Community Forums

pacevette · 07-29-2015, 01:56 PM

We are in the planning stages of next years vacation already due to the fact Florida SP's book 11 month in advance. We are debating on Henderson or topsail SP. We have never been to either one and have read mixed reviews on both. For those that have visited what would you consider the pros and con's of each park? A nice beach is huge plus. TIA!

GWDawg1 · 07-29-2015, 02:52 PM

Both are nice parks. The beach is closer at Henderson and you can drive to the parking area. There are lots of non campers at the Henderson SP beach. Campsites are somewhat private. Henderson is in the middle of everything in Destin, the traffic is horrendous during the summer season. Topsail is a converted private park, all sites are concrete pads and have sewer. You cannot drive to the Topsail beach, there is a tram for the .7 mile paved way to the beach or you can ride your bike or walk. Mostly TopSail campers at the Topsail SP beach. In my opinion the TopSail area is not quite as busy as Destin. We have stayed at both, and just returned from Henderson today. We have been to Henderson twice this year but because of all the congestion in Destin we are probably moving down to Topsail or Grayton Beach. Personally, I would avoid Henderson from June through August. When we arrived in Destin last Saturday, the traffic was backed up 3 miles on the Bay Bridge. It took my son 9 hours to drive from Huntsville, normally a 6-7 hour trip. Both Topsail and Henderson have sugar white beaches, no difference in the beach other than Topsail has less people.

h20ski · 07-29-2015, 03:18 PM

GWDawg1 said it all

The only other thing I would add is you get a little more shade at top sail and it has a pool. We love both parks.

Enjoy

J Birder · 07-29-2015, 03:52 PM

You might also consider going a little farther east to T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joesph Peninsula S.P. The beach is about a 5 minute walk from either of the two camp grounds there. What I really like about it is that the beach is so vast, that you can walk for miles without seeing another person.

Continuing east, St. George Island S.P. (there is a bridge) is also nice, but I prefer St, Joseph

In the other direction, Gulf Islands National Sea Shore is also a wonderful place, if you can do without electric hookups.

Joel