The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Jay. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Jay and user-submitted reviews.
The campground consists of 30 sites nestled among towering longleaf pine, magnolia trees and Atlantic white cedar. The Magnolia Loop features a playground that is easily viewed from most of the sites in the loop. The sites range from fully shaded to sunny.
Each campsite has 20, 30 and 50 amp electric service, potable water connections, RV sewer hookup, picnic table, fire ring and grill. The sites can accommodate all types of tent camping and 50-foot RVs. A playground is available for the kids.
From the campground, the Juniper Lake Trail opens up to the unspoiled beauty of the Blackwater River for hikers, beachgoers and anglers. A well-maintained restroom with showers is located between the two loops and is accessible via boardwalk from each camping loop.
Pets are welcome in designated areas.
A dump station is located on the campground road.
Maximum RV length = 50 ft.
$20 / night
Fort Pickens Campground is situated on Santa Rosa Island, a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Visitors are drawn to the Gulf of Mexico for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with us today! Each camp site offers a fire pit, picnic table, and a paved pad to park on. There are heated showers and flush toilets. We offer electric and non-electric sites. Many of our sites have restrictions from low limbs or bushes so be sure you will fit. Limited overflow parking is available. Choose a site that will accommodate all of your equipment. Campers may not stay in the campground more than 14 consecutive days. This policy is strictly enforced. Entrance fees are required for the Fort Pickens area and are good for seven consecutive days from purchase. Pets are not allowed on any beaches sound and gulf side, ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside facilities.
Many visitors young and old come to Fort Pickens to enjoy its scenic location on the beach. The white sands of Santa Rosa Island are the perfect place for a long walk or an afternoon of building sandcastles. The warm ocean waters are great for swimming and snorkeling. Fishermen will find a pier just a short distance from the picnic pavilions. It can be used by visitors without a Florida fishing license. Many hiking trails through the sand dunes provide beautiful views and hours of exploration. Historic Fort Pickens, a pentagonal fort built to defend Pensacola Bay in 1834, is just 1 mile from the campground. The structure was fortified after the War of 1812 and was one of four forts in the South never occupied by Confederates during the Civil War.
The campground is located on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. Groves of live oak trees are scattered across the island, providing shelter for resident and migrating bird populations, as well as shade for park visitors. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to sparkling blue waters, white beaches and coastal marshes. However, more than 80% of the national park is underwater, as it's a vital protective habitat to marine life.
The campground is a short distance from restaurants and beach nightlife, downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Naval Air Station and Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse and other historic sites. Campsites are within 1/4 mile of the beaches of the Emerald Coast of the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay.
Cancellation and modification fees are non-refundable.
$20 - $40 / night
Campers must reserve a site via www.nwfwater.com or by calling (850) 539-5999.
The Bear Lake Campground is located within the Bear Lake Recreation Area, in the Blackwater River State Forest (Santa Rosa County), about 1-hour northeast of Pensacola, FL. This campground is located next to Bear Lake (107 acres) and has the following facilities: campsites with electric and water (potable), campsites with water (potable) only, dump station, a group dining hall with kitchen available by reservation only and restrooms with showers, boat ramp (electric motors only) and fishing pier. Recreational activities featured here are: fishing, hiking, mountain biking (6-mile trail), canoeing, picnicking, bird watching, wildlife viewing and photography.Blackwater River State Forest is the largest state forest in Florida, with over 210,000 acres of woodlands, lakes, and streams that has outstanding forest and water resources. It is named for the Blackwater River, which begins in neighboring Conecuh County, Alabama, and meanders southwestward through the forest. With the adjacent federal landholdings of Conecuh National Forest, to the north, and Eglin Air Force Base, to the south, this area is the largest contiguous ecological community of the longleaf pine - wiregrass ecosystem in the world. For further information about Blackwater River State Forest, please Click Here.Blackwater River State Forest has campgrounds, day-use areas and recreational trails that offer a variety of activities such as swimming, hiking, camping, canoeing, nature study, birding, fishing, hunting, horseback riding and mountain biking. This forest is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail and Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Get outdoors and explore the recreational opportunities at Blackwater River State Forest; for further information please Click Here.Bear Lake has electric and non-electric sites available for recreational vehicles or tents. Bathrooms with showers are available. There is a boat ramp, fishing pier, hiking trail, and dining hall with pavilion. The dining hall pavilion use is by reservation only.Blackwater Canoe Rental, Bob's Canoes, Adventures Unlimited, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Air Force Armament Museum, Okaloosa Island Pier, National Naval Aviation Museum, Navarre Beach, Pensacola Beach, Gulf of Mexico Activities and Amenities: BathhouseBird WatchingBoat RampBoating, CanoeingCampground HostCamping, Improved SiteCanoe RentalDock, FishingDump StationFire RingsFish Cleaning StationFishingFishing, PierHikingHiking TrailKioskMountain/Trail BicyclingNature StudyPhotographyPicnic AreaPicnickingRestroomsRiverRiver/StreamTrails, Hiking/Walking, EasyTrails, Moderate HikingTrails, Mountain BikeWater Access, Park LakeWater DrinkingWildflower ViewingWildlife Viewing
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$20 / night
Lake Stone Campground is a 100-acre campground and boat ramp facility located in the northern end of the county. The campground has 77 campsites for everything from big RV rigs to tents. Recently updated to accommodate the more modern and much larger RV’s, Lake Stone is the county’s only facility located on a fresh water lake.
