Recreation:
Golfing, Fishing, Nature & More!
The most active people in the world must be RVers, at least the ones who come to The Great Outdoors. At The Great Outdoors there’s always something to do and someone to do it with. Arts, crafts, entertainment, dining, socials, sports, rallies, card games and seminars are just a few of our many activities within the resort.
In addition to championship golf and fishing, take advantage of our fitness facility with well-equipped exercise/weight room and sauna. Located adjacent to our Plantation Manor (our recreation/meeting hall); Olympic sized heated swimming pool, shuffleboard courts, tennis & pickle ball courts, this facility offers all the exercise opportunities you may desire.
Play day or evening on one of our tennis courts – and join in the fun of one of the many planned tennis tournaments.
Our eight shuffleboard courts are first-class with lights, regulation scoreboards and covered benches. Or try your hand at bocce ball – just another activity offered at our RV resort.
Championship Golf Course & Clubhouse
The jewel of The Great Outdoors RV & Golf Resort is its on-site par-72, 18-hole golf course, which plays 6,542 yards from the championship tees. The Great Outdoors Golf Club is the perfect blend of magnificent golf holes sculpted in the beautiful nature of the St. John’s wildlife. Providing a stimulating challenge to all levels of golfers, the course is meticulously maintained. The course is complemented by paved cart paths, picturesque wooden bridges that span the wetlands (instead of draining or filling them), white-sand bunkers and numerous water hazards.
The golf course is open to the public year round. Golf course amenities include a lighted aqua range, chipping area with sand bunker, fully outfitted pro shop and teaching professionals available. Spikeless golf shoes and proper attire are required. Tee times may be made up to three days in advance by calling the pro shop directly at (321) 269-5524.
As you leave the 18th hole, visit The Blue Heron Restaurant. The menu varies daily as the chef creates a selection of dishes and specials to please the palate. For a variety of wines and cocktails, our full-service lounge is a delightful retreat with large-screen TV. Men’s and ladies’ and themed leagues are ongoing and memberships are available.
For greens fees and required golf cart information, call the Pro Shop directly at (321) 269-5524 or visit our website at thegreatoutdoorsgolf.com.
Fishing
The “keep-nature-first” philosophy applies to the most sought after resident of the resort’s numerous lakes: the fighting largemouth bass. Catch and release is the rule for all species of our lakes which are more prevalent from January through June.
Resort guests are invited to drop a line into one of our carefully stocked lakes, which are equipped with fishing docks. Live bait, other than worms, is not allowed. Fishing hours are from sunrise to sunset.
We maintain a natural balance of species in our lakes to provide one of the most productive sports fishing havens in Florida. Stop by the Welcome Center for rules and regulations. If you wish to try your luck with saltwater fishing, it’s less than 10 miles away from The Great Outdoors Resort. Licenses are required for saltwater fishing.
The Indian River offers anglers a selection of redfish, drum, jackfish, ladyfish, tarpon, sheepshead and speckled trout. Or if you prefer the bigger game fish such as cobia and sailfish – you can arrange for offshore fishing in the Atlantic Ocean.
Nature Center, Trails & Wildlife
The Great Outdoors RV Resort was created by and for people who love Florida’s natural beauty. Watch native egret, deer and turkeys wander undisturbed past your door. The park’s 15-mph speed limit is strictly enforced to give the right of way to a waddling tortoise or one of our many families of sand hill cranes.
Located on the bank of the Addison Canal, our Nature Center provides exhibits and displays of wildlife, insects, marine habitats, Indian artifacts, and even a large sea turtle. The library includes quite a collection of books and publications for everyone to enjoy, covering all types of animals, plants, native gardening, flowers, trees, and how-to-brochures. Enjoy the soaring flight of eagles above their nesting sites. These majestic residents are protected and monitored by the park and the Florida Department of Natural Resources. So, it’s not uncommon to see one of our two royal residents swoop down and capture his lunch out of our lakes.
At The Great Outdoors, bridges and walkways were built over existing marshes and ponds. Spartina bakeri grasses were retained and added which encourages deer to come in to feed and frolic among our moss-covered Spanish oaks and clusters of Sabal palms and southern pines.
No hunting is allowed, but this resort has become a bird-watcher’s paradise, for which some 300 different species have been identified, including the beautiful Painted Bunting. And don’t be surprised to see alligators peeking out of one of the water hazards along the golf course.
If you enjoy the peace and serenity of nature, The Great Outdoors offers two miles of walking trails. Owners and guests may walk, jog, bicycle or drive their golf cart on the trails – however, pets are not permitted as their scent may ward off the deer and other natural habitants.
