I10 Florida Panhandle

[Cispook]

Anyone ever overnight at one of the state run roadside rest? I noticed the ones I encountered had signs about 'armed security' is on site.

[Jarrod White]

No, and I think there may be signs posted saying no overnight stays. But I've seen motorhomes and trucks that looked like they are setup for overnight stay. If you decide against rest shops or run into a problem, there are several other options. Falling Rivers State Park is only a couple of miles of interstate. Camping World in Tallahassee is about a mile north of interstate and has free spots as available with electric hookups. There are some Flying Js and I think most Panhandle Walmarts are friendly to overnight stays. The Walmarts in niceville, Mariana and chipley are near the interstate. There is a good Vietnamese Restaurant in that stretch but I cannot remember the name right now.

[n2916s]

They put in the security guards after a spate of armed robberies about 10 years back. Bad for the tourist trade, don't you know. Officially, there is no overnight parking but it seems to vary depending on who is on duty.

Just be prepared to move if asked...

[moosetags]

The Florida Interstate Rest Area security actually started in 1993 after the robbery and murder of a British tourist at the Jefferson County Rest Area on I-10 (mile marker 233). They also instituted the "no overnight parking" policy at that time. This policy can be flexible, depending on the officer on duty.

Brian

[Mrjkq]

When on I-10 in the Panhandle, I time my overnight stop for the Cracker Barrel in Tallahassee right off the highway.

[Paddledipper]

We recently overnighted at Hitchin' Post off I-10's Exit 130 which is just minutes off the Cottondale exit. There is a Love's truck stop at this exit too. It's a new campground right off the interstate with wifi, nice hosts, full hookups, and they do offer a nice discount for Passport America members. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a convenient spot to stay a night, or two.

[moosetags]

There are several good Wal-Marts near I-10 in the Florida. They are located at:

Quincy (SR 267/Exit181)
Marianna (SR71/Exit 142)
Chipley (SR77?Exit 120)
DeFuniak Springs (US331/Exit 85)

All of these are in the Central Time Zone, except Quincy. All are located in small towns that are somewhat quiet and secure.

Brian

[StrmyWeather]

I've driven across Fl on I-10 for years and regularly stay at the rest stops west of I-75. I usually stay at the ones just west of Tallahassee in both the east and west bound lanes because they're the most convenient for the times I travel. I've never been asked to move or felt unsafe.

[Cispook]

I'm looking to stop for a late siesta. Thanks for all the great info.

[Rich W]

I would not stay at any Interstate rest stop, too dangerous. What are you saving? $25-$40? Is that worth your life or that of your family? I have used some Wal-Marts and Cracker Barrels, but only after some research on the Internet.

Garmin GPS and smart phone apps can locate nearby RV parks and they provide the number so you can call. I recently came up I-75 from Florida and used the Garmin to see what RV parks were near Tifton, GA. I found a very nice, small RV park with clean, individual rest rooms (toilet, sink and shower), full hookups, basic cable, about 100 yards off the Interstate (easy off/on) next to a multitude of restaurants and gas stations. The host was there at the picket fence to greet us and walk us to our site. It was quiet and peaceful, much better than a rest area and more secure. The cost? With my Good Sam discount (she didn't even check to see if I had one, but I do) it was $27 for the night, everything included.

If coming on I-75 near Tifton, GA and you need a spot for the night (or week or month) you'll want to check out Pines RV park at exit 61.

[Mike1997]

I stayed at several rest areas on I-10 and other places on cross country trips. With a motorhome I do not have to go outside for anything other than a leg streach and check on the toad.

Never been ask to leave a rest area in Florida, but did have some noisy neighbors (18 wheelers) on both sides at 3am. With their engines running it got me moving much earlier than expected.

[Cispook]

Originally Posted by richw46

I would not stay at any Interstate rest stop, too dangerous. What are you saving? $25-$40? Is that worth your life or that of your family? I have used some Wal-Marts and Cracker Barrels, but only after some research on the Internet.

Garmin GPS and smart phone apps can locate nearby RV parks and they provide the number so you can call. I recently came up I-75 from Florida and used the Garmin to see what RV parks were near Tifton, GA. I found a very nice, small RV park with clean, individual rest rooms (toilet, sink and shower), full hookups, basic cable, about 100 yards off the Interstate (easy off/on) next to a multitude of restaurants and gas stations. The host was there at the picket fence to greet us and walk us to our site. It was quiet and peaceful, much better than a rest area and more secure. The cost? With my Good Sam discount (she didn't even check to see if I had one, but I do) it was $27 for the night, everything included.

If coming on I-75 near Tifton, GA and you need a spot for the night (or week or month) you'll want to check out Pines RV park at exit 61.

I respect your insight. We have never overnighted at a public location; we have stopped for the occasional nap of a few hours. I believe folks do what they're most comfortable with ... personally I prefer a park just for the assurance of basic hookups.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by Cispook

I respect your insight. We have never overnighted at a public location; we have stopped for the occasional nap of a few hours. I believe folks do what they're most comfortable with ... personally I prefer a park just for the assurance of basic hookups.

Sorry, thought you were talking about an overnight. Daylight stops are OK, I try to park with other RVs and TT. Strength in numbers, circle the wagons or whatever. We stop in rest areas for lunch breaks, I-10 and I-75, haven't had any problems. We always stop somewhere safer before dark so I can't say about the dark hours.

[Mrjkq]

FYI, Florida Interestate rest stops have in the past been the sight of robberies & altercations during overnight hours. What's happening is the warmer weather attracts vagrants escaping from the cold northern climates. They know Rest Areas here are easy pickings while unsuspecting tourists sleep in their RV's. If you get lured outside you could get ambushed. Nighttime security is provided but still not safe & overnighting not allowed.

[Rich W]

Originally Posted by Mrjkq

FYI, Florida Interestate rest stops have in the past been the sight of robberies & altercations during overnight hours. What's happening is the warmer weather attracts vagrants escaping from the cold northern climates. They know Rest Areas here are easy pickings while unsuspecting tourists sleep in their RV's. If you get lured outside you could get ambushed. Nighttime security is provided but still not safe & overnighting not allowed.

You have to be vigilant at any rest stop, regardless of the Interstate. I'm sure anyone is a prime target because of the quick and easy getaway capability. Someone is always running away from something and rest areas are just plain dangerous. I use them, but I'm always alert to questionable travelers milling about. I will eat lunch there but I don't dawdle any longer than necessary.

When I see the sign "night time security" I don't think it's for my protection, I think of it as protection for the property and the cleaning personnel that are there.

Think safe, be alert, don't be a victim.