So now that I have gotten advise from the experts on how to travel from ohio to florida in december and not have pipes freezing...I need to know where to camp, dump & fill up...Looking for beach front parking...wild life preserves would be great away from the party people...just an ocean breeze and quite times...This is our first trip south and Im hoping that you great people can help me out...Thanks so much

You won't go wrong with any of the FL state parks. They are some of the best in the country. In December you may want to stay south...but unless you are looking for NEXT December you will have a hard time finding a site in any FL state parks for this year. Book 11 months to the day.With regard to fueling, we like a book called the next exit for locating fuel stops along the way. Or there are plenty of poi databases with truck and fuel stops for you to use.

NHIrish wrote:You won't go wrong with any of the FL state parks. They are some of the best in the country. In December you may want to stay south...but unless you are looking for NEXT December you will have a hard time finding a site in any FL state parks for this year. Book 11 months to the day.With regard to fueling, we like a book called the next exit for locating fuel stops along the way. Or there are plenty of poi databases with truck and fuel stops for you to use.I guess I should start crying now....You cant be serious...no where to camp unless its 1 year in advance? There has to be some place????

reddfox77 wrote:So now that I have gotten advise from the experts on how to travel from ohio to florida in december and not have pipes freezing...I need to know where to camp, dump & fill up...Looking for beach front parking...wild life preserves would be great away from the party people...just an ocean breeze and quite times...This is our first trip south and Im hoping that you great people can help me out...Thanks so muchTry looking here for state parks, not sure you'll find much beach front parking. Here's a tip about staying away from party people. The more difficult it is to reach a site, the fewer the party people. Anyplace you drive to in your RV will run the risk of party people, depending on how the place is managed. You could also check rvparkreviews.com and look for 55+ parks along the coast. Usually combo mobile home/RV parks but nice and quiet after the sun goes down.

Of course there are. Holy moly some people just get carried away! Check out fl. State parks on line and start dreaming. Oh, and making those reservations. 3 years on the road full time and never WalMart parking lot or on the side of the road.

Okay. fiorst question is "how big is your rig?" This will control what might be available. There are several State Parks in Florida that are on the ocean. In North Florida, try Gamble Rogers State Park in Flagler County. They have some spaces that will fit up to 42 feet, but most are smaller. There is also a private Campground on the Ocean in Beverly Beach, just North of Flagler Beach. There are a number os State Parks in the Keys that are on the Ocean, but chances are they are fully booked. You might get lucky and find a cancellation. There are also a couple on the Gulf of Mexico near Destin and Panama City, but Like the keys, they are probably booked also. Check website above.

Florida sunshine | Good Sam Community

28 Replies

jerseyjim
Explorer
Nov 21, 2013
Tucson is great....and so is most anything around Phoenix. For the winter. Otherwise....TOOO hot.
Yuma is great too! If you need dental work, Yuma is close to Algodones, Mexico. 3 cavities, 1 cap and a root canal: US$1200. That was 4 years ago...and all's well.
I do wish that AZ was closer to NJ.
jschlegel48
Explorer
Nov 20, 2013
I just can't resist ....

I left Ohio five years back and only return for short visits now ... Soooo happy to get out of that state.

If you want sand and winter warmth with 99% sunny dry days go to Tucson for the winter!!!! Then if you get lonely for cold and snow you can take a short drive up the mountains and play in the snow as long as you like! JMHO! (Now can I take my tongue out of my cheek?):B
Ray_IN
Explorer II
Nov 18, 2013
The water is fresh instead of seawater, but I think you will like Larry and Penny Thompson County Park - http://www.miamidade.gov/parks/Parks/larry_penny.asp SW of Miami.
I phoned there yesterday inquiring about an opening for a week while we are enroute to Key West. The man said "we will have plenty of openings, come on down". If I were planning a stay I would make reservations though.
Bea_PA
Explorer
Nov 18, 2013
Most of the FL parks have slots open for transients(they want you to try it and come back) and the state parks have drive ins. We stay around Orlando, hot to Jan, 70's Jan and Feb, we had 3 frosts last year. We have paid big bucks and stayed at the beach communities. I don't care for the wind. If you want cheaper the Texas gulf coast is less expensive. We do Texas every 3rd year and stay down in Mission away from the wind. lol Green Grove Carefree park in Dade City FL is offering a Jan $325 a month for first time visitors. Good Luck
OhhWell
Explorer
Nov 18, 2013
Ft Desoto State park on the gulf is very popular and usually books up a year in advance BUT they have a number of slots that are drive up only. You need to get there early on a Friday to get one for the weekend. If you get one during the week, you still have to walk down to the camp office Friday morning if you want to keep it for the weekend.

Some sites have water views, some don't.
Mike_M2
Explorer
Nov 17, 2013
reddfox77 wrote:
powderman426 wrote:
For $100 a night, you must really like water. I tried that over near rock crusher and the bugs wouldn't let up. Now I stay at a nice park in central fla with all amenities for about $25 a night. To each his own, but you should try someplace other that just water front. JMO

Im thinking that also...

Do what i do, spend a few nights expensive, and few cheap. I even mix a few free nights in between places that way the cost isn't as bad and you get a little of everything.
retiredtraveler
Explorer
Nov 17, 2013
My wife and I are doing the snow bird thing for the first time this year.
We have reservations for a couple of weeks over Christmas at Rustic Sands in Mexico Beach, Fl. Price is about $22.00/night. It is 1 block from the ocean which is not a big deal since we are bringing our toad. Looks like a fairly quiet place.
I'm sure it will not be balmy, but it surely beats a CT winter. After that we head west along the Gulf coast.
Happy travels.
Keld
antsinmypants
Explorer
Nov 17, 2013
we live in ohio and we go to punta gorda ever January and febuary its about 5 miles from the beach and just north of fort myers at a very nice park and they allways have room.
Alligator Park, Inc.

941-639-7000 phone

941-575-8913 fax

Email: alligator-reception@comcast.net
wny_pat1
Explorer
Nov 17, 2013
reddfox77 wrote:
I so hate ohio...you making me really jealous...thanks for the info...Know any places that I can dump for free?
Any of the state parks if your are staying in them.
reddfox77
Explorer
Nov 17, 2013
powderman426 wrote:
For $100 a night, you must really like water. I tried that over near rock crusher and the bugs wouldn't let up. Now I stay at a nice park in central fla with all amenities for about $25 a night. To each his own, but you should try someplace other that just water front. JMO

Im thinking that also...