So here are some thoughts about escaping winter in the Panhandle of Florida. For those who like urban stealth camping, the cities of Pensacola and Panama City offer plenty of opportunities. For those who like rural/forest boondocking the Apalachicola National Forest has plenty of 14 day campsites, in particular I thought this section of road had promise, because there are many side roads going off into the forest.
30.23355, -84.87635
I did not stay overnight in the National Forest, just took a day break there, but it would be very suitable.
Our preference is for small towns, beaches, waterfront views and rural areas. Apalachicola and Port St. Joe were ideal for van camping over a longer period of time. I could see spending a few days at one city, moving to the other city for a few days, and repeating this for a month or two. We have not yet spent significant time in Carabelle yet, so this town might be a good candidate for long term vandwelling too.
I provided some info about overnight parking in Apalachicola above. I did not find an easy source of water in Apalachicola, although I was tempted to use the hose on the side of the Post Office. There is also no RV dump that I know of in Apalachicola. The public restroom is large and clean, and makes it worth parking in that area during the day.
Port St. Joe has lots of parking in the area between 98 and the waterfront, near the Visitors Center and Piggly Wiggly.
29.81301, -85.30482
There is parking with a great view on the marina jetty, with restrooms nearby.
29.81422, -85.31102
There is a waterfront park with restrooms and a water spigot not too far from the parking area.
29.81108, -85.30431
The downtown is nice. There are more businesses and services available in Port St. Joe compared to Apalachicola which is smaller and more touristy.
It is somewhat difficult to find places to overnight near the beach. One place that might work is at 29.67682, -85.36216, however this is in a rapidly developing rich area so you might get hassled. My advice to avoid getting hassled is to display a fishing rod or other fishing gear on your vehicle, and act as if you are fishing. You probably should get a fishing license if you do this. Surf fishing (and any fishing) is a big deal in this area, and if you play the part, you will probably be left alone. This opens up longer term parking at beach access points and boat launch areas. Fishing is a nice way to spend time in beautiful waterfront places, and would be a fun way to explore water access points over winter in the Panhandle.
If you like kayaking, there is a special place for you: Indian Pass Boat Launch, 29.6835, -85.22242. A short distance from the boat launch is an uninhabited nature preserve island which you may visit during the day. This is a potential overnight spot camping at the boat launch parking, but there is an RV park next door, so I don't know if they would complain to the cops about overnight vehicle parking. There is also a ferry so the parking is intended for ferry passengers, although it appears to be public parking.
Another overnight spot with room for about 3 rigs is at 10 mile Road, 29.71805, -85.11387. The waterfront is nearby. I did not see if it was beach, but there is definitely water there.
There are a number of State Wildlife Management Areas, which I believe are 14 day dispersed camping with a permit. Free Campsites has a number of sites listed but probably any wide spot in the road is a potential camp in a wildlife management area.
So those are my thoughts on the Panhandle of Florida, certainly a prime area to spend winter months as a van dweller. I will update as we explore the Carabelle area.