Lake Stone facilities include a boat ramp (gasoline engines are not allowed to be used on Lake Stone), indoor public use building, a playground, showers, restrooms, a fishing pier, security lights, electrical and water hookups, a sewage dump station, picnic areas and the beautiful lake.
A small "country store" is available within the office for the campground. For your convenience, various items are ready for purchase. See the campground's caretaker.
Krul Campground is located within the Krul Recreation Area, in the Blackwater River State Forest (Santa Rosa County), about 1-hour northeast of Pensacola, FL. This campground is located on a 6.5-acre lake and has the following facilities: campsites with electricity and water (potable) for recreational vehicles or tents, dump station, restrooms and showers, swimming dock and pier. Recreational activities featured here are: swimming, picnicking, hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, nature study and photography. Don't miss the Sweetwater Hiking Trail that starts at the Krul parking lot and runs 1.3 miles to Bear Lake. The first half mile of trail is a handicapped accessible boardwalk with a suspension bridge over Sweetwater Creek. A gristmill is located along the boardwalk.
$25 / night
Scout
The Gulf Island area is spectacular. The campground is typical for a state park, but it is clean and people are very respectful. My site was pretty out in the open but some sites had beautiful shade. The beach access for your site is a bit of a walk but I would come back here in a heartbeat!
Scout
When we pulled in there where four workers standing outside. They blocked the entrance and asked us what we needed. When we told them we were looking to stay a night or two we were told no conversion vans allowed. Never even got inside the welcome building.
Scout
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. Laundry service. Full hookups. 20 min drive to the beach and had a blast. Ants were bad. And we were heavily warned about not letting kids be out unsupervised even to walk the dog.
Traveler
Good facilities, including cable ( a rarity these days ). Had to drive our scooter 10 miles to town, beaches, lighthouse, or any historical sites or better restaurants. Staff friendly enough.
Scout
We were going to stay 3 nights, but after one night left. The noise from a nearby wood plant is unbearable.
Scout
I like to book my places to camp the night of. Since I wasn't able to find any free camping. I called them. The staff picked up immediately and was able to book me a spot online. Full hookup cost six 50 bucks for the night. Campground had all the amenities and with spacious. Checkout is at 11:00.
Traveler
A wonderful January camping trip ! It was about 45° but we stayed cozy by the fire pit . Our site was super close to the water , less than 100 yards! We had a picnic table too, perfect for meals outdoors. Can't wait to come back when it's warmer!
Legend
2000 acres Walking auto cell phone tours of civil war Boat tours Big pull through rv spots and a tent campground. Awesome
Legend
Single loop campground mostly RVs most of the site right next to the lake quiet, peaceful, amazing simple getaway. Half mile trail around the lake to the north campground on the other side of the lake. Both campgrounds are very similar.
Legend
This is a great single loop 20 site campground right on the lake mostly rvers. Individual bathroom, shower rooms, clean, and nice. Half mile walk around the lake to the adjacent campground on the south side of the lake is a single loop 20 site or so campground.
