Best Campgrounds near Mary Esther, FL

There are only three primitive camping sites out here and they are very secluded. In site 3 we had a great view of the river and easy access to the hiking trails! If you like primitive camping, this place is the way to go.

So silent, clean bathrooms, nice people, rangers are really helpful

This place is brand new and we had s chance to stay there on our way back to Ia. It was very close to the beaches and had an awesome waterfront view. The park looks like Drive In Movie and there were a few old hot rods that came by for pictures when we were there. The hosts had a vintage airstream rally going on while we were there and were very nice to visit with. They had lots of mad men 1960s memorabilia in their office snd we got lots of photos and had a great time. We cant wait to spend more time here later this summer w we come back on vacation.

We love this campground. We stayed here a few years ago and were happy to have the opportunity to come back. It’s pricey at $40/night, but you’re so close to the pristine water and beaches (sadly, no dogs allowed on beaches). Don’t forget that this is a National Seashore and you’ll need to pay the $25/car entry fee to get in (or get the annual pass). There are several loops here. A is off by itself and has a more crowded feel to it, the sites are closer together and there are a lot more trees. The other loops are all together in one big group. C and E are more open, no division between sites. D is tents only (and$26/night). I don’t know about B or if there is a B. There’s also group camping. 

The tent/RV sites are 50/30 amp power and water, and there’s a dump station in A loop and in the C/D/E loop. We ended up using the dump in A loop because the C/D/E loop dump has you going in backwards and then to get out you have to go all the way back through the campground. This would be a good dump to use on the way in, but not on the way out. OK cell service for ATT and Verizon.

Camp Robbins is located on Eglin AFB just outside the Fort Walton Beach area. The camp is easy to find when you enter through the main gate and even the big rigs shouldn't have any navigational problems getting to the camp. Be aware however that their are two roads that lead into the camp sites one is dirt and the other paved, I highly recommend one enter in on the paved road which is the first right after passing the BX and commissary.

The RV camp site is not small but not huge either more of a perfect in-between. Each site is FHU on gravel and comes with a picnic table on a slab, for the most part the sites are leveled but not perfect. There are some back in sites but most are pull through (so convenient) as well as well spaced so one has some privacy and doesn't feel like they're in an ant farm. The sites and facilities are maintained fairly well as the bathrooms are clean and have hot water the laundry works and we even saw in many occasions work crews coming out to re-level some of the sites.

Location wise the camp is super convenient and ideal as the BX, commissary, class six, USPS, UPS, and Burger King are literally across the street from the camp site. Along with this their is also a base gym, boat and equipment rentals and bay side access for fishing and swimming on post and close to the camp as well. Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island, and Destin are minutes away as well. If you don't mind the drive Pensacola and Panama City are other areas to visit.

There is plenty to do as well between the Eglin visitors center (for kids and military history followers), emerald beaches, fishing, shopping and great food you can't go wrong.

Be aware however Camp Robbins is located just south of Eglins airfield so if roaring and screaming fighter jets first thing in the morning is not for you scratch this camp off your list. On the other hand if roaring jets don't bother you then you'll probably enjoy the free airshow every morning. I would however stress learn and know the high traffic times as depending on where one is off base during traffic hours can mean the difference between 15min or 1hr trying to get somewhere due to how channelized the routes are here. Be aware as well Fort Walton Beach is growing and has a lot of construction happening on its roads.

Lastly for the price, location and security I would give it five stars but their is always room for improvement I guess. We stayed at Camp Robbins for 10 days and for what we payed for that time would have only payed for one night at a hotel.

Definitely recommend.

We have about 1 mile of dirt road to get here. Some campsites can be tight if you have a big rig. Within the past year, they have removed some trees to make it easier to maneuver in the campground.

Topsail is more like a rv resort. It is a state park & surprisingly it has sewer hookups. We come down here at least once a year. And have never had any complaints. There is no bad camping spot.

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!

There is a potable water faucet and a two plug 30 amp electrical outlet at each site.

I was here for the snow fall. The electric hook up was a saving grace. Now this is in the flight path of Eglin AFB. The staff is excellent both friendly and helpful.

Checked in Friday 01/17 and extended my stay from 2 nights to 7 nights. I’m enjoying the solitude. I’m at a tent site, no WIFI. T Mobile is 4 bars.

Great spot! Cool shorter hiking trails to take you to lakes or the gulf, or as we call it Lake Florida now. For hammock campers the tent camping spots are okay for hammock camping. I made due but I was in spot 21 and there are no trees accessible enough to hang a hammock up how you would want, BUT they had a couple 4x4s in the ground so I used one of those and a tree, everything went up properly. It was windy, rainy and around 30° and I was extremely comfortable.

Fire pits are great, it looks like all spots have a picnic table.

All in all great spot. I’ll be back soon!

Keep in mind, this is a Preserve. Good trails, coastal dunes with lakes, fishing, paddling, beach, cabins, and tent camping including Glamping!

CG is within the State Forest about 2 miles in, off US98, on Level 2 roads. Follow “Primitive camping area” signs to parking area, watching for route. Packin-pack out. Once at parking area, choose Eastern Lake Area 1 of 2.

Park and CG was not busy or dull considering our January visit. Unique lake dunes offered trails, beach access, and paddling/fishing. CG had good amenities: water, electric, hard pads, tables, showers/rr.

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.