Several pet-friendly camping locations surround the small town of Bagdad, situated along Blackwater River and Escambia Bay in northwest Florida. The region experiences mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing and humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Campsites in this area offer varying levels of tree cover, with some waterfront locations providing views of Santa Rosa Sound while others feature wooded settings along the Blackwater River.
What to do
Water activities on Blackwater River: At Blackwater River State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy the pristine waters of the river system. "The river and the surrounds are super quiet, peaceful and beautiful. Tubing, kayaking canoeing are all super here as is the bike riding, if you know where to go, (hint: follow the road to the boat ramp just north of the entrance)," notes Jim.
Historic fort exploration: The preserved military structures at Fort Pickens Campground provide a day's worth of historical investigation. "We were able to use our senior national park pass to get in for free and a discount on our site. We were less than a 10 minute walk from the beach and walked about 30 minutes to the old fort," reports Deborah C.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated fishing access. "People were fishing right off the bridge that separates the two parts of the campground," notes Lawrence Robert T. about Avalon Landing RV Park. Santa Rosa RV Resort provides a 300-foot fishing pier for guests seeking deeper water.
What campers like
Sound-side swimming: The protected waters of Santa Rosa Sound create family-friendly swimming areas at Santa Rosa RV Resort. "Clean, comfortable park on the Santa Rosa Bay, which is right across from the Gulf of Mexico. Beautiful sunsets and the pool was heated to 87 degrees! Includes a small, dog-friendly, beach," explains Doug.
Dog-friendly beach access: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Bagdad allow pets to enjoy water activities. "Our dog had a great time running along the clean beach without a leash," mentions DALLEEN about The Hideaway Retreat. This feature particularly benefits campers traveling with pets who enjoy swimming.
On-site games and activities: Splash RV Resort & Waterpark offers extensive recreation options within the campground itself. "There are a lot of activities planned for the kids...the lazy river and waterslides were her favorite. We especially liked the armband so the kids were able to purchase food, drinks, game tokens for the arcade," notes L&A C.
What you should know
Highway noise impacts: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise from nearby roadways. "The sites are well-maintained with concrete pads, though some locations experience traffic noise from nearby Interstate 10," a common challenge at several properties. "If you are one to stay in your camper after playing all day, this park is for you. It's loud by the highway," warns Rani D. about Splash RV Resort.
Beach conditions vary: The beaches along Santa Rosa Sound differ from Gulf beaches. "It is on the sound so the sand is not white like on the gulf and the water is more shallow and calm," explains Gypsy G. about The Hideaway Retreat.
Site size limitations: Some campgrounds have tight spacing between sites. "Sites are pretty close together and some of the amenities like the mini golf course need to be updated," notes Rick D. about Milton-Gulf Pines KOA. At The Hideaway Retreat, one reviewer mentioned "the sites are VERY small - you are packed in like sardines - do not expect any privacy whatsoever."
Tips for camping with families
Water feature selection: Choose campgrounds with appropriate water features based on children's ages. "The depth and calmness are perfect for younger children and parents who want to semi-chill on the beach without too much worry," writes Gypsy G. about The Hideaway Retreat's waterfront.
Activity planning for weather backup: Consider campgrounds with indoor options for rainy days. "The karaoke was also a lot of fun, and the foam party was a blast to watch," mentions L&A C. about activities at Splash RV Resort that kept children entertained during weather issues.
Evening programming: Milton-Gulf Pines KOA offers nighttime activities for families. "We enjoyed our stay here and will be back for future Florida stays. Great staff. Pool was nice! Great little putt putt area for kids," shares Jimmy L., highlighting amenities that extend entertainment into evening hours.
Tips from RVers
Site backing challenges: Large rigs require careful maneuvering at certain campgrounds. "RV sites are long enough for 44 ft motorhome and toad. However sites are at 90 degree angle and hard to get into for big rigs, but doable," warns James R. about Milton-Gulf Pines KOA.
Seasonal timing: Consider off-peak visits for quieter experiences. "Very nice campground. Secluded & not many campers when we went (February). Bathrooms were clean & warm," reports Dani M. about Blackwater River State Park, suggesting winter months provide less crowded conditions.
Utility placement considerations: Some campgrounds have inconvenient utility hookup locations. "Sewer, water & electric were all at front of site, so had to pull into access road to dump," notes George R., highlighting the importance of checking hookup locations when selecting sites for RVs.
