The Hideaway Retreat

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!

The Hideaway Retreat is a quirky little place tucked between the Santa Rosa Sound and Navarre Hwy. I can’t say it was a horrible stay - there are some nice features: you are pretty much right on the water and the depth and calmness are perfect for younger children and parents who want to semi-chill on the beach without too much worry. The beach has some storm damage that needs to be repaired but it’s ok. Definitely not the white pristine sand like further down at the pier. You can’t have a campfire at your site but there is a charming “community “ fire pit available, with cornhole and some other games surrounding it (my grandson loved this feature). You can rent kayaks and paddle boards at the campground ($35/half day) which we did and enjoyed. Some of the negatives: if you are tent camping DO NOT let the put you in a site near the highway - the car noise is VERY loud & you will not sleep (I ended up sleeping in my minivan and then moved sites the next day). This site was also right next to the dumpster, which was overflow and very smelly. The sites closer to the beach are much nicer and quieter. The sites are VERY small - you are packed in like sardines - do not expect any privacy whatsoever. The bathrooms are pretty run down and not restocked frequently- plan to bring your own TP. There is a laundry facility on site that I did use ($2.25/load). Not sure if I would stay here again - definitely only if I had a spot close to the beach.

Our disappointment is mostly with the cost and lack of concern by management. ! When I called to reserve I was reassured my upgraded waterfront cost of $95 (total actually was $134) a night would be "great". When we checked in we were asked to pay a pet fee...this was news.. never mentioned prior or on the website.. it was only $5 so I paid it. Also not mentioned and should be is the space was super tight and the neighbors sewer line was right by our picnic table. The two next spaces... same cost are spacious and well laid out.. SAME COST? Not really fair. Luckily we only stayed in what felt like an ally, including the smell of urine for 2 days. I hate confrontation but I put on my big girl pants and whet to the office to discuss our uncomfortable assigned space. Night before we left the other guests shared we we not the first to have this experience. Hope these new owners can get it together and speak with action and not just a meaningless "sorry". Minor things...the beach shore is very eroded and marked off with ugly cones and caution tape, bathhouse while a very cutesy remodel, was totally filthy. Hubby said mens was very old and also filthy...takes a lot for him to say that.
On a positive, our dog had a great time running along the clean beach without a leash.

We really felt taken...hope you don't

There were some positives and some negatives for this campground. The area is beautiful and the deck overlooking the ocean is perfect for sunsets. The trees interwoven between campsites were picturesque, and the beach is small but very dog friendly- your dog can run off-leash and swim if you so desire. The common area, which has been mentioned and pictured in other reviews, was very nice to have for extra things to do and to meet other campers. Laundry is $4.50/load. Our spot(#1) was in the overflow parking lot next to the restrooms. We had barely any space for ourselves and we were told someone would be put in the spot beside us ONE night(we were amazed a spot even existed beside our tiny space) and that ended up being 5 nights of our week stay. There are some spots that are decent in the campgrounds, but they should not have added these two spots in the overflow parking- just not worth the price. The pier advertised is destroyed from the hurricane last year and repairs have not begun on it nor the sea wall, which does take away from the beach experience. If we hadn’t been stuck with spot#1, this would be a 4 star review. Also, not their fault but just a note- be aware that FL98 is an incredibly dangerous highway and driving in/out of the campgrounds with or without a trailer is horrendous. We saw several bad accidents every single day.

This campground on Route 98 just east of Navarre Beach was renamed to The Hideaway Camping Retreat with new owners about 8 months ago. It was obvious that Jeanie the owner takes pride in the campground as she showed me around. Numerous improvements have already been made and there are more plans for the future. One planned improvement is to build decks on the four premium waterfront sites (#37, 45, 46, and 47). 

The bathhouse is very clean and nicely decorated, unique to campgrounds I have seen. There are a community fire pit, hammocks and a small beach that allows pets. Also a very nice laundry room– I wouldn’t mind doing my laundry there! 

What sets this campground apart is the numerous trees on the property. I visited on a cool, cloudy day in February, but I imagine the shade from the trees would be very welcome in the summer. Also, unlike many other RV parks, the sites are not lined up in a row like dominoes. Some sites have more separation than others.

Rates, while a bit pricey, are not out of line for Florida RV parks. Rates are based on the type of site and season and range from $45 for a tent site in fall/winter to $125 for a premium waterfront site on a holiday for spring/summer (March 1-September 15). 

Note that it could be challenging to find as the traffic can be fierce on 98 and the sign is small but I guess that’s what makes it a hideaway!