Sue H.
Scout
ScoutHenderson Beach State Park Campground
We stayed in Loop A, site 7. Sites are big, level, and secluded. Concrete sidewalk to beach boardwalk, which is also private. Bathrooms are clean and modern.
Tent Camping near Florala, AL
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campers visiting Florala, Alabama have several options in the surrounding area, particularly in Blackwater River State Forest which spans the Florida-Alabama state line. Hurricane Lake South Campground offers tent-specific sites with lake views and basic amenities, while Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping provides a more rustic experience for those seeking solitude. Pine Log State Forest Primitive Campsites, located near Ebro, Florida, offers additional tent camping opportunities within driving distance.
Most tent sites in the region feature grassy or dirt surfaces with minimal site preparation. Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping allows stays up to 14 days with no services available, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Hurricane Lake South Campground provides fire pits, picnic tables, and shared water spigots at each site, though shower facilities are limited. Bathroom facilities exist but vary by location, with some campgrounds having only vault toilets. Campers should check seasonal conditions, as summer months bring increased insect activity and higher humidity.
The tent camping experience in this region offers notable privacy and natural surroundings. A visitor commented that Hurricane Lake South Campground provides "a more peaceful camping experience" since "tent campers are in a separate campground from RV campers." Sites throughout Blackwater River State Forest feature tall pines ideal for hammock camping and proximity to water features. The primitive areas are particularly suited for tent campers with several flat spots available away from parking areas. During winter months (October through May), the weather is more favorable with fewer insects. The region connects to hiking opportunities in both Florida and Alabama, allowing campers to explore across state lines while using these tent sites as a base.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Florala (11)
1. Frank Jackson State Park Campground
"After a long days drive it was a perfect place to take our dog for a walk to stretch our legs and settle in to a great campsite. "
"Plenty of space between sites. FHU, level gravel, waterfront site with picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Felt safe, and across the street from bathrooms/laundry. Dated but clean."
12 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
2. North Karick Lake Youth Group Camp — Blackwater River State Forest
"Love this lakeside camp ground has showers, fire pits, asphalt slab boat launch fishing elect motor"
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
3. Hurricane Lake South Campground
"We were greeted by the kindest friendliest host as we were setting up. He made sure we knew the rules and amenities. We stayed in camp site 2. The sites were spacious and grassy."
"many sites are on the lake edge but realize that there ARE gators in the lake and they have legs to crawl on land. I have been there maybe 50 times and have yet to see the first gator though."
Check Availabilityfrom $13 / night
4. defuniak springs free camping
from $10 / night
5. Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping
"Epic free spot just outside of the Black Water Forest State Park. Camp here for up to 14 days."
"As it had recently rained the road was a mess coming in, nothing real deep, just large puddles."
6. Hurricane Lake North Youth Group Camp — Blackwater River State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
7. Coldwater Gardens
from $20 / night
8. Camp Paquette Youth Group Camp — Blackwater River State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
9. Pine Log State Forest Primitive Campsites
"It’s definitely primitive, so no toilets or hook ups or anything."
"Private maybe one person will drive down the road but they turn around pretty fast with out a problem nice back country campground"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $9 / night
10. Bear Lake East Primitive Group Campsite — Blackwater River State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
Drive Time
- 36 min from Crestview, FL
- 1 hr 18 min from Pensacola, FL
- 1 hr 18 min from Dothan, AL
- 1 hr 34 min from Panama City, FL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Florala, AL
12 Photos of 11 Florala Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Florala, AL
510 Reviews of 11 Florala Campgrounds
- Sue H.Scout
defuniak springs free camping
Directions on the dirt AND Google take you to an outdated, run down housing complex that's really sketchy looking. No campsite, bathroom, etc there.
C H.ScoutCampOut Alabama
After almost seven years at Campout Alabama, I’ve stayed quiet about why I left. But watching one of the owners publicly boast about “new money” while remembering what went on behind the scenes is too much to swallow.
I remember credit cards declining when we needed supplies for his own business. I remember us practically begging for chlorine for the pool. I remember power lines in pine trees and box fans being used to cool breaker panels. That’s what comes to mind when I see the displays of wealth.
