Camping near Destin, Florida offers sites along Choctawhatchee Bay in addition to beachfront locations, with elevations generally below 20 feet above sea level across the flat coastal terrain. Seasonal storms can impact camping plans, particularly during hurricane season (June to November), though the area's mild winters make off-season camping a viable option. Most campgrounds remain 10-15 degrees cooler than inland Florida locations due to coastal breezes.
What to do
Kayaking on Western Lake: Grayton Beach State Park Campground offers paddling opportunities on its coastal dune lake. "We were able to put our kayaks in right off the site. We would definitely go back," notes one camper who appreciated the direct water access from their campsite.
Dog-friendly activities: While many beaches prohibit pets, alternatives exist for campers traveling with dogs. At Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground, "Close to everything and I now want to move to Niceville, Florida. Very quiet in the campground day and night," according to a visitor who found the location ideal for exploring with pets.
Off-site beach alternatives: When main beaches get crowded, look for less-trafficked spots. "We drove to Panama City Beach to go to the dog beach at Pier Park, which was a nice alternative," shares a camper who stayed at Grayton Beach State Park Campground and appreciated finding pet-friendly beach options nearby.
Bike-friendly exploration: The area offers extensive paved paths connecting campgrounds to beaches and attractions. "Biked in the forest across the street and biked up and down 30A a bit," reports a visitor at Grayton Beach State Park Campground who found the bike paths convenient for accessing various local destinations.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground offers secluded spots for tent campers seeking privacy. "The tent sites are all separated and private, the facilities are clean, and best of all they have access to the most lovely beach!" mentions a camper who appreciated the natural setting.
Hammock camping options: Some sites accommodate hammock setups despite limited trees. "For hammock campers the tent camping spots are okay for hammock camping...they had a couple 4x4s in the ground so I used one of those and a tree," notes a visitor at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground who successfully adapted to the terrain.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive consistent praise across multiple campgrounds. At Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground, a camper highlighted, "Bathrooms (all of them) were well cleaned. Showers have plenty of room and I loved their washer/dryer set up too," noting the convenience for longer stays.
Military facilities: Service members have exclusive options with amenities at competitive rates. "We booked 5 months in advance for a 1 week stay. Small pool, splash pad, laundry facility and bath house are all nice," reports a visitor at Destin Army Recreation Area, who found the $35/night rate exceptional for the Destin area.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Securing spots requires advance planning, especially at state parks. "This is a hard location to get a site. Reservations have to be made far in advance," advises a camper who stayed at Grayton Beach State Park Campground.
Aircraft noise: Some campgrounds experience military aircraft activity. At Eglin AFB FamCamp, "if roaring and screaming fighter jets first thing in the morning is not for you scratch this camp off your list. On the other hand if roaring jets don't bother you then you'll probably enjoy the free airshow every morning," notes a military camper.
Site spacing variations: Not all campgrounds offer equal spacing between campsites. "The spacing is ok, and there is shrubbery between each site making it feel more private," explains a visitor at Destin West RV Resort who appreciated the landscaping that created separation despite closer sites.
Highway proximity: Some campgrounds require crossing busy roads to reach beaches. "In order to get to the beach we had to cross a major thoroughfare. The traffic was horrible and there are no sidewalks that allow us to make it to a crosswalk," cautions a family staying at Destin West RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad access: Military families can use recreational facilities with kid-friendly water features. "The pool and splash pad are perfect for kids. The staff was friend and helpful," mentions a visitor at Destin Army Recreation Area who enjoyed the child-friendly amenities.
Open play spaces: Some campgrounds offer fields for children to play safely. At Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground, one camper noted their site "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."
Family bathroom options: Facilities designed for families with young children exist at certain parks. At Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground, "Family showers are also available, which is very helpful with little kids," according to a visitor who appreciated this family-specific amenity.
Beach timing for wildlife viewing: Scheduled beach visits can incorporate nature watching opportunities. "Hit the beach at sunset for lovely views and grazing deers," recommends a Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground visitor who enjoyed the combination of beach time and wildlife observation.
Tips from RVers
Backup site selection: Flexibility helps during peak periods or weather events. "Our trip to St Andrew's state park was cancelled due to Hurricane Helene so we had to make last minute change," shares a camper who found Geronimo RV Beach Resort as a suitable alternative just two blocks from beach access.
Site leveling requirements: Prepare for minor adjustments at some campgrounds. "We required a couple of blocks to achieve level but still very good for an all gravel site," notes an RVer who stayed at Henderson Beach State Park Campground.
Parking assistance: Staff at some RV parks provide setup help given tight conditions. "The staff are super helpful helping you to park because the spaces are tight," explains a visitor at Camp On The Gulf who appreciated the guidance navigating the compact spaces.
Vehicle restrictions: Check rules regarding additional transportation options. "One irritating element about Geronimo is that they will only allow you an RV+ another vehicle, but if you come packing a golf cart, motorcycle or even a boat, then they will charge you for two vehicles," warns a camper about policies at Geronimo RV Beach Resort.
