Ashley A.
Scout
ScoutEmerald Beach RV Park
Best place for family
My family has been coming for 14 years and my kids grew up fishing crabing and swim
Camping near Mary Esther, FL
123 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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."
Best Campgrounds near Mary Esther (123)
1. Henderson Beach State Park Campground
"Pad 13 is a roomy site surrounded by lush foliage and trees. Included on my site was a nice picnic table, fire pit and clothes line."
"It was nice to have such close access to groceries, coffee, Target, etc but then leave it all behind when driving through the park entrance gate."
from $30 / night
Check Availability2. The Hideaway Retreat
"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"
"We have a 44 ft toy hauler and stayed in a watefront site just steps away from a very small private beach. If you want a bi ocean beach this isn't it."
from $89 / night
Check Availability3. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground
"My wife and I are frequent campers in NW Florida and Alabama. Topsail is certainly one of our favorites. Excellent access to the beach, hiking, biking (many miles), lakes, great campground. "
"Beautiful beach, trees between paved spots, bike path, cute coffee shop on site, bike rentals, & a great location!"
from $24 - $145 / night
Check Availability4. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground
"Conveniently close to grocery stores. If you want to stay in Florida at affordable prices and have access to the best beaches in the US. This is the place to stay."
"Close to everything and I now want to move to Niceville, Florida. Very quiet in the campground day and night."
from $16 / night
Check Availability5. Emerald Beach RV Park
"Super nice place always so clean nice concrete pads quiet lots of things close by to do had teenage boys they loved it there they could either go to the pool or down to the beach we loved it so much we"
"This campground is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of what is Navarre and surrounding communities."
6. Destin West RV Resort
"Fantastic sites, great amenities, and access to resort and beachfront included. Some of the sites are real close to the busy highway, and there's an AFB nearby"
"Short walk to beach. Full 50 amp hookup. Overlooks bay. Easily accessible. Picnic table with umbrella. Lot covered by pavers. Cons: No Wifi for week of stay."
7. Navarre Beach Camping Resort
"The campground is technically not in a traditional beach such as Miramar or Clearwater; rather, it’s a small bay front area with a small man-made beach area adjacent a pier out into the bay."
"It is also a mile away from the public beach across the Santa rosa sound. Dont forget to stop at Tommy's Sno Balls we went there every day and tried a different flavor snow cone every time."
8. Camp On The Gulf
"Great proximity to the beach. Depending on your site several are just steps from the beach (actually on the beach if you don’t need sewer)."
"We are Connecticut residents, we took a winter trip to Destin Florida. Camp gulf was an amazing experience for the whole family."
9. Santa Rosa RV Resort
"My wife and I never stay for more than 4-5 days, and this is an easy 5-hour drive from Atlanta. There's people from all over the US in this place, Nevada, Minnesota, Georgia and of course, Florida. "
"Showers/ bathroom, pool area, fenced pet area, gas fire pit lit at night to meet and greet if you want, access to the small beach and water. Shops near by for anything you want or need."
from $62 - $126 / night
Check Availability10. A Cozy Corner RV Lodge
"No other things for kids there… but your in the pan handle of Florida so using it as just somewhere to sleep at night isn’t bad if you utilize the beaches and such."
"Close to lots of stores and restaurants, 20-30 min from beaches depending on traffic. Some traffic noise, since it’s next to a main road."
from $90 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 30 min from Crestview, FL
- 41 min from Pensacola, FL
- 1 hr 24 min from Panama City, FL
- 1 hr 27 min from Daphne, AL
Recent Camping Photos near Mary Esther, FL
161 Photos of 123 Mary Esther Campgrounds
Stuart K.
Hurlburt Field FamCamp
Grater R.
Grater RV Hideaway Cove
Holly D.
The Hideaway Retreat
James R.
Emerald Beach RV Park
Jason H.
Santa Rosa RV Resort
Elizabeth G.
Henderson Beach State Park Campground
Paula C.
Mid Bay Shores Maxwell
Hilary S.
Bay Forest Retreat
autumn
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground
Ioan P.
Camp On The Gulf
Splash R.
Splash RV Resort & Waterpark
John R.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Mary Esther, FL
854 Reviews of 123 Mary Esther Campgrounds
- SShannon H.Scout
Trout Creek RV Park
Quiet Park very close to Destin, FL
We had a wonderful stay at Trout Creek RV Park! The park is peaceful, well-maintained, and the sites are spacious with easy access in and out. One of our favorite features was the beautiful boardwalk—it was the perfect place for a morning walk, enjoying nature, and unwinding after a day at the beach. Traveling with our dog was a breeze thanks to the fenced dog run. It gave our pup a safe place to stretch his legs and play, which made the trip even more enjoyable.
