Topsail Hill Preserve State Park -- Florida - Escape Trailer Owners Community
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Old 12-27-2014, 06:24 PM   #1
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Topsail Hill Preserve State Park -- Florida

Has anyone been there? It sounds like a beautiful place with great swimming.
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Old 12-30-2014, 07:19 PM   #2
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I posted this a while back for another site:
Topsail and Grayton Beach State Parks - in Florida Panhandle - Fiberglass RV
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Old 12-31-2014, 04:12 AM   #3
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Any good snorkeling there? Dogs allowed?
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Old 01-01-2015, 07:46 AM   #4
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Any good snorkeling there? Dogs allowed?
It looks like pets are allowed, as long as you follow the typical rules which are explained here, in the link to the Florida State Park pet policy: Welcome to Florida State Parks

I'm not familiar with the snorkeling at Topsail, but it's probably typical for the NW Florida area, that is, a gradual sandy beach without much in the way of underwater features.
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Old 01-01-2015, 08:04 AM   #5
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Ruthe,
Our favorite place to stay while on the beach in the Florida Panhandle is St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, described here: Welcome to Florida State Parks
It's quite a bit further off the interstate but gives a lot more feel for camping in the woods, instead of staying at a resort, like Topsail. If the full hook-ups, paved sites, pool, cable TV and well manicured lawns are your style, and you won't miss having a campfire in the woods, then Topsail is definitely the place to go. Another interesting place to camp is at Fort Pickens, which is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
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Old 01-01-2015, 08:13 PM   #6
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Thanks Ray. It looks like the place I've been searching for. Ocean, bay, snorkeling kayaking. Now I have to figure out when we can go.
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Old 01-04-2015, 09:01 PM   #7
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I believe Topsail is on Santa Rosa island where ft. Walton Beach, Destin are. Great place to camp. It can be cool during the winter months, 40s to high 50s at night, but high sixties or even 70s during the day. Quite a few Canadiens stay for the winter because of the large amount of beach front condos, restaurants etc. you will not be disappointed. You will also be only 4 1/2 hours from New Orleans. Also, Biloxi Ms. Is only 3 hours if casinos and beach entertainment is your gig.
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Old 01-04-2015, 09:12 PM   #8
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Thanks Steve and Julie. I think we would go during the warmer weather so that the water would be warm. I'm reading lots of good things about the gulf coast.
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Old 01-05-2015, 12:10 AM   #9
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When is the best time to go if you want it warm and good swimming weather?
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Old 01-05-2015, 09:43 AM   #10
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From what I can figure out, it would be starting in April through the summer, when it will be really hot. Correct me someone if I am wrong.
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Old 01-05-2015, 10:19 AM   #11
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Here are the average water and air temperatures for Destin, near Topsail. Being fair-weather campers ourselves, we don't like to camp if the high is going to be above 90 or lower than 60. Also, we won't go in the water if it's cooler than about 77 degrees, (being from NJ you are probably used to much cooler water than that). Being right on the coast, Destin does not have the extremely uncomfortable hot weather found in the interior of the state.
Attached Thumbnails
Destin copy.jpg   daily_high_and_low_temperature_temperature_f copy.jpg  
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Old 01-05-2015, 10:49 AM   #12
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The Florida panhandle is the best kept secret in Florida. The beaches are spectacular and there are many things to do. I have been going there for many years. Best time to go when the water is warm and rates are low is after Labor Day and before November. Spring( after mid April is good too, but water is not as warm. It's always a great place to go. I give it it 5 stars😎
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Old 01-05-2015, 11:35 AM   #13
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My wife and I camped in a tent @ Fort Pickens NP near Pensacola a few years ago in September. Although the day time highs were bearable, the humidity was really high. The only way that we could "attempt" to sleep in a tent was to purchase a fan and run it on us! We constantly looked for "air conditioned places" to handle the heat & humidity. So, to make a long story shorter, consider pushing your dates into October or later.
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Old 01-05-2015, 01:22 PM   #14
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Yes, if I could choose any one month, it would be October - especially if you don't have air conditioning.
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Old 01-05-2015, 01:25 PM   #15
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We were looking at Fl for the moth of Feb next year, 2 weeks in Vero Beach and 2 weeks in the panhandle. This thread is making me think about pushing it back a bit more. Thanks for the charts Ray.
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Old 01-05-2015, 09:46 PM   #16
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The panhandle will be cold/cool in Feb/Mar. Even late April can be cool, but it's still a great trip. Even spring break does not attract the college crowd. They are all down the beach in Panama City, so the Destin area is always a great stay. If you go when it's hot, well, it will be hot! Make sure you have A/c if you go in summer, otherwise get a condo. You will love it. I have been going for over 45 years. Julie and I met there when I was in the Air Force.
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Old 01-06-2015, 02:05 AM   #17
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Thanks Steve, spent a year at Keesler, long ago. Think the kids fill the campgrounds too? I was looking at St Joesph and Henderson SP's, either side of Panama City.
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Old 01-06-2015, 06:27 AM   #18
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Thanks Steve, spent a year at Keesler, long ago. Think the kids fill the campgrounds too? I was looking at St Joesph and Henderson SP's, either side of Panama City.
Hi: padlin... We're booked into St. Andrews State Pk. @ Panama City Mar. 4th. to 18th.
I gave Ray N. explicit instructions to have it warmed up for our time there. Alf
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Old 01-06-2015, 06:55 AM   #19
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A year too soon Alf, I'm looking to book for 2015. Let me know how spring break is. Party hardy.
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Old 01-06-2015, 09:12 AM   #20
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A year too soon Alf, I'm looking to book for 2015. Let me know how spring break is. Party hardy.
Hi: padlin... What'dya mean a year too soon!!! This is 2015 Alf
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