Best RV Parks & Resorts near Apalachicola, FL

Let me say first that St. George Island State Park is perhaps the main reason we purchased our small travel trailer in the first place and found groups like The Dyrt for insight for other places to explore. We visited St. George Island in May on Florida’s“Forgotten Coast” but the State Park on the island really stole the show. 

The first thing you’ll notice about both the island and in particular the State Park is how remote it is. The beaches are seemingly empty even during busy seasons. It has one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire state of Florida and as Floridian’s we are pretty particular. The beach is lined with beautiful sand dunes from one end to the other. The island is narrow with a single road maybe 5 miles long. The road was closed after the camp ground as they are still repairing the park from the last hurricane that hammered The Panhandle area of Florida. Not sure what's taking so long as State Park HQ is in Tallahassee only an hour or so away. 

The park has one camp ground and sites are very hard to come by. One visit and you’ll see why. Facilities are very well maintained with a friendly staff which is true for most Florida State Parks. There was a good mix of people camping in tents, small trailers and big rigs which is nice as many places in Florida are dominated by people who camp with everything they own and have rigs bigger than our house. 

You bring your own fun here so just chill on the beach. If you have kayaks or paddle boards bring em. If you have bikes, those would be good too. Fishing(check). You could probably catch dinner as there is little pressure on these waters. There is some hiking but just walking on the beach is great. Nice flat beach at low tide with hard packed sand from the outgoing tide will make it a great walk. 

Be sure to visit Apalachicola across the bay. A really good place to eat is the Owl Cafe and if you can get there for a Sunday Brunch, all the better. Very local, very southern, very authentic. 

We will be back for sure whenever we can secure a camping spot that fits our schedule. Hope it won't be too long!

Nice campground. Helpful staff at check-in. It has a nice pool and is on the beach. Access is across Route 98, but the traffic was minimal. There is some road noise at site#39, but it is not bad. Level site, full hooks, cable TV, and good internet speeds. Getting the RV positioned was a little tricky. While the site is long enough, the sewer connection is closer to the front of the site, so we could not park at the back. We had to be positioned to reach the sewer connection and work our rear slide around a large palm tree. Site 39 backs up to the pool and park office. At busier times, there may be a lot of people traffic, but not during our stay. Also note that there are no firepit or grills provided at the site. You must have your own grill. We enjoyed our five-night stay here. IGA grocery store in Carrabelle is the closest. Fathom’s Steam Room and Raw Bar is an old Florida open-air restaurant and bar with live music. There is a small dog park in the resort. Lots to explore in the area: Carrabelle, Eastpoint, St George Island, Lighthouse, and State Park, Tate’s Hell State Forest, Crooked River Lighthouse, or just relaxing by the pool or on the beach.

We came to this campground after staying at St George Island state oro to complete a 2 week trip. We read the reviews of the small spaces for big rigs and we confirm it as we arrived.. although it is a fact we still made it with our fifth wheel on campsite#9 designated for a 35’. If the site had the front bushes trimmed out it would make it easier since it’s a curve to back it. But at the end we just back straight and the privacy of it was worth it.. it’s just back of the river and canoeing area and although we got rained at arrival since hurricane Sally approach same day we were able to see what we came for, quiet, peace, small not crowded campsite and got to see very close the unique white squirrel. Rangers at main gate were very friendly and gave us great information and tips due to heavy rain and winds expected due to hurricane Sally approaching same night. We walk thru a couple of trials and everything was well maintained. Also used the women’s restroom and although is not new the toilet and sink areas were really cleaned and the toilet paper was actually of a great quality. ( impressive knowing this to be badly rated restrooms). The tide creek Picnic Shelter is well maintained , lots of parking and there is a lot to do if you bring the kids including swings and slides. Canoeing, fishing, fire rings and all the uniqueness of the palmetto bushes and oak trees. If you like to be alone in the woods and no heavy city population this is the park to come. Did not got to enjoy the stars because of all the rain from hurricane path. We never experimented any bad winds during this Hurricane situation and the rain went so well for our taste of resting before heading back to our 7 hour trip back home. And yes looking forward to come again but will try other better sites for our fifth wheel now I know which they are.

There are about 10 sites total at this free campground.  There is a tent-only side with about 4 sites, with a pit toilet.  The tent sites are much nicer than the RV sites.  They are among the trees, they are more spread out, and on the water.  The RV sites are all lined up in a row in an open field with no shade.  The RV sites have a concrete pad as well as a fire pit and a grill and a picnic table.

We were here over a weekend and it was really, really quiet.  There was only one other RV camper here besides us and no hooligans coming through, surprisingly.

Good cell service with ATT and Verizon.  There are garbage bins (no recycling).

Not a fancy place but great for free.  You need to make reservations in advance with the Northwest Florida Water Management District.