Florida gulf coast Campgrounds

[retireclose]

We are planning a two month trip to Florida next February and March. We are planning to stay at Top Sail state park the last two weeks of March.
Any recommendations for the first six weeks. We would like to be close to the gulf. We don't mind staying at a couple of different places.

Thanks

[Parrothead_Mike]

For staying and checking out the Nature Coast of Florida I'd suggest Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park in Crystal River. It's about 80 miles north of Tampa. It's highly rated and more like a state park than some state parks. We've stayed here for the winters for several years. Make a reservation early for the time period you're looking for, they get busy.

The area is not beachy, but has more of a river life atmosphere. Bring or rent kayaks if you like that sort of exploring. Check out the manatees too.

Below is a clicky for the park.

https://www.sunrvresorts.com/resorts/south/florida/rock-crusher-canyon/

[DannyA]

wxtoad wrote:
Here are some pictures and notes of various FL Panhandle parks we have visited:

Big Lagoon SP
Fort Pickens - Gulf Islands NS
Grayton Beach SP
Newport County Park
Ochlockonee River SP
Pine Log State Forest - Sand Pond
Shell Mound County Park
St Joseph Peninsula SP
St Andrews SP
Falling Waters SP
Lake Stone County Park
Torreya SP

A little west of FL:

Davis Bayou - Gulf Islands NS
Buccaneer SP

Ted H.

Great campground reviews, maybe the best I have seen, very helpful.
Thank you.

[JoeH]

You might want to narrow down your preferred areas to stay and let us know. The Gulf Coast of Florida is over 700 miles long so there are many options. As others said, you need to book quickly. Many good places will already be booked.

[lewisr]

Just made my reservations this morning for last 2 weeks of March at Henderson Beach SP, started at 8 sold out by 8:15. Hopefully for you, you already have reservations for Top Sail or it’s not 11 months out yet. If not, better change your dates t o later than March 15th 2019.

[dapperdan]

spoon059 wrote:
My suggestion is to start calling and looking for spots now. Most places are likely already booked for February. At this point you will be looking for any open spot, rather than the perfect campground...

X2, it may already be too late. Getting into any place along the panhandle is going to be "difficult".

Dan

[jplante4]

Don't miss HoHum in Carrabelle.

Sunrise


Moonrise

[wxtoad]

Here are some pictures and notes of various FL Panhandle parks we have visited:

Big Lagoon SP
Fort Pickens - Gulf Islands NS
Grayton Beach SP
Newport County Park
Ochlockonee River SP
Pine Log State Forest - Sand Pond
Shell Mound County Park
St Joseph Peninsula SP
St Andrews SP
Falling Waters SP
Lake Stone County Park
Torreya SP

A little west of FL:

Davis Bayou - Gulf Islands NS
Buccaneer SP

Ted H.

[atomlinson]

Camp Gulf in Destin (Miramar Beach). Expensive, and crammed in like sardines, but you can't beat the location. With spots that are right on the beach and an extremely friendly staff, it's something you have to try once.

[spoon059]

My suggestion is to start calling and looking for spots now. Most places are likely already booked for February. At this point you will be looking for any open spot, rather than the perfect campground...

[lizzie]

Travel just a few miles inland from TopSail to Blackwater River State Park or to one of the campgrounds in the Blackwater State Forest. Not on the beach, but on a beautiful river with miles of white sandbars. Near Carrabelle you can visit Ochlockonee River State Park, camp beside the river and walk along the shore. This area is called The Forgotten Coast. Give it a Google. lizzie

[ksbowman]

Carrabelle is a good suggestion. We stayed there 2 weeks this winter and really enjoyed it except a strong cold front made it unusually cold while we were there. Great beach access across the road from the park. Beach also allows dogs and miles of beach to walk. St. George island is very close and lots of good places to eat the Red Pirate, Lynn's Oyster bar and a very good Mexican food restaurant in East Point. Only negative is make sure everything is clear on day and time of checkout is clear. There was a one day misunderstanding on our checkout and we had to change sites with one day to go.

[JKJavelin]

Since you are going to move around, we just got back from the Davis Bayou campground, it's part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. We spent 5 weeks from Texas to Mississippi and this was one of our favorite spots. It has water & electric, but no sewer, and the bathrooms have showers. They are always full so you'll need reservations. If you have the national park senior pass it's only $11/night. We had site #2 which was very large, one of the best in the park. Wait... I shouldn't be telling you this- we want it available for when we go back! I wish we stayed more than a week there.
JK

[Dave_in_TN]

If you happen to be retired military, there is Tyndall Fam Camp near Panama City Beach.

[retireclose]

We've been to Gulf shores it is a nice park. It might be one of our stops. We were also thinking of Carrabelle RV park.