Post Trip Review of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

We made it home in one piece and a better understanding of what relaxation really is. We traveled 1,800+ miles, spent 11 consecutive nights in the RV, brought back 15lbs of Seafood in the Freezer and came away with a new appreciation for small spaces and two crazy kids. It was awesome.

There are a lot of reviews on Topsail as its a popular place to go, so I thought I would throw out my take on the place here.

First Impressions....Having never stayed at a RV resort (Yes, it is a state park campground, however it WAS a former private resort) it immediately felt different than any other state park we have been to. It was extremely clean and 100% paved roads and concrete pads. All sites have full hookups including cable television.

The Camp Store is located close to the entrance and while small in size, it had the basics including ice, ice cream and some basic RV supplies. There was a good amount of books and items relating to the preserve and wildlife. With the close proximity of a nearby Publix Grocery and Mega Low Mart, it's logical why this camp store is not overflowing with inventory.

The park is segmented into a few different sections. The oldest area is near the front, furthest away from the beach. However, it is closest to the Pool and Shuffleboard area. The second more shaded section is just to the West. These sites are desirable with lots of shade and this area contains a good size laundry center. This area is also close to the beach tram that run every 1/2 hour until sunset. The third RV area is where we stayed. This is the area to get. I believe its called the "Palm Circle".  This section is set up more like a neighborhood. While the sites are close, they are divided with lush vegetation so it really seems private. There is also in-ground sprinklers to keep everything nice and green so watch out where you put your towels!

There is a very nice Tent area that is fairly new as well. It is by far one of the best designed Tent camping that I have ever seen. Very well thought out and private. There also is a section of cabins and cottages in the far western section that offer 1 and 2 bedroom accommodations. Some with wraparound screen rooms.

The Beach is by far the best aspect of this park. without question this is the nicest beach I have ever been to. Other than the boardwalk that takes you to the beach, there is Zero indication of human interaction within the three mile stretch in the park. Access to the beach is by foot, bike or the tram. By bike its about a 5 minute ride. There are bathrooms and changing facility's at the foot of the Boardwalk. There are also showers to wash off the sand and ample bike parking.

You can't offer a honest review of something without highlighting the negatives and while there are not many to this place there are a few. The Shower-houses and restrooms need an update. They are not super clean and seemed to have an issue with overflowing toilets. This included the Pool Bathroom. With all the RV sites having full hookups, this is not much of an issue but for the Tent area it would be a big one. That's about it!

I would not hesitate for a second to return. The drive from St. Louis is a long one and does require a significant investment in time, however, everything about this spot exceeded my exceptions of what a Beach RV trip should be.

Days....I lost count.

The best intentions usually go south and while I wanted to try to highlight each day of this trip on the blog....it kind of fell apart as time went on.

Truth be told, I have lost track of time. The kids are going to bed when they get sleepy, we spent some time yesterday under the awing while a Florida shower drenched everything. It's been an awesome trip. Way better than I could have imagined. Took a drive into Destin yesterday.....yuck. Our beach is much much better and less crowded. Leaving tomorrow. This makes day 10 in the RV. Wow didn't think it was possible.

Day 7- Much of Nothing

 Today started off with an extremely heavy rain and lightning around 1am. All our stuff was out including the awning but other than a re-soaking of the towels no issues. Our neighbors were not as lucky....the weight of the water destroyed their awning and they had to call a mobile service to remove it.

Today we went the the pool, Goatfeathers seafood  and got some campstore ice cream.  We are in a different mode for sure. The days keep clicking by and I can't believe how relaxed everyone is getting. Don't want to leave. Chicken wings on the grill tonight. Then the beach, some bourbon and nap time.

Also at some point we cooked up some Crabcakes......Yum.

Day 6

Not much to report..after a few few days on the road we have developed a new "wish list" for our next RV. 

We checked out Seaside Florida Monday ...filming location of "The Truman Show" and the same   as the community we live in..New Town. You can see the connections. 

Today we checked out some local fare on  30a. Beach time. Possibly twice today. Oh and the pool too.

Day 5- Another low Key Sunday

I'm Getting into a groove for sure...everyone slept until 8:30 and for those keeping track...that's 2 hours later than normal. Part of the reason is we are running to the point of exhaustion and the other is that we have a site that is so well shaded that it's like a little 65 degree cave in the am.

It appears that everyone is on Florida time. I had really never considered an RV trip a "vacation" but it's hard not to believe that  it can be. We discussed what this trip would be like without our own kitchen, fridge, grill, outdoor gear and lastly your own bed and pillows....its hard to argue that this doesn't qualify..

Hit up a local seafood market for some fresh shrimp today....after cleaning and cooking I am officially wanting to move south. I could get used to this. They recommended their spicy crab dip...and its alright. Kids are having a blast. Surf and turf for dinner tonight.

The last two nights after getting back from the beach Sam and I have taken a shower at the fancy shower house because it's convinent and ends the day on a high note. It's good to rinse off the salt and sand and wind down the day. Sam likes the privacy in his own little shower and we shout at each other even though others are listening.  The conversation on the walk back is becoming increasingly entertaining. He wants to spend the entire summer here and is scared that people will see us with our shirts off on the way back to the RV. Plus many of the little details I normally would not get to hear due to every day life. It's great and I never would have gotten these little bits had we not taken this trip. Here are some shots form the beach this evening.