5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Black Water River State Forest offers several primitive tent camping options within 30 miles of Crestview, Florida. Hurricane Lake South Campground provides lakeside tent camping in a scenic setting with grassy sites, each equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping areas allow up to 14-day stays in more remote locations suitable for traditional tent camping experiences.
Most tent sites have level, packed-ground tent pads, though Hurricane Lake South features grassy sites that accommodate hammock camping between trees. Access roads may become difficult after rain, with significant puddles that require higher-clearance vehicles. While some campgrounds offer limited amenities like pit toilets and potable water spigots, most primitive camping areas require campers to bring all supplies and practice leave-no-trace principles. Tent campers should be prepared for possible wildlife encounters, as the forest is home to various Florida wildlife, including alligators in lake areas.
Tent campers at Black Water River State Forest enjoy considerable privacy with spacious, well-separated sites that provide a genuine wilderness experience. Many sites offer direct access to Hurricane Lake for fishing and paddling, though only trolling motors are permitted on the water. The forest provides extensive hiking opportunities with connections to Alabama's Conecuh National Forest for longer backpacking trips. According to one visitor, "Hurricane lake south is a beautiful spot to relax and decompress. I suggest bringing fishing gear if you are into fishing." Point Washington State Forest, located further south, offers additional primitive tent camping with sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and gravel tent pads near Eastern Lake.
"Epic free spot just outside of the Black Water Forest State Park. Camp here for up to 14 days."
"As it had recently rained the road was a mess coming in, nothing real deep, just large puddles."
"Love this lakeside camp ground has showers, fire pits, asphalt slab boat launch fishing elect motor"
from $18 / night
"We were greeted by the kindest friendliest host as we were setting up. He made sure we knew the rules and amenities. We stayed in camp site 2. The sites were spacious and grassy."
"By far my favorite campsite in NW Florida. Remote but good roads all the way to it."
from $13 / night
from $18 / night
from $18 / night
"Plenty of space between sites. FHU, level gravel, waterfront site with picnic table, fire ring, and grill. Felt safe, and across the street from bathrooms/laundry. Dated but clean."
"After a long days drive it was a perfect place to take our dog for a walk to stretch our legs and settle in to a great campsite. "
Available this weekend
"We're excited to welcome this new partner to our platform. Pull your RV into this flat, grassy area that's close to: East Bay Boat Ramp- 4.1 miles Navarre Beach- 6.8 miles Blackwater River- 20 miles."
from $28 - $35 / night
from $18 / night
from $20 / night
"Nice primitive campground located near 30A beach. The road leading in is sandy and gravely."
"Good distance to beaches, although I didn’t see a way to walk to the beach - we drove. I would not chance the forest roads in a sedan."
Available this weekend
from $9 / night
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.
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.
ScoutWe enjoyed the night stay here. Everything is clean and orderly. Will stay again.
Black Water River State Forest encompasses 210,000 acres of pine forest that stretches into Alabama. Located within 30 miles of Crestview, Florida, the forest experiences high humidity during summer months with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Winter tent camping is more comfortable with daytime temperatures between 50-70°F and significantly lower humidity levels.
Backpacking across state lines: Take advantage of Black Water's connection to Alabama's Conecuh National Forest for multi-state hiking trips. "Black Water River State Forest is on the Florida and Alabama state line. This is all primitive camping so be sure to bring EVERYTHING you need to camp. Also it is connected to Alabama's Conecuh National Forest, so there's lots of ground to cover to get some miles in," notes Wayne H.
Mountain biking on forest trails: Point Washington State Forest offers extensive trail systems for mountain biking enthusiasts. "I did the 10 mile single track flat bike route. I saw not much wildlife or birds. It was a foggy overcast day," reports Andrea S. about her experience at Eastern Lake Campground 1.
Winter paddling: Explore Eastern Lake with non-motorized watercraft during cooler months. "Point Washington also offers three hiking trail options on the Eastern Lake bike/hike trial. The hiker or bicyclist can travel the 3.5-, 5- or 10-mile loop. This trail is part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Hiking Program," explains Dale W. who enjoyed Eastern Lake Campground 2.
Solitude and privacy: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of tent camping near Crestview. "It was so quiet there and we were the only ones at the campground, we enjoyed the peace and quiet, and the alone time. We will definitely camp here again and again," shares Tobitha H. about her experience at Point Washington.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers can find no-cost sites. "Epic free spot just outside of the Black Water Forest State Park. Camp here for up to 14 days. The primitive area is really more geared for the tent camper with several nice flat spots to pitch a tent away from the parking area," explains Gregg G. about Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping.
Lake views and access: Many sites offer direct waterfront positioning. "I stayed at campground 2 site 1. I had a beautiful view of Eastern Lake and easy access to the water where there is a small dock. Great place to launch a canoe or kayak," writes Dale W. about Eastern Lake Campground 2.
Limited cellular connectivity: Some areas have spotty service. "This is boonedocking so no services available. Pack it in and pack it out and be sure to leave no trace, so this can continue to be an option for people to enjoy. On the edge of Verizon cell coverage service," notes Gregg G. about primitive camping in the area.
Gate access codes: Some campgrounds require access codes. "Camp site has locked gate, should receive gate code once reserve with reserveamerica. Also if very importance: you cannot get to site from 30A, google maps does not know if you link from this app - entrance is from hwy 98," warns Ty C. about accessing Point Washington State Forest.
Seasonal considerations: Tent camping near Crestview varies significantly by season. "Beautifull place to stay in the Winter months October through May. Park open all year but late Sping and summer is insect and rainy season," advises Ray N. P. about Wilderness Landing Campground.
Hammock-friendly sites: Many campsites have suitable trees for hammocks. "The tall pines were beautiful and great for hanging. We even hit the beach during our stay an hour south," mentions Wayne H. who enjoyed primitive camping with his group.
Road conditions with children: Access roads can be challenging after rainfall. "The mud holes are huge and you definitely don't want to take a small car through it, that's the only downfall," warns Savannah S. about tent camping at Point Washington State Forest.
Wildlife education opportunities: Prepare children for possible wildlife encounters. "Signs for active bears but we saw none," reports Andrea S. who camped at Eastern Lake Campground 1, giving families a chance to discuss wildlife safety with children.
Size limitations: Smaller RVs work best for tent camping areas near Crestview. "However, there is room here for smaller rigs in the parking area. Please be respectful and don't hog the parking area so others can enjoy as well," advises Gregg G. about Black Water River State Forest primitive camping areas.
Ground conditions: RV and tent campers should note site surfaces. "We stayed in camp site 2. The sites were spacious and grassy. Each site had a fire pit, a picnic table and shared a water spigot," shares Desiree K. about her stay at Hurricane Lake South Campground.
Alternative glamping options: For those seeking more comfort than tent camping near Crestview offers. "Nice for a romantic getaway or for families. Lots to do. Little farm area with chickens and trials to hike. Stuff on-site is amazing. They even have a tree house you can rent out!" recommends Marlene V. about Coldwater Gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Crestview, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Crestview, FL is Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Crestview, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Crestview, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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