The Beautiful Forgotten Coast: RV Stay Near St. George Island

The Beautiful Forgotten Coast: RV Stay Near St. George Island

by | Feb 21, 2023 | Favorite Dog-Friendly Florida RV Stays, Southwest Road Trip 2023

 

Forget the crowds and traffic and head to the Forgotten Coast. Eastpoint, Forida is close to the beautiful beaches of St. George Island and the historic village of Apalachicola. Coastline RV Resort sits on Apalachicola Bay and is a great choice for a dog-friendly RV stay with ocean views from many sites.

Key Takeaways:

  • Great Florida Panhandle beach stay away from crowds and traffic
  • A short drive to the beautiful beaches on St. George Island
  • Close to the uncrowded, dog-friendly beaches in Carrabelle
  • Good seafood restaurants and quaint shops in nearby Apalachicola
  • Coastline RV Resort offers resort amenities with nice ocean views from many sites

 

 

Campground Review:

Coastline RV Resort in Eastpoint, Florida, offers spacious sites with full-hookups. We enjoyed our ocean view and the on-site restaurant at Coastline West Park. Resort amenities at Costline West Park and Coastline East Park include pools and dog parks. Coastline Eastpark features a fishing pier. Our dogs enjoyed long walks in the resort.

Coastline RV Resort Sign

Coastline RV Resort

What to do:

  • Spend a day on the beautiful St. George Island beaches
  • Walk the dog on St. George Island Beach and stop at the dog-friendly Blue Parrot Restaurant for refreshments
  • Check out the shops and restaurants in Apalachicola – an historic fishing village
  • Enjoy a beer at the dog-friendly Oyster City Brewing Company in Apalachicola
  • Visit the world’s smallest police station in Carrabelle
  • Walk the dog-friendly Carrabelle Beach
  • Tour the World War II museum at Camp Gordon Johnston in Carrabelle

Cedar’s Jeep Ride

Walking on Carrabelle Beach

Carrabelle Police Station

Oyster City Brewing Company

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

We enjoyed our long walks around the Coastline RV Resort! There was plenty of green space near the RV for naps and people watching. No complaints from us!

Campground Rating:   4.6 PAWS

We always enjoy our visits to the Forgotten Coast! We take long walks on Carrabelle Beach and romp in the ocean. Our favorite restaurant is the Blue Parrot Restaurant on St. George Island. We’ll be back for sure!

Area Rating:   4.8 PAWS

Next Stop:  Santa Rosa RV Resort, Navarre, Florida

A Fantastic St. Johns River RV Stay

A Fantastic St. Johns River RV Stay

by | Feb 17, 2023 | Favorite Dog-Friendly Florida RV Stays, Southwest Road Trip 2023

The St. Johns is Florida’s longest river, flowing north from Vero Beach to Jacksonville. This stunning lazy river is known for its trophy largemouth bass, fresh water springs and abundant wildlife. Renegades on the River has become a favorite RV stay on the St. Johns River in central Florida.

Key Takeaways:

  • Beautiful setting on the St. Johns River
  • Excellent restaurant on site
  • Huge, dog-friendly Tiki Bar with live music
  • Full-hookups; paved, spacious sites 
  • Dog friendly
  • Heated pool
  • Marina and boat slips  

 

Campground Review:

Located at Mile Marker 65 on the St. Johns River near Crescent City, Renegades on the River is our favorite St. Johns River RV stay.  With a full service restaurant, tiki bar, pool and marina, this RV resort has it all. The sunsets cannot be beat from one of the largest tike bars you’ll every find.

What to do:

  • Take a fishing charter or boat trip on the St. Johns River
  • Visit one of several fresh water springs
  • Visit Lake George
  • Listen to live music at Renegades Tiki Bar
  • View amazing sunsets from the pier, restaurant or tiki bar at Rengades on the River
  • Take the dogs for a hike at the Ravine Gardens State Park in nearby Palatka

Chili & Cedar’s Review:

This is a fun park to walk around; there are many friendly dogs and people!  We always enjoy our tiki bar visits too.  There is no dedicated dog park, but the green space throughout the park makes up for it.  We’ll be back!

