There is a lot to like about Topsail State Park

(Destin, FL)  A camper recommended to us several months ago to be sure to check out Topsail State Park.  So, yesterday we decided for our last day in the area to spend the day at this park.  We stopped for lunch at Wendy's and found this "car" parked next to ours.  We didn't see it driving down the road.  Hopefully, it just keeps on the sidewalks.  It was tiny!

We arrived around noon at the park.  You cannot drive down to the beach to protect the dunes and area.  Instead there is a tram that will take you down or you can bike or walk to the beach (approximately 1/2 mile).  We decided to take the Turpentine Trail that is about 2 miles long.  It stops along the way at Campbell Lake and the beach. It was a very pretty trail. The paths are wide and well maintained.   

Jimmy came along too. Dog's are not allowed on the beach but he could go on the trails. Check out his new hair cut. We took him to the groomers this week and got a "summer cut". He is a whole new dog. It will be much easier now to get out all the stickers and stuff he manages to get in his coat.

The trail stopped at a Campbell Lake.  There were canoes that could be rented and a picnic area.  I liked it  but became a little nervous when I saw the beware of alligators sign. 

Eventually the mulch turned into sand on the trail.  The terrain changed quite a bit.  Here are a couple of pictures of the area just before arriving at the beach. 

We were the only people on this wonderful trail.  Where is everyone?  Seriously, people really should  get out of their cars and see these beautiful parks.  There were not any footprints on the beach except for ours.  Not complaining, mind you, just observing.

On the way back we walked through the area where the cabins are located.  They are very nice and all have a screened in porch with rocking chairs and table.  The average cost is about $125-145 per night.  These appear to be very new.  There were some older ones as you came closer to the park entrance that also looked very nice and had more landscaping.  

After our hike we drove through the campground  It is first class and the sites are full hook up (very unusual for a state park) with cable.  The sites are very nicely landscaped with some privacy between sites.  Rates are higher @ $45 per night.  For a special treat we would highly recommend this park.  It is very special. 

Site #15

Today we left the Emerald Coast,.  We really enjoyed this area and will certainly return soon.  Orlando is our next destination.  John's two nephews (Ben and Dan) will be in Orlando  So, we are heading down there to join in all the fun.  We have not seen them in a while.  Ben lives in Sao Paulo Brazil and Dan lives in Seattle.  My girl friend, Debbie, from Indianapolis is also flying down to see us.    Lots of plans are in the works.  It should be fun...come along and join us.