Fort Walton Beach camping sites offer access to both the calm waters of Choctawhatchee Bay and the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The area's barrier island geography creates protected camping environments with sandy soil that drains well during typical summer afternoon thunderstorms. Area campgrounds range from 7-30 feet in elevation, with most offering level, stabilized sites despite the region's sandy terrain.
What to do
Paddle the calm bay waters: Fort Walton Beach campers can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding directly from bayfront camping sites. At Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground, campers have direct access to a boat ramp with ample parking. "The day I was there, there were 40 plus trailers in the parking lot," noted one visitor, who appreciated the "doublewide boat ramp with ample boat trailer parking."
Fish from private piers: Several campgrounds maintain fishing piers exclusively for guest use. The Santa Rosa RV Resort features a 300-foot pier extending into Santa Rosa Bay. "The 300 foot pier allows you to walk out and have an even more expanded view. If you prefer, you can throw out a line and test your luck or rent a kayak or paddleboards and get on the water for a while," reported one camper.
Explore hiking trails: While beaches draw most visitors, the area's state parks offer walking paths through coastal woodland habitats. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground features "cool shorter hiking trails to take you to lakes or the gulf," according to a recent visitor. Another camper noted, "Keep in mind, this is a Preserve. Good trails, coastal dunes with lakes, fishing, paddling, beach, cabins, and tent camping including Glamping!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate campgrounds that create separation between sites. At Henderson Beach State Park Campground, "the sites are luscious and private" according to one visitor. Another camper noted the "sites are huge and shaded. The campgrounds are clean. You can walk to one of the best beaches in the United States."
Direct beach access: The ability to walk to the beach ranks high among camper preferences. At Camp On The Gulf, beachfront camping puts you "10 steps from the beautiful sandy beach," according to a recent visitor. Another camper shared, "Beautiful on the beach camp ground. Full service, good security, location and very friendly and helpful staff."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses consistently earn praise in reviews. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground receives high marks for its "very clean" restrooms. One camper observed, "Showers have Plenty of room and I loved their washer/dryer set up too." Another noted that "family showers are also available, which is very helpful with little kids."
What you should know
Reservation timing is critical: Florida state park campgrounds allow bookings 11 months in advance, and prime sites fill quickly. One visitor to Topsail Hill Preserve advised, "For hammock campers, the tent camping spots are okay for hammock camping. I made due but I was in spot 21 and there are no trees accessible enough to hang a hammock up how you would want."
Beach conditions vary by location: Not all "beach" campgrounds offer the white sand beaches typical of Gulf shorelines. The Hideaway Retreat features "a charming 'community' fire pit available, with cornhole and some other games surrounding it." However, one camper noted, "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."
Traffic and noise considerations: Campgrounds near major roads experience significant traffic noise. Santa Rosa RV Resort receives praise for its amenities but comes with a caution: "If you happen to get a site next to the road, especially towards the back of the park, the road noise is intense and unending. There is a traffic light down the road and there is constant loud noise."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beach options: Choose campgrounds with protected swimming areas for safer water play. The Emerald Beach RV Park offers a small beach on the sound side where "the water is more shallow and calm. It is a great family place, lots of kids around," according to one visitor. Another camper noted, "We could play on the campground beach located on the sound or drive about 5 minutes to the gulf front beach."
Plan for hot weather activities: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. At Camp On The Gulf, families appreciate the "2 nice pools" including one that's "covered and heated with a hot tub." One visitor mentioned that "the week we were there they had a different activity for the kids each day. They had painting sand dollars, bubba the alligator show, face painting and even an Easter egg hunt."
Consider campground layouts: Choose sites that offer space for kids to play. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park's tent area includes sites "adjacent to an open field area, which would be great for kiddos who want room to spread out and play games," according to a camper who stayed with two small tents.
Tips from RVers
Site angles and access: Several campgrounds have unusual entrance angles requiring careful navigation. At The Hideaway Retreat, "there are lots of magnolia and oak trees and there's gravel throughout. Make sure you're an expert if hauling a trailer or driving a large RV because space is tight and the tree canopies are low."
Military discount options: Active and retired military personnel can access Eglin AFB FamCamp at significant savings. One visitor noted, "For the price, location and security I would give it five stars. We stayed at Camp Robbins for 10 days and for what we payed for that time would have only payed for one night at a hotel."
Beach-adjacent alternatives: For RVers seeking beach proximity without beachfront prices, consider campgrounds with shuttle access. Destin West RV Resort is "across the street from the beach" and "all paved sites, Very clean and well groomed full hook up sites. It's a little pricey but location is worth it," according to a recent visitor.
