Tips for trip through the South?

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by BigAlsRV

Gulf Port FL, near Tampa is a nice visit too, it's a old time kinda hippy Gulf side town.

Gulf Port suffered heavy storm damage this year.

https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/tro...sdJjSDwQ2EEfQA

[cruizerEd]

I've included two trips did. They were only 6 months. We stayed 2 weeks at most places which is typically the max allowed.

"early 2024" better start making reservations right now. Better yet wait and start in late 2024 but start making reservation now.

If you go in the summer it will be hot and the bugs could be brutal in some areas.
You might want to go up the east coast. Charleston is Interesting.

You don't say what you like to do. We like to hike,bike,kayak, run, view wildlife.

The top parks are not in order
Topsail Hill
Silver Springs
Fort Clinch
Collier Seminole
Long point was fantastic the first time, very sad the second time, starving manatees and very little wild life.


Here is a loop we did in 2016
Skidaway Island State Park,
Jekyll Island Campground
Stephen C. Foster State Park
Fort Clinch SP
Anastasia State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Manatee Hammock Brevard County Camp
Long Point Park Campground Brevard County
Jonathan Dickinson SP
Markham Park, Broward County
Curry Hammock State Park
John Pennekamp State Park
CB Smith Park, Broward County
Curry Hammock State Park
Periwinkle Park,Sanibel
Myakka River State Park
Fort de Soto Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Here is a loop we did in 2021/2022
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Grayton Beach State Park
Fort Clinch SP
Anastasia State Park
Silver Springs State Park
Manatee Hammock CP
Long Point Park Campground Brevard County
Jonathan Dickinson SP
Long Pine Key
Collier Seminole SP
Midway Campground
CB Smith Park
John Pennekamp
Myakka River State Park
Little Manatee River State Park
Curry Hammock State Park
W.P. Franklin COE
Manatee Springs State Park
Stephen C. Foster State Park
Crooked River State Park (visit Cumberland Island maybe book a room)
Skidaway State Park
James Island County Park

[BobNipp]

Consider coming a little further north and taking I-40 through Tennessee to spend time in the Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountain area. I would start in late summer and hit the mountains in about October or early November (October is very busy there) before heading to the deep south for winter, doing the route clockwise. You will hit hot summer weather somewhere, no matter how you plan it. Especially in Florida, you will be competing with all the Snowbirds during the winter months, so make reservations early.

[FredV]

We just spent a summer in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas and a short time in Illinois. We have never through a combined 90 years in central Florida experienced a summer as hot as in the four states mentioned. When asked long time residents of those states said that the temps were not anything unusual. We also experienced 2 near misses with tornadoes which taught us to ALWAYS be weather aware. We went through 3 hurricanes in 2004 while still living in our sticks and bricks which exposed how poorly built some buildings were. Key West was a wonderful place 30 to 40 years ago but now it's t-shirt shop after bar after t-shirt shop. The ride down the overseas highway is worth it. Other drives that are worthwhile is areas like Mt. Dora, Tavares and Howey-in-the hills along the Harris chain of lakes. Make sure to stop at the Yalaha bakery which has music on the weekends. Micanopy and Orange lake is worth the trip off of I-75 . Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings book Cross Creek was based on this area. If you like natural beaches go to the Canaveral National Seashore and Playalinda beach . As far as we are concerned one over developed beach town looks the same as another. Don't bother coming to Florida if all your going to do is drive around on the interstates, we've been on all of them, venture off and discover the real Florida.

[dynahog]

Originally Posted by Archer2

How about you explain exactly what that is supposed to mean?

[QUOTE=ocbizman1;6607510]First, remember that much of the South exists anywhere between 50 to 80 years in the past! And in many places in the South, like Florida, it's getting worse. Be careful.

I, too, would like to know! We've got indoor bathrooms, modern roads and fine dining! You've got a warped view.

[Cayaker]

We liked St Augustine Florida and Savanna Georgia.

