Best Campgrounds near Holt, FL

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 Camping Sites Near Holt, Florida (125)

    1. Blackwater River State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Holt, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 983-5363

    $20 / night

    "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. "

    2. Milton-Gulf Pines KOA

    16 Reviews
    Milton, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 623-0808

    "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."

    3. Bear Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Baker, FL
    11 miles
    +1 (850) 957-5700

    $13 - $22 / night

    "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."

    4. River's Edge RV Campground

    7 Reviews
    Holt, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 537-2267

    $30 / night

    "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. "

    "We arrived around 4pm and were glad we had reservations because the park had no more open spots."

    5. Eagle's Landing RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Holt, FL
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 537-9657

    $37 - $40 / night

    "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"

    6. Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping

    5 Reviews
    Holt, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 957-5700

    "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."

    7. Wilderness Landing

    4 Reviews
    Baker, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 689-5790

    "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

    21 Reviews
    Navarre, FL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 939-2717

    $89 / night

    "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."

    9. North Karick Lake Campground — Blackwater River State Forest

    7 Reviews
    Baker, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 957-5700

    "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."

    10. Krul Lake

    5 Reviews
    Baker, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 957-5700

    $25 / night

    "We've never camped here, but have been numerous times swimming and walking trails. The water is beautiful and nice and cool."

    "Lake was wonderful. They have lifeguards during the summer. There’s a small hiking trail from krul to bear lake. Clean bathrooms. Camp sites were clean and decently spaced apart."

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Recent Reviews near Holt, FL

813 Reviews of 125 Holt Campgrounds


  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Grayton Beach State Park Campground

    Grayton is great!

    This is a hard location to get a site. Reservations have to be made far in advance. There is good privacy in the campground, with thick brush and trees separating the sites. The restrooms were immaculate. Beautiful beach, only on hiking trail in the main part, but others nearby. There are cabins too. I give it high marks.

  • Aaron D.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Perfect Beach Getaway

    We stayed at spot E40 in Loop E. Somewhat easy to back into. The spot was relatively flat and only needed slight leveling side to side. Bathrooms weren't too far away, just a short walk. It was very quiet at night with barely any lights. The cell service wasn't really great in our specific spot, the closer you got to Fort Pickens, the better it was, as was going back towards Pensacola Beach. Having easy access to all the beach spots was very nice. Langdon beach was a great place with good restrooms and was very quiet when we went. Fort Pickens itself was a great visit and a must see. Overall the campground was great, good amenities, very quiet, access to the beach, ton of other activities in Pensacola Beachas well as Gulf Breeze.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Nice beaches but campground pretty packed

    First off, we stayed in space number E 24 and I want to caution that there is a tree over hanging the site that if you have more than 11 feet height in your RV you need to hug the driver side of the site or you’ll hit the tree. Site was nice and level. Short quarter mile hike over to the beach. Hike out to Fort Pickens was a nice trail, and the fort itself was pretty cool. We did not visit the bathrooms/showers so can’t comment on those. I would say 80 to 90% of the campsites are probably in the sun. Very few actually have trees with shade. It does cost an extra $25 or America the beautiful pass to get into the Fort Pickens national Park. We did visit the aviation museum over on the airbase which was fascinating and it was free.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Blackwater River State Park Campground

    Beautiful area right next to the river

    The main reason I did not get this campground five stars, which really isn’t their fault, but there’s quite a bit of air traffic noise with helicopters and planes flying overhead. I think there is an airport nearby. The campground itself is very well-maintained with nice level pads and full hook ups. Caution, if you’re coming from the east on 90 Google maps will have you turn at Cooper Lane. Continue on 90 until you get to Deaton Bridge Road. The other way will take you meandering through about 10 miles of small back roads and Deaton Bridge Road is only about 4 miles from the campground. Showers were nice and great hiking trails in the area.

  • M
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Fort Walton Beach RV Park

    great stay!

    such a great spot! The park is clean (i think new), well taken care of, and close to everything .... beaches, restaurants, and stores (but still at a great rate). The sites were easy to pull into (thank goodness, sometimes that is a challenge) and had everything we needed. The staff was friendly and hospitable. It’s a nice, quiet place to relax... park is safe feeling. Good stay overall, would come back

  • Jordan W.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Fort Walton Beach RV Park

    Clean Park, Good Size

    This park was perfect for us, and in a great location. We were able to save money but still enjoy the awesome costal town. There is great stufff all around, and we felt very safe in the park.

    It was clean, the grass looked wonderful, the pad were wide, the picnic pads were great and we had so much fun!

  • B
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Fort Walton Beach RV Park

    Brand New RV Park!

    This RV Park was beautiful, beand new, well maintained and in a great location. We enjoyed our stay here and plan to be back next year. The community center had laundry and the wifi was fast. The picnic table was sturdy and I liked the pavered sites, it felt very clean and elevated!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Pensacola Beach RV Resort

    Perfection!

    I'd give it 10 stars if I could! The parking spots are pristine, the showers clean, the tiki bar on the sound beach was incredible, with lots of chairs & bean bags to laze around in... The pool is beautiful & super clean, with lights all around & a fountain!


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?

According to TheDyrt.com, Holt, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 125 campgrounds and RV parks near Holt, FL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

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 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Holt, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Holt, FL.