Hi folks, We are regular visitors to Topsail Hill SP in October every year. We really enjoy this place for the beach, the relatively low amount of tourist mess, uniqueness of 30A, the 20mile bike path along 30A and the trails through the state forest. My wife and I bike quite a lot and while we're there it's a normal thing for one of us to stay with the kids while the other takes off to ride the trails and most of the bike path, riding 30-40 miles. I'll also take the kids out for rides and will do about 20 miles with my daughter on the tandem. This year my work schedule got in the way and we can't make our normal early Oct visit. I've reserved for the first week in Nov, but I'm looking for a backup plan further south in case the weather doesn't cooperate. I've cruised google maps with "bicycling" turned on trying to find a CG very close to the beach with convenient and lengthy bike trails. Haven't found much to catch my interest so far. I prefer Gulf side but am open to suggestions ... I'm sure someone has an idea of where to go? Or I could split the week into a few days in a place with great riding and then a few days at the beach.

In January we ride the Withlacoochee Trail and stay at Blueberry Hill RV Resort and the Pinellas Trail and stay at Dunedin RV Resort. Neither is on a beach but Dunedin is within a mile of lots of sand either by car or by bicycle.

Try this FL State Park, has a bike trail behind the park. Close to Gulf beaches. The bike trail is called the Legacy Trail.https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Oscar-Schererhttps://www.scgov.net/parks/Pages/LegacyTrail.aspxThe park is close to Sarasota which has the Ringling Museum and the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

We've stayed at Oscar Sherer, several times over the years and thoroughly enjoyed it and the wildlife. Wonderful SP for biking and fairly close to the beaches and lots of other activities from Nokomis. We kayak a lot as well.

I also recommend Dunedin RV Park. Pinellas Trail across the street and one can easily ride to Honeymoon Island State park with a nice beach. (or drive) It is very close.

Have you ever stayed at Fort DeSoto at the foot of Tampa Bay? I feel like a cheerleader because I seem to recommend it often, but it does offer biking opportunities. It is operated by Pinellas County.The park is made up of five interconnected keys, with an attractive campground that has many sites with water views. The Gulf side beach is absolutely beautiful, and the historic fort is interesting to walk through.You can reserve six months ahead (seven months for Pinellas County residents.)Info on Fort DeSoto

Florida CG near beach and bike path | Good Sam Community

TriumphGuy
Explorer
May 05, 2015
Just following up - managed to grab a Fort de Soto waterfront site for the week we needed in Nov. Looks like the 7 day advantage for locals is well used, as there weren't many waterfront in the dog friendly area to choose from. Thanks for the tip to put the 6mo reminder on the calendar!
TriumphGuy
Explorer
Mar 13, 2015
Thanks again to everyone ... I'll mark my calendar for sure and try to get to Fort De Soto for the whole week. If not I'll break the trip up to just be there during the weekdays, and/or otherwise I have lots of great options here.

Either way I have lots of new places to try to visit :)

I've been reading about the trails in these areas and they look well done. FL is doing a great job luring my tourist $$$ :)
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Mar 11, 2015
The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail has been mentioned. It's a 42 mile urban trail that has dedicated traffic lights, bike over passes, etc.

The Madeira Beach KOA's entrance sits on the Pinellas Trail and I mean directly on..
When you drive out of the park, you have to look left and right for bikes.

The KOA is in an urban industrial but on the water. There are hundreds of restaurants and stuff to do in a few mile radius. Madeira Beach is a tourist destination but we always have a good time.
NCWriter
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
TriumphGuy wrote:

I may reserve Dunedin and then see if I can get into Fort Desoto when the 6mo window opens up, any idea how fast sites would go for in Nov? Topsail still has plenty and it's popular so I figure I could get one but have no idea.
Great ideas!

Mark your calendar for the six month reserve point - pick a weekday arrival and you shouldn't have a problem getting a site in November unless it's Thanksgiving.

Study the campground map ahead of time - note that there are sections - Area One is tents, vans, popups only. Area Two, sites 86-164, is the dog section, if you travel with a pup. Areas two and three are "designed and equipped to accommodate all camping units."

The park is popular with local folks (day trippers and campers) who especially book up the weekends and holidays. We were next to a batch of party-people once around spring break time.

I've seen a lot of people biking there on the paved trail to the beaches. Don't miss the little museum near the fort that tells about the place and its history.
captbru
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
Here's a link to info about Oscar Scherer and what's near by and info on the beaches close by

http://www.floridarambler.com/florida-best-camping/oscar-scherer-state-park/
trsky
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
NCWriter wrote:
Have you ever stayed at Fort DeSoto at the foot of Tampa Bay? I feel like a cheerleader because I seem to recommend it often, but it does offer biking opportunities. It is operated by Pinellas County.

The park is made up of five interconnected keys, with an attractive campground that has many sites with water views. The Gulf side beach is absolutely beautiful, and the historic fort is interesting to walk through.

You can reserve six months ahead (seven months for Pinellas County residents.)

Info on Fort DeSoto

I am also a fan of Fort DeSoto and would highly recommend.
TriumphGuy
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
You guys are great! I found Honeymoon island looking around on my own but passed on it because it didn't have camping there ... didn't know about Dunedin being so close. I will look more into that.

Fort DeSoto looks amazing, I really like that it's out on it's own, looks very tropical, lots to do and I imagine lower traffic for bike riding.

Kathryn Abbey is a bit north for Nov but I'll note that for the future.

I love how FL has so many more options for the camping we like to do.

Where would one go for beach access from Oscar Sherer?

I may reserve Dunedin and then see if I can get into Fort Desoto when the 6mo window opens up, any idea how fast sites would go for in Nov? Topsail still has plenty and it's popular so I figure I could get one but have no idea.

Great ideas!
NoVa_RT
Explorer
Mar 11, 2015
Not sure it will be any warmer in November, but Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Jacksonville is popular with bikers. Lots of kids biking on the extensive, paved campground roads, as well as the road to the beach, and they have 20 miles of bike trails on top of that.

Fort De Soto is a great place, too.
NCWriter
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
Have you ever stayed at Fort DeSoto at the foot of Tampa Bay? I feel like a cheerleader because I seem to recommend it often, but it does offer biking opportunities. It is operated by Pinellas County.

The park is made up of five interconnected keys, with an attractive campground that has many sites with water views. The Gulf side beach is absolutely beautiful, and the historic fort is interesting to walk through.

You can reserve six months ahead (seven months for Pinellas County residents.)

Info on Fort DeSoto
Jack_Diane_Free
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015
I also recommend Dunedin RV Park. Pinellas Trail across the street and one can easily ride to Honeymoon Island State park with a nice beach. (or drive) It is very close.