The location is ideal—close enough to Destin and the Emerald Coast to enjoy all the attractions, but far enough away to relax and escape the crowds. We can't wait to come back!
- VValeria S.Scout
Navarre Beach Camping Resort
Very disappointed
I rarely leave negative reviews, but this experience was incredibly disappointing. I reserved a specific campsite many months in advance for my birthday. Before arriving, I even received an email confirming that exact site. When I checked in, I was told they had given my reserved site to someone else and moved me to a different spot. The whole reason I booked so far in advance was to secure that particular location, so this completely defeated the purpose of planning ahead. What made the situation even worse was how it was handled. The manager never apologized or acknowledged the mistake. Instead, I was met with an attitude that made it seem like my frustration wasn’t justified. A sincere apology and some accountability would have gone a long way. To“make it right,” they offered a 20% discount, which honestly felt insulting given that they failed to honor a confirmed reservation on a special occasion. It wasn’t about the money—it was about keeping their commitment and treating customers with respect when they make a mistake. Unfortunately, what should have been a memorable birthday started with disappointment because of the park’s poor reservation management and lack of customer service. I hope they improve their processes and, more importantly, learn how to take responsibility when they let their guests down.
Nancy W.
LegendFred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground
Nice rustic state park
The campsites are rustic in nature featuring sandy/gravel sites with lots of trees and good separation from your neighbor. It is a little tight for big-rigs because of the trees and narrow roads in the park but doable if you take your time. It is located between Niceville and Bluewater Bay where you will find everything you need nearby (restaurant, grocery, fuel, etc.). The campground is small and was very quiet. Mostly adults when we visited but they do have a playground and Junior Ranger activities for kids. Campsites have water and electricity, a picnic table and a fire ring, and some have water views. The campground is close to a military base which explodes ordinances at random times, so if you have a dog that does not do well with loud sudden noises, do not stay here. Our dog is terrified of sounds like that and, luckily, there was only one really busy day when they were exploding bombs. We enjoyed the hiking trails and water views. The individual trails are short (the longest one is a mile) but there are multiple ones so you can get a three-mile walk in. There is a boat launch (for trailerable boats and kayaks) which we definitely would have used had we been there longer. We would definitely stay here again as we like the quiet solitude in the park but convenience to stores, restaurants, etc.
- LLaura H.
GuideBig Lagoon State Park Campground
Worth a visit
Big Lagoon State Park is a hidden gem on the Gulf Coast! Located just minutes from Perdido Beach, it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy nature. The walking trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful scenery, making them ideal for a peaceful stroll, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of the area.
The park is clean, quiet, and full of wildlife, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing walk, a picnic spot, or a place to connect with nature, Big Lagoon State Park is definitely worth a visit.
- ssheila C.
TravelerBlackwater River State Park Campground
Great little state park right on the river and forest!!!
This a great state park.. so many river beaches and parking lots next to them. Great campgrounds with pretty good sized lots and gravel covered. Lots of trees between sites depending on which site you get! Has a private river beach access too for campers. A bunch of walking trails a place to rent kayaks and tubes right down the road!! The staff was awesome. The state forest is surrounding it with trails and places to camp everywhere. And the river was so nice.
- ssheila C.Traveler
Blackwater River Boat Ramp Camp
Great spot for tent camping or car camping. Right next to the state park
Went there June 2026 pulled up to a little spot parked the car and set up near the boat ramp. The state park is right there you can visit and get water use the bathroom if you neeed for like 4 bucks entrance or 20 (36 with fees for the night ) couple other tent campers were there. The blackwater river is right there with a couple of different trails to take you down. Bugs were not that bad. Water was nice a cold but not too cold. There a bunch of forest roads all over the place you can camp along as well with more access to different river beaches. Honestly was an awesome time. No power or facilities literally just the woods so bring everything you need!!
TangyScoutEastern Lake Campground 2 — Point Washington State Forest
First beach camping!
Kind of hard to find on Google Maps but very pretty! Lots of skeeters so beware, and a little loud but that’s to be expected right on the water
- RRobert K.Traveler
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground
Top sail campground Florida
Top rate Florida State campground with full hookup. Bathrooms are spotless. Beach access with tram available throughout the day. We will be back.
Guide to Mary Esther
Camping opportunities near Mary Esther, Florida encompass coastal and bayou settings with average summer temperatures reaching 90°F and high humidity. The area's flat topography creates easy access to multiple campgrounds, with sites typically situated between 5-15 feet above sea level. Most camping facilities in the region remain open year-round despite occasional strong winds from the Gulf during storm seasons.
