Milton-Gulf Pines KOA provides both full hookup RV sites and glamping options less than 10 miles from Holt, Florida. The campground features spacious sites set on gravel pads with some concrete patios. Access to local outdoor recreation includes nearby Blackwater River State Forest with hiking trails and paddling opportunities, while beaches are approximately 30 minutes south. Most sites accommodate larger rigs with pull-through options available.
What to do
Kayaking on Blackwater River: Adventures Unlimited in Milton offers canoe and kayak rentals with access to the creek that runs through their property. A reviewer noted, "The canoe trip is a must!!" The outfitter provides transportation to launch points, allowing paddlers to enjoy the tea-colored waters of Blackwater River State Forest.
Fort exploration: Fort Pickens Campground offers access to historic military structures dating back to the 1800s. "We were able to use our senior national park pass to get in for free and a discount on our site... We walked about 30 minutes to the old fort," shared one camper. The fort area includes a book store and ranger-led programs during peak seasons.
Water park activities: Splash RV Resort & Waterpark provides on-site water recreation with multiple pools and slides. According to a review, "The pools, lazy river and water slides were open. There is still quite a bit of construction going on, but as Texans, we're used to it. The staff was super nice, and the grounds are beautiful kept."
Beach access: Camp On The Gulf offers direct beach camping with easy access to Gulf waters. As one visitor described, "We had great but tight camping just 10 steps from the beautiful sandy beach. Lots of great and clean amenities." Sites closest to the water provide immediate beach access but fill quickly during peak season.
What campers like
Spacious, well-maintained facilities: Milton-Gulf Pines KOA receives consistent praise for its cleanliness and site size. A reviewer commented, "Very friendly staff in this KOA campground about 30 minutes from Navarre Beach. Nice large pool and clean bathhouses. Entire campground was very clean and kept up well." The campground features a pool, mini-golf course, and playground.
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds in the area offer organized events for children. At Splash RV Resort, a camper mentioned, "There are a lot of activities planned for the kids... the free donuts on the weekend, were a hit. The lazy river and waterslides were her favorite. We especially liked the armband so the kids were able to purchase food, drinks, game tokens for the arcade."
Natural surroundings: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground offers a more natural setting with less development. "Keep in mind, this is a Preserve. Good trails, coastal dunes with lakes, fishing, paddling, beach, cabins, and tent camping including Glamping!" wrote one visitor. The park maintains separation between campsites, providing more privacy than commercial campgrounds.
Convenience to attractions: Avalon Landing RV Park provides water views and easy access to area attractions. "Stayed for a week and while not on the beach is quiet and close to the items we wanted to go to. Fishing from their bridge is permitted. Flat concrete spots with picnic tables," noted a reviewer.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Winter nights can occasionally drop below freezing. Most glamping in Holt, Florida area is available year-round, but shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer more moderate temperatures.
Site specifics: Campgrounds vary in site spacing and setup. At 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. Easy access to local shopping and dining." At Milton-Gulf Pines KOA, 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."
Reservation timelines: For summer visits, especially holiday weekends, reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance. As one visitor to Navarre Beach Camping Resort shared, "We have stayed at this camping resort 3 years in a row. The bathrooms were always well maintained. The staff were friendly and helpful. They took pride in maintaining a clean and quiet campground."
Noise factors: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways or military operations. At Eglin AFB FamCamp, "Camp Robbins is located just south of Eglins airfield so 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
Insect preparation: Sand spurs and biting insects are common in the region. For Fort Pickens Campground, one camper advised, "Sand spurs are on all the trails so be careful and bring your flops. Also bring the bug spray for sure!" Treating clothing with permethrin before arrival can help reduce insect issues.
Kid-friendly amenities: Navarre Beach Camping Resort offers water access with added features for children. A visitor noted, "We have stayed at this camping resort 3 years in a row. The bathrooms were always well maintained. The staff were friendly and helpful. They took pride in maintaining a clean and quiet campground."
Camp store access: Milton-Gulf Pines KOA maintains an on-site store for convenience items. "The campground store came in handy on more than one occasion. We had a lot of fun playing putt putt and swimming in the pool," shared one family. Most luxury glamping sites near Holt include basic camping supplies on-site.
Beach safety awareness: Gulf beaches have variable conditions including rip currents and marine life. A camper at Camp On The Gulf mentioned, "We did see a lot of jellyfish in the water so be aware of that. We even caught one in a fishing net." Check local beach flag warnings daily before swimming.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Research specific site dimensions before booking. At Splash RV Resort, a camper advised, "I would recommend looking at the map online, before booking, to make sure you choose the right spot for your RV as some are closer together than others."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Milton-Gulf Pines KOA, "Sites are pretty close together and some of the amenities like the mini golf course need to be updated." Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended for most area campgrounds.
Utility connections: Full hookup sites are available at most commercial campgrounds. At Avalon Landing RV Park, visitors can expect "Flat concrete spots with picnic tables. Laundry service. Full hookups." Water pressure can vary significantly between campgrounds, so pressure regulators are recommended.
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. For Adventures Unlimited, "The road to the damp grounds are very sandy and iffy when it rains." Many glamping options near Holt require driving on unpaved roads to reach accommodations.
