Some Suggestions needed for next Winter

[piper guy]

We're about nine months into fulltime and have to say loving it. We decided to travel this first winter and have been into northern Florida and along the Gulf Coast and are currently in New Orleans at Pontchartrain Landing RV Resort. If you're coming to NO, stay here. Nice park and they are even Passport America. We just got back the last three years of Passport America dues I. One park ! Lol

In any case, looking for suggestions for next winter for January - March. Along the Gulf Coast or Northern Florida either coast. $$$ are a factor like all of us on the road so looking for nice park that is reasonable near the coast. Know that we won't be on the beach with a lower cost park but would like to be close.

Thanks in advance for any ideas .

[hoosierguy]

Originally Posted by piper guy

We're about nine months into fulltime and have to say loving it. We decided to travel this first winter and have been into northern Florida and along the Gulf Coast and are currently in New Orleans at Pontchartrain Landing RV Resort. If you're coming to NO, stay here. Nice park and they are even Passport America. We just got back the last three years of Passport America dues I. One park ! Lol

In any case, looking for suggestions for next winter for January - March. Along the Gulf Coast or Northern Florida either coast. $$$ are a factor like all of us on the road so looking for nice park that is reasonable near the coast. Know that we won't be on the beach with a lower cost park but would like to be close.

Thanks in advance for any ideas .

Vaughn,
Four years ago, on our first trip to Florida, we stayed at Live Oak Landing in the panhandle near Freeport, FL. We enjoyed our stay there. We had church friends in the Fort Walton Beach area, so, we thought we would start out near there. It is a beautiful location, although very secluded off the northeast end of Choctawatchee Bay. The campground facilities and sites at that time were very, very nice.............large concrete pads and patios. Many pull-through sites and some back in sites. Many, many live oak trees and access to water leading to the bay.

The campground is about 25 miles northeast of Destin, FL where there are lots of restaurants and other activities. It is about 12 miles from Grayton Beach State Park which has a beautiful white sand and emerald water area about a mile long. The nice thing is there were almost no people there at the beach until Spring Break time so we enjoyed going frequently. If you enjoy visiting state parks like we do, you can buy an annual Florida State Parks Pass for $125. and visit any or all state parks as often as you like. If you are veteran, you get a 25% discount provided you have veteran ID.

Campground Link: rvcoutdoors.com/live-oak-landing/

Grayton Beach State Park Link: www.floridastateparks.org/park/Grayton-Beach

A big upside is that when we stayed there 4 years ago (winter of 2013/2014) the 3 month rate was around $680./month. Much more attractive than $1800./month (or higher) down on the beaches in the Destin, FL area.

The down side of the location is that it can get rather cool at times in late January and early February. Although I did not mind the weather, my wife and I were discussing it later in the spring in Indiana and she said, "If we are going to go to Florida in the winter, let's go were it's warmer." So, the past 3 winters we have stayed near Palmetto, FL. You know the saying, "Happy wife, happy life"!

Good luck in your search. Remember to make reservations early as most place in Florida get reserved a year in advance.

Hope this helps.

Guy

[markw]

This is our 5th year at Rock Crusher Canyon in Crystal River. A very nice park. Most of the sites have some separation and vegetation between them. They also have probably, the warmest pool in Florida.

Mark

[Blenhardt]

Hi Vaughn and Tracy, You probably don't remember but we met you guys and were parked next to you at the very first Redwood rally. Wish you the best on your full timing adventure.

In answer to your question, we have enjoyed staying several times at the Gulf State Park near Gulf Shores, Al. It is pretty full during winter so reservations are in order. We have also stayed at Grayton Beach State Park, in Santa Rosa Beach, Fl

[piper guy]

Hi Bruce ! Of course we remember you ! Funny you should mention that area. We just left Topsail Hill State Park and loved it. Planning on going back next Winter in all likelihood.

[ted 95]

You were asking for suggestions. This winter we spent it at Jupiter West RV in Jupiter Florida off Indian Town Road. The park has basically 2 sections. The newer area has about 20 pull through sites that are 45' long that are gravel pads with pavers at the door area (you want to be there). The older section is the balance of the park and the perimeter. The pads are cement that a lot need to be re poured due to heavy motor homes that cracked them. The park is more a CG than an RV park, IMO. but you know what it is really clean, especially the bathrooms and showers. The pool is fine and the people that run the place are great, friendly, and really helpful. there is a min of 3 months jan - feb - mar. $1030/m plus elect. And that is average $90/m. They require a $600 deposit that can be refunded up till sept 30. Wi-fi and cable is free and overall works well. We have already reserved to be back next year. If you call speak to Sherry or Garry or let me know and I can speak to them.

Good Luck Wayne

[Greg C.]

Vaughan, My wife and I are staying at Cypress Trails just off of I-75 in Fort Myers next Jan. through March. We were just down there two weeks ago although not with our RW. It is pricey but it includes everything. It runs in the $1700-1900 range depending on the location of the lot. It is pretty close to town, beach etc.