The Forgotten Coast of Florida

34-Day Cross Country RV Trip + 7-Day Caribbean Cruise 2022

Day 12: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to Old Pavilion RV Park, Keaton Beach (Perry), Florida

May 9, 2022

We have quite a long drive today so we had to leave this beautiful campground early in the morning. I was quite looking forward to this part of the drive along the "Forgotten Coast" before starting to head south of Florida.

Before leaving camp, I took a little walk and admired the campground for the last time.

It's quiet, serene, and beautiful in the early morning.

Nobody was around at this vast green spot.

We will be hugging the coast until a little later in the afternoon when we will go inland.

The Forgotten Coast of Florida

This part of Hwy 98 is definitely much quieter than the west side with few travelers on the road. No wonder it has gotten it's name. Still very pretty though and easier drive with wonderful scenery. We had to cross several long bridges as we wind our way in and out of these water ways.

Passing by Mexico Beach where we stopped and had a break. There are easy parking by the roadside, even for our big RV.

Mexico Beach is on the east of Panama City and Tyndall Air Force Base.

Apalachicola, Florida
Apalachicola used to be the oyster capital of the world but not any more. We were hoping that we could find some place where we can enjoy some fresh oysters but unfortunately we failed. They do have a small downtown area with some shops and restaurants but we did not find anything appealing. There is a Hong Kong Bistro right next to the highway before entering the town though. We ended up finding a shady spot under the John Gorrie Memorial Bridge for a quick lunch and a short nap before crossing it to the other side of the bay. 

Under the John Gorrie Memorial Bridge.

shared the shade with some fishermen

with a good view of the boat dock and harbor.

Carrabelle, Florida

What's in Carrabelle? The World's Smallest Police Station, that is. I was really curious and as we were driving ever slowly into town, we looked everywhere for it. We spotted it right by the roadside across from us and the visitor center/museum and had a good laugh. I don't know how they manage or use this 'police station' because instead of investigating it further, we just snapped a few photos and then on our way to our destination. 

Old Pavilion RV Park, Keaton Beach (Perry), Florida

After driving for almost six hours, we finally arrived at the campground for the day. I did not make reservation, I just called them as we were traveling that day. Fortunately for us, they had the last site available for one night. This is quite a ways from downtown Perry with nothing much around, but they have the most amazing sunset right there. This is a Passport America campground, and as members, we got half off their nightly rates and cost us $40 for the night. Worth every penny!

Had a simple dinner of fried dumplings...

and boiled dumplings. Yum!

Now, the campground. Seemed like there were many long-term residents here but the campground is kept nicely and clean.

They had a deck stretching out into the water for everyone to enjoy the scenery.

Deck with chairs.

Wonderful views of the shore.

Campground from the deck.

Excellent place to watch the sunset.

Boat dock at the back of the campground.

Back of the campground

This friendly cat wanted some attention.

Cute!

For video of our travel on this day with the beautiful sunset, please click here.

"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you, do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go."   -- Joshua 1:7