Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Inlet Beach, FL

Host was very friendly, and very patriotic. Cute dog parks, with water for the dogs, and a swing for you to hang out on while you wait for the dogs business to be done.  There is a petting zoo with baby goats and piglets here too.

Open 4 years Very Big Big Rig Friendly with state of the art full hookup 20 30 50 amp level sites 7 back in's 17 pull throughs  up to 110  feet 2 large shaded dog parks corral for Horses Family Friendly  Pet Friendly Owner Friendly Discounts are Military First Responders Sr (55 and older)  Passport  America FMCA Escapees $28.per day  tax included no restrictions on discounts with Free Firewood Free Wi-fi Free Fishing Free Paddle Boats 45 minutes to local Beaches  very clean  safe and owner lives in site #1

I have read a lot of the reviews. I think some of these people had other issues that caused them to give a bad review. Yes, this is known as a cat haven but with people who have dogs should stay in the dog parks, If they don't accept a place that cannot turn a blind eye to cats. This is an RV park and a campground and I'm not sure why people would expect more luxury than the outdoors experience. This is a beautiful getaway away from the ocean but right next door, and people would love this place if they knew the history behind it and maybe honor it a little bit more. The impact from people that don't like this place gives it a bad reputation. Why listen to someone who don't want you to know about the experience? Just want you to know what they think about it. This is a great place and there are a lot of hardworking, honest people. This is not just a campground, people are residents here and have been here a long time, some would even call it home. There's nothing wrong with anything about this place. It is a wonderful place to be.

Right off I-10. Stayed 1 night. Owner is so nice. Park is well kept. Nice dog park. Little road noise but not horrible.

We have stayed here several times. We love it! Little pool, dog park, beach close by, tons of biking, deer, turkeys, birds galore. Highly recommend the Donut Hole for breakfast, brunch or lunch! So good! Service was awesome!

This is a simple, no frills RV park with full hookups. There are no views of the bay or other scenic views but it is quiet and clean with level concrete pads. It also has one small bath house. The downside is that there are “grass burrs” everywhere in the sparse grassy areas if you want to walk a dog but there is a dog park.

Full hook up, gated, pool, super staff. Pets allowed

10/10

Easy on and off freeway. Pet friendly. Internet sketchy. Enjoyed a nice peaceful two day rest. Friendly owner. Freeway noise can be loud.

We stayed in site 35 at the end of December. Site was level and had privacy from the neighboring sites, with electric, water and sewer hookups! Easy walk to Western Lake - some sites even back up to the lake. Longer walk to the beach/gulf, but we found the walk to be beautiful and saw quite a few birds along the way. No pets allowed on the beach - if you have a dog, ask the rangers for the brochure listing dog beaches in FL. We drove to Panama City Beach to go to the dog beach at Pier Park, which was a nice alternative. We did the Barrier Dunes Nature Trail - note that this is listed as a loop, but when we were there, it wasn’t a loop and most people we passed on the trail weren’t wearing masks. In its current state, there weren’t any gulf views from this trail. The campground was VERY quiet the whole time we were there.

Campground Review:

Overall, this campground ranks as another great Florida state park campground. Sites at Henderson Beach State Park are large with plenty of space between them and vegetation to provide privacy. Within a five-minute walk from our site (#44) we were on the white sandy beach gazing at the amazing emerald green water. And while you feel a bit isolated among the dunes and coastal scrub habitats, the park is located in the heart of Destin so there is shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and anything else you want within a two-minute drive. Walmart is literally right across the street. There is a peaceful quiet feeling when you are in the park but there is a bit of chaos outside the gate because Destin is a popular beach destination (and especially crazy during spring break). We camped here in early January when the crowds were minimal.

Campsites cost $30/night (unless you are a Florida senior resident in which case you get a 50% discount). The park has 60 sites that can accommodate RV’s up to 60’. There are 20 very long pull-thru sites but most of those sites are back-in. Pads and patios are packed gravel and offer 30 or 50 amp electricity and water but no sewer. There is free wifi and it worked pretty well at our site. There are four campground loops with bathroom/shower buildings and laundry facilities being located conveniently between loops. The bathrooms were clean but chilly (even though they claim to be heated). There is no sewer at any sites but two dump stations are conveniently located in the park and easy to access. Roads are paved and wide enough for even large RVs to easily maneuver. Sites are level. Patios are an extension of the gravel pad and come with a picnic table, fire pit, and clothes line. The patios are quite large and we enjoyed the privacy of our site immensely. Our Verizon 4G phone and hotspot worked great and we had a clear view to the sky for our satellite television. Our television antenna picked up a few channels but only one major channel (CBS).

