Carrabelle Beach on the Florida Panhandle

We checked in to Carrabelle Beach RV Resort on April 14th, 2025 for 14 nights.  Judy and I discovered this park a few years ago and, while expensive, it has become a "Go To" destination for su because of the mile long white sand public beach just a 2 minute walk across the street.  And in addition, the beach allows dogs on leashes.

Site 31

Our site, #31 in bottom right corner.

The resort is a COA park.  That is, most of the sites are owned by individuals who then rent them out when the owners are not using them.  We met one resident who was there there last year and has not moved since.  We met another couple who bought 2 sites and occasionally stays on one while renting the other one continuously.  The second site rental income pays for the purchase of the one they use seasonally.  Interesting concept.  "In an HOA, residents own their property, but the association owns and maintains common areas, such as lobbies, pools, clubhouses, and gyms. Conversely, in a COA, owners own their individual units and a percentage of all shared property, like tennis courts, swimming pools, sidewalks, and parking lots."

We connected with long time friends Mark and Charmaine for 3 days while here.  They are originally Northern New Yorkers who have resettled in Northern Florida.  Charmaine used to teach with me at Potsdam High School.   They both have a wonderful sense of humor and we try to connect yearly.  We always end up having a great time.  In fact, we ended up needing a huge favor this time from them.  We had to leave our truck at a Chevy dealer in Tallahassee overnight, and Mark and Charmaine were our only ride for a couple days.   And even then, the parts did not arrive in time, so we have to drive the rest of the way with all the warning lights on.  Oh well, all part of the adventure.

One of several great meals.

Mark and Charmaine patiently waiting for us.

Another great time dinning out.

Couple of retired Potsdam High School teachers.

A trip to Carrabelle isn't complete without a side trip or two to nearby Apalachicola.  The city is anchored by its seafood industry, as well as an up and coming tourist destination with great shopping and dinning.  Before railroads reached the region, Apalachicola was the 3rd largest port on the gulf coast behind New Orleans and Mobile.  Cotton and the sponge industry were the early economic engines driving the economy before the seafood and tourism boom.

One morning we took a drive to St. George Island for some lunch and shopping.  We also drove the road out to St. George Island State Park campground and beach.  

St. George Island State Park Beach.

Another day we explored the local history.  Carrabelle was the site of Camp Gordon Johnston, a huge training area for amphibious assault teams during World War 2.  Nearby is also the Crooked River Lighthouse which on the National Register of Historic Places.  

You never know what you might see when walking the pups along the beach.  One morning we watched pelicans fishing for breakfast.  Another morning, a pod of dolphins were out for a swim in the sun.  And the morning sunrises on our walks were a wonder to see.

We discovered a new place to eat called the Mornin' Bite.  They serve breakfast and lunches, so we tried it a few times, and the food and beer was amazing.  HERE is a link to the Trip Advisor info review.

The annual Carrabelle Riverfront Festival happened to coincide with our last day here.  The festival occurs on the last Saturday of April each year.  Local information booths, craft vendors, street dancing, face painting and food trucks are just a few of the activities.  It was a beautiful day and we spent a couple hours watching, visiting and shopping.  Fun time!!

Among the many new friends we met was this Canadian couple from the Montreal area.  They were our next door neighbors and had spent the entire month of April at the park.  Michel and Helene quickly became best friends with Parker and Maggie.

Sunday April 27th, and our 2 week stay at Carrabelle is done.  It's time to finally turn north and make the 8 day trek to be back home for Spring chores.  We have already decided to stop in Carrabelle again, probably for this Winter's Christmas and New Year Holidays. 

Good Bye Carrabelle.  See ya this winter.

Our next post:  Kentucky, West Virginia and HOME.

Read about our previous stop:  Meaher State Park on Mobile Bay, Alabama