Beach getaway options

[hamilton71801]

I'm looking for a long weekend beach destination around October around Gulf Shores or Destin. Top Sail is very nice but I really want a spot on the beach if possible. I'm leaning towards hitting Gulfs Shores for the National Shrimp Festival (stayed at the State Park last time) and while it was nice, it wasn't on the beach. Any idea where we need to go? We will be leaving the kids at home to fend for themselves and this will be a needed mom and dad getaway.

[tatest]

LynnandCarol wrote:
No beachfront site 20 ft wide is worth 185.00 a nite. It is a pretty place but way to pricey for us.

Problem is, that reflects the value of developable beachfront property, so it isn't going to be any cheaper unless subsidized by taxpayers and kept off the market by state ownership.

Which is why I don't mind a short walk to the beach, don't need to be parked on the beach.

To the OP, the best developed, in the middle of everything, on the beach RV park I know of is Red Coconut at Fort Myers Beach. That community has not yet developed to high-rise condo, it is a lot like Daytona, or Myrtle Beach, used to be in the 50s and 60s.

Cheapest place around the Gulf to camp on the beach is South Padre Island, but you may be on the bay side. RV camping is possible, but I wouldn't do it, I don't trust the strength of the sand over the longer term. You also have to understand the tides.

For being close to the beach, on the Gulf, I like the Galveston Island State Park. But the RV sites are not on the beach side of the park; as with many of the beach state parks in Alabama and Florida, the RV campgrounds are built away from the beach, where the soil is strong enough to support roads for heavy vehicles, and installation of utilities is feasible. Just can't do underground wiring in the tidal zone where surf digs it up.

[Hiking_Hunter]

Check out Grayton Beach State Park (Florida) - right over the AL line. Not right on the beach but almost as close as Ft. Pickens. Easy bike ride and great facilities. Also has some good nite-life and seafood restaurants close by.

[HeeHawHoney]

Our very first RV trip was to Fort Pickens. We did stay in the A loop. It rained the whole time we were there, and I had the best time I've ever had camping in the rain. Even my BF, who loved tent camping, was thankful to have an RV to stay in.

The A loop is the one closest to the beach. It's also much smaller and easier to get around than the other sections. I still wouldn't call it "close" to the beach, though. If you're like me and have chairs, umbrella, cooler...it's quite a walk to the beach. They had just remodeled the shower house when we were there. As others have said, there are no sewer hookups. Make sure to visit the fort while you're there. They offer both guided and self-guided tours. If you're into fishing, their little pier is fun but usually crowded.

We're headed back for Labor Day weekend. We plan on touring the Naval base and the lighthouse while we're there this tie. Maybe it won't rain on us again. Hope you enjoy Fort Pickens.

[hamilton71801]

Looks like Ft Pickens it is!!!! Are most of the water side sites in loop A close to the Gulf and have walk paths to it?

[Joatha]

Fort Pickens in Pensacola comes close - if you stay in the A loop. There are no sewer hookup, though. We had a spot there in June and it was maybe 100 yards to the beach.

[Limit4]

Henderson Beach State Park. Our favorite site is 50D

[hamilton71801]

LynnandCarol wrote:
No beachfront site 20 ft wide is worth 185.00 a nite. It is a pretty place but way to pricey for us.

Do you get a deed with that price??? Really, $185!!!! Walmart parking lot is looking mighty good.

[LynnandCarol]

No beachfront site 20 ft wide is worth 185.00 a nite. It is a pretty place but way to pricey for us.

[fla-gypsy]

Henderson Bch SP would be a good compromise. While not directly on the beach it is only a short walk down the boardwalk and is a great CG with plenty of vegetation for privacy.

[love2rvcamp]

Is that the one where you're stacked together like cord wood in Destin?

Yep

[hamilton71801]

MdMike1007 wrote:
Campgulf.com nicest place I know of on the Gulf. Sights right on the beach!

Is that the one where you're stacked together like cord wood in Destin?

[MdMike1007]

Campgulf.com nicest place I know of on the Gulf. Sights right on the beach!

[LynnandCarol]

None that I know of.