I’ve stayed at Sugar Mill Ruins Travel Park for three winters now, and I keep coming back — not because it’s perfect, but because for the price and the location, it works for me.
This is an older, economy park with a lot of character, and it’s important to know what you’re booking. Some of the park’s quirks are no big deal for certain travelers and dealbreakers for others.
One of the biggest positives is the old-Florida feel. The park is heavily shaded with large, mature trees, and the overall look is very individualized rather than uniform.
That said, the roads are sand, and there are no concrete pads — you’re parking directly on sand. The sites are small, with tight spacing when awnings are extended, and vehicles are typically parked in front of the RV. There are no restrictions on camper age or condition, so you’ll see a wide mix of rigs, from newer RVs to older ones. Despite the sand pads, the sites I’ve used have been level, which makes setup straightforward.
The park uses well water. It’s potable, but many people don’t drink it due to the taste, and because it’s a private system, water service can be inconsistent at times.
One of the biggest concerns is the electrical setup. The power boxes are confusing and not clearly labeled, which can make it easy to think power is off when it isn’t. This can potentially cause power surges or affect neighboring sites if you’re not careful.
There is an on-site laundry facility, and the building itself is brand new and very nice. Unfortunately, the machines don’t perform well — in my experience they don’t clean effectively, and the dryers can damage fabrics. I use a nearby laundromat instead.
The park does offer a nicely landscaped pool area with a tiki bar, which is one of the more attractive parts of the property. The pool is not heated, so it’s much less usable during the winter, though it’s great in warmer months. The park also has cabins, which are worth noting for visitors who don’t travel with an RV.
What helps balance some of the downsides is the number of amenities. Everything is older but functional, including hot showers, a clubhouse, game room, free library, playground, shuffleboard, cornhole, pickleball and tennis courts, a dog park, an air compressor, a small camp store, and free Amazon deliveries to the office.
Most of the staff I’ve interacted with over the years have been friendly and helpful. I did have one negative interaction that noticeably impacted my experience. While it wasn’t representative of the majority of the staff, it did affect my overall impression of service.
One important planning note: the park has an on-site propane fill station, but propane delivery isn’t allowed. If you have portable tanks, that’s usually fine. If you have an onboard propane tank, it’s something to think about before parking.
The reason I return is simple: location. You’re less than ten minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and Flagler Avenue, and about five minutes from Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach.
The park is also easy to find and well signed — not something you’ll accidentally drive past.
For an affordable park this close to the beach and downtown, there aren’t many alternatives.
Sugar Mill Ruins Travel Park isn’t for everyone, but for travelers who prioritize location and affordability over polish, it can make sense. For me, the location and price continue to bring me back.
I also have a walkthrough video of the park on my YouTube channel for anyone who prefers seeing it instead of just reading about it.