What we really liked about this campground was the proximity to the beautiful beach yet with all of the amenities Destin and the surrounding area have to offer. We took advantage of shopping, restaurants and movie theaters that were all within just a few miles. But the best thing about this park was the privacy that our site offered. We backed up to a wooded area and felt isolated from the view of others.

The not so good things about this park were the lack of sewer and the road noise. The park sits right off HWY 98 which makes for convenient access but some sites closer to the road may be bothered by the noise from this busy road. Since we were here in the winter and experiencing record low temperatures, we kept all of the windows closed and did not sit outside much so the road noise was not an issue. I also imagine the beach at this park could be very crowded at times since there is plenty of access for the public. This campground is definitely geared towards RVs but you certainly could pitch a tent on any of the sites.

Tips: If you have a dog, there is a public dog park about 1 ½ miles away. The campground is large enough to get a good dog walk in and there is a ¾ mile trail they are allowed on. But, dogs are not permitted on the beach.

Product Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test outdoor gear and on this trip to Henderson Beach State Park, I tried out a pair of TredAgain Wilshire Shoes. The name TredAgain comes from the fact that the soles of the shoes are from recycled tires.

I love the look of these shoes which look great with a pair of jeans. They have a casual look and are nice quality shoes with rugged rubber soles combined with premium suede uppers. Inside the shoe is the insole that TredAgain describes as a “removable anatomical footbed.” The insole doesn’t have the arch I prefer for my high arches but you can remove it and put in orthotic inserts. I was skeptical that recycled tires would be soft and flexible but they were and between the insole and the rubber soles the shoes are very cushiony. The tread is fine for walking around town and on easy trails but I would not recommend them on difficult trails or rugged terrain.

I ordered my normal size and found that they fit fine in the length and width. The color I chose was beige and I really like the way they look with the darker brown piping and lighter shade of laces that are an attractive contrast to the uppers. TredAgain offers ten styles for women and seven for men with all the shoes having the recycled tire treads. The lowest priced shoes are sandals at $45 and increase to over $100 for some of their boots and they offer free shipping on all orders.

TredAgain is an Austin-based company that takes pride in the fact that old tires are now being converted to a necessity like shoes and not just thrown into a landfill. As an environmentally conscious person, I do appreciate and try to support companies that are conservation-driven.

My only complaints are that I would like more arch support and the shoelaces kept coming untied. Overall, the fit is really good, I like the look of the shoe, and they have a great conservation philosophy.

For a video review of this product click here.

Falling Waters State Park name says it all. If you love waterfalls, hiking and adventures you should definitely come here. Waterfalls and hiking are two of my favorite things when it comes to nature and this park has both. The park is surrounded by gorgeous trees, which are nice because they provide plenty of shade. There is a really pretty boardwalk that leads you right to the waterfall. The lookout point is a perfect location to stand and watch the waterfall and take pictures of course! The park offers some great hikes as well. You can choose from 3 different hikes that are located within Falling Waters State Park. All of them a great hikes with amazing views. The hikes are not difficult and very short, which makes it nice because you can do them with your whole family. The campsites are great, and come with a picnic table and fire pit ring. The nice thing about this park is that pets are welcomed, but you do have to keep your dogs on leashes. There is a cool picnic area and a small playground if you have kids. Another great thing about this park is that there are a few places where you can go and swim. During the summertime months these small lakes do get quite busy. They both have a sandy beach leading up to the water. You can also fish, although my family didn't have any luck! It was definitely fun though. We also went to a butterfly museum which was located only a few miles past the campground. This was pretty cool, and I would recommend going there if you have any extra time. We stayed here 3 nights last summer, and our campsite location was perfect. I love that the campsites aren't super close together. We were close to the playground, which was nice for my younger cousins. I can't wait to come back here in the future and enjoy the hikes and waterfalls!

