Mary Esther, FL Camping & Campground Guide
Mary Esther, Florida sits at the center of a coastal camping corridor with options ranging from military-affiliated facilities to beachfront destinations. Henderson Beach State Park Campground and Camp Gulf offer tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin accommodations within minutes of the Gulf shoreline. The region includes several established campgrounds supporting various accommodation types, with The Hideaway Retreat and Emerald Beach RV Park providing full hookup sites approximately 15 miles east of downtown Mary Esther along the Navarre coastline. Mixed-use campgrounds are common, with most facilities accommodating both tent and RV camping.
Access to campgrounds remains reliable year-round as most facilities in the area operate throughout all seasons, though summer months bring significantly higher demand and rates. Most established campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during peak tourist season from March through September. The coastal location means weather considerations including hurricane season (June through November) and occasional severe storms. Campgrounds generally offer level concrete or gravel pads with full hookups, though primitive tent camping options are more limited. Cell coverage is excellent throughout the region due to the developed coastal infrastructure. A visitor noted, "Close to Navarre and Okaloosa Island beaches, and many restaurants and shopping."
Proximity to Gulf beaches represents the primary draw for campers in this area, with several campgrounds offering either direct beach access or convenient transportation to shorelines. Military personnel benefit from specialized camping facilities, including Eglin AFB FamCamp which one camper described as having "lots of trees and large spots" plus proximity to water. Beachfront locations fill quickly during peak season, with waterfront RV sites commanding premium rates. While natural scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities exist, most campgrounds function primarily as bases for exploring nearby beaches rather than wilderness destinations. Mary Esther campgrounds provide an ideal location for those seeking both coastal camping experiences and convenient access to local amenities. Several visitors mentioned the convenient access to essential services, with one camper highlighting that many campgrounds are "close to Walmart and Publix, with a pharmacy and liquor store, and a Citgo, just around the corner."
