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Best Tent Camping near Daphne, AL

543 Reviews

Tent camping options near Daphne, Alabama include several primitive campgrounds within driving distance across Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. Mystic Springs Recreation Area in McDavid, Florida, approximately 45 miles northeast of Daphne, offers free primitive tent campsites in a riverside setting. Shepard State Park Campground in Gautier, Mississippi, about 50 miles west, provides dedicated tent camping areas with both developed and primitive options. Both locations accommodate tent campers specifically, with Mystic Springs featuring secluded sites along the Escambia River and Shepard State Park offering wooded tent camping areas near marsh trails.

Most tent-only sites in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Mystic Springs Recreation Area provides covered structures at each site with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, but no potable water. Campers should bring their own drinking water and supplies. Sites typically have level dirt or gravel pads suitable for tent setup. Clean porta-potties are available on-site. Shepard State Park offers more developed facilities with recently renovated bathhouses, though primitive tent areas have fewer amenities. Reservations are required for Mystic Springs through the Northwest Florida Water Management District website, while Shepard State Park accepts reservations through the Mississippi state park system.

In early winter, tent campers report comfortable conditions with temperatures around 45°F, making campfires essential for evening comfort. According to reviews, Mystic Springs sites offer excellent seclusion despite being part of a reservation system. One camper noted that "most sites are secluded and come with their own picnic table, fire ring, and cover," with the covered structures providing valuable protection during rain. At Shepard State Park, visitors appreciate the primitive camping areas near trailheads, with one camper describing it as "a chill overnight spot" despite being "the buggiest of my trip." Both locations experience seasonal insect activity, particularly mosquitoes, so bug spray is recommended for tent campers, especially during warmer months.

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Best Tent Sites Near Daphne, Alabama (7)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Daphne, AL

7 Photos of 7 Daphne Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Daphne, AL

543 Reviews of 7 Daphne Campgrounds

  • Asher K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2017

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Educational Trails

    The park is set up on a historic site where they have several trails set up talking about civil war battles that occurred there. They have two separate areas for camping where one is for RVs and tents and the other is the more basic tent only sites. I visited the tent only area which had many many sites and most had a nice amount of space with a good bit of privacy. I was there in June though and it gets really hot during the day and night and also very buggy. If you were here in the fall or winter it could be a great place to camp though. The bathrooms were nice but nothing special. There is a single bathroom for all of the tent sites so if you are far you could have a pretty long walk. The sites are pretty cool to see so if you are a civil war buff it might be worth checking out. The camping is expensive though at $20 a night for the tent sites and $30 for an RV site. People were friendly though and it was one of the nicest places in the area.

  • Karen L.
    May. 17, 2018

    Blakeley State Park Campground

    Very large park, hiking, camping, battlegrounds

    Blakely State Park is a very large State Park, with different choices for camping. There are larger primitive tent sites, smaller tent sites with power/water hookups, RV sites, two primitive cabins and 2 newer cabins which are very nice. There's TONS of hiking, a battleground for history buffs, a playground, a boatdock, lots of hiking, horseback riding etc.

    I stayed in one of the two Squirrels Nest, which are primitive cabins. Basically open air cabins. 2 walls, a roof and 2 walls of screens. There are two wooden platforms for beds. A twin and a queen, and barstools to sit inside and look out into the woods, over the hill in which they are nestled. There's a sink (but no water) and a cabinet, and outside a large deck with bench seating. Below is a fire pit and picnic table. There is a shared porta potty outside of the two cabins. These cabins are a bit of a drive out in the woods, so make sure your vehicle is up to it. It's very peaceful out there. My cabin was inhabited by mice at night, so I kept my food in airtight plastic paint bucket containers & my belongings covered by garbage bags on one of the platforms and had my air mattress inside a pop-up mosquito tent, so the mice did not bother me. I was after all in their house. I sprinkled peppermint oil around my gear & my bed platform to keep the mice away. Next time I will have my food in a large cooler so that the wildlife is not attracted.

    There are hiking trails by these sites, as well as, steps down the hill, leading off into another trail.

    i would stay there again. Great place to get away.

  • Sonyia W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2019

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Excellent as always

    This was my third trip to Pickens and it was amazing as always.

    *The camping store is closed until they can find someone to run it. Wood and ice can be bought at the Tom Thumb just outside the park or at Walmart/Publix in Gulf Breeze.

    *Battery Cooper Rd was closed so those two batteries are inaccessible.

    *Loops B/D no longer have electric or dedicated water (there is a water spigot every few sites). Tent sites D24, D25, B6 have the best shade and space.

    *We stayed at A15 (right next to walking trail entrance) and my best friend on A14. Other good shaded sites on this loop are A4 (grass not level enough for tents), A6, A12, A19, A21, A24, A26, A35 (next to dumpsters though), A36 (okay but not great).

    *You can no longer hang anything from trees or power poles (hammocks, clotheslines etc). You also cannot having a shower looking tent (we have one for a changing tent only—no toilet or shower—and they made us take it down). Max two tents or camper and one tent per site (awnings/pop up shelter over picnic table don’t count towards the two).

