Best Tent Camping near Mexico Beach, FL
State forests and public lands surrounding Mexico Beach, Florida offer several primitive tent camping options for those seeking natural settings near the Gulf Coast. Cotton Landing and Hickory Landing Campground provide tent-only sites within easy driving distance of Mexico Beach, while Point Washington State Forest's Eastern Lake Campgrounds (Areas 1 and 2) offer walk-in tent sites about an hour west. El Governor Motel & RV Park in Mexico Beach itself accepts tent campers and provides direct beach access, though with limited privacy compared to the more secluded forest options.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include gravel tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables, with pit toilets being the standard bathroom facility. Water access varies significantly between locations, with White Oak Landing offering sulfur water from a natural spring, while most primitive tent sites require campers to bring their own water supply. Forest roads leading to backcountry tent camping areas can become challenging after rain, with several campers reporting deep puddles that may require higher-clearance vehicles. Reservations are required for some locations, particularly Point Washington State Forest, where campers receive gate codes for access.
Tent campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere as a primary benefit of these locations. According to reviews, Eastern Lake Campground sites "felt nicely distanced from other sites" and provide good tree cover for shade and hammock camping. One visitor noted that Point Washington's primitive tent sites offer "ample hiking and biking trails" with access to a 10-mile loop trail system. Sites at Cotton Landing were described as "very peaceful during slow time of the year," though campers should be aware of potential ticks in wooded areas when gathering firewood. The proximity to beaches varies, with most forest campgrounds requiring a 15-20 minute drive to reach Gulf shores, while El Governor provides immediate beach access for tent campers willing to sacrifice some privacy.
