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11-05-2011, 10:38 PM
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#1
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4 Rivet Member
1997 34' Limited
Joliet
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 349
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Heading South from Illinois....Soon!
Since we have finally brought our new tow vehicle home, we've decided our maiden voyage will be to head South from Northern Illinois towards New Orleans after Thanksgiving.
We'd like to spend time camped along the Gulf during December, January, February while the North enjoys the frigid weather, but we have never been before. We will be bringing our three Dachshunds...the M.O.D. Squad...and would like suggestions for your fave campsites and attractions please!
Are we completely nutz for doing this? Is it crowded? Expensive? Anyone been to the Keys during winter and NOT spent a fortune to camp?
Always appreciate AS owners' frank comments
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11-05-2011, 11:28 PM
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#2
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Moderator
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Alamo Heights
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,534
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I don't think the trip south in itself is crazy, but I'd recommend at least some extensive driveway camping to catch existing problems before you're 100% dependent on the trailer. It'll give you another reason to keep the inside of the trailer heated for any freezing night before you make your getaway at the end of the month!
__________________
— David
Zero Gravitas — 2017 Flying Cloud 26U | WBCCI# 15566
He has all of the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire. — Sir Winston Churchill
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11-05-2011, 11:29 PM
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#3
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,159
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During the winter season, the campgrounds in the Florida peninsular get pretty full, and it's the height of their season, so there aren't many bargains. The Florida Panhandle and the Alabama and Mississippi coastal areas are much less slammed, and the winter weather is usually quite bearable.
Everything in Key West is expensive in the winter time.
Brian
__________________
SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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11-06-2011, 02:14 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.7 Metre
1989 29' Excella
Lorain County
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,246
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FL Panhandle
We like Henderson Beach @Ft. Walton Beach and also Fred Gannon-Rocky Bayou State Park. There is lots to see in the area, beautiful beaches and fun things to do.
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Larry and Lou
CP: Water/30 amp/waste dump/WIFI & Room for 2-3 units; PM us if you are headed our direction!
Air #2695
TAC- OH 2
#1420 NOVA 4-006 Charter member
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11-06-2011, 02:48 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2002 25' Safari
Fountain Inn
, South Carolina
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 714
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The state parks and National Sea Shore campgrounds are great along the Florida panhandle. Most save a certain number for non-reserve sites. All the state and national campgrounds have online reservations. Some to check out that we really like: Pensacola- Ft. Pickens National Sea Shore, Panama City - Top Sail (State Park I believe), St. Joseph's Peninsula state park, St. George's Island state park. There are many others that are very good. A National Park Golden Age Pass will save you a significant amount of money when staying in national campgrounds. If 62 or older, you can buy a Golden Age Pass at the gate of national recreation areas.
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11-06-2011, 06:56 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1977 31' Sovereign
1963 26' Overlander
1989 34' Excella
Johnsburg
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,944
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Headed south out of Illinois you can stop at Rend Lake ST PK up till Dec. 1 or Johnston City Park for $8. Birmingham is a push the 2nd day but there is Oak Mountain ST PK there. Stop and see the Hyundai plant at Montgomery. Mystic Springs makes a third night($13 I think). Tour the base and Museum at Pensacola while you scope out what is available at the Coastal parks. There is a nice Florida ST PK at the Caves close by. Other parks are along the coast.
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11-06-2011, 10:01 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2007 Interstate
Normal
, Illinois
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 18,086
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moosetags
During the winter season, the campgrounds in the Florida peninsular get pretty full, and it's the height of their season, so there aren't many bargains. The Florida Panhandle and the Alabama and Mississippi coastal areas are much less slammed, and the winter weather is usually quite bearable.
Everything in Key West is expensive in the winter time.
Brian
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ditto to all of the above
We love Gulf Island National Seashore for camping, and the drive along the Gulf through to the Florida panhandle is very, very pretty. Biloxi and Ocean Springs, MS are worth exploring.
The Everglades is fun to explore, too, gators everywhere.
Key West will be expensive, but if you've never been the drive down alone is worth the trip. Spend a couple of days at Boyd's and see the town. Beautiful, funky, end-of-the-earth kind of place, although with the usual touristy nonsense that detracts somewhat.
Key West Campground, Key West Camping, Key West RV Park and Tent camping. Key West,FL camping, koa camping and Camping in Key West
Have a great trip!
Maggie
__________________
🏡 🚐 Cherish and appreciate those you love. This moment could be your last.🌹🐚
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11-08-2011, 03:27 PM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member
1997 34' Limited
Joliet
, Illinois
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 349
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Thank you all for your suggestions; we'll map them out. Hopefully, we' ll send photos as we go along next month.
Best,
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11-09-2011, 04:40 PM
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#9
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retired USA/USAF
2001 30' Excella
Somerset
, New Jersey
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,418
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Last March we spent some time in Everglades Nat. Park. Plenty of spaces in both of their campgrounds. One has hookups and one does not. They are both very nice, we stayed a few days in each. Really enjoyed the everglades and are planning on going back this year. May spend some time exploring the west coast of Fla this time around depending on the weather.
__________________
Roger in NJ
" Democracy is the worst form of government. Except for all the rest"
Winston Churchill 1948
TAC - NJ 18
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