Hurlburt Field FamCamp

If you are looking for a simple place to park your RV for the night and don’t mind an environment completely devoid of character and simply want to park on a flat piece of concrete and aren’t concerned with the Matrix-like ubiquitous pod-style diagonal RV parking slots that look and feel identical to each and everyone besides it, then Hurlburt Field FamCamp might just be for you. Unlike many other ‘erector-set’ RV pastures that have sprung up everywhere recently, here at least there is a designated area that offers up 5-6 different fresh wooded sites for those desiring to ‘pitch a tent.’

While there are a number of other nearby campgrounds (but to be fair, this is less a campground and more accurately, an RV parking lot), there exists a number of other alternatives that will place you much closer to nature and the Gulf of Mexico. But if that’s not of particular concern to you, and you don’t mind planting yourself overnight (or for a few days) on a slice of concrete pavement albeit on a first-come, first-served basis in the middle of absolutely nowhere, then you could certainly do worse than Hurlburt Field FamCamp. Here, there’s some 48 RV sites with full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) along with 10 or so primitive campsites. 

There’s both a bathhouse and laundry facilities site onsite and each site has its own picnic table along with intermittent WiFi access. Registration only occurs once on-site, which from a business standpoint makes absolutely no sense to me – I mean why would I drive completely out of the way to this particular spot if I didn’t know that there was a spot that could be provided? This pretty much guarantees that whatever spot you do find here at pet-friendly Hurlburt Field FamCamp is ’bottom of the barrel’ and a ‘last resort’ when you can’t find anything else better … or cheaper. And I have to admit, for a few bucks more, you can CERTAINLY find better than this nearby that puts you directly on the Gulf of Mexico. 

So that likely helps us arrive to the most obvious consideration – if you are here for whatever reason – to be closely connected to those within the nearby Air Force Base, then great, you’ve not only found your location, but likely, you’ve found your peeps who are here for the same reason. But if you are simply vacationing and looking for an amazing spot to ‘call home’ for the night, then you should mosey on and look for another spot (and around here, there are SO MANY to choose from). But if you’re not, and simply looking for a spot that provides convenience, then you have it. 

Insider’s tips? (1) Hurlburt, at best, is a quick and easy layover, but make no mistake about it, this is not a destination. The good news is, you don’t have to go much further in any direction to find many more suitable and attractive options; (2) There is zero privacy here wherein the circular RV parking lot is wide open, therefore you will have complete visibility to your neighbors, apart from the sliver of space that exists between each parked RV, so bear that in mind and bring hanging sheets or other means to create your own privacy if this is important to you; (3) Unless there is a good reason why you need to stay here, I would highly recommend actually making some amazing memories by checking out one of the campgrounds like The Hideaway Retreat nearer the beach, which offers not only fantastic views of and access to the Gulf, but additionally, much more space as well as an array of amenities; and (4) When you get to the bottom of your onboard fridge and / or just want to try out some good local fare, I highly recommend The Shack for some pretty amazing locally caught seafood. You’ll want to get here early though, especially on the weekends, as the place fills up fast and there’s always a long line out the door. 

Happy Camping!