I’m not sure if Geronimo ever visited this roadside RV depot, for which this and the road that you’ll have to navigate down to find this place are named for, but if he did, I am sure he would be happy to be somewhat removed from the crazy busy touristy town of Destin in favor of a plot of land that offers a bit of shade, respite from the sun as well as the noise and commotion of a Spring Break destination. Geronimo RV boasts about being a ‘hidden gem on the emerald coast,’ and if you are looking for a spot to park your oversized RV for the night, all the while being incredibly close to the pristine aqua green ebb and flow of slow moving Gulf coast waves that gently massage flawless white powder sand beaches here in a part of Florida where time seems to have stopped altogether, then Geronimo RV Resort might just be the spot for you.

Located just 3 miles from Destin, this family-friendly, pet-friendly and big-rig-friendly RV hangout is situated in Miramar Beach and just two short blocks to the sugar sand beaches that you came here for. This RV parking lot has just 34 slots, the majority of which are located on the interior and exterior of a decent size simple circular loop, with about 4-5 slots located nearer what looks to be like the main office (although it is not), along with a few slots placed in front of this same building that you’ll easily be able to spot as you drive in. For those wanting to store their RV or boat, there is also additional storage space at the front of the property and the southern side. You will discover that the actual main office is located just as you approach the circular loop and it will be immediately on your left as you turn left into the loop with a handful of places to park and check-in.

Amenities: level concrete large RV parking pads with patio, tree-shaded main RV parking loop, full hook-ups (30 / 50 electric amp, water (40-55 PSI) and sewage), free WiFI and Cable TV (70+ channels), 24 / 7 spartan clean bathrooms and showers, potable water and dump station, large recreation area for throwing the frisbee or taking the puppy for a walk, coin-operated laundr-O-mat as well as storage lots for boats, RVs and other vehicles.

Driving Directions: From Emerald Coast Pkwy: Turn onto Old Hwy 98, stoplight across from Silver Sands Premium Outlet and Chic-fil-A (Scenic Gulf Dr.). Follow Old 98 for approximately half a mile, and you will see Embassy Suites on your right. Turn right onto S. Geronimo St. Drive a few hundred feet and arrive at Geronimo RV Park on your left. Or from Hwy 98 turn on to S. Geronimo St, head South a quarter mile, then turn on to Arnett Lane where our sign is located.

Insider’s Tips: (1) One irritating element about Geronimo is that they will only allow you an RV+ another vehicle, but if you come packing a golf cart, motorcycle or even a boat, then they will charge you for two vehicles and make you park this in another spot (and charge you nightly for it), so think twice before you bring your entire caravan to this place; (2) For my tent-pitching bredren, there is ‘no luck at the Inn here’ as this is only an RV parking site, so head on over to nearby Henderson Beach State Park if you want to find a simply fantastic camping spot right near the Gulf; and (3) When you get tired of trying to fix a meal with the leftovers in your onboard mini-fridge and want to try out some local fare I HIGHLY recommend nearby Brotula’s for simply fantastic Dungeness, King and Snow Crab that you can wash it down with a local micro-brew or stunning glass of Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc.

Happy Camping!

Hands-down, this is one of the best waterfront secluded camping experiences I have ever come across in all of my years of camping and in all of the places I have chosen to pitch a tent (and let’s just say, I’ve had more than my share of open air, starry-night skies to count!). Seriously, this place is breathtaking! 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 shaded by nurturing Magnolia and Oak trees laced with iridescent light bulbs, white pebble pathways that criss-cross throughout the property before delivering you to the main office, which you will easily mistake for a quaint floral boutique in what looks to be a recently restored beach house from the 1920s. The on-site manager, Taylor, was nothing short of incredibly welcoming, extolling Southern hospitality upon us and incredibly excited to show us the entire property, which we took her up on. 

The main attraction here at the pet-friendly Hideaway is the simply sublime aqua green ripples of the Gulf Coast (a.k.a. Redneck Riviera) right here on the Santa Rosa sound that will lure you to take a dip in the beckoning aquamarine salt water or cast a line or two (no pesky fishing license to worry about either) to catch one of the most unique local fish here, Brotula, which I had never heard of before. And while you might be disappointed to discover that the pier that looks like it has just barely survived the last hurricane (Sally) that recently passed through this way is completely inaccessible and what remains looks more like a movie prop from a deserted island that Johnnie Depp might have been stranded on, once more, creating the feel that you have truly arrived at a place somehow lost by time, but preserved for a most amazing experience with the best of what salt water living and white sand beaches have to offer here in the pan handle of Florida. 

