Introduction:
This is a beautiful state park campground that combines all the space and privacy of a public park with the amenities of a private campground.
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The Basics:
Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Price per night / Discounts: $48 / None
Campground website: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Our Site #: 120
Privacy Rating (how spacious and private do the sites feel):
4.5/5: Sites in our section were divided by heavy vegetation and our site backed up to the woods, so while we could see our neighbors' campers, we didn't feel like we were on top of them. Whomever designed our section of the campground did a fantastic job of creating separation between the sites and making them feel private. However, not all sections were like ours. Other loops had minimal foliage and sites were much closer together. Honestly, it felt like the park was built in stages by different companies. If you can get into sites 101-168, you're almost guaranteed to have a nice, private site. Otherwise, do your research to make sure you're getting a good one.
Location Rating (accessibility to points of interest or to major highways):
5/5: This campground is located right next to a beautiful white sand beach and within 15 or 20 minutes of every kind of restaurant, store, or other necessity you could need. You could spend days just exploring the park and enjoying the beach, or venture out and do whatever you want. It really is the best of all worlds.
Site Quality and Big Rig Accessibility Rating (utilities and accessibility of campground hook ups):
5/5: Site quality is stellar here. Not only does the park offer full hooks - a rarity for state parks - but the utilities are strong, the sites are gravel, and most are level. We had no problems navigating through the campground and there are plenty of sites for big rigs.
Technology and Customer Service Rating (online resources, reservations, campground wifi, and staff):
5/5: We booked our site on Reserve America, which is always great, and customer service was friendly, fast, and efficient - just like we've come to expect from the fabulous Florida State Park system.
Overall Value Rating (the overall value of the campground; was it overpriced for what it was?):
5/5: I was actually surprised when I calculated the per night cost here because most Florida state parks are cheaper, however, the park offers full hooks up and a lot of amenities, so it makes sense that the base price is higher. Additionally, there are a number of local taxes and fees which add to the price. All things considered, we found it to be perfectly reasonable. The campsites are fantastic and the park is right near the beach. Additionally, there are lots of walking trails, lakes, a pool, and even things like wifi, which is almost unheard of in a state park. It's truly a wonderful place to camp and well worth its nightly cost.
Summary:
Florida state parks are almost universally terrific camping destinations. Topsail is one of the best of them. It's rare to find a state park that offers full hook ups. This park offers even more, with great trails, a swimming pool, and easy access to a pristine white sand beach. Not all sites are as private as the one we had, so it's worth doing your research, but overall, you can't go wrong in this park.