A mansion doesn’t impress me when the people keeping your business running are asking for basic supplies and payment. Bragging about wealth under those circumstances is embarrassing.
Before delivering another speech about “new money,” try explaining why the basics were such a struggle. Chlorine. Supplies. Paying people for their work. These are basic responsibilities of owning a business.
I cannot recommend Campout Alabama under this ownership. Almost seven years gave me plenty of time to form that opinion, and no amount of bragging changes what I experienced and so many others experience!
- wwesley P.Scout
Hurricane Lake North Campground
Quiet, peaceful, beautiful lake great fishing no gas powered engines allowed on lake electric and paddle only nice boat ramp clean campsites campground host extremely nice
- BBuckee B.Scout
Lakeview Campsites
Beautiful lake, misleading ad
Just be forewarned this is NOT a normal camping experience. By far.
Firstly, there are no actual accommodations as advertised. The "camping" you will experience consists of no primitive sites, no RV hookups, no amenities to speak of, and many other inconsistencies despite what's being presented here. There are no private areas even for changing your clothes much less anything else. As it sits beside a major county roadway with a public boat ramp with roadside public parking making any chance of alone time impossible most days. You CANNOT per county ordinances have any unregulated fires or burning due to the lake being EPA protected. If you get caught disturbing any of the flora or fauna you are subject to possible fines or prosecution by FWC. Not one stump is to be disturbed at all. The advertisement is misleading regarding this property. For the amount of money being charged you may as well go a few more miles and get a room at a motel. It would be cheaper if you did. I gave two stars because of the lake itself. Which BTW, is NOT actually "visible " from this property itself. The best viewing and admiring is better at the PUBLIC areas that are county owned and somewhat maintained. The lake itself is public use for everyone. Not to mention that this property owner has a negative reputation for shady practices in the local area. Any observations of illegal practices should be reported to law enforcement. 
Ken D.
TravelerBlackwater River State Park Campground
Beautiful Forest Park
Great park well maintained with level gravel sites. Fire rings, bbqs, benches are in great shape. Bathrooms very clean and maintained.
- AAmanda T.Traveler
Sand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest
Beautiful and peaceful
Small campground. Peaceful. Mostly older people in small RVs. Oddly enough no issue with mosquitoes which was shocking! Very nice sites
- JJeremy H.
GuideGrayton Beach State Park Campground
Grayton Beach State Park in December
Grayton Beach State Park is an outstanding place to camp in December, especially if you enjoy birding, hiking, and spending time outdoors without the heat and crowds of the summer months.
December is a great time to explore the park. The cooler temperatures make walking the trails much more comfortable, and the campground has a peaceful, laid-back feel during the winter. Tent camping is especially enjoyable if you come prepared for the weather. Days can be mild and beautiful, but mornings and nights can get surprisingly cool, so warm layers and a good sleeping bag are definitely worth bringing.
For birding, Grayton Beach is a fantastic location. The combination of coastal dunes, pine forest, wetlands, Western Lake, and the Gulf creates several different habitats within a relatively small area. Early mornings are particularly enjoyable when the park is quiet and wildlife is active. Bring a good pair of binoculars and take your time around Western Lake and the trails through the wooded areas.
- JJeremy H.Guide
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground
Great Spot for a December getaway.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is an excellent place for tent camping in December, especially if you enjoy hiking, wildlife, and having easy access to the beach without the summer crowds.
December is a great time to experience the park. The cooler temperatures make hiking much more enjoyable, and the campground is generally quieter and more relaxed than during the warmer months. The nights can get chilly, so I would definitely recommend bringing a good sleeping bag, warm layers, and something to block the wind. During the day, though, the weather can be perfect for exploring.
My biggest advice for December tent campers is to prepare for changing weather. You could have a beautiful mild afternoon followed by a cold and windy night. Bring layers, rain protection, and a windproof jacket rather than relying on one heavy coat.
Overall, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is one of the better winter camping destinations on the Florida Panhandle. You get the Gulf, hiking, birding, dune lakes, wildlife, and a comfortable campground all in one place. For someone who prefers quiet trails and beaches over hot weather and summer crowds, December may actually be one of the best times of the year to camp here.