    *I didn’t peek into the restrooms in loops B-E. A-loop restrooms were a little dated but clean and functional. The laundry/dish washing station was stellar.

    *The price for getting into Gulf Island National Seashore is now $20 and it’s a 7 day pass.

    *The campground now gives out two slips at check-in. One is for your car and one is to keep with you after 8pm so you don’t get kicked out of the area after dark.

    Everyone was very nice and helpful.

  • Sonyia W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2019

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Excellent as always

    This was my third trip to Pickens and it was amazing as always.

    *The camping store is closed until they can find someone to run it. Wood and ice can be bought at the Tom Thumb just outside the park or at Walmart/Publix in Gulf Breeze.

    *Battery Cooper Rd was closed so those two batteries are inaccessible.

    *Loops B/D no longer have electric or dedicated water (there is a water spigot every few sites). Tent sites D24, D25, B6 have the best shade and space.

    *We stayed at A15 (right next to walking trail entrance) and my best friend on A14. Other good shaded sites on this loop are A4 (grass not level enough for tents), A6, A12, A19, A21, A24, A26, A35 (next to dumpsters though), A36 (okay but not great).

    *You can no longer hang anything from trees or power poles (hammocks, clotheslines etc). You also cannot having a shower looking tent (we have one for a changing tent only—no toilet or shower—and they made us take it down). Max two tents or camper and one tent per site (awnings/pop up shelter over picnic table don’t count towards the two).

    *I didn’t peek into the restrooms in loops B-E. A-loop restrooms were a little dated but clean and functional. The laundry/dish washing station was stellar.

    *There are dump stations (one in loop A and one for B-E) but no sewer hook ups per site.

    *The price for getting into Gulf Island National Seashore is now $20 and it’s a 7 day pass.

    *The campground now gives out two slips at check-in. One is for your car and one is to keep with you after 8pm so you don’t get kicked out of the area after dark.

    Everyone was very nice and helpful.

  • G
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Big Lagoon State Park Campground

    Big Lagoon State Park - Florida - Nice, quiet state park.

    Stayed at Big Lagoon 7/8/2021 for 4 nights in 24” travel trailer. There is a mixture of sites that have dirt, gravel, sand, fully paved, partial paved drives.

    Our first site: # 45 was a back in and was in low area, near a marshy area. Entire site was muddy, and caked on to your shoes. (It had been pretty rainy the previous day, but we stayed at this site 2 nights and never really dried out.

    Went to Ranger who was very helpful and moved us, 1 site over: # 46. This site had a paved area for Trailer and wide cement area to walk in and out of.. a much better site. With the heavy foliage through out the park, sites are pretty private.

    If you look at the campground map, you will see the sites on the north side are a bit higher and elevation and did not seem to have any issue with water. When booking, read the description of the site, carefully, some are tent only, or very short drive so limited what you can put where.

    Campground is gated, and you are given a code for “off hours” entrance. Used rest rooms and shower. Very clean and really hot water. No water views, short walk to water BUT, board walk was still closed due to last hurricane. Looks very close to being done.

    Lastly: Campers: if you do not plan on keeping your reservation, please be kind and formally cancel. We wanted to move the first night but sign at Ranger stated “campground full” so we did not ask.. next morning there were at least 5 or 6 sites where people did not show nor cancelled.

  • Lisa S.
    Apr. 5, 2021

    Harper - Blakeley State Park

    Beautiful Well Maintained Huge Park

    April 4, 2021 Camper Van Site: Harper #7 Primitive $20 Over 2,000 acres crisscrossed with trails. Interesting replication of the ghost town of Blakeley which disappeared around 1830, but before then it rivaled Mobile in population and economy. Harper loop, where I camped, is at least a mile into the woods and has no hook ups. The sites have picnic tables and fire rings and offer decent privacy. Bath house is 7 minute walk. My shower was cold. Dumpsters near bath house. Staff house nearby. Staff very pleasant and helpful. Wish I could stay more than two nights.

    RV park closer to entrance.

  • Sam S.
    Jan. 18, 2022

    Mystic Springs Recreation Area

    And it comes with a cat!

    Loved this place. It doesn’t look like it on the campground map, but most sites are secluded and come with their own picnic table, fire ring, and cover! The cover is amazing - you can put your tent, car or camper under it to stay dry. Makes me wonder why more campgrounds don’t have something similar. There’s a portapotty available, and it’s one of the cleanest I’ve visited.

    Only issue with this place is the reservation system. I like that you can reserve a site in advance, but it seems like a lot of people take advantage of it and don’t end up showing. While I was here I think almost all the sites were officially booked, yet less than half actually were occupied. Please don’t do this if you’re staying here!

    Oh yea, there was a pregnant cat at my site (6) as well. She was very sweet and maybe you’ll get to see her kittens if you stay here!

