We are planning a camping trip and wish to stay at state parks in our pop-up camper. We have not been to either park and are looking for input that helps us make our decision. We will be spending a lot of time at the beach, but like nature programs, walking trails and interesting sites. Outside the park, we like independently owned restaurants, museums, and so on. We have 11 and 15 year old daughters. Can anyone give us any information that might help us decide where to go in June?

Have you looked into the Port St. Joe park? It is really the most beautiful beach I have ever seen. Has often been chosen as Dr. Beach's favorite. Here's a link to get you started - it is in the same vacinity as what you are referring to. Grayton Beach is also very nice, but have only day-visited there.

Happy Trails,
Paul

http://www.gulfcountybusiness.com/n_may02.cfm

Grayton Beach, in general, has a hipper/funkier feel to it. With the interests you expressed in your post, I'd second the Port St Joe suggestion.

Thanks for your input, Paul and btsbell. I looked up St. Joe's and it is intriguing. Do you or anyone else out here have advice about choosing a camping site at the state park? What else can you tell me about the area nearby the park?

Naples Daily News just did a wonderful article (many pages) on the Port St. Joe area. It was a Sunday Travel section from about 4 weeks ago. I wish I still had the article, it was informative and interesting. Perhaps you can get a back issue? I know their web address is NaplesNews.com - but I read it in the paper and not online.

Happy Trails,
Paul

Thanks, Paul. I pulled up the Naples DN and was able to print the article off the archive.

Wow - didn't know it was online. With the same pictures and all (and yes, the pictures are every bit as nice as the beach)! Here's the link in case anyone else was following this thread:

http://www.naplesnews.com/03/04/travel/d883345a.htm