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uncledon's avatar
uncledon
Explorer
Feb 22, 2017

Busy in the south?

So I've posted this on a couple other forums, but would like some other opinions/advice. The DW and I are headed south next November for the winter. Our kids and grand daughter want to come find us over a two week period during the Christmas holidays. They plan on driving down to where we are, so distance is a factor.

We all enjoy the out-of-doors more than the big attractions, so being "out in the pucks" doesn't bother us a bit. Being that we will have a full house, a CG with full hookup, or at least 30A/water is probably a must. Public is preferred, but not a must.

Anyone have suggestions and recommendations? I suppose early reservations is a given. Thx.
  • Thanks for all the recommendations folks! I spent some long hours investigating many resorts and campgrounds. The wife and adult daughter both preferred NOT to go to a big glitzy resort, so I concentrated on state/county parks in the lower half of FL. Finally found what we believe is a good option in Myakka River SP. I made reservations so we are all set.

    The wife and I will be leaving MI in mid November and slowly making our way that direction. Sure glad the rest of the season we won't be looking at having to make reservations that lock you into being someplace at a certain time!
  • 2gypsies wrote:
    Since you're from Michigan and the kids will be taking their 2-week vacation with you, I'd highly suggest Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama.


    That was the first place that popped into my head, also! True Road Warriors can make that drive in one long day from lower Michigan if need be. The only drawback is that depending on the weather, it can be cold enough to need to winterize if one has unheated tanks (that was our experience when we stayed there in 2013). The sites are incredibly huge, the facilities are top-notch; and Gulf Shores has all the fun attractions, too.
  • Consider south Louisiana around Vermilion bay (heart of cajun country south of Lafayette), lots of outdoor stuff, lakes rivers, fishing, boating, some nice gardens here too (Rip Van Winkle Gardens, Avery Island, for scenery there is the creole nature trail,....) Oh and we have better food. Now it can drop below freezing from time to time in December and January, but there are also typically lots of days with the highs in the 70's maybe even hitting 80 or more once in a while.
  • South Padre Island Texas. Isla Blanca
    County Park on the beach.
  • Since you're from Michigan and the kids will be taking their 2-week vacation with you, I'd highly suggest Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama. Snowbirders can stay there the whole winter/early spring season - no 14-day rule. They have monthly rates. The sites are big with full hookups, a clubhouse with activities and potlucks, and the whole park is filled with snowbirders, including many from Michigan.

    The beach is beautiful but in December the kids won't be swimming - but kids are tough. It's a great area for biking - nice and flat. You are within a short bike distance to town where there are many nice restaurants and shops. You can also purchase fresh shrimp from the boats. During the holiday season you can take your car on the short ferry ride over to just north of Dauphin Island and tour the beautiful Christmas displays at Bellingrath Gardens. The whole area is a great place to be during the holidays. You can also do a easy daytrip to Pensacola, FL and perhaps there will be an air show going on.

    This is a very popular park so make reservations now.
  • Be good to give a geographic area you are considering. And where the others are coming from. Certainly lots to consider, but responses will come if you express your preferences.
  • "Out in the pucks" with 30 amps of plug in power. Pioneers!

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