  • K
    Jan. 23, 2020

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Sarge Slept By The Seashore

    What's not to like about this campground? Nothing that I could find. Ample space to maneuver my camper in to my site, level ground, plenty of space between sites so you're not hearing your neighbors but close enough to make friends. The waves from the Gulf can be heard as well as the "bugle" calls from NAS Pensacola across the sound. The site (E20) has both 30/50 amp electric and water hookups. Bathhouse was clean with adjoining single, private showers close by each site. Nearby trails either lead you to the Gulf beach or along the sound side where the Pensacola lighthouse can be seen. Both tent and campers are allowed. No Wi-Fi and my phone signal (Verizon) was intermittent with 2-3 bars.

  • M
    May. 16, 2018

    Gulf State Park Campground

    Great Spot for Family Fun

    You could stay at this park for your whole trip and not have to leave. There is an awesome pool and splash pad, basketball courts, and boat launch on the property, plus a laundromat and impressive camp store. The restroom facilities are relatively nice and are always air conditioned during the warmer months. The only complaint I have of this park is that there are only 11 tent camping sites. They claim any site can be used for tent camping, but no one in a tent wants to set up on a concrete pad, especially when it is hot! The tent sites they do have are primitive without water or electrical hook ups - it would be nice to have some sites with hook ups. The sites they do have for tents are very shady and clean. They do back up to a swampy canal, but I have never seen any alligators although I am sure they are in there somewhere.

    I would definitely recommend this park for families.

Guide to Daphne

Tent camping near Daphne, Alabama encompasses several state parks and wildlife areas within a 50-mile radius across three states. The region's subtropical climate features mild winters with nighttime temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F and humid summers where temperatures frequently exceed 90°F. Weather conditions remain favorable for camping from October through April, with summer months requiring additional preparation for heat and increased insect activity.

What to do

Fishing access points: Becks Camp offers waterfront camping spots with direct fishing access. According to Paul G., "Definitely a bit out of the way but very pretty! Bring some bug spray, a boat, and some fishing gear! Has spots right on the water to camp!"

Explore marsh trails: The nature trails at Shepard State Park Campground provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Yesenia notes, "The marsh trails were perfect for viewing wildlife. 10/10, would recommend!"

Try disc golf: The course at Shepard State Park provides an alternative recreation option. As K S. mentions, "My wife and I played disc golf there. It was also a decent course."

Archery practice: Dedicated archery facilities are available for campers looking for target practice. Simon C. shares that "There is a disc golf course, an archery range, and a large multi-use field as well as a small boat launch."

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently mention the well-designed site layout. According to Bianca B., "I love this park, camp sites are well spaced and private with some water fronting on the Pascagoula River."

Recently renovated facilities: Bluff Springs Campground offers well-maintained grounds and comfortable facilities. Valeria B. reports, "From the food prepared to anticipating needs of campers. I look forward to my next event."

Water recreation options: Some campgrounds offer multiple water features. At Bluff Springs, "There are two man-made lakes one of which can be used as a swimming area. However, a certified lifeguard must be present during the use of the lake."

Clean, updated bathhouses: Several campgrounds have invested in facility improvements. Doug M. notes about Shepard State Park, "The bathroom next to my site was freshly remodeled, and clean. Campsites are not on top of each other."

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly by carrier at most campgrounds. Rene reports at Shepard State Park Campground, "AT&T is 1 bar, Verizon is 2-3 bars."

Varying bathroom conditions: While renovations are underway at some parks, conditions can differ. According to Rene, "The showers are adequate—no mold or mildew, tiled, nice benches, plenty of hooks and hot water. The rest of the bathroom is quite old and stained, but generally clean, if outdated/chipped/showing age."

Site type verification: Always confirm the exact type of camping accommodations before arrival. Nancy S. cautions about Becks Camp, "Head's up. I just called to ask about reserving an RV site. They no longer have those types of sites."

Firewood availability: Some campgrounds sell firewood on-site. Simon C. mentions, "$8 bundles of firewood at the camp store. Fire rings and charcoal grills at every RV site."

Tips for camping with families

Look for kid-friendly terrain: Some campgrounds offer easier walking trails for young children. Yesenia from Shepard State Park Campground shares, "My toddler had a very easy time walking around which was a huge plus!"

Pet-friendly options: Several campgrounds accommodate four-legged family members. Yesenia adds, "The dog park was perfect for our two large dog, very clean."

Bring bug protection: Insect activity varies seasonally but preparation is essential. Tucker B. notes his experience at Shepard State Park was "a chill overnight spot, although the buggiest of my trip so far."

Ask about swimming regulations: Water features may have specific safety requirements. At Bluff Springs Campground, swimming is permitted but "a certified lifeguard must be present during the use of the lake."

Tips from RVers

Electrical reliability: Power consistency matters for RV campers. Rene reports at Shepard State Park Campground, "The roads are gravel, sites are level, electric is strong and reliable."

Dump station locations: Confirm waste disposal options before arrival. According to Bianca B., Shepard State Park offers "Water and electric at each site with dump station at the entrance."

Long-term camper presence: Some parks have established residents. Rene observed, "It seems like there are several long-time/permanent residents here."

Road conditions: Internal park roads may not be maintained to highway standards. Andrea S. notes about Shepard State Park, "Two small loops. Enough space between sites you are not to crowded."

Frequently Asked Questions

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