Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground offers upscale glamping close to Niceville, Florida, approximately 30 minutes east of Destin. Located on Santa Rosa Beach along Highway 30A, the park covers over 1,600 acres with 3.2 miles of pristine coastline and rare coastal dune lakes. Winter temperatures average 50-65°F while summer temperatures range from 75-90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Paddle on coastal dune lakes: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground provides access to rare coastal dune lakes for fishing, paddling and wildlife viewing. "Keep in mind, this is a Preserve. Good trails, coastal dunes with lakes, fishing, paddling, beach, cabins, and tent camping including Glamping!" notes James M.
Explore historic military sites: Eglin AFB FamCamp - Camp Robbins offers proximity to military history. "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," reports one reviewer.
Fish from piers and docks: Twin Lakes Camp Resort features multiple wooden fishing docks on two lakes. "Lake surrounds all sites. Beautiful setting. Private baths. Huge amenities center. Fishing and glamping tents," explains Sandy G.
What campers like
Privacy in tent sites: Fort Pickens Campground provides secluded tent camping areas. "The tent sites are all separated and private, the facilities are clean, and best of all they have access to the most lovely beach! The beach backs onto the preserve so there is no development for miles. It's a truly unique experience!" shares Robin B.
Water recreation amenities: Splash RV Resort & Waterpark offers extensive water features beyond beach access. "Fun for the whole family. Entertainment, pools, water slides and a lazy river. The staff is awesome, polite, friendly and accommodating," says Jason W., making it an ideal luxury glamping destination near Niceville.
Convenient beach transit: At Topsail Hill, the beach shuttle makes accessing the Gulf simple. "Either ride your bike or take the tram the mile to the boardwalk and beach. Clean showers, friendly staff at the camp store," recommends John O.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Niceville area experiences frequent summer afternoon thunderstorms and occasional winter cold fronts. December through February can see nighttime temperatures in the 30s, while July and August average 88°F with high humidity.
Limited reservations: Destin Army Recreation Area requires military credentials and fills quickly. "This is for military, retirees DoD eligible employees and families. We booked 5 months in advance for a 1 week stay," advises Jamie S.
Site spacing varies significantly: Camp On The Gulf features tighter site configurations. "Parking your rig is TIGHT. Like super tight. 2 nice pools and all other amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry, sewer, etc. Easy access to local shopping and dining," notes Shannon J.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pads for kids: Destin Army Recreation Area offers water play areas beyond the beach. "Small pool, splash pad, laundry facility and bath house are all nice. There is also boat, kayak and paddle board rentals available and docks to crab and fish off," according to Jamie S.
Large open recreation areas: Navarre Beach Camping Resort provides spaces for children to play safely. "First you will check in at the front office, where you will be greeted by a very kind lady. They are very knowledgeable about the area and when you are done checking in a man on a cart will escort you to your campsite," Katie N. explains.
Bathroom accessibility: Consider site proximity to facilities when traveling with children. "The campground is separated into two sections that make up five loops containing 180 sites... Bathroom/shower buildings are scattered throughout the loops and were cleaned daily by volunteers," reports one Fort Pickens camper.
Tips from RVers
Entry road conditions: Pine Log State Forest's Sand Pond Campground requires preparation for dirt roads. "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," advises Eric R.
Challenging site access: Milton-Gulf Pines KOA has specific site entry considerations. "Sites are at 90 degree angle and hard to get into for big rigs, but doable. Little pricey. Cost as much as luxury parks a half hour away but guess we are paying for convenience near interstate," shares James R.
Electric and water hookups: Sand Pond Campground offers essential services for RVers. "Site 10 was fabulous and all sites have 50/30 amp hookup and water. Dump station nearby and a hood bathhouse area with showers," notes one camper, making it a suitable location for luxury glamping near Niceville for those seeking forest surroundings.
