14 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Blackwater River State Forest's campgrounds accommodate pets at both North and South Karick Lake locations, offering water and electric hookups for tent and RV camping in a peaceful lakeside setting. All sites at Eagle's Landing RV Park and River's Edge RV Campground provide full hookups and welcome pets with designated dog walking areas. Henderson Beach State Park and Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park maintain pet-friendly policies while offering diverse camping options including cabins at select locations. The campgrounds feature well-maintained facilities with picnic tables and fire rings at most sites. Gravel, level lots provide comfortable spaces for RVs with 30/50 amp connections widely available. Most locations maintain clean restrooms and shower facilities, though amenities vary by location. Several campgrounds offer reasonably sized sites with good spacing between neighbors.
Hiking trails around Karick Lake provide excellent opportunities for dog walking, with a 4-mile loop trail connecting the North and South campgrounds. The Yellow River access at River's Edge RV Campground creates opportunities for shoreline walks with pets. Wilderness Landing offers primitive pet-friendly camping with pavilions and grills by the riverfront. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies and request proper waste disposal. The forested settings provide ample shade during hot Florida months, making morning and evening walks more comfortable for pets. Wildlife is present throughout these natural areas, so keeping dogs leashed is important for their safety and that of local fauna. Campground hosts at most locations help ensure pet policies are followed and can provide information about nearby veterinary services if needed. The sites remain quiet enough for a peaceful stay despite occasional vehicle noise from nearby roadways.
"This park kicks off the start of the Florida trail. It's the largest state park in Florida with over 200,000 acres of forest."
"Located in dense woods so bugs can be an issue. There is a short trail to the river beach access."
from $20 / night
"With big sites and the distance between neighbors are far apart really have a good privacy and safety. They have camper storage Boat ramp and some trail that you can walk you pups at."
"We liked our spot because it was tucked in the woods and we had no close neighbors. The rest of the campsites were in the open, but the distance between rigs was reasonable. "
from $30 / night
"Conveniently close to grocery stores. If you want to stay in Florida at affordable prices and have access to the best beaches in the US. This is the place to stay."
"It is located between Niceville and Bluewater Bay where you will find everything you need nearby (restaurant, grocery, fuel, etc.). The campground is small and was very quiet."
Available this weekend
from $16 / night
"There is a central RV dump station at the exit. There is also a shower house on site. Well maintained with park host on site to address any issues."
"This is a great single loop 20 site campground right on the lake mostly rvers. Individual bathroom, shower rooms, clean, and nice."
Available this weekend
from $22 / night
"going here for the last 4 years we love the people, they're very nice and good people, there lots are a good size, they're very reasonable with their price we're not going anywhere else when we're in Florida"
"It is easy to get to and maneuver around. Close to the freeway but you don't hear the traffic. Dog friendly."
from $47 - $55 / night
"Sites are close together but waterfront sites have extended area behind the site. Weekends and holidays are busy."
"Bear Lake was quiet, very well kept, bathrooms were very clean they offered a whole room to yourself (sink, toilet, shower all-in one room) ."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $13 - $22 / night
"Little pool, dog park, beach close by, tons of biking, deer, turkeys, birds galore. Highly recommend the Donut Hole for breakfast, brunch or lunch! So good! Service was awesome!"
"Site 81- level; gravel parking pad; 8x30 ft concrete patio; moveable picnic table; partial shade Very nice beach
Hourly tram to the beach
Good bike paths
Very nice Campbell Lake"
Available this weekend
from $24 - $130 / night
"a two-minute drive."
"Pad 13 is a roomy site surrounded by lush foliage and trees. Included on my site was a nice picnic table, fire pit and clothes line."
Available this weekend
from $30 / night
"The best parts of this recreation center are the 65-acre Karick Lake and the 4-mile Karick Lake Loop Trail, part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Program."
"Single loop campground mostly RVs most of the site right next to the lake quiet, peaceful, amazing simple getaway."
Available this weekend
from $22 / night
"Want to be away from it all - this is the place. Grass sites, some shade."
"It is located right on the Blackwater River and has a boat launch and two pavilions with tables and barbeque grills right on the beach. The river is sand bottom and fairly clear."
GuideThe park has a great atmosphere. The sites may be close, but no one invades another persons site and most of the people that live here work. Because it doesn’t offer much in the way of all the bells and whistles, most people would avoid it, which suits me just fine!
