Best Campgrounds near Panama City, FL

Camping near Panama City, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful beaches, lush parks, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there's something for everyone in this sunny slice of paradise.

What to do

• Explore the beaches: The stunning beaches are a major draw. Campers love the easy access to the water, especially at places like Henderson Beach State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The beach was beautiful! We didn’t camp here but drove in to use the beach while we were there."
• Hiking and biking: Trails abound in the area. At Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground, one camper shared, "Excellent access to the beach, hiking, biking (many miles), lakes, great campground."
• Fishing and kayaking: Many campgrounds, like Indian Pass Campground, are close to great fishing spots. A reviewer noted, "Great place for kayaking, surf fishing, and there’s a boat ramp right next-door."

What campers like

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. At St. Andrews State Park Campground, one guest said, "Bathrooms clean, Wi-Fi good... great access to beaches."
• Friendly staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Grayton Beach State Park Campground mentioned, "The park rangers and volunteer staff were awesome and very accommodating."
• Natural beauty: Campers love the scenic views and wildlife. One reviewer at Florida Caverns State Park said, "The campground is small and has a really sweet vibe... the shower stalls are really nice."

What you should know

• Site sizes vary: Some sites can be tight, especially for larger RVs. A camper at Falling Waters State Park Campground noted, "Campground spots were sufficient if a little tight."
• Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A visitor at Eastbank mentioned, "The bathhouses are a bit on the older side, I know funding is not there to do much."
• Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground shared, "Aside from the overly friendly wildlife... the large over 5ft rattlesnake made it a no-go."

Tips for camping with families

• Plan for beach days: Make sure to pack beach gear. A family at Camp On The Gulf enjoyed, "Short walk to the beach. Sites are close together but the beach is beautiful."
• Check for kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby attractions. One reviewer at Henderson Beach State Park Campground said, "It's a clean well-kept campground with bathhouses, laundry, and very beautiful scenery."
• Bring bikes: Many campgrounds are bike-friendly. A visitor at St. Andrews State Park Campground noted, "We rode our bikes to the dam. Great time!"

Tips from RVers

• Check site levels: Some sites can be unlevel, making setup tricky. A camper at Indian Pass Campground mentioned, "Our site was difficult to back into down a small hill and not very level."
• Use leveling blocks: Bring leveling blocks to help with uneven sites. A reviewer at Florida Caverns State Park advised, "The crushed gravel pad base can allow your jacks to settle too far down."
• Plan for dump station access: Some campgrounds may not have the best dump station facilities. A visitor at Falling Waters State Park Campground noted, "The dump station does not have the hose hookups for flushing your tanks."

Camping at Panama City, FL, and its surrounding areas offers a unique blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful retreat, there's something here for everyone.