Campground Rating:   4.6 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)

Next Stop:  The Forgotten Coast; Coastline RV Resort, Eastpoint, FL

Amazing Dog-Friendly, Florida West Coast RV Stay

Amazing Dog-Friendly, Florida West Coast RV Stay

by | Feb 11, 2023 | Favorite Dog-Friendly Florida RV Stays, Southwest Road Trip 2023

Perfect location in Cortez, Florida near Bradenton and less than a mile from Anna Maria Island with 8 miles of spectacular beaches. Holiday Cove RV Resort is a wonderful RV resort with top-notch amenities and an ideal location close to beaches, amazing seafood restaurants, dog parks, preserves with miles of trails and shopping.

Key Takeaways:

  • Our month-long stay at the Holiday Cove RV Resort in Cortez, Florida was amazing!
  • Tons of dog friendly parks, preserves and restaurants in the area
  • Anna Maria Beaches are absolutely stunning
  • January is a busy month; February & March are busier; get to your destination early morning and dine like a senior before 6
  • Traffic was busy to jammed at times; plan for it!
  • Fresh seafood in this area was amazing!
  • Holiday Cove RV Resort is a hidden gem; great people, lush landscaping, paved sites, heated pool and excellent location
  • Chili & Cedar loved the visits to local dog parks, preserves and beaches
  • Anna Maria Island does not allow dogs on any beaches but there are parks and dog parks on the island for the pups

Campground Review:

Holiday Cove RV Resort is a hidden gem in Cortez. Less than a mile from the beautiful beaches on Anna Maria Island, this RV park includes a marina, lush landscaping, heated pool, paved sites, full hookups and friendly folks. There are several dog runs along the perimeter of the park and the neighborhood offers several options for longer walks.  This park is an ownership park and the owners take great pride in keeping their sites maintained. As short-term renters, we were warmly welcomed to several community get-togethers.  Just across the street, you’ll find the Cortez Cafe, a popular breakfast stop for the locals; the scrumptious Breezy Bakery; fresh catch at the Cortez Fish Market; and casual dining at Slicker’s Eatery. The seafood restaurants in this fishing village cannot be beat. We loved Tide Tables and Swordfish Grill.  Cortez is close to Anna Maria Island, Bradenton, Sarasota and many nearby attractions. Friendly people, welcoming to dogs and a great location make this park one of our favorites to date. We will definitely be back.

What to do:

 

Anna Maria Island:

  • Walk, swim or sunbathe on the amazing beaches; arrive early at Cortez Beach or Coquina Park but leave the dogs at home — there are no dog-friendly beaches on Anna Maria Island
  • Catch the sunset at Bean Point, a secluded beach on the north end of the island
  • Take the dogs to the Holmes Beach Dog Park in the city of Holmes Beach on the island – our dogs loved this off-leash park with room to roam
  • Walk the dogs at the Joan Durante Park, a 32-acre preserve on Longboat Key with views of Sarasota Bay
  • Enjoy the artificial turf at the Bayfront Dog Park on Longboat Key
  • Enjoy the sunsets and fresh seafood at the Sandbar Restaurant
  • Sip on margaritas and fresh tex mex at the Wicked Cantina
  • Shop and dine at Bridge Street shops

 

Bean Point

Coquina Beach

Sunset at Sandbar Restaurant

Holmes Beach Dog Park

Joan Durante Dog Park

Bay Front Dog Park

Bay Front Dog Park

Cortez:

  • Visit the Florida Maritine Museum to learn more about this historic fishing village, one of the last on Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast
  • Dine on fresh seafood at the Tide Tables Restaurant and Marina; arrive early at this popular waterside favorite
  • Enjoy fresh seafood, cocktails and music at the Swordfish Grill
  • Experience the best breakfast in Cortez at the Cortez Cafe, a family-owned restaurant on Cortez Road
  • Visit the Breezy Bakery for freshly made cookies, cakes and pies – try the Key Lime Pie – “they bake with love and butter”
  • Check out the innovative menu at Slicker’s Eatery

 

Holiday Cove RV Park & Marina

Swordfish Grill

    Bradenton:

    • The Bradenton farmer’s market on Old Main Street is exceptional, with fresh local produce, handmade goods, food vendors and music. It’s also dog friendly!
    • Visit the Robinson Preserve, a 600-acre coastal preserve with hiking trails, kayaking and bird watching. This became a favorite early morning walk for the dogs.
    • Take the dogs to the Emerson Point Preserve in nearby Palmetto. This bayside, dog-friendly preserve offers shaded trails and views of the Manatee River
    • Enjoy great coffee and breakfast at Judy’s Restaurant on Cortez Road
    • Visit the Red Barn Flea Market an eclectic blend of flea market booths, plaza shops, food vendors and farmer’s market
    • Plan a day trip with the dogs to Fort Desoto Dog Park in nearby Tierra Verde. This park features two fenced areas for off-leash play and a designated dog beach. Our dogs love this park! Every dog should have this park on their bucket list!

    Emerson Point Preserve

    Cedar at Robinson Preserve

    Robinson Preserve Boardwalk

    Chili Playing at the Beach

    Chili & Cedar’s Review:

    We loved the Holiday RV Resort! We met a lot of friendly dogs and people. It was a short walk to green space and we enjoyed are twice a day walk around the park. There was plenty of shade at our site so we could nap outside. We’ll be back! 

    Campground Rating:   4.8 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)

    We loved this area! Our favorite place to walk was the Robinson Preserve. Chili had fun chasing balls at the Holmes Beach Dog Park and the Bayfront Dog Park on Anna Maria Island.  Sadly, the beaches on Anna Maria Island are not dog friendly – WHAAT!!  We did take a day trip to the Fort DeSoto Dog Beach for some beach time and swimming – Yay!

    Area Rating:   4.9 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)

    Going to the Park

    Fort Desoto Dog Beach

    Robinson Preserve Trail

    Bay Front Dog Park

    Next Stop: Rennegades on the River, Crescent City, Florida

    Dog-Friendly RV Stay in Historic Cedar Key

    Dog-Friendly RV Stay in Historic Cedar Key

    by | Jan 5, 2023 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

    Located on the west coast of Florida, Cedar Key stretches over six islands.  The island fishing village of Cedar Key is known for fishing, great seafood restaurants, quaint shops in a rural setting. The nearby Cedar Key RV Resort has all the amenities for a short or long RV stay. 

    Key Takeaways:

    • Cedar Key is laid back and always on island time. Ditch the watch and relax.
    • Many dog-friendly restaurants in the area.
    • The Village of Cedar Key is picturesque with quaint shops and seafood restaurants featuring locally caught fish.
    • Cedar Key is a fishing village, not a beach town so you’ll find fewer crowds than other Florida vacation areas.
    • Cedar Key RV Resort is a very nice RV stay with ownership lots and resort amenities. 

     

     

    Campground Review:

    Cedar Key RV Resort is a full-service campground featuring paved sites, full hook-ups, wireless internet, cable TV and a heated pool. The resort is large with ample green space to walk the dogs. A small dog park is also available. This is a very dog-friendly RV park but check the website for breed restrictions. Our site was very nice with pavers and landscaping. Mature trees offer plenty of shade.

    What to do:

    Explore the quaint shops and waterfront restaruants in the historic fishing village of Cedar Key. Visit the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum to learn about the area. Enjoy seafood and cocktails at one of many dog-friendly restaurants in the area.  We enjoyed the Waterfront Social Restaurant in nearby Crystal River. Find great seafood at Steamer’s Clam Bar in Cedar Key. The Tipsy Cow Bar & Grill is a fun, dog-friendly, waterfront bar and eatery. Explore the islands via bike, car or boat. 

