Best Tent Camping near Niceville, FL

Tent campsites in the Northwest Florida region surrounding Niceville provide access to diverse forest environments and waterfront locations. Point Washington State Forest offers primitive tent camping at Eastern Lake Campgrounds, with two distinct areas featuring level gravel tent pads surrounded by pine trees. Blackwater River State Forest provides numerous tent-only options, including Hurricane Lake South Campground and primitive camping areas scattered throughout the 210,000-acre forest. Both forests maintain tent-friendly sites within a reasonable drive of coastal beaches.

The forest roads leading to many tent campgrounds can present challenges after rain, with several reviews noting significant puddles that may be difficult for low-clearance vehicles. Most primitive tent sites include basic amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern poles, though hookups are typically absent. Vault toilets or pit toilets are available at established campgrounds like Eastern Lake, but primitive areas require campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. A review mentioned that Eastern Lake Campground has "a picnic table, grill, fire pit, food/lamp pole and a porta house which was fairly clean." Many locations require reservations through Reserve America and provide gate codes for access to the tent camping areas.

Tent campers at Point Washington enjoy proximity to coastal areas while maintaining forest seclusion. The campgrounds offer easy access to hiking and biking trail networks, with Eastern Lake featuring 3.5, 5, and 10-mile loop options suitable for day hikes from camp. "We camped here on our vacation and LOVED it! It's not far from Destin and other popular locations, but it's a gem itself," noted one camper about Point Washington. Blackwater River State Forest provides more remote tent camping experiences with waterfront sites at Hurricane Lake that accommodate traditional tent setups. Pine Log State Forest offers additional primitive tent camping options described as "private" in reviews, with minimal traffic disrupting the camping experience. Seasonal considerations include higher insect activity during summer months, making fall through spring the preferred seasons for tent camping in this region.

Best Tent Sites Near Niceville, Florida (14)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Niceville, FL

595 Reviews of 14 Niceville Campgrounds


  • Elizabeth G.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Henderson Beach State Park Campground

    Quiet and secluded for the beach

    My family and I stayed here for one night in July 2020 as our midway point from GA to Texas. We stayed in site 44 and it was private and near the bathrooms. All the sites had gravel, a picnic table, and and a fire pit as well as a clothesline. There’s a path to the beach from the bathhouse. The bathhouse was very clean and there were men and women restrooms as well as private bathroom/showers.

    We fit 2 tents at our site. It was so humid and muggy I cowboy camped on the gravel with my picnic blanket and sleeping pad. Everyone else slept in the tents without the rain fly’s for some ventilation. It was a nice, clean, and quiet park and we felt very secluded in our site. There was WiFi and cell service (2 bars for Verizon).

    Each site has electric and water. There’s a dump station near the entrance/exit of the park. Overall, lovely experience and I would definitely stay here again.

  • Gregg G.
    Feb. 23, 2021

    Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping

    Small Camper/Truck Camper/Van

    Epic free spot just outside of the Black Water Forest State Park. Camp here for up to 14 days. The primitive area is really more geared for the tent camper with several nice flat spots to pitch a tent away from the parking area. However, there is room here for smaller rigs in the parking area. Please be respectful and don't hog the parking area so others can enjoy as well. We stayed here for 2 nights in late Febraury and were accompanied by a few others. I'd be willing to bet that this place would be heavily occupied by folks utilizing the boat ramp in the warmer months and wouldn't really be an option. This is boonedocking so no servics available. Pack it in and pack it out and be sure to leave no trace, so this can continue to be an option for be people to enjoy. On the edge of Verizon cell coverage service. Rigs over 40' not recommended.

  • Shea M.
    Apr. 1, 2020

    Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest

    Beach camping

    Nice primitive campground located near 30A beach. The road leading in is sandy and gravely. The site was for tent camping and offers a picnic table, grill, fire pit, food/lamp pole and a porta house (which was fairly clean, considering). There was also a pier close by. The bed was gravel and uncomfortable but they were actually repairing it while we were there, so it should be quite comfortable for your stay! No hookups or water. We stayed at campsite #1 which had plenty of trees for shade and was closest to the water, but they all looked nice. The beach is right across the bay so it's a short drive to the ocean. Quiet and clean, we stayed four days and had a neighbor for two of them. He seemed respectful to nature and gave us no issues. Overall would stay again, just remember there is no shower to get off all that sand and sunscreen!