ScoutAfter almost seven years at Campout Alabama, I’ve stayed quiet about why I left. But watching one of the owners publicly boast about “new money” while remembering what went on behind the scenes is too much to swallow.
I remember credit cards declining when we needed supplies for his own business. I remember us practically begging for chlorine for the pool. I remember power lines in pine trees and box fans being used to cool breaker panels. That’s what comes to mind when I see the displays of wealth.
A mansion doesn’t impress me when the people keeping your business running are asking for basic supplies and payment. Bragging about wealth under those circumstances is embarrassing.
Before delivering another speech about “new money,” try explaining why the basics were such a struggle. Chlorine. Supplies. Paying people for their work. These are basic responsibilities of owning a business.
I cannot recommend Campout Alabama under this ownership. Almost seven years gave me plenty of time to form that opinion, and no amount of bragging changes what I experienced and so many others experience!
ScoutQuiet, peaceful, beautiful lake great fishing no gas powered engines allowed on lake electric and paddle only nice boat ramp clean campsites campground host extremely nice
ScoutJust be forewarned this is NOT a normal camping experience. By far.
Firstly, there are no actual accommodations as advertised. The "camping" you will experience consists of no primitive sites, no RV hookups, no amenities to speak of, and many other inconsistencies despite what's being presented here. There are no private areas even for changing your clothes much less anything else. As it sits beside a major county roadway with a public boat ramp with roadside public parking making any chance of alone time impossible most days. You CANNOT per county ordinances have any unregulated fires or burning due to the lake being EPA protected. If you get caught disturbing any of the flora or fauna you are subject to possible fines or prosecution by FWC. Not one stump is to be disturbed at all. The advertisement is misleading regarding this property. For the amount of money being charged you may as well go a few more miles and get a room at a motel. It would be cheaper if you did. I gave two stars because of the lake itself. Which BTW, is NOT actually "visible " from this property itself. The best viewing and admiring is better at the PUBLIC areas that are county owned and somewhat maintained. The lake itself is public use for everyone. Not to mention that this property owner has a negative reputation for shady practices in the local area. Any observations of illegal practices should be reported to law enforcement.
TravelerWe paid for the private deck overlooking the water and would do it again in a heartbeat. We didn't have to travel far and we're used to Gulf Coast views, but we couldn't be happier with our choice of campgrounds. Premium spots are a little tight if your neighbors have slides, but the deck makes up for it.
TravelerGreat park well maintained with level gravel sites. Fire rings, bbqs, benches are in great shape. Bathrooms very clean and maintained.
TravelerSmall campground. Peaceful. Mostly older people in small RVs. Oddly enough no issue with mosquitoes which was shocking! Very nice sites
GuideGrayton Beach State Park is an outstanding place to camp in December, especially if you enjoy birding, hiking, and spending time outdoors without the heat and crowds of the summer months.
December is a great time to explore the park. The cooler temperatures make walking the trails much more comfortable, and the campground has a peaceful, laid-back feel during the winter. Tent camping is especially enjoyable if you come prepared for the weather. Days can be mild and beautiful, but mornings and nights can get surprisingly cool, so warm layers and a good sleeping bag are definitely worth bringing.
For birding, Grayton Beach is a fantastic location. The combination of coastal dunes, pine forest, wetlands, Western Lake, and the Gulf creates several different habitats within a relatively small area. Early mornings are particularly enjoyable when the park is quiet and wildlife is active. Bring a good pair of binoculars and take your time around Western Lake and the trails through the wooded areas.
GuideTopsail Hill Preserve State Park is an excellent place for tent camping in December, especially if you enjoy hiking, wildlife, and having easy access to the beach without the summer crowds.
December is a great time to experience the park. The cooler temperatures make hiking much more enjoyable, and the campground is generally quieter and more relaxed than during the warmer months. The nights can get chilly, so I would definitely recommend bringing a good sleeping bag, warm layers, and something to block the wind. During the day, though, the weather can be perfect for exploring.
My biggest advice for December tent campers is to prepare for changing weather. You could have a beautiful mild afternoon followed by a cold and windy night. Bring layers, rain protection, and a windproof jacket rather than relying on one heavy coat.
Overall, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is one of the better winter camping destinations on the Florida Panhandle. You get the Gulf, hiking, birding, dune lakes, wildlife, and a comfortable campground all in one place. For someone who prefers quiet trails and beaches over hot weather and summer crowds, December may actually be one of the best times of the year to camp here.
