Glamping near Chipley, Florida offers waterfront opportunities within Florida's pine forests and hardwood landscapes. The area's elevation varies from coastal plains to 130-foot bluffs along the Apalachicola River. Camping options range from primitive sites to full-hookup RV pads with concrete pads within short driving distance to beach destinations. Northern Florida's subtropical climate creates warm summers and mild winters, with occasional humidity spikes during peak summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails through varied terrain: Sand Pond Campground at Pine Log State Forest features a two-mile Campground Trail through mixed hardwood and pine forest. "The two-mile Campground Trail, part of the Forest Service's Trailwalker Program, winds along the banks of Cyprus Pond, through the mixed hardwood/pine forest, and around Sand Pond. This is a nice and easy, well-maintained, level trail," notes one visitor.
Fishing from waterfront sites: Access fishing opportunities directly from your campsite at Three Rivers State Park Campground. "There are a few campsites that sit right on Lake Seminole. Easy access to the water either off the bank, on the pier or rent a canoe/bring a boat and drop in," shares a camper. The park provides convenient amenities for anglers including fish cleaning stations.
Paddleboarding on clear waters: Launch directly into clear waters from several campgrounds. "We were located near the docks and I was able to launch my paddle board easily. The water was gorgeous and clear on the adjacent spring/pond," reports a visitor at Florida Caverns RV Resort.
Scuba diving and water recreation: Vortex Spring caters to divers with dedicated facilities. "I've been here a couple of times for diving and hanging out with friends this place was great. They have rooms available, cabins available, RV spots, and areas to set up a tent. There are many things to do on property. Swimming, diving, water slides, swings, bike trails hiking trails, and Jeep trails," a reviewer explains.
What campers like
Waterfront views and sunsets: Seminole State Park Campground offers premium lake-view sites with thoughtful amenities. "Our site was on the water and had beautiful sunset views. Newly renovated after Hurricane Michael, the upper loop had new gravel pads and plenty of space between sites. Great fire pit and grill combo along with a large and sturdy picnic table," shares one camper.
Private, secluded sites: Several campers praise the privacy at Sand Pond Campground. "Super nice primitive sites! Would advise to book Campsite 2 or 3 as they are more spacious and provide better river views. Overall, well kept and neat. You really feel like you are in a pine forest all by yourself," notes a camper.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Parks in the region offer chances to observe native Florida wildlife. "We saw a security truck drive through several times and had no problems from our neighbors. The location near the water cannot be beat," reports a camper at Florida Caverns RV Resort. Many campers mention seeing deer, rabbits, and various bird species throughout the campgrounds.
Clean, maintained facilities: The upkeep of bathhouses and common areas receives consistent praise. "Bath house was super clean and showers were hot," writes a visitor to Seminole State Park Campground. Another camper at Three Rivers State Park reports, "Bathrooms are clean and impressed how the trash area and dump station were placed away from campers."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer months bring higher temperatures and more visitors. "We spent the first 3 nights of our Florida trip here (February 2020). Kids enjoyed the pool (polar plunge), the basketball hoop and the docks at the pond," shares a visitor at Florida Caverns RV Resort.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Looking forward to going back for a longer stay next time!" notes a summer visitor to Seminole State Park. Advanced booking becomes necessary, especially for waterfront sites.
Site variations: Campground sites vary significantly in size, shade, and amenities. "We have about 1 mile of dirt road to get here. Some campsites can be tight if you have a big rig. Within the past year, they have removed some trees to make it easier to maneuver in the campground," reports a visitor to Sand Pond Campground.
Electricity limitations: Some campgrounds have power restrictions. "Our 30 amp camp site could not support AC and a microwave for 30 seconds without tripping the breaker," notes a camper at St. Andrews State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: St. Andrews State Park Campground offers protected swimming areas ideal for children. "A special treat for the kids each year is the white tailed deer walking through the sites and the bike ride over to the 'Kiddie Pool' at the jetties," shares a regular visitor. The protected swimming area within rock jetties provides safer swimming conditions.
Playgrounds and recreation: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "Great facilities. Very clean and nice facilities. The playground close to the camping loop is nearly complete and looks super fun for the Littles," reports a visitor to Seminole State Park.
Biking opportunities: Paved roads and designated paths make for safe family cycling. "These sites are perfect for our group to book two or three sites together (we book between 6-10 months in advance) and for the kids to ride their bikes around the loop," notes a St. Andrews State Park visitor.
Educational opportunities: Nature trails offer learning experiences. "The hiking trail just reopened and was an easy 2 miles. Tons of animal tracks to look for and identify!" reports a visitor to Seminole State Park Campground, highlighting opportunities for children to connect with nature.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose sites carefully based on access and size. "Older reviews here were for Arrowhead Campground. New name and new management (or ownership?) We spent the first 3 nights of our Florida trip here (February 2020)," mentions a visitor to Florida Caverns RV Resort, noting the newer management has made improvements for RVers.
Distance from attractions: Twin Lakes Camp Resort offers excellent amenities while maintaining proximity to attractions. "Far yet close…that's the first thing that comes to mind. Far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the beach areas but close enough to enjoy them just the same. Do yourself a favor and give this place a try if you are in the Panama City beach/bay county/Walton county area," recommends a camper at Sand Pond Campground.
Pad quality and leveling: Concrete pads at some campgrounds make setup easier. "Pads were clean and level. Staff was very nice. Bathrooms were clean," reports a visitor to Florida Caverns RV Resort.
Hookup reliability: Water and electric connections vary by location. "Site 10 was fabulous and all sites have 50/30 amp hookup and water. Dump station nearby and a hood bathhouse area with showers," notes a camper at Sand Pond Campground.