  • Mary S.
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Blackwater River State Park Campground

    Canoe, kayak or float near this small, quiet campground

    This small, meticulously maintained campground has 30 full hook up sites split evenly between Magnolia Circle and Titi Circle. My only minor complaints are that the usable site space is all on gravel (very small pieces so it should still be comfortable for tents) and some sites are too close to each other. I prefer a grassy area (and some privacy) with my campsite, but the gravel is better for drainage when it rains. 

    Beautiful Setting With Nearby Trails

    There are a couple short trails and a swimming beach at Juniper Lake, but I can't get excited about swimming in an area that has alligator warning signs on the trail along a marshy area near the lake. The Florida Trail for long distance hikers is nearby. The Blackwater Heritage State Trail is a paved trail you can access near Milton for biking, skateboarding, etc. It's 8 miles and then there's a 1.5 mile Military Heritage Trail that continues to a Naval Air Station, but then you'll have to turn around and return the same way.

    Canoeing, Kayaking and Tubing

    Blackwater River is a popular location for these activities. We passed a rental place that had lots of rental equipment.

    Site Notes

    • See photos for site map as well as several site photos.

    • All sites are back in with gravel pads except for concrete on 5, 6 and 19.

    • All sites have a picnic table and fire ring on the gravel. There's green space/trees between most sites.

    • No separate tent pad but the gravel is small and should be ok for a tent if you have a sleeping pad.

    • Magnolia Circle: Sites 3 through 5 on Magnolia Circle back up to sites 16 and 17 on Titi Circle. That's a bit close for me, but no one was behind us. Sites 1/2 and 12/13 have no green space between them. I would avoid them unless you want to socialize with your neighbors.

    • Titi Circle: Just stay at 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 27 or 29 on the outside of the circle of you want some privacy. The other sites are too close to neighbors for my comfort.

    • You're not allowed to tie anything to trees. That seems to rule out hammocks but there's a clothesline between 2 posts; I guess you could fit one hammock.

    Amenities

    • Full hookup, i.e. electricity, water and sewer hookup, at all sites. Our site had 20, 30 and 50 amp outlets.

    • Super clean restrooms/showers are located between the two loops. Showers had good water pressure and hot water. Even the sinks had hot water.

    • Dump station

    • Instead of trash dumpsters, you're supposed to put your trash by your site post between 8 and 11 am. And there's a recycling barrel for aluminum on the way to the restroom.

  • Dale W.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Sand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest

    Quiet, secluded, and beautiful.

    I initially had a reservation at one of the primitive camp grounds, but my reservation was cancelled due to flooding that closed all three primitive camp grounds. Better yet, I got an RV spot on the day of arrival. Great pull-through sites with fire ring, picnic table, water, and electricity. Pitched my tent on the banks of Sand Pond.

    The two-mile Campground Trail, part of the Forest Service's Trailwalker Program, winds along the banks of Cyprus Pond, through the mixed hardwood/pine forest, and around Sand Pond. This is a nice and easy, well-maintained, level trail.

    Was lulled to sleep by the croaking of bull frogs while watching the moon rise from my sleeping bag. A thoroughly enjoyable stay.

  • lydia B.
    Mar. 19, 2022

    Henderson Beach State Park Campground

    Family Friendly

    We arrived at a very clean, gravel campsite with a picnic table, fire ring, water & electric access, as well as a clothes line. Because we were tent camping, the gravel made it difficult to pitch our tent on site. Luckily, we had enough space and privacy on our site to unload the car and sleep in the trunk of it. The bathrooms were kept very clean, and the showers were fantastic! The beach itself is kept extremely clean and is beautiful. The volunteers do a wonderful job around the campground. Here you will find a family friendly stay! I would for sure visit Henderson Beach again for the clean facilities, beautiful beach, and local attractions.