What to do
Kayaking at nearby lakes: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground features several coastal dune lakes accessible by hiking trails or kayak. One visitor noted, "We didn't get to hike as it was already pretty late in the year (quite hot). Hit the beach at sunset for lovely views and grazing deers."
Private beach access: Several campgrounds offer their own beach areas for guests. At Destin West RV Resort, campers can enjoy "a nice hotel that we have access to the pool, beach, and all of their amenities. There is a pool on this side too, which is very clean and heated, but small."
Fishing from designated piers: Many campgrounds feature fishing access directly from their property. Emerald Beach RV Park includes "a small beach that allows pets. Also a very nice laundry room– I wouldn't mind doing my laundry there!"
What campers like
Site privacy and natural settings: Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground earns praise for its "very well maintained campground. Sites are large with split rail fencing around each site. Restrooms are very clean. Family showers are also available, which is very helpful with little kids."
Proximity to essential services: The convenience of nearby shopping is a major plus. At Santa Rosa RV Resort, campers appreciate being "close to several great restaurants and shops. The drive to Santa Rosa beach was just around 10 minutes at most."
Clean, accessible facilities: Navarre Beach Camping Resort features "a small private beach area. Only a short drive to the public beaches of Navarre." Another camper mentioned that "the bathrooms were always well maintained. The staff were friendly and helpful. They took pride in maintaining a clean and quiet campground."
What you should know
Site sizes vary significantly: Campgrounds in the area often feature tight spacing between sites. At Camp On The Gulf, "Parking your rig is TIGHT. Like super tight. 2 nice pools and all other amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry, sewer, etc."
Base access requirements: For military campsites like Eglin AFB FamCamp, "Department of defense ID is required for entry!" The military location does include some unique features like "lots of trees and large spots. It's also a short walk to the water."
Reservation timing matters: The most sought-after campgrounds fill quickly, especially beachfront sites. At The Hideaway Retreat, "rates are based on the type of site and season and range from $45 for a tent site in fall/winter to $125 for a premium waterfront site on a holiday for spring/summer (March 1-September 15)."
Tips for camping with families
Check for kid-specific amenities: Some campgrounds provide recreational options specifically for children. At Camp On The Gulf, they have "a different activity for the kids each day. They had painting sand dollars, bubba the alligator show, face painting and even an Easter egg hunt."
Beach safety precautions: Parents should monitor water conditions. One camper at Camp On The Gulf noted, "We did see a lot of jellyfish in the water so be aware of that. We even caught one in a fishing net."
Private versus public beaches: Henderson Beach State Park Campground offers a less crowded beach experience. A visitor shared, "Right in the heart of Destin but the best beach on the coast if you're not looking for crowds but if you are looking for space to spread out. The campground basically has a huge portion of the beach just for it."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for noise reduction: Road noise can impact some campsites. At Santa Rosa RV Resort, "if you happen to get a site next to the road, especially towards the back of the park, the road noise is intense and unending. There is a traffic light down the road and there is constant loud noise."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds have sewer hookups at each site. At Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground, campers appreciate that each site has "electric and water" though sewer connections may require using the dump station.
Tree canopy considerations: When selecting a campground, consider overhead clearance. The Hideaway Retreat has "a lot of magnolia and oak trees and there's gravel throughout... make sure you're an expert if hauling a trailer or driving a large RV because space is tight and the tree canopies are low."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are backyard fire pits allowed in Mary Esther?
Are backyard fire pits allowed in Mary Esther?
Fire pit regulations in Mary Esther generally permit backyard fire pits with certain restrictions. They should be contained in proper fire rings or designated pits, positioned away from structures and overhanging vegetation. At Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground, fire safety protocols demonstrate the standard practices in the region, including keeping fires attended and fully extinguishing before leaving. For the most current regulations, check with the Mary Esther Fire Department, as rules may change during dry seasons or high fire danger periods when temporary bans might be implemented.
What are the pool gate requirements in Mary Esther?
What are the pool gate requirements in Mary Esther?
Pool gate requirements in Mary Esther follow Florida state regulations, requiring self-closing and self-latching gates at least 48 inches high surrounding residential pools. Gates must open outward away from the pool and have latches placed on the pool side, out of reach of small children. These safety measures are similar to those observed at Mid Bay Shores Maxwell recreation facilities and other campgrounds in the area with pool amenities. Additionally, pool alarms may be required for doors and windows with direct pool access. Always verify current requirements with the Mary Esther building department before installation.
What camping is available near Mary Esther, FL?
What camping is available near Mary Esther, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mary Esther, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Mary Esther, FL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mary Esther, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Mary Esther, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mary Esther, FL is Henderson Beach State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 36 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mary Esther, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mary Esther, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Mary Esther, FL.
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