Ashley A.
Scout
ScoutEmerald Beach RV Park
Best place for family
My family has been coming for 14 years and my kids grew up fishing crabing and swim
Camping near Holt, FL
137 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Blackwater River State Forest and surrounding areas provide a range of camping options near Holt, Florida. Developed campgrounds like Blackwater River State Park offer full hookup sites with amenities including electric, water, and sewer connections for both tent and RV campers. Several RV-focused facilities operate in the region, including Eagle's Landing RV Park and River's Edge RV Campground, both located within Holt city limits. For primitive camping experiences, Wilderness Landing provides free camping along the Blackwater River with boat access and minimal facilities.
Road conditions vary throughout the camping areas, with most developed campgrounds accessible via paved roads while forest service sites may require navigating unpaved routes. One camper noted, "We stayed here on our very first trip in our new motorhome and we could not have picked a better place! The people were very nice, invited us to a pot luck meal they were having at their clubhouse that night." The region experiences typical Florida weather patterns with hot, humid summers when insects can be problematic. Winter months (October through May) offer more comfortable camping conditions. Several campgrounds in the area are prone to flooding during heavy rain events, with campers reporting sites turning into "ponds" overnight after storms.
The Blackwater River provides a central recreational feature for many camping areas in the region. Campers report high satisfaction with riverfront access for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Public lands in the forest offer free primitive camping for up to 14 days, though facilities are minimal. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, Wilderness Landing is "not on the big side of campgrounds but still has some of the amenities. No hookups at the campsites but there is running water in the bath house with flushing toilets." Most developed campgrounds maintain showers and restroom facilities, while primitive sites require visitors to pack in and out all supplies. Cell service can be spotty throughout the forest areas, with several reviewers noting limited or no connectivity, particularly at primitive camping locations.
Best Campgrounds near Holt (137)
1. Blackwater River State Park Campground
"Beautiful Setting With Nearby Trails There are a couple short trails and a swimming beach at Juniper Lake, but I can't get excited about swimming in an area that has alligator warning signs on the"
"Yet another one of the state of Florida's fantastic state parks. You don't need the beach when you've got the pristine white sands of the shores of Blackwater river. "
from $20 / night
Check Availability2. River's Edge RV Campground
"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. "
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability3. Bear Lake Campground
"Bear Lake Campground within Bear Lake Recreation Area - Blackwater River State Forest is off the beaten path, high in the Florida Panhandle."
"Bear Lake Campground is a little piece of paradise! Nestled within the Blackwater River State Forest, you are surrounded by beautiful nature."
from $13 - $22 / night
Check Availability4. Milton-Gulf Pines KOA
"We were driving from California to Tampa Florida so we just used it as a stopping place but the lots are big and it was easy to get in and out of."
"We enjoyed our stay here and will be back for future Florida stays. Great staff. Pool was nice! Great little putt putt area for kids."
5. Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping
"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."
"Epic free spot just outside of the Black Water Forest State Park. Camp here for up to 14 days."
6. Eagle's Landing RV Park
"Quiet, friendly Campground was exactly what we needed when attending a Baseball Tournament at NorthWest Florida State College."
"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"
from $47 - $55 / night
Check Availability7. Wilderness Landing
"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."
8. The Hideaway Retreat
"From the moment you enter The Hideaway – and trust me, you have to be looking for this place located due south of Highway 98 Or Navarre Parkway – you’ll be whisked away to a magical nature oasis completely"
"We have a 44 ft toy hauler and stayed in a watefront site just steps away from a very small private beach. If you want a bi ocean beach this isn't it."
from $89 / night
Check Availability9. Splash RV Resort & Waterpark
"The resort's location is perfect for day trips to the nearby beaches, and the roads inside the park are great with very easy access from the highway."
"It's loud by the highway. You can't enjoy your camping on half of the campground. So, if you are one to stay in your camper after playing all day, this park is for you."
10. North Karick Lake Campground — Blackwater River State Forest
"This is a great single loop 20 site campground right on the lake mostly rvers. Individual bathroom, shower rooms, clean, and nice."
"The campground is split up into two areas on either side of the lake (the upper and lower) and both have walking paths, camping, and lake access."
from $22 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 7 min from Crestview, FL
- 33 min from Pensacola, FL
- 1 hr 6 min from Daphne, AL
- 1 hr 32 min from Panama City, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Holt, FL
160 Photos of 137 Holt Campgrounds
Wayne H.
Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping
sheila C.
Blackwater River Boat Ramp Camp
Brittany R.
Blackwater River State Park Campground
Ted H.
Bear Lake Campground
lydia B.
Krul Lake
Sherry P.
Krul Campground — Blackwater River State Forest
Barry C.
South Karick Lake Campground — Blackwater River State Forest
Shannon J.
North Karick Lake Campground — Blackwater River State Forest
Splash R.
Splash RV Resort & Waterpark
Lance B.
Adventures Unlimited
Desiree K.
Hurricane Lake South Campground
Stuart K.
