Need Local Input

Fallcreek · Post by **Fallcreek** » April 21st, 2004, 10:31 am

I'm planning a trip in early May to the Big Bend area.

I have a 17.5' aluminum Bass Tracker with 50hp motor so I have to stay pretty close to shore and/or protected waters.

Will be looking for an area with a good camp ground and local restaurants.

I've been considering the Steinhatchee and Keaton Beach area as well as St. Mark's. Interested in reds, flounder and trout mainly but I'll accept any string stretch.

Can anyone give me some input on which area of the Big Bend would best meet my needs?

Thanks.

dstockwell · Post by **dstockwell** » April 21st, 2004, 11:16 am

Welcome Fallcreek, Keaton has a campground area, not alot of spots, here is the link http://www.keatonbeach.org/oldpavilion.htm

Post by **fishsticks** » April 21st, 2004, 12:44 pm

Welcome fallcreek

I know there is a camp ground at Newport, which is minutes from St Marks off of highway 98. I'm not sure about the hook ups though, I think they have them. Could find out for you if need be. We had our Social there back in February. There are a few good restaurants in St Marks...Posey's, River Side cafe etc....Panacea which is down highway 98 about 20 minutes has quite a few good restaurants,,,,Angelo's, Harbour house and so on. Plus you could take your rig and put in at Mashes sands which is there as well. A little different area to fish as well if St Marks does not pan out well certain days. Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee I'm not familiar with, but I do not think the dining may be as good as what I just told you about. Never fished there, but a hot spot to fish according to folks I know and this forum. I've never heard anyone on this forum rant and rave about dining down there. I could be wrong I'm sure there is at least one....good luck and enjoy your trip.

Post by **dbplug** » April 21st, 2004, 1:00 pm

Welcome Fallcreek. All I can add is BRING SOME BUG REPELLANT.

Post by **CSMarine** » April 21st, 2004, 4:49 pm

Welcome aboard Fallcreek. You should find the info you need about Keaton on the website. Steinhatchee has the best resturants in that area. Not much in the way of dinning at Keaton. The two camp grounds at Keaton stay pretty full, not sure what your planning to camp in (motorhome, travel trailer, tent, etc) But you'll need to reserve early as you can.
There is a nice camp ground in Panacea on the water, with a private fishing dock. No place to launch a boat at the camp grounds.
I don't know of any camp grounds close to St. Marks, unless Shell Island has camping.

Post by **Flats Rascal** » April 21st, 2004, 4:56 pm

Book at least a coupla days at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City Beach. Bayside camping there is wonderful. The bay side of close-by Shell Island in St. Andrews Bay has flounder fishin' as good as any.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/standrews/

Have a great vacation!

Flats & Grubs · Post by **Flats & Grubs** » April 23rd, 2004, 2:01 pm

Keaton has 3 campgrounds that I know of. The old pavillion which is linked above, Keaton Beach Marina has a few spots, and the Gas & Grill.
Old pavillion and K.B Marina have dock space, Gas & Grill does not. I would recommend going to Steinhatchee for dining.

Sharky · Post by **Sharky** » April 25th, 2004, 1:14 pm

Ecofina has a camp ground and a restraunt that will cook your catch and supply the fixins to go with it if you want.

They also have some cabins and an inground pool. Just make sure you have some bug repel.

Post by **Sir reel** » April 26th, 2004, 9:29 am

It may have been a timing thing but the resturant was closed during the NFGFC's tournament. Seems like its been quite a while since I've seen any activity there. You might want to make sure its up and running if its important to your trip.

Post by **pops** » April 26th, 2004, 11:24 am

Sir Reel
You are correct, the resturant is closed.