What used to be a quiet family berry field in Auburndale is now Camp Margaritaville, a tropical-themed RV resort and cabin complex where pool time, tiki bars and daily activities are part of the standard itinerary. The property now leans into the word “resort,” pitching itself as a fit for quick weekend staycations and longer getaways alike. Operators also market it as a convenient home base for youth sports tournaments and for visitors headed to Orlando’s theme parks or Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Family roots remain
The land’s agricultural past has not completely disappeared. The site was once a family-owned berry field, and members of that same family are still involved in day-to-day operations, as reported by Tampa Bay 28. Marketing manager Abby Follansbee told the outlet, "We definitely like to say resort because it's not just a place to park your RV." That line neatly sums up the shift from working fields to full-on leisure destination.
What guests can expect
The resort’s official site highlights oversized RV sites, cabana cabins and motorhome suites along with a slate of family-friendly perks such as mini golf, heated pools, multiple dining options and live entertainment, according to Camp Margaritaville's website. The property also promotes themed weeks, e-bike rentals and pet-friendly options, so guests can bring the whole crew, four-legged members included. Taken together, the features line up more with a compact resort than a traditional campground.
This weekend: Pitmasters in Paradise
For anyone who likes their vacation with a side of smoke ring, Camp Margaritaville is hosting Pitmasters in Paradise this weekend, the final stop in Visit Central Florida's Triple Crown of BBQ. The event brings in competitive teams, live music and free general admission, per The Ledger. The two-day competition is set to include scheduled performances and on-site activities for families who decide to stay over. Organizers say the series is part of a broader push to draw more visitors to Polk County.
A boost for Polk County tourism
The property was developed by RLK Real Estate & Development and opened as Cabana Club in 2021 before rebranding under the Camp Margaritaville name in early 2022, a shift that local economic boosters say should expand lodging options in the county, according to the Central Florida Development Council. Officials have pointed to tournament traffic and regional visitors as potential steady demand drivers for the site. If those projections pan out, the repurposed berry field could become an unexpected tourism anchor for Auburndale.
How to visit
Details on stays, special events and day-pass options are available on the resort's booking page, and the property also posts schedules and ticketing information for community events on its website, per Camp Margaritaville's website. For locals weighing whether the transformation from berry patch to beach-themed playground ultimately helps or hurts the town’s character, those public events may offer the clearest look at how the resort fits into everyday Auburndale life.
