Destined for Destin??

[Towhead]

We are trying to plan an upcoming getaway and are seriously considering going to Destin, FL. I was hoping somebody could chime in on Destin overall, and more specifically, a potential resort and/or campground.

I appreciate the feedback.

[59toaster]

You looking for a place where older kids can have fun, torist stuff and midway or a quiet place? Destin is nice but it's close proximity to Panama city might be warry of spring break. PC is called the Redneck Riviera By those of us in GA and AL and prime Spring break spot for the school kids.

About 45-1 hour east of Panama City is a much quieter place, St George Island. It is very quiet. While we have as yet to camp at the State park on the island I have been told it's nice and do plan to walk it very soon. Only down side is the camp ground is on the Bay side and it's a 5 minute drive to the Gulf side where the nice beach is.

We love the place and spent our Honeymoon there and keep going back. It is not a tourist trap. Its mostly residential rentals beach homes and the state park. A couple resturants and beach stores and not much else. We will be there Aprill 3-10. Our coach is still in peices so we are renting a beach house named "Sandle Wood".

Carabelle and Cape San blas is also nice and same general area but I do not know anything about the camping there.
http://www.forgotten-florida.com/
http://www.floridastateparks.org/stg...nd/default.asp

[RoadKingMoe]

I can understand the concern about Panama City Beach during Spring Break, but PCB is a ways east of Destin and the Fort Walton Beach area. I guess some students make it as far west as Destin though. Also consider the Pensacola area.

Having been a native of the area, and using military hotels when I'm down in the area, I can't tell you about the campgrounds, but maybe this will help. I know there's one RV park down there that RVers really like. Can't remember the name though.

http://www.destin-vacations.com/campgrounds.htm

Here's a broader view than just Destin:

http://www.destin-ation.com/camping/...estflorida.htm

Destin is known for fishing, if you're into that. There's a small dolphin aquarium called the Gulfarium if you've never seen 'em up close. Other than that, Destin and FWB have pretty much anything the vacationing tourist could want.

[markdoane]

I need to go to the Tampa area April 14-17. Is that a 'spring break' destination that I should beware of? I need a hotel room inland, maybe 20 miles east of Tampa. Flying in and renting a car. Is that going to be a problem?

[59toaster]

Originally posted by markdoane
I need to go to the Tampa area April 14-17. Is that a 'spring break' destination that I should beware of? I need a hotel room inland, maybe 20 miles east of Tampa. Flying in and renting a car. Is that going to be a problem?

Tampa is not a very big Spring break area and most of GA, TN, AL, and FL should be past Spring break by then.

[RivetED]

Spent some time at Ft. Rucker, AL. Destin, FL was my favorite spot for R & R...

[wildtoad]

Look into Grayton Beach State Park or TopSail. Info is available at:

http://www.floridastateparks.org/findapark.htm

We've stayed at Grayton and it's good.

[Towhead]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback, so far. It looks like we have some good options. Has anyone stayed at Topsail. The pics of the campground looked very nice.

[George Jr.]

Regarding Topsail.....

I have stayed on several occasions, none better. I have reservations April 15 through June 15.

Woodalls rated 5 star and best campground in North America. Pool, tram..bike or walk to beach, laundry, 2 first class bath houses, 4 point hookup, many pull throughs,excellent staff, 1600 acre preserve and great location.

You want be disappointed.


Enjoy,

[jcanavera]

I've been to Topsail twice. At that time it used to be a private campground called Emerald Coast. It was very nice then. I haven't been there since it became part of the state park system. I know if I go back to Destin we will probably stay there.

Regard,

Jack

[heybeep]

Just returned this week from travelling around Fla. and the South. Stayed at Topsail for four days. This was our second stay there. A few years ago we stayed a month.

The park is still magnificent as for cleanliness, landscaping, great beach etc. However, the administrative issues are much changed since the five-year (I believe) grandfather terms have expired at the state's take-over. Price has sky-rocketed to $38./night! No propane on sale-insurance was to high. Length of stay limited to two weeks (this is probably good since leased sites had locked o the park out from many RVers).

[90345]

I've stayed at a great place called All Star RV Resort in Perdido Key, Fl - not too far from Destin. [800-245-3602] Was less crowded, it seemed. The best part is that it's ON that white sand beach. As they said on the phone - "you will want for 'nuthin" - and they were so right !

Further west and south - Dauphin Island Campground is really secluded. [334-861-2742] The beaches arn't near as nice - rather rustic - but loved the peacefullness; located IN a bird sanctuary. Dauphin island is a barrier island several miles off the coast of AL. Coast Guard is based from there, Fort Gaines ["Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead" fame] and the first place in north America that migrating monarch butterflies make landfall.