Navarre Beach camping offers a mix of coastal sound and Gulf environments with most sites situated along Santa Rosa Sound rather than directly on the Gulf shoreline. Campgrounds sit at an average elevation of just 10 feet above sea level, making storm surge awareness essential during hurricane season from June through November. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-65°F, while summer camping often exceeds 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Beach fishing: 10 minutes from campgrounds. Fort Pickens Campground provides easy access to surf fishing spots. "Great water, but watch for sharks in Summer. The Osprey are everywhere. Great views sunsets, dolphins turtles shells!" according to Tessa M., who visited the area.
Explore military history: 30 minute drive. The Naval Aviation Museum near Navarre is free to visit. At Blackwater River State Park Campground, one visitor noted, "Caution, if you're coming from the east on 90 Google maps will have you turn at Cooper Lane. Continue on 90 until you get to Deaton Bridge Road. The other way will take you meandering through about 10 miles of small back roads."
Water recreation: Kayak rentals $35/half day. Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular on calmer sound waters. "You can rent kayaks and paddle boards at the campground ($35/half day) which we did and enjoyed," reports one camper who stayed at The Hideaway Retreat.
What campers like
Private beach sections: Away from crowds. Emerald Beach RV Park offers specific areas for relaxation. "Park located on small white sand beach. Site 50 is level with full hookups," shared James R., highlighting the appeal of waterfront camping without battling public beach crowds.
Night activities: Gathering spaces for evening socializing. Multiple campgrounds feature community areas. At The Hideaway Retreat, "The little park in the center has games and a firepit and is lit up at night for folks to gather, and they do; families play foosball and ping pong while others sit by the fire," according to Laurel K.
Fishing opportunities: On-site piers. Several campgrounds maintain fishing access directly on property. "People were fishing right off the bridge that separates the two parts of the campground," noted Lawrence Robert T. about Avalon Landing RV Park.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Military testing affects some areas. The nearby Air Force base conducts operations that can be disruptive. "Not the resort's fault obviously, but just know in advance if you hear loud noises, that's what it is," explains Heather H. from her stay at Santa Rosa RV Resort.
Traffic challenges: Highway 98 congestion. The main road through Navarre experiences heavy traffic, particularly during peak tourist seasons. "Note that it could be challenging to find as the traffic can be fierce on 98 and the sign is small," observed Lee D.
Site privacy varies greatly: Some tightly packed. Campground layouts differ significantly in terms of space between sites. "Sites are VERY small - you are packed in like sardines - do not expect any privacy whatsoever," cautions a camper who stayed at The Hideaway Retreat.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Heated facilities available year-round. Navarre Beach Camping Resort maintains family-friendly water options. "We enjoyed the pool and the pier. The only reason I cant give it 5 stars is the laundry room and the shower rooms could have been better," shared Dawn D.
Beach comparison: Sound vs Gulf options. The sound beaches have calmer water ideal for younger children. "The water in the bay is more shallow and calm. It is a great family place, lots of kids around," notes Dwight L. about the family-friendly environment.
Budget considerations: Pet fees and amenity costs. Some campgrounds charge additional fees not always listed online. "When we checked in we were asked to pay a pet fee...this was news...never mentioned prior or on the website," reported one visitor, highlighting the importance of confirming all costs before arrival.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request specific areas. At dog friendly campgrounds near Navarre Beach, location within the park matters significantly. "We were less than a 10 minute walk from the beach and walked about 30 minutes to the old fort. The showers were separate from the bathrooms and what you might expect for a beach, the water was nice and hot," shared Deborah C. about her experience at Fort Pickens.
Rig size limitations: Tree canopies create challenges. Some campgrounds have mature trees that restrict larger vehicles. "There's a lot of trees, 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," warns Dwight L., emphasizing the importance of accurately communicating your vehicle dimensions when making reservations.
Amenity functionality: Test before setting up. Verify all hookups and facilities upon arrival. "We have visited numerous times, since my grandson lives near my, this has become our homebase in Pensicola," shares Miguel M. about Avalon Landing RV Park, praising its consistently well-maintained facilities.