As for the campground itself, while the majority of sites, 60 in total, are geared more towards the RV-driving or 5th Wheel-toting crowd, there are tent sites (but only 10 designated locations), and trust me, even for some of the sites that look more 5th wheel friendly, I would have no problem setting up camp, given the spectacular views as well as quick & EZ access to the ocean (but would certainly bring a decent amount of cardboard to place underneath the tent to protect from the jagged rocks and stones that you’ll be sleeping and stepping on). While it is true that some sites offer more privacy than others, you will feel seclusion no matter where you go on this property. 

If you find yourself anywhere between Destin and Pensacola while looking for a place to camp for the night, take my word for it, you won’t find a better spot (and I know, because I looked at about 20 oceanfront spots and checked each one out personally!). Unlike the hustle-and-bustle of a very over-touristy location like Destin or Pensacola, here in Navarre, you will encounter real, authentic ‘Old Florida’ charm where everything slows down and you’ll find fewer amenities, shops and restaurants, but the ones you will find are incredibly special and highly individual. 

Don’t have an RV or even a tent? Not a problem, because the good folks here at The Hideaway will rent you a 1958 Shasta RV (dubbed ‘Shabby Shasta’) that sits right next to the laundry facility and just steps away to the bath houses. Before long, the property will offer up a little blue house for rent with stunning waterfront views of the Gulf. And while the laundry facilities and bath houses (the women’s is recently renovated, while the men’s is still in dire need of updating) are sheltered in old 1930s buildings, once inside, you’ll be greeted by refurbished environs, appliances and fixtures. 

Amenities: 371 feet of private, white powder sand beaches, kayaks and paddleboards available for rent, campground hangout area complete with foosball, ping pong, corn hole, volleyball, tree swings, fire pit with a dozen or so Adirondack chairs encircled around, refurbished bath houses and coin- and credit-card operated laundr-O-mat (there’s even an App you can download that will tell you when your load is done!) with brand new washers and dryers, complimentary high-speed WiFi, cable with 110 channels, designated dump site, reinforced sea wall, 400 foot fishing pier (still WIP), dog beach, as well as full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage). 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) While most campgrounds offer up picnic tables and some form of BBQ grill with each site, I was surprised to discover that The Hideaway doesn’t offer either of these, so if you plan on staying here, give good thought to bringing your own – I always appreciate this tip, because if I really don’t have to take up space by bringing my own BBQ or table, why would I? But here, at least you know before you go; (2) The best RV sites here are, of course, with a stunning oceanfront view (although I have to admit, I found it odd that nearly all of these were vacant when we visited): #12, #15, #16, #25, #26, #36, #37, #44, #45, #46 and #47; (3) For tent campers, try to book one of these 3 spots: TS1, TS2, TS3 – all located right behind the cottage, if not, then try to negotiate your way onto one of the aforementioned RV spots; and (4) When you get tired of trying to figure out that next meal from either your on-board mini-fridge or your Cordova roto-molded cooler, then check out a few of the local eateries, including: Dewey Destin’s for typical seafood, Juana’s Pagodas for some delicious libations with a Tiki Hut vibe or East Bay Crab House for some good down-southern Dungeness crab greatness. 

Happy Camping!

PROS 

Security gate that closes at sunset and requires code for entry. 

Site 81- level; gravel parking pad; 8x30 ft concrete patio; moveable picnic table; partial shade 

Very nice beach 

Hourly tram to the beach 

Good bike paths 

Very nice Campbell Lake 

Bathhouse very clean and cleaning hours were clearly posted 

Loved the in-park coffee shop and their cruffins 

CONS 

Fee charged for making my own on-line reservation 

No veteran or senior discount 

Arrived to a large pile of dog poop in our site 

Site 81- no firepit 

Site 81- absolutely no privacy from neighbors 

Military jet noise from 3 nearby military installations 

Roads tight

Don’t Miss In park coffee shop, Kith& Kim, cruffin pastry 

Fish On Restaurant Destin 

Old Florida Fish House Seaside 

Acme oyster House Sandestin

Our first trip to destin we stayed at geronimo RV resort.    THey were very accommodating  including giving us options if we had a new RV delivered and had to swap coaches.   There isnt a fenced dog area, which is the only downside, but there is a big field and lots of areas to walk the dogs.  The Wifi was bullet fast and I could actually work on it.   The folks working there were friendly as can be and made the trip a joy.