  • Maria E.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Grayton Beach State Park Campground

    Nice

    We were initially assigned to site number 10 which was small but fine because we were tent camping. After a quick set up we started walking around and found site number 16 open by the water with a breeze. We drove up to the front confirmed availability and moved camp. Keep in mind this is not the beach, it is a lake but also has a trail along side where we walked the dog which was nice.  Ground is gravel but not difficult to stake. Bathroom facilities were very well located in the middle of the inner loop. Our site was on the outer side of the loop but paths to the bathroom are easy to find because there are reflectors making it visible with a flashlight at night. We only stayed one night but would definitely come back and bring bikes so we can check out the cute little beach town nearby.

  • Sonyia W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2019

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Excellent as always

    This was my third trip to Pickens and it was amazing as always.

    *The camping store is closed until they can find someone to run it. Wood and ice can be bought at the Tom Thumb just outside the park or at Walmart/Publix in Gulf Breeze.

    *Battery Cooper Rd was closed so those two batteries are inaccessible.

    *Loops B/D no longer have electric or dedicated water (there is a water spigot every few sites). Tent sites D24, D25, B6 have the best shade and space.

    *We stayed at A15 (right next to walking trail entrance) and my best friend on A14. Other good shaded sites on this loop are A4 (grass not level enough for tents), A6, A12, A19, A21, A24, A26, A35 (next to dumpsters though), A36 (okay but not great).

    *You can no longer hang anything from trees or power poles (hammocks, clotheslines etc). You also cannot having a shower looking tent (we have one for a changing tent only—no toilet or shower—and they made us take it down). Max two tents or camper and one tent per site (awnings/pop up shelter over picnic table don’t count towards the two).

    *I didn’t peek into the restrooms in loops B-E. A-loop restrooms were a little dated but clean and functional. The laundry/dish washing station was stellar.

    *The price for getting into Gulf Island National Seashore is now $20 and it’s a 7 day pass.

    *The campground now gives out two slips at check-in. One is for your car and one is to keep with you after 8pm so you don’t get kicked out of the area after dark.

    Everyone was very nice and helpful.

  • Sonyia W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2019

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Excellent as always

    This was my third trip to Pickens and it was amazing as always.

    *The camping store is closed until they can find someone to run it. Wood and ice can be bought at the Tom Thumb just outside the park or at Walmart/Publix in Gulf Breeze.

    *Battery Cooper Rd was closed so those two batteries are inaccessible.

    *Loops B/D no longer have electric or dedicated water (there is a water spigot every few sites). Tent sites D24, D25, B6 have the best shade and space.

    *We stayed at A15 (right next to walking trail entrance) and my best friend on A14. Other good shaded sites on this loop are A4 (grass not level enough for tents), A6, A12, A19, A21, A24, A26, A35 (next to dumpsters though), A36 (okay but not great).

    *You can no longer hang anything from trees or power poles (hammocks, clotheslines etc). You also cannot having a shower looking tent (we have one for a changing tent only—no toilet or shower—and they made us take it down). Max two tents or camper and one tent per site (awnings/pop up shelter over picnic table don’t count towards the two).

    *I didn’t peek into the restrooms in loops B-E. A-loop restrooms were a little dated but clean and functional. The laundry/dish washing station was stellar.

    *There are dump stations (one in loop A and one for B-E) but no sewer hook ups per site.

    *The price for getting into Gulf Island National Seashore is now $20 and it’s a 7 day pass.

    *The campground now gives out two slips at check-in. One is for your car and one is to keep with you after 8pm so you don’t get kicked out of the area after dark.

    Everyone was very nice and helpful.


Guide to Niceville

Tent camping opportunities near Niceville, Florida span across several state forests within a 45-mile radius. This region's coastal plain features longleaf pine ecosystems and freshwater lakes at elevations below 100 feet. Seasonal temperatures range from 45°F winter lows to humid 90°F summer days, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms between June and September.

