Seeking Florida Panhandle Advice

[DeeBee]

We are wanting to head to Florida the end of March with our daughter, her husband, and 2 kids (under 3). We only have 9 days to go from Indiana to Florida and back! Does anyone have any advice as to a great rv park somewhere between Pensacola and Panama City? Most of the state parks are filled...although we can still get into Big Lagoon State Park.
Thought maybe a private park would offer a pool since the weather will probably be too cold to spend any time in the ocean. Any suggestions will be appreciated!

[Bassdogs]

I would recommend Ft Pickens [COE] which is part of the Gulf Natl Seashore. It is on a barrier island and has miles of sandy beaches. No pool but lots of biking and hiking available. Beach is a short walk. Large CG so should have no problem getting a site in March if you book it now. Ft P is just south of Penscola.

[Grumpy]

Emerald Coast RV Park in Panama City Beach is a nice resort and not too far from the beach. May be hard getting ressies for March this late though.

[DeeBee]

Thanks so much to both of you! I will look into both!

[2naEagle]

Not in Florida but Gulf State Park in Alabama is a good one. Lots for the kids to do in the area. A lot of bike trails also.

[wanderlust]

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

I would recommend Ft Pickens [COE] which is part of the Gulf Natl Seashore. It is on a barrier island and has miles of sandy beaches.

X2

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yoTV5owMTfw

[DeeBee]

Thanks for the advice on Gulf State Park. Also, I LOVE the video! Thanks so much for posting it! (I will have to look on youtube more often when we are planning a vacation.) Will look into all these places!

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by wanderlust

X2

Ft Pickens is very isolated but only 15 or 20 miles from Pennsicola. There are things to do in the little town between the 2 bridges. Great place to veg without being overran by people and snowbirds. We've stayed there 3 times in Feb and the CG was less than 50% occupied. Full hookups, modern bathhouse, and small Camp Store good for Ice and basic camp needs. Good grocery back in Ocean Breeze.

[triplebvalp]

Originally Posted by Bassdogs

Good grocery back in Ocean Breeze.

That would be Gulf Breeze

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by triplebvalp

That would be Gulf Breeze

Yup!!! Same place.

[Travelwithkids]

My choices in order...

1st-Gulf State Park, AL
2nd-Fort Pickens, Pensacola/Gulf Breeze FL
3rd-St Andrews SP Panama City Beach

Have heard great things about Topsail SP but have never been able to get a reservation for our travel dates.


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[mothernaturesson]

Pensacola Beach RV Resort - Home Page Stayed here in April this year. you do not want to get too close to he highway though. On same Island as Ft. Pickens.

[koko]

Just spent a week at the Gulf Shores/Pensacola West KOA in Lillian, Alabama, right on Perdido Bay. Reasonably priced. A short drive to Orange Beach, Perdido Key, Gulf Shores National Seashore, Foley Beach, and about 20 miles from Pensacola. It had a really beautiful, large, clean pool. Sites were large - ours had a wood deck right off our front step. Lillian is a small, quiet town away from the chaos.

[twdenman]

Bassdogs, Would Pickens get real cold in January and February? Ted

[triplebvalp]

Originally Posted by twdenman

Bassdogs, Would Pickens get real cold in January and February? Ted

I live about 40 miles East of Ft. Pickens. It depends on what you consider real cold. Generally, temps are in the 40 - 50 degree range but could be in the 20's and even in the 70's.

[Bassdogs]

Originally Posted by twdenman

Bassdogs, Would Pickens get real cold in January and February? Ted

The panhandle is not warm by the standards of someone expecting temps like
Sanabel or Naples. I would say it is pleasant but like all of the panhandle coastal locations can be cool and windy, Sometimes down right cold but generally warm enough to comfortably walk the beach and let the kids play in the sand. Swimming in the Gulf, not so much.

If you need really warm weather you would have to head several hundred miles south on the Gulf coast. The names you recognize are located there for a reason. The panhandle is a great destination for those desiring relief from the cold winter of the upper Midwest. I would say that the weather across the fla panhandle all the way over to Bilixi is pretty much the same.

[twdenman]

I suspect ALL of the "warm" spots in Florida will be packed this season. Way too many resorts damaged by hurricanes this year. This year we're just looking to be somewhere we I don't have to winterize. :-) We have mountain bodies, not beach bodies. Ted

[norty1]

We felt good a couple of years ago when we drove thru this town.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...M79qBQbrjrOL2T

[thirdktm]

Lived in Destin for eight years, 1999-2007. On holiday weekends and virtually every day during the summer, you'll encounter heavy stop-and-go traffic on US 98, which runs east/west across the Panhandle.
Returned for a visit in March 2016, and the traffic was worse.
Suggest you find an out-of-the way locale, to avoid congestion of people and autos.
Beaches are indeed beautiful.............

[twdenman]

Thanks Thirdtkm. I try not to go south of Tennessee in the summer. :-) Thank you for your suggestion to find a quieter location.