Cheap Florida Panhandle Vacation

For a low-cost Florida Panhandle vacation, Topsail Hill Preserve State park can serve as your lodging place.

Topsail is located on Florida's beautiful Emerald Coast, as the crow flies, about 12 miles east of Destin. It's quite unlike any other Florida State Park that I know of. You see, Topsail didn't start out as a state park. Actually, it was originally a private RV resort that was purchased by the state. So, it's somewhat less woodsy and somewhat more manicured than other state parks.

The big draw here at Topsail is, of course, its three miles of exquisite Emerald Coast beach. Although, the beach is about three-quarters of a mile from the camping area, a paved tram road will take you right to it, and its a pleasant walk or bike ride. Also, for your convenience, a tram makes runs to the beach every two hours.

Camping

At one time when it was a commercial park, I'm told camping at Topsail meant you had to have an RV. Not any more. Besides RVs, the Park also has a tent camping area, located somewhat closer to the beach than are the RV sites.

Facilities

The Park has plenty of washrooms with hot showers. Plus, the park offers excellent laundry facilities.

For those items you may have forgotten, the camp store just might have them. Stop in for sunscreen, insect repellant, flashlights, antifreeze, ice cream, and other incidentals.

NOTE: For major grocery shopping, there's a Publix Supermarket 2.2 miles to the west along US Highway 98. Stock up for a few days, and you're all set for some Florida fun-in-the-sun relaxation.

Other Lodging Available

A cheap Florida Panhandle Vacation doesn't necessarily mean that you must stay in an RV or a tent. Depending on the size of your group, you might find the Park's rental bungalows and cabins to be relatively economical.

Although the bungalows are pricier than camp sites (naturally), they're not too costly. Can you picture yourself staying here for a week or so enjoying the Emerald-Coast beach and the pleasantness of this Park? When it's time to go, you might not be ready to leave.

I hope the bungalow photo above shows you what I mean when I say Topsail Hill is unlike any state park I've ever seen. It's not necessarily better. That depends on what you're looking for. It's just different. And that difference can make for a pleasant change.

Besides the bungalows, the Park offers rental cabins.

These cost more than bungalows, but they have two bedrooms and two baths, plus they can each sleep up to six people. Seems like a good solution for a family holiday. While we enjoyed the park from our RV, I did speak with people who were staying in the cabins, and they loved it. Maybe you would too.

More Photos

So, how's that for a fine Florida Panhandle vacation? I enjoy these kinds of reviews where I have the opportunity to help people discover what they might not otherwise know about. If you stay at Topsail, I'd love to hear from you, and find out your thoughts on the place.

Wishing you great time on your "real Florida" vacation.