Map showing campground location near Destin, Florida

Camper submitted image from Mid Bay Shores Maxwell

Mid Bay Shores Maxwell

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sitting directly on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, Mid Bay Shores Maxwell occupies a gated military recreation area just off the road leading to the Mid-Bay Bridge connecting Niceville and Destin. Access requires active military service or veteran status, though guests of eligible sponsors are welcome regardless of their own affiliation. The campground runs year-round, with rates scaled to the rank of the military sponsor.

The layout includes 28 RV sites with full hookups covering water, electric, and sewer, plus six overflow sites with water and electric only. "Most sites are very close to the water," notes Scott, and the campground faces the bay directly rather than being set back from it. The strip of sand between the grass and the water is narrow, so campers expecting a wide beach will want to adjust expectations. Sites are well shaded, and the area has a reputation for staying uncrowded. A bathhouse with laundry and barbecue grills and picnic tables round out the on-site facilities.

For those planning a longer stay in the Florida Panhandle, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground sits a few miles north and provides a public alternative in the same general area. WiFi is available on-site, though at least one reviewer noted variable cell service. Reservations are accepted, and pets are allowed. This campground works best for military-affiliated campers who want full hookup RV access with direct bay frontage and low site density.

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Map & DirectionsMid Bay Shores Maxwell is located in Florida near Destin

Public Campground

Directions

FL-291 (Mid-Bay Bridge Connector) to Lakeshore Drive exit, follow signs to Maxwell-Gunter Recreation Area. The toll bridge is $3.00 for one vehicle with two axles and an additional $3.00 for each additional axle

Address

801 White Point Rd
Niceville, FL 32578

Coordinates

30.45515947 N
86.41679297 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/5/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 8/18/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verizon5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 4/5/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 8/18/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

25 min from Crestview, FL
1 hr 6 min from Pensacola, FL
1 hr 9 min from Panama City, FL
1 hr 44 min from Dothan, AL

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Mid Bay Shores Maxwell

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Military-affiliated campground with spacious, shaded waterfront sites and comprehensive facilities. Access restricted to military personnel and veterans, with rates based on rank.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Paula C.

Ranger

Reviewed Apr. 10, 2021

Military RV Park on the white sandy shores of the Gulf

Mid-Bay Shores, Maxwell/Gunter’s military Florida resort was formerly called Lake Pippin, the new name, Mid-Bay Shores, was chosen to better reflect the beautiful white sandy shores of Choctawatchee Bay that the resort faces. The gated entrance is just before the Choctawatchee Mid- Bay Bridge, a toll bridge that connects Niceville and Destin. 28 RV spaces with full hook-ups– water, electrical and sewer, and six overflow sites with just water and electrical hook-ups. Visitors have access to barbecue grills and picnic tables next to their facility. There is also a new bathhouse with laundry facilities.

Month of VisitMarch

(8) View All

Scott

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 8, 2020

Very quiet, private narrow beach

Lots of room and very shaded. Most sites are very close to the water. There isn’t much of a beach as the strip of sand between the grass and the water is quite narrow. If you want to avoid the crowd this is the place. If you want a vast and beautiful beach go somewhere else.

Joseph C.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

RV and Cabin Campground in close proximity to besches st Destin Glorids

Military affiliated recreational area. Rates based on rank of military sponsor. Guests do not have to be military affiliated.

SiteCabin 8

Month of VisitJuly

Asher K.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 19, 2017

Military Only

My wife and I are always looking at ways to incorporate more camping into our different adventures so while down at the beach this summer we checked out some nearby sites to visit on our next trip. We came across this option on the Dyrt and were excited since you could see the sites from across the water driving in and it seemed to be well maintained and in a great location. However, we quickly found out that these military sites are not open to the public and you have to have to either be currently serving or a veteran to use the space. However, we were still impressed at how well maintained the area was and there is even a nice picnic/swimming area on the water right outside of the gate. It appears that along with campsites there are also cabins available. If you have a history in the service and are in the area it is well worth checking this one out.

Month of VisitApril

(10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Mid-Bay Shores campground in Niceville?

Mid-Bay Shores offers spacious, well-shaded campsites, many of which are located very close to the water. The campground provides waterfront access to Choctawatchee Bay with its beautiful white sandy shores, though the beach area is relatively narrow. As a military recreational area, the facilities are well-maintained. While the campground doesn't have vast beaches, it offers a quieter alternative to more crowded beach destinations in the area. The secluded setting makes it ideal for campers seeking a peaceful waterfront experience.

Are there photos available of Maxwell-Gunter Mid-Bay Shores Recreation Area?

Photos of Maxwell-Gunter Mid-Bay Shores Recreation Area are available through several sources. The official military recreation website likely features a gallery showcasing the campground's amenities, waterfront, and campsites. You can also find images on camping platforms and social media. These photos typically highlight the campground's shaded sites, the white sandy shores of Choctawatchee Bay, and the natural setting. For the most current visual representation, check the official Maxwell-Gunter recreation website or contact the campground office directly.

How do I make reservations at Maxwell-Gunter Mid-Bay Shores Recreation Area?

Reservations for Mid-Bay Shores can be made through the military recreation system. The campground is a military affiliated recreational area, with rates based on the rank of the military sponsor. Importantly, guests do not have to be military affiliated to stay at the campground. For specific reservation information, contact the Mid-Bay Shores office directly or visit their official website. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred dates and campsite location.

Where is Mid-Bay Shores campground located and how do I get there?

Mid-Bay Shores is located in Niceville, Florida, along the shores of Choctawatchee Bay. The gated entrance to the campground is situated just before the Choctawatchee Mid-Bay Bridge. Formerly called Lake Pippin, the resort was renamed Mid-Bay Shores to better reflect its beautiful white sandy shoreline on Choctawatchee Bay. The location offers a convenient base for exploring the Florida Panhandle while providing a more secluded alternative to busier beach destinations in the area.

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