Since retirement, we have sought to escape the cold for a few weeks every year and winter 2022 was no exception. Last year, we also went to Florida, Winter in Florida, Two Weeks Early in 2021. This year, we were several hundred miles south in Florida for four weeks. The standout memories for this trip were the time we had with our friends and the beautiful water views.
Topsail State Park, Winter 2022
Winter 2022 camping began at Topsail State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. We booked many months ahead and were able to snag two weeks at this epic park. Our site was roomy, but we were beside the main path and it was a little noisy. Despite that, we loved every day we spent there.
We walked Sophie a lot at this campground and she loved it. The photo below was taken at No Name Lake. Most days during our stay were warm and sunny, but we had a few that were cold and several that were also rainy.
The private beach was just a mile or so from our site, down a road dedicated only to pedestrians and bikes. There is also a tram that runs daily which transports people to and from the beach. We rode our bikes to the beach a couple of times during our stay and walked it once. Sophie stayed in the camper when we rode our bikes.
It was so wonderful to spend some time on the beautiful emerald coast. The beach was glorious!
Restaurants Nearby
I cooked a lot while we were at Topsail, but we did enjoy a few meals out. The most memorable was Emeril’s. It was a rare, bucket list type of experience and a delicious meal. We had a less expensive meal that was equally delicious at Shunk Gulley. Also, we had a nice meal at Thai Chiang Rai.
Gamble Rogers State Park, Winter 2022
Next, we had eight nights at Gamble Rogers beachside and the best views of our entire trip. Our first four nights were not on the waterfront, but we were gifted by access to our friends waterfront site for the last four nights because they had to leave early. It was one of the most beautiful sites we have ever had.
Gamble Rogers was special because we were able to spend time with our very good friends, Peggy and Chan. It was chilly for most of their stay, but we still had a great time. Peggy made a special steak dinner for us for Valentine’s Day and it was delicious.
Access to the beach was beside our site. It was lovely, but most days it was rather cold and windy.
The thing about the beachside of Gamble Rogers is that is such a beautiful environment. Sophie took multiple walks every day and got to know a lot of the campers and volunteers. That girl is very sociable.
Day Trips
Gamble Rogers is located near many areas one would want to visit. We took two day trips while there.
Ravine Gardens State Park
A friend recommended Ravine Gardens State Park and it was very pleasant. The 146-acre park has multiple trails and some, like the 1.8 mile paved road below, are very easy to walk. Cars and bikes can also access it. We took our pup and had a very relaxing day.
We were there during the blooming season for azaleas and they were present throughout the park. We also saw citrus fruit along our walk.
We checked out the suspension bridge in one of the ravines and enjoyed a cool view of the trails below.
There is a 64-foot obelisk dedicated to Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was responsible for the the park’s construction in 1933 by the Work’s Progress Administration.
Saint Augustine
Saint Augustine was our second day trip. We have been there before, but did not have time to visit Castillo de San Marcos. The fort is the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States and has a interesting history. I highly recommend a visit if you are in the area.
We had a fabulous lunch at Harry’s and then a walk along the river. Saint Augustine is a gorgeous city and we had beautiful weather that day.
Presnell’s RV Resort, Winter 2022
Our last campground was Presnell’s in Port St. Joe and we were there for a week. Our site had full hookups and was very comfortable.
Presnell’s has a marina that almost always has visiting pelicans. The campground also has a heated pool, but we didn’t go in during our stay.
The bay was just across from our site and we enjoyed the views most nights. It is truly a beautiful place.
A big plus about our stay was spending time with our friends who were also there. We had bike rides, saw pickle ball played and many great meals with them. Our favorite restaurants were Shipwreck, Mango Marley’s, Indian Pass Raw Bar, and Pepper’s Mexican Grill.
Our winter 2022 camping was so much fun! This could become addictive!
Happy Camping!
