Tips on How to Survive a Hurricane in your RV

Right now it is “Hurricane Season,” and Hurricane Milton was headed straight for Central Florida. It was traveling slowly across the Gulf of Mexico, yet intensified quickly! At one point it even reached a Category 5 level. It arrived on the west coast of Florida in one of our favorite places, the barrier island of Siesta Key, packing a punch as a Category 3 storm with approximately 38 tornadoes spinning off it on the west coast. That’s not the kind of weather you want to face in an RV, trust me! There wasn’t even time to Play Pickle Ball – ha! Deciding to hit the road wasn’t easy, but sometimes getting out of dodge is your safest bet when you’re living the RV life. It may be a bit of inconvenience to move, but, we are very grateful we have our house on wheels so we can move if necessary.

When a hurricane is coming your way, evaluating the situation is key. For us, the decision to roll out of Central Florida boiled down to safety. Sure, sticking around might’ve been an adventure, but not one worth risking it all for. Weighing the risks and understanding evacuation announcements, can be a literal lifesaver for RVers during hurricane season.

Thinking ahead and preparing before a storm is on the horizon is always a good move. When you’re on wheels, safety planning isn’t just wise—it’s essential. Recognizing the signs of when it’s time to jet, knowing your route, and having destinations lined up puts you miles ahead when the weather turns wild. When one is headed our way we are literally glued to the news channels like WFTV 9 live with Chief Meteorologist Tom Terry and his crew.

Having a plan in place, an idea of safe spots to aim for, and knowing how to jump into action made all the difference. The whole process reinforced how critical it is to stay informed and to trust those gut instincts when Mother Nature’s in a mood. I had a bad feeling about Milton from the very early stages. Let’s face it, when you’re in an RV, the road can always lead you to safety from a hurricane. You have plenty of time to plan since hurricanes move slow. Thank the Lord for that!

Tallahassee Auto Museum: An Unexpected Refuge for RVers

After getting out of Central Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton, our first safe stop was the Tallahassee Auto Museum. Let me tell you, this isn’t just some pit stop—it’s a hidden gem! Joining Harvest Hosts gave us access to cool spots like this, where you can park overnight and soak up some local culture.

Walking into the Tallahassee Auto Museum was like stepping into a time capsule. Imagine rows and rows of vintage cars, each one with a story to tell. But it’s not just cars—there’s a quirky collection of boats, vintage boat motors, pianos, knife and gun collections, sports memorabilia and more. It’s like they’ve collected all the cool stuff you didn’t know you wanted to see.

Owner/Collector DeVoe Moore

Owner and Collector DeVoe Moore began his passion for collecting at age 9 with a knife collection and soon extended to cars. In high school, he customized and raced several vehicles, igniting a lifelong love for craftsmanship. Born in North Carolina and raised in Tennessee and Florida, DeVoe graduated from Florida State University, where he later established the DeVoe L. Moore Center to study the impact of government regulations on free enterprise. Throughout his career, he has been self-employed in various businesses, including the Tallahassee Automobile Museum, and has been deeply involved in land acquisitions and community service.

DeVoe’s contributions to education and motorsports have earned him numerous accolades. In 2005, Florida State University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate for his generosity toward students, and he was later inducted into the East Coast Drag Times Hall of Fame and FSU’s Athletic Hall of Fame. DeVoe continues to engage with the community, whether working on his farm or speaking about free enterprise and the importance of preserving history through his collections.

For RVers, Harvest Hosts membership can really enhance your travels. It’s economical and offers unique experiences—you’re not just pulling up to any old parking lot. At places like the Tallahassee Auto Museum, you get to park for free overnight as part of the membership. They have a beautiful field that accommodates at least 12 RVs I would say. That’s what I call practical and adventurous rolled into one!

The museum wasn’t crowded either, which made for a calm oasis as we plotted our next moves. In the face of stormy times, this combination of safety, culture, and space was just what we needed.

Don’t underestimate the power of a good Harvest Host spot when the weather has you on the run. It’s both a haven and an unexpected adventure, where pleasure meets practicality for those living the RV lifestyle. Some Harvest Hosts offer hook-ups and will let you stay more than one night for a fee. We have found that the majority also allow generator use and are pet friendly.

Safe Haven at North Florida Fair RV Park

With Hurricane Milton still raging, we needed our next spot to be a sanctuary, and the North Florida Fair RV Park delivered in spades. For RVers hunting for a secure and affordable place, this location hits the mark. It’s a bargain at just $35 a night, and if you’re part of the FMCA club, there are even more discounts. However, if you are there during special events the rate could be higher.

The sense of security here is palpable, with gated entries and police presence keeping those night worries at bay. Spaciousness is another plus. With lots of room to spread out and solid hookups for water, plus 30 and 50 amp service, it’s set up to make a short-term stay more comfortable.

Access to a dump station onsite frees up any logistical worries, which is a nice touch when dodging stormy weather. Having all these amenities at your fingertips makes it easy to ride out rough times or just relax till things pass.

Spending time here confirmed one important thing—having dependable places lined up, especially during hurricane season, is the best move. North Florida Fair RV Park isn’t just a campsite; it’s a well-planned safe zone. Knowing where to find one like this gives a peace of mind that is priceless.

Lessons from the Storm: Navigating Hurricane Milton in Our RV

Looking back at the decision to steer clear of Hurricane Milton, it felt like we dodged a bullet. The fierce winds and heavy rains were no joke, making our escape seem all the more justified. This experience really brought home the need for vigilance and preparedness as a full-time RVer.

Having faced a few hurricanes over the years, Milton wasn’t one to underestimate. Comparing it to others we’ve encountered, its unpredictability and intensity made the decision to evacuate a no-brainer. This taught us, once again, the importance of staying on top of weather updates and trusting those evacuation instincts.

A key takeaway? Always have a backup plan. Knowing multiple safe spots in advance and having flexible routes charted helped us stay a step ahead. It pays to scout those next move options before the storm’s knocking on your door.

Sharing from experience, prioritizing personal safety over everything else is what matters most. When the weather’s against you, being ready to up and go—with a list of reliable locations like the Tallahassee Auto Museum and North Florida Fair RV Park—means you’re not just surviving; you’re strategizing smartly. With each storm, we learn a little more about respecting nature’s unpredictable ways.

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