Guide to Florala
Tent camping near Florala, Alabama centers primarily on the neighboring Blackwater River State Forest. This extensive wilderness spans 210,000 acres across the Florida-Alabama border, featuring longleaf pine forests and numerous water features. The region experiences high humidity from June through September, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that can affect camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Hurricane Lake South Campground provides excellent bank fishing access where campers can catch bass and bream. "Beautifull place to stay in the Winter months October through May. Park open all year but late Sping and summer is insect and rainy season," notes camper Ray N. P. about Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping.
Water activities: Bring a kayak or canoe to explore the waterways surrounding tent sites. "Hurricane lake surrounds the campground so every camping spot has a view of the beautiful lake," explains Desiree K. at Hurricane Lake South Campground. Motor restrictions (electric trolling motors only) maintain the peaceful atmosphere.
Cross-state hiking: Connect multiple trail systems between Florida and Alabama forests. "Black Water River State Forest is on the Florida and Alabama state line... We camped in Florida the first night and Alabama the second night. The tall pines were beautiful and great for hanging," reports Wayne H., who used the forest for a multi-state backpacking trip.
What campers like
Separation from RVs: The dedicated tent camping areas provide a more natural experience. "I love that the tent campers are in a separate campground from RV campers. This makes for a more peaceful camping experience," notes a visitor at Hurricane Lake South Campground.
Budget-friendly options: Free primitive camping allows extended stays without fees. "Camp here for up to 14 days. The primitive area is really more geared for the tent camper with several nice flat spots to pitch a tent away from the parking area," explains Gregg G. about Pine Log State Forest Primitive Campsites.
Privacy levels: Many sites offer substantial spacing between campers. "Private maybe one person will drive down the road but they turn around pretty fast with out a problem nice back country campground," reports Barb D. about the primitive camping experience at Pine Log State Forest.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter months offer the most comfortable camping conditions. Bruce M. notes about Hurricane Lake South Campground: "By far my favorite campsite in NW Florida. Remote but good roads all the way to it. South Camp is water only sites but COE has plans to upgrade with some electric sites and a new shower facility soon."
Wildlife awareness: Alligators inhabit lakes throughout the region. "Many sites are on the lake edge but realize that there ARE gators in the lake and they have legs to crawl on land. I have been there maybe 50 times and have yet to see the first gator though," shares Bruce M.
Cell service limitations: Many primitive sites have minimal coverage. "This is on the edge of Verizon cell coverage service," warns a camper about Coldwater Gardens, indicating visitors should prepare for limited connectivity.
Tips for camping with families
Youth group facilities: Several dedicated youth camping areas accommodate larger groups. The North Karick Lake Youth Group Camp, Hurricane Lake North Youth Group Camp, and Camp Paquette facilities provide structured environments with basic amenities for organized youth outings.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer additional learning experiences. "Lots to do. Little farm area with chickens and trials to hike. Stuff on-site is amazing. They even have a tree house you can rent out!" shares Marlene V. about Baptism Hole Group Camp.
Water safety: Supervise children near all water features due to wildlife and variable depths. "Amazing spot! Just a few people there. Beautiful views! Right by the state park, no toilets and showers here," notes Loesje B., emphasizing the natural but undeveloped setting at primitive sites.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Smaller campers and truck/van setups work best at most primitive sites. "The primitive area is really more geared for the tent camper with several nice flat spots to pitch a tent away from the parking area. However, there is room here for smaller rigs in the parking area. Rigs over 40' not recommended," advises Gregg G.
Seasonal traffic patterns: Boat ramp access points become crowded during warm months. "I'd be willing to bet that this place would be heavily occupied by folks utilizing the boat ramp in the warmer months and wouldn't really be an option," warns a camper about finding space during peak seasons.
Self-contained requirements: Most primitive sites lack facilities, requiring complete preparation. "This is boonedocking so no services available. Pack it in and pack it out and be sure to leave no trace, so this can continue to be an option for people to enjoy," reminds an experienced camper about the responsibility that comes with these natural settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Florala, AL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Florala, AL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Florala, AL is Frank Jackson State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.
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tent camping near
Florala, AL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Florala, AL?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Florala, AL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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