Hurlburt Field FamCamp
Recent Reviews near Holt, FL
880 Reviews of 137 Holt Campgrounds
Jimmy G.ScoutBiker tent camp
From the owner
I ride.
Old school biker. In my 20s bike bedroll girlfriend gone!
I have lots of camping gear.so ride light if you like.
Simply a rest camp.
Bed roll over night 5 bucks 24 hours from arrival time .
So stop in cook food Z out split rested. Tent shaded or open.
Rates are one bike two persons.
Group stops need one week notice so can have larger black water control on site. An pre-paid.cost of black water rent none refundable. ( not my choice)
Call 24hours i will answer. If not riding myself.text also works.
Knees in the breeze jim
- B
Brandon J.ScoutMagnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve
Clean and quiet
Stayed in the back of the property being it was all that was left, but it worked out. The spots at A1-7 are very tight together but it is away from everything else making it quiet and somewhat secluded. It would be a great area for a group event. Would stay here again but in a different location in the campground.
- SShannon H.Scout
Trout Creek RV Park
Quiet Park very close to Destin, FL
We had a wonderful stay at Trout Creek RV Park! The park is peaceful, well-maintained, and the sites are spacious with easy access in and out. One of our favorite features was the beautiful boardwalk—it was the perfect place for a morning walk, enjoying nature, and unwinding after a day at the beach. Traveling with our dog was a breeze thanks to the fenced dog run. It gave our pup a safe place to stretch his legs and play, which made the trip even more enjoyable.
The location is ideal—close enough to Destin and the Emerald Coast to enjoy all the attractions, but far enough away to relax and escape the crowds. We can't wait to come back!
- VValeria S.Scout
Navarre Beach Camping Resort
Very disappointed
I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience was incredibly disappointing. I reserved a specific campsite many months in advance for my birthday. Before arriving, I even received an email confirming that exact site. When I checked in, I was told they had given my reserved site to someone else and moved me to a different spot. The whole reason I booked so far in advance was to secure that particular location, so this completely defeated the purpose of planning ahead. What made the situation even worse was how it was handled. The manager never apologized or acknowledged the mistake. Instead, I was met with an attitude that made it seem like my frustration wasn’t justified. A sincere apology and some accountability would have gone a long way. To“make it right,” they offered a 20% discount, which honestly felt insulting given that they failed to honor a confirmed reservation on a special occasion. It wasn’t about the money—it was about keeping their commitment and treating customers with respect when they make a mistake. Unfortunately, what should have been a memorable birthday started with disappointment because of the park’s poor reservation management and lack of customer service. I hope they improve their processes and, more importantly, learn how to take responsibility when they let their guests down.
Nancy W.
LegendFred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground
Nice rustic state park
The campsites are rustic in nature featuring sandy/gravel sites with lots of trees and good separation from your neighbor. It is a little tight for big-rigs because of the trees and narrow roads in the park but doable if you take your time. 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. Mostly adults when we visited but they do have a playground and Junior Ranger activities for kids. Campsites have water and electricity, a picnic table and a fire ring, and some have water views. The campground is close to a military base which explodes ordinances at random times, so if you have a dog that does not do well with loud sudden noises, do not stay here. Our dog is terrified of sounds like that and, luckily, there was only one really busy day when they were exploding bombs. We enjoyed the hiking trails and water views. The individual trails are short (the longest one is a mile) but there are multiple ones so you can get a three-mile walk in. There is a boat launch (for trailerable boats and kayaks) which we definitely would have used had we been there longer. We would definitely stay here again as we like the quiet solitude in the park but convenience to stores, restaurants, etc.
- LLaura H.
GuideBig Lagoon State Park Campground
Worth a visit
Big Lagoon State Park is a hidden gem on the Gulf Coast! Located just minutes from Perdido Beach, it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy nature. The walking trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful scenery, making them ideal for a peaceful stroll, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of the area.
The park is clean, quiet, and full of wildlife, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing walk, a picnic spot, or a place to connect with nature, Big Lagoon State Park is definitely worth a visit.
- ssheila C.
TravelerBlackwater River State Park Campground
Great little state park right on the river and forest!!!
This a great state park.. so many river beaches and parking lots next to them. Great campgrounds with pretty good sized lots and gravel covered. Lots of trees between sites depending on which site you get! Has a private river beach access too for campers. A bunch of walking trails a place to rent kayaks and tubes right down the road!! The staff was awesome. The state forest is surrounding it with trails and places to camp everywhere. And the river was so nice.
- ssheila C.Traveler
Blackwater River Boat Ramp Camp
Great spot for tent camping or car camping. Right next to the state park
Went there June 2026 pulled up to a little spot parked the car and set up near the boat ramp. The state park is right there you can visit and get water use the bathroom if you neeed for like 4 bucks entrance or 20 (36 with fees for the night ) couple other tent campers were there. The blackwater river is right there with a couple of different trails to take you down. Bugs were not that bad. Water was nice a cold but not too cold. There a bunch of forest roads all over the place you can camp along as well with more access to different river beaches. Honestly was an awesome time. No power or facilities literally just the woods so bring everything you need!!
