the year-round residents seldom participate in anything, and the Canadians have their own little "clique". No one ever drinks coffee around here, and most of the posted activities are ignored. So scrap the idea of this being a "fun" and "social" place. It isn't... unless you belong to one of the "cliques".)

A very shrewd financial move...

I hesitate to post any rates on here, as they are subject to change. However, I will say that this park is one of the few parks that offer a reasonable long term rate (payable by the month) that they hold through the winter season, if you stay. Since we came in at the very beginning of the summer rate, we will be able to lock in that summer rate through the winter, and save $103 per month off the normal winter rate!

I know of other parks that offer a long term discounted rate, but many of them want you to pay the entire year up front, just to lock you into the commitment (and so you can't "cheat" and leave early)! Always ask for a printed rate sheet when you investigate a park, to make sure what applies! If in doubt.... ask!

Personally, as a former manager of an 866-acre resort with a restaurant, 10,000 SF recreation building, a log clubhouse and restaurant, a 50-acre lake, over five different types of rentals, plus my being the operator of a public utility water system and more, I see this discounted rate as a very shrewd financial move! And here's why...

...Okay, so they lose $103 a month per long-term site for five months (-$515). By encouraging people to stay longer, they are gaining $227 a month (their current summer rate) for the other seven months, on sites that would otherwise remain empty! Think about it! That's a financial gain of $1598 PER SITE OCCUPIED for the year! (Provided the other seven summer months are paid!) Plus, it encourages more long term residents, which helps stabilize the income of the park for the long term! It is exactly the kind of move I would make if trying to turn a business around and make it profitable (as I have already done before)!

If you have any other questions regarding this park, please use the comments section.. Not all rules were published on their (now defunct) web site (such as the one about no fire pits on your site). There is a lot more information in their printed literature that they hand out at the office, including local area resources and activities. I only know what I observe, and I have no connection with the park other than parking here myself.

Update: During the last week we were there the rumor was going around that the managers had finally found a buyer who was supposed to take over the day we left. How true that was, I have no idea. All I can say is that the owners/managers were desperately wanting to leave, which is good. Neither of them should have ever been in the hospitality business. They didn't have the personalities to attract paying customers and keep them coming back, nor did they have the physical energy it takes to actually do physical work to improve a property like this. Hopefully, the new owner will uncover the hidden potential in this property.

Our future plans...

At this time (note the posting date), we intend to stay through the winter, at least up until next April. After that is anyone's guess. We have a situation going on that may require us to change locations (farther north), or even how we go about RVing and traveling, but it may progress slowly. Only time will tell exactly what is needed, and we will make decisions when forced.

Considering that we have only been full-time and without a residence for 22 months, I consider the "adjustments" that we have had to make as normal, all things considered. I'm sure some of our readers have also gone through similar "adjustments" to their methods and lifestyles as they settle into a routine.

Our starting with newer vehicles might have saved some maintenance issues and costs, but as the saying goes "everybody's broke at a different level". We don't have as much money to spend as some, but certainly a lot more than others. All of us are doing the best we can with what we have to work with. At least I can say that we are making progress, and not working backward.

For now, we have acquired a daily driver, and I will talk about that in the next post. All I can say is that it will work for now, and it will let me finish the paid version of my (currently free) ebook. Whether we will keep it beyond next spring is anyone's guess right now, but we're discussing possibilities. I would still like to have a one-ton extended high-top van... either Promaster or Transit... and that may be our next move. If we get that (maybe next spring), the Haulmark trailer would be sold, and eventually, this RV, at which time we may get back to a much lighter (for traveling) full-time van life. We're still in thought about that. We still have a lot of stuff to purge first!

As always, thanks for reading along and for clicking on any of our links. What few commissions we make helps to keep this blog active and doesn't cost you any more than you would spend anywhere else. Comments are always welcome!