What to do

Paddling Eastern Lake: At Eastern Lake Campground 2, campers have direct water access. "I had a beautiful view of Eastern Lake and easy access to the water where there is a small dock. Great place to launch a canoe or kayak," notes Dale W., who recommends bringing watercraft.

Fishing at Hurricane Lake: The fishing opportunities at Hurricane Lake South Campground are significant. "I suggest bringing fishing gear if you are into fishing," advises a camper named E-Moe-G, who regretted not having room for tackle while motorcycle camping. Electric trolling motors (no gas engines) are permitted on the lake.

Hiking trail networks: Point Washington State Forest offers three trail options of varying distances. "Point Washington also offers three hiking trail options on the Eastern Lake bike/hike trial. The hiker or bicyclist can travel the 3.5-, 5- or 10-mile loop," explains Dale W., noting these trails are part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Hiking Program.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: The campground layout at Point Washington State Forest provides good separation between campsites. "The site was pretty and felt nicely distanced from the other three sites in campground #1," reports H M., who preferred setting up hammocks rather than using the provided gravel tent pads.

Lake views: Many campers appreciate waterfront locations. "Hurricane lake surrounds the campground so every camping spot has a view of the beautiful lake. I love that the tent campers are in a separate campground from RV campers. This makes for a more peaceful camping experience," writes Desiree K.

Wildlife viewing: The forests provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. "Signs for active bears but we saw none," mentions Andrea S. at Point Washington. Another camper notes that while alligators inhabit Hurricane Lake, "I have been there maybe 50 times and have yet to see the first gator though."

What you should know

Forest road conditions: Access roads to many of the best tent camping areas near Niceville, Florida can be challenging after rain. "The drive in had some big puddles in the road, so it could be difficult to get to after rain in a low car," warns H M. about Point Washington. Another camper emphasizes, "I came in a day after rain and there were numerous significant deep puddles to get through."

Reservation systems: Most established campgrounds require advance booking. "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," advises James M. Your online reservation includes gate access codes for secured areas.

Bathroom facilities: Expect basic facilities at most locations. At Pine Log State Forest Primitive Campsites, amenities are minimal. Eastern Lake Campground 2 has pit toilets that may need attention: "my biggest negative is that when we were there the walls and floors of the pit toilet were covered with flies. With a little maintenance that could be mitigated."

Tips for camping with families

Best seasons: For family camping trips, timing matters. "Great primitive camping with several spots on the water in camping area 2," notes Derek K., but other campers suggest avoiding summer months when insects are most active and afternoon storms common.

Site selection: For family groups, consider which campground area best suits your needs. "Pros and cons of each campground: Campground 1 - can park in your site, further apart, no highway noise. Campground 2 - beautiful lake view and easy access to water, prettier view, more breeze," explains Beth B. about Blackwater River State Forest Primitive Camping.

Safety considerations: Families should be aware of natural hazards. "Realize that there ARE gators in the lake and they have legs to crawl on land," cautions one experienced Hurricane Lake camper, though he immediately adds that he's never actually spotted one despite dozens of visits.

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most primitive areas have restrictions on RV size. "The primitive area is really more geared for the tent camper with several nice flat spots to pitch a tent away from the parking area. However, there is room here for smaller rigs in the parking area," advises Gregg G. about Blackwater River primitive areas, adding, "Rigs over 40' not recommended."

Campsite grading: Consider the terrain before setting up. At Eastern Lake Campground 1, "Sites 1 and 2 slope down to their campsite, and would be difficult to sleep in your vehicle without balancers. Sites 3 and 4 are more flat and work fine for sleeping in your vehicle," notes Jared, providing valuable insight for small camper vans or truck campers.

Proximity to amenities: Location relative to beaches and towns should factor into planning. "It's not far from Destin and other popular locations," mentions Savannah S., while another camper at Eastern Lake Campground 2 notes, "for those like us who are in the area primarily because of beaches, be aware that while these campgrounds are very close to 30A by the way the crow flies, it's about 20 minutes by car to Seagrove."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Niceville, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Niceville, FL is Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Niceville, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Niceville, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.