Guide to Holt
Camping sites near Holt, Florida offer access to the Blackwater River State Forest across 210,000 acres of longleaf pine habitat with elevations ranging from 10 to 300 feet above sea level. The forest receives approximately 65 inches of rainfall annually, creating a diverse ecosystem of wetlands, creeks, and upland pine stands. The region's sandy soil composition allows for rapid drainage in most camping areas outside of riverfront locations.
What to do
Paddling the blackwater rivers: The rivers throughout the forest feature tannin-stained water with white sandy bottoms and banks. At Blackwater River State Park Campground, visitors can access multiple water recreation opportunities. According to one camper, "You don't need the beach when you've got the pristine white sands of the shores of Blackwater river. The river and the surrounds are super quiet, peaceful and beautiful. Tubing, kayaking canoeing are all super here."
Mountain biking on forest trails: The Blackwater River State Forest features several bike-friendly trails. At Bear Lake Campground, visitors can access a 6-mile mountain biking loop described as "very easy route, good for the family and MTB beginners." The terrain consists primarily of packed sand and pine straw surfaces.
Fishing in forest lakes: Multiple lakes throughout the forest are stocked with bass, bream, and catfish. Karick Lake near Milton was recently renovated to improve fish habitat. A visitor noted, "If you are a fan of taking your time while camping and doing some fishing this is the place for you! The campground is split up into two areas on either side of the lake and both have walking paths, camping, and lake access."
What campers like
Clean bath facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept facilities. At Krul Lake, visitors appreciate the bathroom buildings, with one camper reporting they "offer a whole room to yourself (sink, toilet, shower all-in one room)." Others mention the cleanliness and reliable hot water supply at forest campgrounds.
Affordability: Many campers appreciate the reasonable rates throughout the forest. Wilderness Landing offers free camping for up to 14 days. As one reviewer observed, "Good spot for free. Clean showers/toilet building. Pavilions and grills by the river." Most developed sites with hookups range from $20-25 per night.
Shade coverage: The mature pine forest provides substantial shade at most campgrounds. One visitor to Milton-Gulf Pines KOA commented on the natural setting: "Spots are good sized, although we had a premium spot for the patio & grill." Another camper at Bear Lake noted how the "tall white pines dot the tent only site area" providing relief from summer temperatures.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Coverage throughout the forest is inconsistent. At North Karick Lake Campground, no cell service is available for many carriers. Similarly, at Bear Lake one camper reported "No Verizon cellular service" throughout their stay. Visitors should download maps and information before arrival.
Wildlife precautions: Bears are present throughout the forest. Proper food storage is mandatory at all campsites. One visitor advised, "Bears are prevalent so keep food stored up and out of your tent area." Alligators inhabit most lakes and rivers, with swimming prohibited in many water bodies except designated swimming areas.
Seasonal crowds: Summer brings substantial increases in day-use visitors, particularly at swimming locations. A visitor to Krul Lake observed, "The water is beautiful and nice and cool. It does tend to get pretty dang crowded and not a lot of parent supervision." Weekdays and non-summer months offer more solitude at most locations.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Krul Lake offers a supervised swimming area during summer months. A camper noted, "Lake was wonderful. They have lifeguards during the summer." The spring-fed swimming hole maintains cooler temperatures than surrounding bodies of water, making it comfortable even during hot months.
Interconnected trails: Multiple campgrounds connect via hiking paths. A camper at Bear Lake explained, "There's a small hiking trail from krul to bear lake. Clean bathrooms. Camp sites were clean and decently spaced apart." These connector trails allow families to base camp at one location while exploring multiple recreation areas.
Boat-friendly sites: Several campgrounds provide direct water access. At Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping, campers have boat-in options along riverbanks. According to one visitor, "This is boonedocking so no services available. Pack it in and pack it out and be sure to leave no trace."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Limited pull-through sites exist throughout the forest. One RVer at Milton-Gulf Pines KOA reported, "Stayed here for one night. We were driving from California to Tampa Florida so we just used it as a stopping place but the lots are big and it was easy to get in and out of. We were a little over 70ft long and it was a breeze."
Backing challenges: Several forest campgrounds have tight turns and obstacles. A camper at Bear Lake cautioned, "Be careful when backing into the site since the exterior sites have significant slope to the parking pad. Electric and water service is 10 feet beyond the pad." Another visitor mentioned, "Most of the sites are good size but there is no easy way to get in some of them especially when it is packed."
Site drainage concerns: Sandy soil drains quickly except in low-lying areas. One RVer noted that after heavy rain, "our site had literally turned into a pond. By the time I finished packing up to leave, I literally looked like I jumped in the river with all of my clothes on." Select higher elevation sites when possible during rainy seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Holt, FL?
What camping is available near Holt, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Holt, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 137 campgrounds and RV parks near Holt, FL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Holt, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Holt, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Holt, FL is Blackwater River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 36 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Holt, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Holt, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Holt, FL.
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