Best Tent Camping near Inlet Beach, FL

Point Washington State Forest offers primitive tent camping options near Inlet Beach, Florida, with two distinct campgrounds providing a natural retreat close to the Gulf Coast beaches. Eastern Lake Campground 1 and Eastern Lake Campground 2 feature tent-specific sites within the forest, approximately 2 miles from Highway 98. Both campgrounds provide basic amenities for tent campers seeking a more rustic experience while remaining within driving distance of popular beach destinations along 30A.

Access to the tent campsites requires navigating forest roads that can become challenging after rain. Several campers noted significant puddles that may be difficult for low-clearance vehicles. Each primitive tent site includes a picnic table, fire ring, grill, and a framed gravel tent pad measuring approximately 12'x20'. Campground 1 features four tent sites with a shared pit toilet, while Campground 2 offers lakeside sites with similar facilities. One camper wrote, "The site was pretty and felt nicely distanced from the other three sites in campground #1." Reservations are required through ReserveAmerica, and campers receive a gate code for access upon booking.

The tent camping experience at Point Washington provides varying levels of seclusion and water access between the two campground areas. Campground 1 offers more privacy with sites further apart and less highway noise, though with limited lake access. Campground 2 provides beautiful lake views with easy water access, making it ideal for tent campers interested in paddling. According to one visitor, "Point Washington also offers three hiking trail options on the Eastern Lake bike/hike trail. The hiker or bicyclist can travel the 3.5-, 5- or 10-mile loop." The forest setting creates a peaceful atmosphere despite being relatively close to developed areas. Tent campers should note that the primitive nature of these sites means no running water or hookups are available, requiring proper preparation for a self-sufficient camping experience.

Best Tent Sites Near Inlet Beach, Florida (7)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Inlet Beach, FL

430 Reviews of 7 Inlet Beach Campgrounds


  • Elizabeth G.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Henderson Beach State Park Campground

    Quiet and secluded for the beach

    My family and I stayed here for one night in July 2020 as our midway point from GA to Texas. We stayed in site 44 and it was private and near the bathrooms. All the sites had gravel, a picnic table, and and a fire pit as well as a clothesline. There’s a path to the beach from the bathhouse. The bathhouse was very clean and there were men and women restrooms as well as private bathroom/showers.

    We fit 2 tents at our site. It was so humid and muggy I cowboy camped on the gravel with my picnic blanket and sleeping pad. Everyone else slept in the tents without the rain fly’s for some ventilation. It was a nice, clean, and quiet park and we felt very secluded in our site. There was WiFi and cell service (2 bars for Verizon).

    Each site has electric and water. There’s a dump station near the entrance/exit of the park. Overall, lovely experience and I would definitely stay here again.

  • Shea M.
    Apr. 1, 2020

    Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest

    Beach camping

    Nice primitive campground located near 30A beach. The road leading in is sandy and gravely. The site was for tent camping and offers a picnic table, grill, fire pit, food/lamp pole and a porta house (which was fairly clean, considering). There was also a pier close by. The bed was gravel and uncomfortable but they were actually repairing it while we were there, so it should be quite comfortable for your stay! No hookups or water. We stayed at campsite #1 which had plenty of trees for shade and was closest to the water, but they all looked nice. The beach is right across the bay so it's a short drive to the ocean. Quiet and clean, we stayed four days and had a neighbor for two of them. He seemed respectful to nature and gave us no issues. Overall would stay again, just remember there is no shower to get off all that sand and sunscreen!

  • Dale W.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Sand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest

    Quiet, secluded, and beautiful.

    I initially had a reservation at one of the primitive camp grounds, but my reservation was cancelled due to flooding that closed all three primitive camp grounds. Better yet, I got an RV spot on the day of arrival. Great pull-through sites with fire ring, picnic table, water, and electricity. Pitched my tent on the banks of Sand Pond.

    The two-mile Campground Trail, part of the Forest Service's Trailwalker Program, winds along the banks of Cyprus Pond, through the mixed hardwood/pine forest, and around Sand Pond. This is a nice and easy, well-maintained, level trail.

