Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground features tent and RV sites with private hammock camping options in a coastal preserve setting. Located along the scenic Highway 30A corridor near Santa Rosa Beach, the park maintains several shorter hiking trails leading to coastal dune lakes or the Gulf. Winter temperatures can drop to around 30°F, making appropriate gear essential for off-season visitors. During colder months, electrical hookups provide essential heating capabilities for tent campers.
What to do
Fishing from dedicated piers: Eglin AFB FamCamp offers access to fishing docks where military families can catch local species. A camper notes, "There is a base gym, boat and equipment rentals and bay side access for fishing and swimming on post and close to the camp as well."
Explore historic military sites: Fort Pickens Campground provides access to preserved Civil War-era fortifications. "The campground is far removed from any city lights as it is 10 miles out of town on a skinny peninsula of land," shares one visitor. Walking tours of the historic batteries offer panoramic views of Pensacola Bay and the Gulf.
Paddling on coastal dune lakes: Pine Log State Forest offers freshwater paddling alternatives to ocean activities. "We had a great view of the river and easy access to the hiking trails," reports a camper who stayed at one of the primitive sites. The forest maintains three primitive sites along Pine Log Creek, each approximately half a mile apart.
What campers like
Private tent camping areas: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground offers secluded tent sites separated from other campers. One visitor mentioned, "Our site was back off the road in the brush - very private even with a trail just on the other side of the bushes." The tent camping area includes site 21 with adaptable hammock camping setups.
Individual bathroom facilities: Camp On The Gulf provides private bathroom amenities beyond standard campground facilities. According to a camper, "They have individual shower rooms that have a toilet and sink too." The campground maintains both standard and premium RV spots with varying depths and widths.
Natural wildlife viewing: Visitors consistently note deer sightings at multiple Destin-area campgrounds. A Sand Pond camper was "lulled to sleep by the croaking of bull frogs while watching the moon rise from my sleeping bag." The forest setting creates natural habitat for diverse wildlife only 25 miles from Panama City Beach.
What you should know
Security protocols: Military camping facilities near Destin require proper identification. At Eglin AFB FamCamp, "Department of defense ID is required for entry!" The base location provides enhanced security while placing visitors close to commissary and exchange facilities.
Crowding conditions: Beachfront sites at popular campgrounds often have tight spacing. One camper observed about Camp On The Gulf, "Parking your rig is TIGHT. Like super tight. 2 nice pools and all other amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry, sewer, etc."
Military aircraft noise: Military base camping includes regular aircraft activity. A visitor to Eglin AFB FamCamp notes, "If roaring and screaming fighter jets first thing in the morning is not for you scratch this camp off your list."
Tips for camping with families
Splash features for children: Several facilities include water play areas beyond swimming pools. At Destin Army Recreation Area, families appreciate the "nice pool, splash pad, laundry facility and bath house."
Private beach access: Navarre Beach Camping Resort provides waterfront relaxation with fewer crowds than public beaches. "This campground has its own sweet little beach and pier. Also has a small hot tub and a 4 foot deep heated pool," notes one family.
Seasonal family activities: Camp On The Gulf organizes regular children's programming. One visitor shared, "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."
Tips from RVers
Navigational considerations: Glamping close to Destin, Florida often requires careful RV maneuvering. At Gulf Pines KOA, "RV sites are long enough for 44 ft motorhome and toad. However sites are at 90 degree angle and hard to get into for big rigs, but doable."
Check site dimensions: Campsites vary significantly in size within the same campground. A Camp On The Gulf visitor advises, "Pay attention to the size site you reserve some of them are more narrow and less deep than others. It can make backing in a challenge."
Road access variations: When glamping in forested settings near Destin, access roads may require planning. At Sand Pond Campground, a visitor notes, "We have about 1 mile of dirt road to get here. Some campsites can be tight if you have a big rig."
