Campgrounds near Inlet Beach, Florida provide diverse options from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks with varying proximity to beaches. Visitors can access the area's trail systems connecting coastal forests with shorelines, typically requiring advanced planning during peak seasons. Winter camping rates drop significantly, with some RV parks offering special extended-stay rates from November through March.
What to do
Paddling and fishing access: Point Washington State Forest offers primitive camping with easy water access. "I was able to put our kayaks in right off the site," reports a camper about Grayton Beach State Park, while at Eastern Lake Campground 2, one visitor noted the "beautiful view of Eastern Lake and easy access to the water where there is a small dock. Great place to launch a canoe or kayak."
Biking trails: Multiple trail systems connect the forests with beach areas. At Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, campers recommend "bringing your own bikes to get to both the beach and to explore the lake areas with a bit more biking." The park features "cool shorter hiking trails to take you to lakes or the gulf," making it accessible for varied skill levels.
Wildlife viewing: Natural areas provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "We saw lots of other wildlife around, including deer and rabbits," mentions a camper at St. Andrews State Park, which also features "a nature trail with a freshwater swamp (featuring gators, of course)."
What campers like
Private campsites: Many campgrounds offer good site separation. "Sites are generous and private with many trees separating the sites and it is a very quiet campground," says one camper about Grayton Beach, while at Sand Pond Campground visitors appreciate that "spaces are not right on top of each other."
Beach proximity: Access to white sand beaches is a major draw. Henderson Beach State Park provides "a huge portion of the beach just for it," according to one camper, who adds: "Right in the heart of Destin but the best beach on the coast if you're not looking for crowds but if you are looking for space to spread out."
Lakefront sites: Several campgrounds offer sites with lake views. "Some sites even back up to the lake," notes a Grayton Beach camper. At Point Washington, sites provide "a stone's throw across the lake from the Old Florida Fish House," offering scenic water views.
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest access roads can be challenging, particularly after rain. At Point Washington State Forest, "the mud holes are huge and you definitely don't want to take a small car through it," cautions one reviewer. Another adds that they "came in a day after rain and there were numerous significant deep puddles to get through."
Reservation timing: State park campgrounds require booking well in advance. "Sites are extremely hard to get, especially on short notice," notes a Henderson Beach camper, while another advises: "Book well in advance it's very popular!"
Site variations: Size and privacy vary considerably between sites and campgrounds. At Raccoon River Campground, "sites are very tight, closest sites we have experienced at any campground," while other visitors note "every time someone arrived or departed, other campers would move vehicles to help ingress/egress."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. Raccoon River Campground has "great playground and fort looking structure for people with kiddos," while one visitor praised "about 10min walk to putt putt golf, beach, and water park."
Kid-friendly beaches: Some beach access points are better suited for children. St. Andrews State Park features "a small area located inside rock jetties provides the perfect area for amateur and intermediate snorkeling," which one camper calls "the 'Kiddie Pool' at the jetties."
Winter wildlife: Winter months provide unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "Hit the beach at sunset for lovely views and grazing deers," recommends a Topsail Hill camper. This season typically offers milder temperatures and fewer crowds at beaches.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: Pay close attention to site dimensions when booking. At Camp On The Gulf, "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," advises one RVer.
Winter specials: Extended stay rates during winter months can provide significant savings. Sand Pond Campground offers "they have a 3-month special in the winter (Nov 30-Mar 1) if you stay during those dates it's around $1000/month."
Hookup availability: Water and electrical services vary by campground. Point Washington's primitive sites lack hookups, while Henderson Beach provides "50/30/20 electricity, water, table, fire ring and line for hanging towels," according to a reviewer who noted, "We required a couple of blocks to achieve level but still very good for an all gravel site."