    Was lulled to sleep by the croaking of bull frogs while watching the moon rise from my sleeping bag. A thoroughly enjoyable stay.

  • lydia B.
    Mar. 19, 2022

    Henderson Beach State Park Campground

    Family Friendly

    We arrived at a very clean, gravel campsite with a picnic table, fire ring, water & electric access, as well as a clothes line. Because we were tent camping, the gravel made it difficult to pitch our tent on site. Luckily, we had enough space and privacy on our site to unload the car and sleep in the trunk of it. The bathrooms were kept very clean, and the showers were fantastic! The beach itself is kept extremely clean and is beautiful. The volunteers do a wonderful job around the campground. Here you will find a family friendly stay! I would for sure visit Henderson Beach again for the clean facilities, beautiful beach, and local attractions.

  • Maria E.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Grayton Beach State Park Campground

    Nice

    We were initially assigned to site number 10 which was small but fine because we were tent camping. After a quick set up we started walking around and found site number 16 open by the water with a breeze. We drove up to the front confirmed availability and moved camp. Keep in mind this is not the beach, it is a lake but also has a trail along side where we walked the dog which was nice.  Ground is gravel but not difficult to stake. Bathroom facilities were very well located in the middle of the inner loop. Our site was on the outer side of the loop but paths to the bathroom are easy to find because there are reflectors making it visible with a flashlight at night. We only stayed one night but would definitely come back and bring bikes so we can check out the cute little beach town nearby.

  • Beth B.
    Jun. 28, 2022

    Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest

    Forest Nights

    I liked this forest and thought it was very pretty. Good distance to beaches, although I didn’t see a way to walk to the beach - we drove. I would not chance the forest roads in a sedan. You might be okay if it stays dry but if it rains you will not be in good shape. Lots of roads and trails to explore.

    Pros and cons of each campground

    Campground 1 Pros: can park in your site, further apart, no highway noise Cons: only have access to a tiny part of the lake, breeze kind of blocked by trees

    Campground 2 Pros: beautiful lake view and easy access to water, prettier view, more breeze Cons: traffic noise, cannot park in your site

    Both campgrounds have a bathroom (I did not use so not sure of conditions). Every site has a fire pit, bbq pit, picnic table, and lantern pole.

    Would definitely camp here again.

  • D
    Aug. 23, 2019

    Eastern Lake Campground 2 — Point Washington State Forest

    Is located outside of Destin off of 98 east.

    Great primitive camping with several spots on the water in camping area 2

    Has a “outhouse” no running water or hookups in the primitive camping area. Roads are easy to travel in a sedan. Campsites provide picnic table and grill with a lantern pole and pea gravel area to set up tent. Very glad I found this!

  • a
    Feb. 12, 2022

    Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground

    1st road trip!

    What a wonderful place! Let’s start off with the super sweet lady at the office she was the most kind welcoming person I’ve ever met! Checkin was quick, the office had supplies and firewood. Our site was a tent or Rv, we were camping with a roof top tent on our suv. It was back in which worked fine for us. The site was clean and tidy with a picnic table, fire ring, water and electric. The restroom and shower facility was very clean, hot water and heaters for winter. The roads around the park were all paved and nice for walking or biking. Lots of wildlife! The park was beautiful and well kept up, we will definitely be visiting again!

  • Bettie C.
    Mar. 16, 2022

    Grayton Beach State Park Campground

    Level, private, close to beach and town

    Great campground. Our sites (9 & 35) were private and shady. Location is great. Convenient to bike into several communities. Lake an beach are perfect. Picnic tables were clean. Fire pits at each site ( although there was a fire ban during our trip)


Guide to Inlet Beach

Tent camping near Inlet Beach, Florida offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40

  • At Point Washington, you can enjoy well-maintained sites with amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, all at a reasonable price.

Tips for tent camping near Inlet Beach

  • When staying at Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB, be prepared for a short drive to the beach and take advantage of the full hookups and recreational activities available nearby.

Local activities to enjoy while camping

  • Explore the scenic trails and peaceful surroundings at Point Washington, where you can hike, bike, or simply relax by the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Inlet Beach, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Inlet Beach, FL is Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Inlet Beach, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Inlet Beach, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.