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.

It's That Time...

 May is once again on our doorstep and if you stop here regularly to read my grammatically incorrect writing you would know it's officially BBQ/ RV'ing season!!!

I had complete intention on taking the KCBS (Kansas City BBQ Society) judging class this month but I ended up not signing up. The intention was to learn and sample what the judges in our area are actually looking for in competition BBQ. Seems logical right?  Then I could cater my cooking to suite the taste that was desired and win millions, quit my job and open a chain of BBQ restaurants across the Midwest that would allow me to sit on my fat ass the rest of my existence. That's the plan....yea for sure. (Back to Reality) This year I actually had full intention to start trying to cook competitively and venture into the sub-culture that is competitive BBQ Then after looking at our lives currently, it was clear that this little thing I wanted to do needs to wait a few years. I know they say that things just get more complicated as your kids get older and I'm sure this is true. That might be why there are very few people without gray hair on the BBQ circuit. Jokes on them, my hair is all falling out so they wont be able to tell I am well into my 30's. Anyhow, this could also be something that the kids and I could potentially get into when they get a little older. Then again, I could think of nothing worse than spending a weekend with my Dad in close quarters in high pressure situations when I was young.  Come to think of it, the few times we did...I still remember vividly so it might not be a bad thing. There is a Comp up north that I still might take a swing at in the fall that is sanctioned by KCBS.... so you never know.

As you might know from stoping by here often, our big trip to the gulf coast is going down this month. I actually am a little nervous. It seems like an Odyssey and somewhat of a challenge for our family. For some reason I feel like it may turn into a scene of the elementary classic "The Oregon Trail" where we will need to caulk the camper and attempt to float the Cumberland River. Having said that, traveling with an RV is pretty much exactly like the Oregon Trail with the exception we have cell phones, repair facility's and infrastructure should problems arise. The similarity's are pretty crazy to be honest. In reality it will go off with out issue and we will have a great time. Anyhow, this will be one of those trips we either fully embrace the RV lifestyle or immediately sell it upon return home. Stay Tuned!

*photo from Florida State parks

The place we are going apparently has good Wi-Fi (and Cable) So we wont be as disconnected as our last trip so look for regular updates on our travels. The next Post you read shoud be from Northern Alabama as we navigate through the South Eastern Portion of the US with our 7,000 lbs home on wheels in tow.