Recommendations for a December Trip South on the Beach

[DebN1]

We are new to camping, purchased a 30' MH a few months ago and spent weekends on the beaches in Maine. Motorhome is now put up for the winter and we stare out the window at it, wishing we were on the road. Looks like we can get away over Christmas for a few weeks so we are searching for the following:
*On the beach, GA or FL as SC doesn't look to be warm enough that time of year
*Pet friendly, pet on the beach OK
*Full hookups
*Laundry, grocery store within walking distance, resturants a plus
Let me know what you think. I have reservations at Ocean Lake in Myrtle Beach but the more I look, the more I think it will be too cold in December.

[riven1950]

Ft Desota has a dog beach but it is a pretty good walk from the CG.

I am 30 miles from MB SC. Weather here that time of the year is a******shoot. Can be really nice or really crappy, but as stated above, will likely feel great compared to Maine.

[bucky]

Long way from MB to St Pete or Key Largo. However, NY's eve 08-09 MB temps dropped into the high 20's overnight when the forecast was for the 50s. Had to wait for the awning to thaw out before we could leave the next morning. Avg temps are just that.

[cindik]

Not sure how far you want to drive, but check out Ft. Desoto in St. Pete, Fl. They have pet loop, and a fenced in area for pets to run. Not sure if they allow pets on the beach, but it should be warm there, and is a beautiful place. If you don't have toad, you would need bikes as the park is large, but the beach there is beautiful. Very nice cg!

[coolmom42]

I have to say it.....ANYWHERE in the Southeast will be warmer than MAINE!!

[littlemo]

Ft Pickens in Pensacola will probably be the warmest and most likely place to find a spot. It is right across the road from the beach. We like it there. If no toad it may be inconvenient though to drive to town.

[Cecilt]

We just booked at week at Ocean Lakes in Myrtle Beach from the Dec 27th - Jan 3rd. Our first trip to Myrtle this time of year. Just feel the need to break up the 5 month winter lull and try it. If it is horrible weather expected while we plan to be there I will just cancel and loose $25. 60's during the day is great. 40's for highs I may as well stay at home.

[Roadpilot]

I'll second Red Coconut in Ft Myers. Don't know if it's too late for reservations though. I'd also try a new park in Key Largo called Point Of View. We stayed there last year and it was great. Since it's new they may have a spot.

[exploringcaroli]

Have received good reports on James Island SC @ Charleston SC, but have not camped there.

http://www.ccprc.com/index.aspx?NID=1434

[jplante4]

Red Coconut, Fort Myers

[dahkota]

Most Florida beaches do not allow dogs.

Anywhere in Florida on the beach in December where it is warm is probably reserved already.

South Carolina state parks run a snowbird special: 50% off a monthly rate December through February: "The South Carolina State Park campgrounds at Colleton, Edisto Beach, Givhans Ferry, Hunting Island, Huntington Beach, Myrtle Beach and Sesquicentennial (in Columbia) would like to offer you a 30-day campsite reservation at half price! 50% OFF! This special is valid for reservations that encompass the period of December 1, 2014 through February 28, 2015."

We love the South Carolina State Parks on the beach. Some of the sites also have sewer hook ups.

[DebN1]

No Toad, that is why Ocean Lakes on Myrtle Beach looked good, (laundry, grocery, and golf cart rental available) anyone been there? Keep the info coming, thanks!

[Merrykalia]

We have also gone to Hunting Island the week after Christmas and in the 3rd week of January for the Martin Luther King holiday several different times and found the weather very nice. It was sweatshirt weather, but usually in the mid-60s and would get into the low 40s at night. As far as I'm concerned, that's GREAT camping weather and perfect for a good evening fire in the pit.

We also use an electric heater to keep the 5'er warm overnight and the furnace set on 55 just in case it gets colder than expected.

The beach during the winter is so much different than in the summertime. It is great to walk and have quiet reflection time. Our dogs LOVE to go during the winter when they can play in the surf.

Hunting Island is near pretty much NOTHING! It's a 15 mile drive into Beaufort and the closest supermarket, but there are a couple of restaurants just outside the park as well as a fish market with fresh (just off the boat) shrimp. It's a great place to get away from congestion and so many tourists.

It's a lot of miles away, but we have gone to Gulf Shores, AL in December and it was nice and warm a couple of days, and then cool a few days. It was 80 and we went to the beach and even got in the water, then a storm system moved through and the highs were in the 60s.

[darsben]

Toad or no toad

[DebN1]

Thanks for the info.