Blackwater River State Forest and nearby areas offer diverse camping options near Crestview, Florida. The region sits at elevations between 50-250 feet above sea level with sandy soil and longleaf pine forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop into the 30s, creating variable camping conditions throughout the year.
Kayaking and canoeing on Blackwater River: Access points available at multiple locations with calm, clear water ideal for beginners. At Blackwater River State Park Campground, visitors praise the water activities: "The river is awesome! If you love trees especially pines....this is the spot. Also GREAT tubing and canoeing!" according to Tessa M.
Fishing at Bear Lake: 103-acre lake stocked with bass, accessible via boat ramp or shoreline. "The lake is so gorgeous, I kept saying to my husband that I felt like I was in a jigsaw puzzle picture," writes Amanda K. at Bear Lake Campground. The campground offers electric motor-only boating and a fishing dock.
Hiking forest trails: Several interconnected paths through pine forests provide wildlife viewing. "The 4-mile Karick Lake Loop Trail, part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Program" offers scenic views according to Dale W. who visited South Karick Lake. The Sweetwater trail travels around portions of Bear Lake and connects to other forest paths.
Private, secluded sites: Many campgrounds feature well-spaced areas with natural barriers. At Henderson Beach State Park Campground, "The sites are huge and shaded. The campgrounds are clean. You can walk to one of the best beaches in the United States," reports Frances F. The park maintains vegetative buffers between sites.
Clean facilities: Consistently well-maintained bathhouses across most campgrounds. "The bathhouse was very clean with plenty of hot water. Never though I would feel it necessary to comment 'the most astounding gravel driveway,'" notes Richard R. at Blackwater River State Park. Many campgrounds feature individual bathroom/shower rooms rather than communal facilities.
Beach access: Several campgrounds provide direct or nearby routes to shorelines. "White sand beaches for $30 a night you can't beat it!" shares Molley T. about Henderson Beach State Park. The pristine beaches feature sugar-white sand characteristic of Florida's Emerald Coast region.
Weather considerations: Summer heat and humidity can be intense, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. A camper at Fred Gannon noted, "The only downside is the hot and humid weather but this is sort of unavoidable unless you go in the winter months." Winter camping offers milder temperatures but occasional cold snaps.
Flooding potential: Low-lying areas may experience water issues after heavy rains. "We woke up the following morning to about 2-3 foot of water under our camper where the river had flooded. Most of the camp ground had been evacuated," warns Haley A. from River's Edge RV Campground. Check weather forecasts before arrival.
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds fill months in advance, especially during peak seasons. "Reservations here are extremely hard to get, especially on short notice," explains Tony C. about Henderson Beach State Park. Off-season weekdays offer the best availability for last-minute trips.
Beach day trips: Access to Gulf beaches within 30-45 minutes of most forest campgrounds. At Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground, "Either ride your bike or take the tram the mile to the boardwalk and beach," suggests John O. The park offers both natural beaches and freshwater lakes.
Kid-friendly site selection: Look for sites with open space for play areas. "We stayed with two small tents in T6, which had some shade but was also adjacent to an open field area, which would be great for kiddos who want room to spread out and play games," shares Latika Y. about Topsail Hill's tent camping area.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many parks offer ranger programs or interpretive trails. "Located just a few miles north of Henderson Beach State Park, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is a luscious green counterpoint to the sugar white beaches on the coast line," notes Dale W. The trails include informational signage about local ecosystems.
Site dimensions and access: Select sites based on vehicle size and maneuverability. At Eagle's Landing RV Park, "Gravel level lots. 30/50 amp at each. Nice shower, bath rooms. Hard to get reservations, some full timers, but no complaints," reports Brenda O. The park features pull-through sites preferred by larger rigs.
Winter stays: The region offers comfortable RV camping during colder months. "Very nice campground. Secluded & not many campers when we went (February). Bathrooms were clean & warm," mentions Dani M. about Blackwater River State Park. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with fewer crowds during winter.
Free camping option: For budget-conscious travelers, primitive sites without hookups. "Good spot for free. Clean showers/toilet building. Pavilions and grills by the river," says Salvador G. about Wilderness Landing. This pet-friendly camping near Crestview allows stays up to 14 days at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Crestview, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Crestview, FL is Blackwater River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Crestview, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 113 dog-friendly camping locations near Crestview, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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