Guide
As always we were running late. We called ahead and after proof of reservation, a few friendly questions, we were given a gate code. Florida parks is always on top of it! Never though I would feel it necessary to comment” the most astounding gravel driveway” Clean shower houses, neat and tidy park, slept like a baby.
ScoutThis is an excellent RV site to stop. Its extremely clean, and well kept. We have visited numerous times, since my grandson lives near my, this has become our homebase in Pensicola.
Guide
Friendly staff. Mountain biking. Campsites with them without electricity and water. Great place to stay.
TravelerGreat place. Has laundry, showers. Pool and table tennis in same room as laundry. Snack machine. Cabins. Unfortunately we arrived late and left early so we didn't get to use all the facilities. Wifi was pretty good.
Traveler
Beautiful view of the lake & spacious sites. Make sure you take supplies, groceries trip is 20-30 minutes
Guide
Nice and quiet. Good separation between campsites with shade. Bathhouses clean and close to most campsites. Plenty of walking trails. Love the Bird tower and kayak launch. Sandbar near launch to hangout when paddling. Perdido Key state park is close by for great beach access. Free if staying at Big Lagoon.
GuideCampground and beach area as well as bathrooms are in good shape. Camp sites are missing shade trees from hurricanes. Worth a stop👍
Scout
We used this place for the stop for the night during our cross country road trip. The pull through site 67 had a nice level slab which was nice. Free wifi available and no contact check in. Late check in was perfectly fine. Alot of folks do live here.
GuideReally nice place to camp for folks who enjoy access to an uncrowded beach. There's a 25$ entrance fee(one time fee for campers)at the gate coming into the Gulf Islands area so not many folks who just want to go to the beach. The sites aren't spectacular(not a lot of shade)but they do have the basics 30/50 Amp service at many sites (campground D is tent/popup specific). Clean bathhouses and well maintained grounds. This was our 1st time visiting in the middle of summer (who knew FL is hot and humid in July) we enjoyed the trip but in the future will make spring and fall for our target dates. Access to beautiful beaches and the sound are minutes away. Fees were 40$ a night at the time of our visit.
Scout
It’s pretty new. It’s clean. The owner is great. He allowed us an early check in. Some full timers. Some passing thru one night only. Everyone friendly. It’s quiet. No parties. No loud music. Not much shade. Small spaces. No bathrooms. Few spaces back up to a 4 lane highway. Full hookups are nice. We were in town for the Blue Angels and didn’t spend much time at the park. It’s about 25mi or 45min from Pensacola Beach.
Scout
Had the best time at Splash RV. It was my son’s birthday during our stay and they delivered a huge wooden cupcake with balloons to our campsite the day of his birthday. Staff is constantly cleaning up. Plenty of washers and dryers for laundry. Cute camp store and small arcade. Pool amazing is fun and clean.
ScoutThe staff at 밤의전쟁 are friendly and attentive.
Legend
Located in the sleepy hamlet of MaryEsther, which lies equidistant between Pensacola and Destin, not too far from this stunning stretch of the Gulf comprised of emerald aqua slowly lolloping ripples of waves that wet the pristine white powder sand beaches that you’ll be lucky to stroll down should you find yourself in this part of the Sunshine state, Grater RV Hideaway Cove is less the traditional RV depot and more of someone’s idea to turn a small plot of unused residential land into a fenced-in, maze-like RV resting spot.
So let me begin by saying that this micro-RV lot, which boasts just 9 slots, will not be for everyone, especially those that are looking for a pristine encounter with nature. Here, where you will be completely encased by 10-foot-tall wooden fences, which are for the most part, brand spanking new, with each site having some very decent space to spread out your camp. There are quaint touches throughout this place that attempts to convey a feeling of homeliness and familial welcoming, which somehow contrasts with all of the other signs you’ll encounter stating ‘private property’ or ‘you are under video surveillance’ from the few houses that are also encased inside this same wooden fenced-in residential enclave. In short, there’s a bit of a spooky element to this place, and dare I say (only because I'm now watching it for the second time now) giving off a bit of a 'LOST' vibe? Jack, Kate, Sawyer and, most importantly, Hurley, can you help me?!