[fshndv]

I didn't see this mentioned anywhere but they almost sent me back home last year. They are all over the Gulf Coast and one or two bites wont bother you but after many more, you become one giant itch. Start using deterents immediately upon reaching the gulf, don't wait til it's too late. Regular bug sprays don't seem all that effective. We learned that applyin Skin So Soft or spraying liberally with a hair sheen with olive oil and coconut oil really works. The little bastards might land on you but they stick and can't bite. It took about 2 weeks for all the bites to heal up. My 2 cents.
Brian and Shauna

[NancyFixesRV]

We spend Feb&Mar every year at James Island Campground 4 1/2 miles from downtown Charleston. It is beautiful with 5 miles of paved trials, pond and many summer activities. Just a quick hop into town for some great food. Much to see.

[johnhicks]

Avon Skin-So-Soft _Bath Oil_. Not any other type. There's some stuff sold all over the south called No Natz but I don't know how well it works.

[TravelsTudee]

Davis Bayou Campground in Ocean Springs Mississippi is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Gulf State Park in Alabama - nice park with great bike trails. May be hard to get reservations except for cancellations. They do have some walk ups.

Cloudland Canyon State Park in northwest Georgia. Great hiking and several waterfalls.

Silver Springs State Park In Florida has glass bottom boats to see the wonderful springs. We were there in January timeframe and saw several manatees.

Crooked River State Park in Northeast GA, just a bit off I95 after cross it into GA. Nice park with easy access to a ferry that will take you to Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Huntington Beach State Park in SC is just south of Myrtle Beach but is much quieter and a nice park.

Batteries Sands in Batteries NC is at the end of Batteries Island and a nice smaller park than others on Hatteras Island. While not right on the beach it has easy access just a few minutes away. It is also close to the ferry to go to Okracoke Island.

While in VA, go just a little further north of VA Beach and visit Williamsburg and Jamestown. American Heritage Campground is a sister campground to Batteries Sands and is a nice, clean park close to all the area sites.

From there you can head west and stop at Bullocksville Campground on Lake Kerr, just a little off of I85. This has beautiful sunsets over the lake.

Mama Bertie's Mountain Hideaway outside of Nashville NC has some sites on top of the mountain with wonderful views. On the expensive side though. While there, be sure to visit The Biltmore. The Blue Ridge Parkway is also close by and worth driving down a bit. Several waterfall hikes are available on the Parkway and surrounding Ashville area. Ashville will also be a gateway into the Smoky Mountains.

[Chuckge]

Three RV resorts I’d recommend.
In Ft. Lauderdale Florida Aztec RV resort, believe me you won’t want to leave absolutely beautiful.
In Virginia sun outdoors in Cape Charles on the Chesapeake bay and Gray Point on Raponic river

[Travelernet]

Originally Posted by Archer2

How about you explain exactly what that is supposed to mean?

Or maybe it’s better if he doesn’t. After being born and raised and lived most of my life in the north, and after full time RVing for over 8 years, I chose to settle in Mississippi, where I found the people to be hospitable, friendly, and the culture welcoming. I now live in Florida, where I experience the same. IMO, the more northerners who are willing, and in the case of the OP, eager to experience a different lifestyle, the better for all of us. As for those whose opinions cannot be changed because of built in biases, I’m sad for them. They’re the ones losing out.

[EngineerRick]

Take a swamp tour, try Cajun food (IMHO Breaux Bridge and Lafayette are better than NOLA and I'll suggest Poche's in Breaux Bridge for food and camping, but plan around the lower weight limit bridges), and visit with local folks. The town museum in Slidell, LA, has great info on the trio who escaped from Alcatraz. If you like olives try a half a Muffaletta. The best fried green tomatoes I found were in Savannah. Consider a week to take in the homes & history of Natchez, MS, during a Pilgrimage. The John Gorrie museum in Apalachicola, FL, is still on my bucket list.

[jrr800]

[QUOTE=ocbizman1;6607510]First, remember that much of the South exists anywhere between 50 to 80 years in the past! And in many places in the South, like Florida, it's getting worse. Be careful.


I'm not sure where you got this idea but Florida is far from 50-80 years in the past. As I lifelong Florida resident and traveler I have found that we are just the opposite of your claim. If we are so behind then why are thousand of people moving here and why are all our camp grounds full?

Back to the original question. The south has high humidity and higher humidity. We are nothing like the southwest with high temps and low humidity. In the summer never go anywhere without a raincoat and a jacket. It will rain at the drop of a hat and when you go inside the A/C you will be cold.

The hottest section of Florida is central Florida as Orlando is the only large city in the state not on the coast. Sea breezes make a difference. Happy travels in our modern and safe state.