    Chili & Cedar’s Review:

    We liked the Cedar Key RV Resort – lots of green space and lots of dogs!  Cedar Key is a nice area with lots of dog-friendly restaurants.  We didn’t find many walking trails or dog parks but we’d come back again!

    Campground Rating:   4.5 PAWS

    Area Rating:   4.5 PAWS

    Next Stop:  Holiday Cove RV Park, Cortez, Florida

    Forgotten Coast RV Resort – Carrabelle, Florida

    Forgotten Coast RV Resort – Carrabelle, Florida

    by | Dec 31, 2022 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

    Ho Hum RV Park in the Florida Panhandle is a wonderful spot to relax, listen to the ocean and explore the laid-back atmosphere of the Forgotten Coast. The beach-front sites provide front-row seating for amazing sunsets.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Book this park early to get a beach front site 
    • Private access to a 250-foot fishing pier
    • Dog friendly with beach access
    • Our second stay at this park and we’ll be back

     

     

    Campground Review:

    Don’t look for a pool or playground at Ho Hum RV Park. This park best attraction is the ocean. With full hookups and level sites and an awesome location on the Gulf, this park is a hidden gem. Book early for beachfront sites.  Very dog friendly. 

    What to do:

    Take the dogs to the nearby Carrabelle Beach for long walks on a beautiful uncrowded beach. Explore the historic village of Apalacicola. Visit St. George Island for shopping and waterfront restaurants. Enjoy local seafood at the Blue Parrot Oceanfront Cafe on St. George Island. Visit The Fisherman’s Wife Restaurant in Carrabelle, a local favorite. Walk miles of unspoiled beaches in the area. 

    Chili & Cedar’s Review:

    We love Ho Hum Campground!  There is a small dog park and everyone was friendly. We especially liked relaxing by the RV and listening to the ocean — great napping park!

    Campground Rating:   4.7 PAWS

    We walk Carrabelle Beach everyday when we stay at Ho Hum.  It was cold during our stay but we still romped in the ocean. 

    Area Rating:   4.8 PAWS

    Next Stop:  Cedar Key, Florida

    Lake Tholocco-Fort Rucker RV Stay

    Lake Tholocco-Fort Rucker RV Stay

    by | Dec 29, 2022 | Southwest Road Trip 2023

    The Engineer RV Park & Campground is located on Lake Tholocco, a 640-acre lake just minutes from Fort Rucker in southeastern Alabama. This lake-side RV park with a rustic setting and low nightly rates is available to active duty or retired military and DOD civiliians. 

    Key Takeaways:

    • Available to authorized patrons – active duty or retired military and DOD civilians
    • 50-amp and water – no sewer
    • Rustic setting on a beautiful 640-acre lake
    • Nice winter stay with lots of open spaces
    • Close to Fort Rucker facilites and attractions
    • Dog-friend with open spaces to walk; no dedicated dog park

     

     

    Campground Review:

    Engineer Beach RV Park is a nice stay near Fort Rucker. The dogs liked the open spaces and would have liked a romp in the lake if it wasn’t so cold during our stay.  We’d expect that summer months are very busy in this family friendly park. No sewer, but a dumping station is on site. This park is located on the Fort Rucker installation.  

    What to do:

    Visit the Fort Rucker Aviation Museum. Mike remarked, “You know you’re getting old when all the helicopters you flew in the Army are museum relics.”

    Chili & Cedar’s Review:

    December weather in Alabama is just fine for us, even if it was in the teens. Lots of green space in this park. Next time we visit, we’re swimming in the lake!

    Campground Rating:   4 PAWS

    Next Stop:  Ho Hum RV Park, Carrabelle, FL