I’ll be honest, rather than 'LOST' this place reminds me a bit of the dystopian scenario that plays out in episode 3 of ‘The Last of Us,’ wherein Bill, brilliantly played by Nick Offerman, is a post-apocalyptic survivalist who, once the entire town has been evacuated by the government, builds a fence around his entire neighborhood and nearby shops, fortifying this doomsday oasis with electric fencing, video cameras, search lights and booby traps. All in all though, if you can get over the eeriness of this place, I’m sure it’s a wonderful, private experience for those who don’t mind the set up and location that they find themselves encased within.
Amenities: 360 degrees of 10’ tall wooden fencing, very level back-in sites with freshly laid gravel along with full hook-ups (20 / 30 / 50 amp electricity, water and sewage), pet friendly and, of course, security surveillance! There’s no onsite bathroom, shower facilities or even WiFi (why would one need these things in an apocalypse?).
Insider’s tips? (1) This is certainly not a destination, and more of an option for those that simply need to park their RV somewhere for the night, unless that is, you really don’t mind the desolate environment of a ‘fenced-in-backyard’ kind of vibe; (2) As you are located just 3-4 blocks away from the main 4-line highway 98 here, you really are located close to prime beach heads, where you can either cross directly south of the highway to The Narrows or move further west to Upper Pritchard Long Point, both of which make perfect places to launch paddleboards and kayaks or go for a day of fly fishing; (3) When you get tired of trying to conjure up something interesting for your next meal, you will want to say ‘Mahalo’ later after heading on over to Kalai’s Hawaiian Kitchen for some amazing Kalua Pork, BBQ Chicken or Garlic Shrimp that really will make you feel like ‘Ohana’; and (4) If you’re traveling with kiddos, head on over to Emerald Coast Science Center for interactive, hands-on exhibits featuring biology, colors, vehicles and the human body.
Happy Camping!
LegendWould highly recommend this adorable RV Park. Peaceful spot and we felt safe. Level gravel sites with nice FHUs! Owner Russel is very helpful & friendly and pays special attention to the landscaping with added touches, such as nice new picnic tables and a hammock at our sight, and charming outdoor decor! Close to Beaches, restaurants, shopping, and many area attractions! Walmart and Publix, with a pharmacy and liquor store, and a Citgo, just around the corner, on Hwy 98. Donut shop, Hibachi, laundry mat, coffee shop, and Murphy’s Vet clinic, literally across the street. I had Good reception with T-Mobile @ 4 bars.
LegendThis review is written as a short stay versus a destination campground (CG). Our RV GPS and Waze took us to the Pensacola area, and then we followed the email instructions for coming in Eastbound on I-10 and taking exit 7A. They are the second RV park on Wilde Lake Blvd, 1/2 mile past the large Wilde Lake Church on the left. Check-in was super friendly and we were escorted to pull through site 64 with FHUs. 50 psi on water, 5 bars on Verizon, and a good shot to the north sky as requested for Starlink as this was Super Bowl Sunday. They had cable but we didn't use it. We were in what seemed to be their short-term area. The sites were close together but we did have a little brick patio with a picnic table. Solid CG for a few days.
ScoutPerfect for anyone wanting to have a nice quiet stay near the beach. Can get pretty packed during the busy season though
Legend
Our site was pull thru, all with FHU, great water pressure, gravel sites. Great place to decompress and unwind, in a natural environment. Spacious sites, also saw a nice tent area, several portable potty’s, and a free to use washer and dryer in the Hanger/guest clubhouse , that also has a sink station, picnic tables, and grilling area! Lots of added touches! 3 dog parks, dog washing station, mutt mitts throughout park(which was much appreciated,) a nice playground, tree swing, volleyball area, soccer field, and disc golf. This is our third time here, the first was for the balloon festival, and we stayed in a smaller back-in site, second time was for our granddaughter’s cheer competition, in Orange Beach, and now we are here to kick off the summer with our grand at OWA! The pull through site was partly shady and more than accommodating, with our truck and 40” RV. T-Mobile was ok, but we used our Starlink for work and streaming, which was awesome…no interference. We went to the fireworks at OWA tonight and ate at The Goat and watched the playoffs! The rest of the week will be full of fun at Tropic Falls, and ACC is within minutes of restaurants, stores and beaches!
Camping near Jay, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Jay, Florida, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Jay, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Jay, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 111 campgrounds and RV parks near Jay, FL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Jay, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jay, FL is Blackwater River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 30 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jay, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Jay, FL.
What parks are near Jay, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Jay, FL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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