We're getting a late start this year on a trip along the Gulf coast starting in Crystal River and ending up in Gulf Shores AL taking Rt 98. Plan to be in Crystal River near the end of April . Wonder how important it is to have reservations at this time of year? We'd like to "wing it" just stopping where we find some place nice stay,explore and move on. It appears that this may be the beginning of the off season and crowds are down(?). Also, what kind of weather can we expect?

It'll be pretty crowded in the State Parks and weekends will be impossible. Private cammp grounds, I have no idea.

I'll disagree with that. Most of the snow birds head home around April 1st and Florida schools don't let out until late May or early June. We normally don't have any issues at SPs during the time period your looking at.

I would disagree with Steeljag and agree with garmp1 as we have traveled to the Destin area in the month of April. You have many schools across the country out for spring break. This year, my daughters spring break is April 6-10. Last year it was the week of April 21-25. Other school districts in our area may have their spring break before or after ours. And that's not taking into consideration for school districts all over the east coast.I know that I went to make reservations for Topsail SP in November of 2013 for the week of April 21-25 and had 3 sites to choose from and none of them were for the entire week. Had to settle for 3 nights there and 3 nights at Grayton. You are talking about trying to get in within a few months...I would call around at some places you want to stay and inquire with them. The weather should be excellent then.

Come see us and swim with the manatees. Homosassa Springs. FREE FREE FREE for the last 13 years. Facebook @ Gail Minor-Holton. There it will let you know why we do what we do for free.

We were at three sister springs a few years ago ,swam with manatees good time. Momma and baby. I did a dive at weki wachi with scuba gear that also was a good time.

April Florida Gulf coast trip | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

wbwood
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
garmp1 wrote:
Here's a link I found, not complete and not all education levels are listed, but does give you some idea.

Spring Break Link

Those are colleges...not elementary/middle/high school, when families normally travel. It usually around Easter time. This year its early in April. Last year it was late. And it's not just Florida families there, it includes those from farther away....like us in NC. We met a family from Chicago last year there for spring break...
wbwood
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
I just searched at Topsail starting on Sunday, April 19th (two weeks after spring break). Putting in a 2 night stay yielded 9 openings. 3 night stay 6 openings. And a 4 night stay 2 openings. That's still 3 months away...
352
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
Natures resort. 1 mile away from Homosassa Springs. 10 miles away from Crystal river.
majorgator
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
No need for reservations after Easter in most parts of FL. This applies to both SP and private. You may have to hunt around a little, but you'll be OK. Try Camp N Water in Homossasa. I just spoke with them yesterday and they have plenty of spots open for that time.

Avoid the spring break type destinations, which primarily applies to Destin, Panama City (panhandle) and Daytona, Crecsent, St. Augstine, and many other scattered places up and down the east coast. There's nowhere along the gulf coast south of Tallahassee that is even remotely a spring break hot spot.
garmp
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2015
Here's a link I found, not complete and not all education levels are listed, but does give you some idea.

Spring Break Link
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2015
FL state parks have walk-up sites available in a pinch. You can call and ask about availibility.
sch911
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
We make our Easter week Topsail SP reservations exactly 11 month ahead of our visit. This is a s early as is possible. These parks fill up, at least for that week.
lizzie
Explorer
Jan 23, 2015
The Florida Gulf Coast in the Panhandle is also called "The Redneck Riveria". Public schools in Alabama and Georgia typically have their spring break during this time as do a slew of colleges in the south. There are lots of campgrounds, especially inland, so you can find a place to camp. It just might not be where you want it. lizzie
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Jan 23, 2015
Yup X2.

I found the Snowbirds start breaking camp in April to beat feet out of Florida before May when the dreaded hot summers rears it's ugly head.

I've always found openings in the CG's without reservations.

BTW: IMHO Crystal River area is the bomb you won't be disappointed!:C
pa_traveler
Explorer
Jan 22, 2015
We were at three sister springs a few years ago ,swam with manatees good time. Momma and baby. I did a dive at weki wachi with scuba gear that also was a good time.