Hands-down, this is one of the best waterfront secluded camping experiences I have ever come across in all of my years of camping and in all of the places I have chosen to pitch a tent (and let’s just say, I’ve had more than my share of open air, starry-night skies to count!). Seriously, this place is breathtaking! From the moment you enter The Hideaway – and trust me, you have to be looking for this place located due south of Highway 98 Or Navarre Parkway – you’ll be whisked away to a magical nature oasis completely shaded by nurturing Magnolia and Oak trees laced with iridescent light bulbs, white pebble pathways that criss-cross throughout the property before delivering you to the main office, which you will easily mistake for a quaint floral boutique in what looks to be a recently restored beach house from the 1920s. The on-site manager, Taylor, was nothing short of incredibly welcoming, extolling Southern hospitality upon us and incredibly excited to show us the entire property, which we took her up on.
The main attraction here at the pet-friendly Hideaway is the simply sublime aqua green ripples of the Gulf Coast (a.k.a. Redneck Riviera) right here on the Santa Rosa sound that will lure you to take a dip in the beckoning aquamarine salt water or cast a line or two (no pesky fishing license to worry about either) to catch one of the most unique local fish here, Brotula, which I had never heard of before. And while you might be disappointed to discover that the pier that looks like it has just barely survived the last hurricane (Sally) that recently passed through this way is completely inaccessible and what remains looks more like a movie prop from a deserted island that Johnnie Depp might have been stranded on, once more, creating the feel that you have truly arrived at a place somehow lost by time, but preserved for a most amazing experience with the best of what salt water living and white sand beaches have to offer here in the pan handle of Florida.
As for the campground itself, while the majority of sites, 60 in total, are geared more towards the RV-driving or 5th Wheel-toting crowd, there are tent sites (but only 10 designated locations), and trust me, even for some of the sites that look more 5th wheel friendly, I would have no problem setting up camp, given the spectacular views as well as quick & EZ access to the ocean (but would certainly bring a decent amount of cardboard to place underneath the tent to protect from the jagged rocks and stones that you’ll be sleeping and stepping on). While it is true that some sites offer more privacy than others, you will feel seclusion no matter where you go on this property.
If you find yourself anywhere between Destin and Pensacola while looking for a place to camp for the night, take my word for it, you won’t find a better spot (and I know, because I looked at about 20 oceanfront spots and checked each one out personally!). Unlike the hustle-and-bustle of a very over-touristy location like Destin or Pensacola, here in Navarre, you will encounter real, authentic ‘Old Florida’ charm where everything slows down and you’ll find fewer amenities, shops and restaurants, but the ones you will find are incredibly special and highly individual.
Don’t have an RV or even a tent? Not a problem, because the good folks here at The Hideaway will rent you a 1958 Shasta RV (dubbed ‘Shabby Shasta’) that sits right next to the laundry facility and just steps away to the bath houses. Before long, the property will offer up a little blue house for rent with stunning waterfront views of the Gulf. And while the laundry facilities and bath houses (the women’s is recently renovated, while the men’s is still in dire need of updating) are sheltered in old 1930s buildings, once inside, you’ll be greeted by refurbished environs, appliances and fixtures.
Amenities: 371 feet of private, white powder sand beaches, kayaks and paddleboards available for rent, campground hangout area complete with foosball, ping pong, corn hole, volleyball, tree swings, fire pit with a dozen or so Adirondack chairs encircled around, refurbished bath houses and coin- and credit-card operated laundr-O-mat (there’s even an App you can download that will tell you when your load is done!) with brand new washers and dryers, complimentary high-speed WiFi, cable with 110 channels, designated dump site, reinforced sea wall, 400 foot fishing pier (still WIP), dog beach, as well as full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage).
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) While most campgrounds offer up picnic tables and some form of BBQ grill with each site, I was surprised to discover that The Hideaway doesn’t offer either of these, so if you plan on staying here, give good thought to bringing your own – I always appreciate this tip, because if I really don’t have to take up space by bringing my own BBQ or table, why would I? But here, at least you know before you go; (2) The best RV sites here are, of course, with a stunning oceanfront view (although I have to admit, I found it odd that nearly all of these were vacant when we visited): #12, #15, #16, #25, #26, #36, #37, #44, #45, #46 and #47; (3) For tent campers, try to book one of these 3 spots: TS1, TS2, TS3 – all located right behind the cottage, if not, then try to negotiate your way onto one of the aforementioned RV spots; and (4) When you get tired of trying to figure out that next meal from either your on-board mini-fridge or your Cordova roto-molded cooler, then check out a few of the local eateries, including: Dewey Destin’s for typical seafood, Juana’s Pagodas for some delicious libations with a Tiki Hut vibe or East Bay Crab House for some good down-southern Dungeness crab greatness.
Happy Camping!
