River Ranch owners.....help me get up to speed.

Looking at getting together with a few other couples and buying a place out at RR.

What are the ins and outs of setting up camp there?
I'd be the one driving the bus on this deal; so if something goes sideways or turns into a goatfuck, I'm up the creek.
I am aware of the annual POA dues for each couple and the limited access for others.

We're looking at just recreating, riding, camping; not big into hunting there or as a BOL.

Some things to start:

Deeded lots? What's the deal there?
Regular year round 2WD/RV/trailer access to camp? Are there sections that are no-go?
Can we put 4 trailers in a spot?
Well/septic system rules?
Theivey? Is it just random "see & take"? Would it be foolish to leave a nice camper rig out there? Do buggies/jeeps/quads stay put if reasonably secured?
Do I need to plan on fencing the perimeter of the camp or property?
Any problem clearing a lot as you see fit?

Anything else that needs to be noted before getting serious on this deal?

You need to do a lot more research!

I'd like to.
Where do I start? The RR POA site is lacking.
You seem to indicate there's something big I'm overlooking....... care to share?

My girlfriend and I were thinking about buying a lot at RR as well. We have a couple ATV's and don't get much use of them down here in SWFL.

This is all secondhand information so please take it for what you paid for it, but I've heard many times over the years that River Ranch is a hillbilly/redneck Wild West type of place. No offense to anyone here who might have property there, but that's what I've heard. I guess that place has had its share of zoning/flood/legal property type issues over the years and the land is relatively useless other than for weekend recreation- in other words it's flood land. Over the years, I have met a few people that had been out there and the place seems to have its share of problems with troublemakers and thievery of property, as well as some unsafe hunting conditions. I think all this stems from the fact that lots out there are extremely affordable and that has attracted the riff raff.

Again, YMMV and this is just what I've heard. As a poster above suggested, I would just be sure to do your due diligence and research this place before you make any commitments.

My Deceased Brother had a place out there and he told me some wild
stories about stuff that goes on out there.

Did remind me of some wild west stories.

He saw a shoot out where the two guys missed each other
but a bystander was hit in an ear.

People driving around drunk at all hours of the day.

Thieves stealing anything that was not nailed down
and even some stuff that was.

I am not an owner but I have been there with over 9 friends that are owners. They have had no problems what so ever with theft. The all have mobile homes with generators that never leave. 3 keep vehicles down there as well. They did how ever have a problem with the camp site. RR gave them a site. They set of their trailers with covered attached decks, fire pits out houses etc. Then the jackass came three years later. This one old reck neck is buying up the properties under the sites you set up and then telling you to buy it from him or vacate the property. He gives you a get deal $7000. with a supposed clear title, title insurance and survey then when closing comes well he doesnt have title insurance and the survey well who knows if its real. I don't know if RR is even giving out camp sites anymore because of this guy. If you can find a piece do your best to locate it on the map then call a survey company and see if you can get one if you can great other wise good luck. I have probaly been out there 10 - 15 times over the past 3 years. Its quite fun. I dont hunt there I ride 4 wheelers. They have a rope swing we usually go out to during the summer months to cool off. Yep there are some REDNCKS out there but genreally i have met some really cool people. Yes there are poeple who actually live out there. There are guys on site who will clear your property for money, they will also set you up a well etc etc. DO NOT piss off the people who live out there. These are the people that will burn you out. ALL in ALL I have had nothing but great itmes out there. BUT i do not go hunting out there and come hunting season there is an area you do not go 4 wheeling in during hunting hours. past that its all good. I think its now $130 a year for you gate pass and guest passes were about the same. I sneek in every time sorry its my secret you cant follow me. If you can find a lot for $2500 or less its worth it. My opinion

OP, have you ever thought about buying a couple acres on the edge
of Ocala National forest or a like place?

Not really. Govt land isn't my cup of tea. I guess I'm a bit too "riff raff".

All we're looking for is a place to ride, camp out, drink, and generally goof off. Not many places fit that bill.
Bonus for being able to set up a that doesn't have to be hauled out at the end of every weekend.
It's also an easy hour from me.

My group of "usual suspects" has a ball out at Bull Creek WMA, riding trails during small game season (the only time riding off the main road is allowed); but it's only 2 months long and the very limited trails tire quickly. Then there's that pesky open container bit.

You also have Holopaw , FL which is similar to RR but no residents, and no trailers that stay out there.

you are referring to suburban estates i assume? if so, there is residents(isnt supposed to be) and lots of trailers and camps are there year round, and you better have 4wd once you pass the gate unless you are an amazing driver. There is also alot of riff raff out there due to cops not ever going out there (rumor has it that alot of meth gets made out there).

I dont own property there, but have friends that do and have been out there with them.

I've heard about that place.......and little of it made me want to try and settle in out there.
It's also a bit more of a drive (@7MPG)

Stay the fuck away from RR. I used to hunt there with friends who were members and the stories in the previous posts are true. Hell even the Polk county sheriffs department won't go down there. Think of "Deliverence" with guns....

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