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NoMoreTent · 02-14-2017, 11:06 AM

We are planning to travel from Central TX to Punta Gorda, FL. Looking for routes and places to stay. Some concern about I10 in LA but what about east of that?We will be visiting family so plan to sightsee on our way home.

Jaxon · 02-14-2017, 11:32 AM

Within the last year, we took several trips east going through Louisiana on I-10 and I-20... both were terrible in terms of traffic and road condition... unfortunately, unless you have budgeted a lot of travel time, you’re going to have to use the interstates or go state roads (not sure how they compare)... Whatever your route, take your time.

We avoid LA when going east now, unless our destination is in Louisiana...
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Plasma800 · 02-14-2017, 11:36 AM

i-10 in LA is much nicer now. I recently made the trip to Panama City, and it was a lovely drive. We drove straight through to the Fort Walton in one day. It took us about 9 hours from North of Houston.

Top Sail Park just south of San Destin is a must stop, the 30A area is quite amazing.
https://goo.gl/maps/sCcoVNCBKXL2

Half shell oyster house in Gulfport Miss. is a great stop too. Also, there is an airstream dealer about a mile north of the restaurant whom I'm sure would you let you disco on their lot for siteseeing. They would probably even let you spend the night there.

https://goo.gl/maps/iutpsY21CBt

The Naval Air Station in Pensacola might also be a neat siteseeing tour.

LA has casinos, but other than that, I can't think of a whole lot to stop and do there myself.

NoMoreTent · 02-15-2017, 12:27 PM

Thank you for the input about I10, have read some scary things, concert missing bumps and such

RamRider · 02-15-2017, 12:51 PM

Try Fort Pickens, its a National Park Site in NW Florida, Its on our list but we have not make it yet, We traveled I-10 to Baton Rouge last spring, we took our time and had no problems. There is a nice looking park at Iowa, LA -right on I-10 which would make a nice stop over point for you

SuzyHomemakr · 02-16-2017, 11:25 AM

I'd try to stop in New Orleans, if you can. Great music and food! Remember that you can always stay outside a major city, and use Uber or Lyft to get to where the action is, if you don't want to disconnect.

The road along the "Redneck Riviera" (30 and 98) is very nice, worth the extra time. Apalachicola is famous for the oysters.

Crystal River and Silver Springs both have nice RV Parks, but make sure to call ahead for availability.

When in Punta Gorda, check out The Icehouse for refreshments.

Jrglenn · 02-16-2017, 11:34 AM

We traveled on I-10 last year heading west. I-10 around Baton Rouge was the worst road on our 15,000 mile trip. You have to take it easy to keep your trailer from porpoising. After Baton Rouge the road is okay going east.
All of the state parks in the panhandle are great. Fort Pickens Campground at Gulf Islands National Seashore is a must. Go the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. Rated in top 25 museums and it is free. Blue Angels are based there. If you have the time take US 98 at Pensacola south which follows the gulf.

StrmyWeather · 02-16-2017, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrglenn

All of the state parks in the panhandle are great. Fort Pickens Campground at Gulf Islands National Seashore is a must. Go the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. Rated in top 25 museums and it is free. Blue Angels are based there. If you have the time take US 98 at Pensacola south which follows the gulf.

Have to ditto this, with a strong recommendation for the Air Museum and the Hwy 98 and 30 route. We're new to AS traveling but the panhandle is really a nice trip and you'll find no nicer beaches. We just spent a great 3 nights at Ft. Desoto and can't wait to return. Have a safe trip
Richard

dalecamp` · 02-16-2017, 02:51 PM

I 10 Lafayette to Baton Rouge is not for the faint at heart. It hasn't been improved since I was on it last year. A friend towed a trailer from Florida to Houston last week and the expansion joints make for a very rough ride.
But there is not much in the way of alternative routes.
Best of luck, be safe.

Silver Pony · 02-17-2017, 06:26 AM

Blueberry Hill RV Park in Bushnell is a great stop. Mostly pull thru sites. 3 point hook-ups. There is an Airstream Park about 10 miles outside Punta Gorda if you need a place to stay when you get here. Its an older park, but has amenities.

GandW · 02-17-2017, 07:24 AM

We came through there in the opposite direction a week ago on our way to Portland. The best park of our trip was Carrabella Beach Resort in Carrabella FL on the gulf. Not far out of the way and keeps you off I-10 for awhile. The people in the park were all nice, they sold beer at the camp store and the food at all of the restaurants around was great and reasonable. Cheapest oysters I have had in a while, since Appalachicola is right down the road. We will go again.Gary and Wendy

NoMoreTent · 02-17-2017, 03:24 PM

Thanks for all the input. What about I12 From Baton Rouge to Slidell ?

dalecamp` · 02-18-2017, 07:42 AM

I12 from Baton Rouge to Slidell allows you to bypass New Orleans. That is newer highway and not that bad. As mentioned before, the worse part is from Lafayette to Baton Rouge. Also some of the Atchafalaya River Basin causeway. Just adjust your speed to avoid getting the trailer/tow vehicle in harmony with the expansion joints / uneven pavement. It's not a place to try to keep with the flow of traffic.

http://www.nola.com/traffic/index.ss..._among_mo.html

CanineCoach · 02-20-2017, 05:16 AM

Where is an airstream park in Punta Gorda? Would love to hear about it.

Plasma800 · 02-20-2017, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrglenn

We traveled on I-10 last year heading west. I-10 around Baton Rouge was the worst road on our 15,000 mile trip. You have to take it easy to keep your trailer from porpoising. After Baton Rouge the road is okay going east.
All of the state parks in the panhandle are great. Fort Pickens Campground at Gulf Islands National Seashore is a must. Go the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. Rated in top 25 museums and it is free. Blue Angels are based there. If you have the time take US 98 at Pensacola south which follows the gulf.

yeah but this is like... only a few miles of road near i12, and it's currently being fixed up right now. so a lot of it is already repaved. It wouldn't bother me to drive it.

Plasma800 · 02-20-2017, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoMoreTent

Thanks for all the input. What about I12 From Baton Rouge to Slidell ?

Unless you want to detour through New Orleans, I12 is the way to go. easy on, easy off.. just keep heading straight

Silver Pony · 02-21-2017, 06:42 AM

First exit after crossing Peace River, go right on rt 17 toward Arcadia, turn right at 2nd light, Bermont Rd , continue 8-10 miles, it will be on your left. Walt

1973Argosy · 02-21-2017, 07:05 AM

Bay Saint louis/Waveland ms. Is a very nice area with some quaint shops in their downtown areas. I recommend the Silver Slipper casino campground site #12. It has a private yard and one heck of a view. There are no amenities other than full hook ups and the view. The Eagles were using a tree directly behind the campsite to stage their fishing trips.

NoMoreTent · 02-21-2017, 11:22 AM

We made reservations at waters edge, we'll try and post something after our stay

Blee845 · 03-21-2017, 12:10 PM

I have wintered in Paradise Park in Punta Gorda, Florida for 17 years. This was originally an Airstream Park but now we also allow Class A RVs. This park is called a "condominium" association because we can own our lot. There are 314 units here and a great 9-hole golf course as well as most other amenities. The address is: 46900 Bermont Road, Punta Gorda, Fl 33982.