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Best Campgrounds near Pace, FL

894 Reviews

The Florida Panhandle region surrounding Pace offers diverse camping experiences within a short drive, from full-service RV resorts to primitive sites along pristine waterways. Blackwater River State Park, approximately 20 miles northeast of Pace, features meticulously maintained campsites with full hookups arranged in two loops (Magnolia and Titi Circles). Avalon Landing RV Park in nearby Milton provides year-round accommodations with waterfront views. Fort Pickens Campground on Gulf Islands National Seashore offers beachfront camping about 30 miles south. The area's camping landscape includes both inland forest settings with tall pines and coastal options with sugar-white sand beaches.

Hurricane season significantly impacts camping conditions from June through November, with potential for sudden closures and flooding. As one camper noted, "We arrived and everything was dry. The next morning, our site had literally turned into a pond." Many campgrounds require reservations months in advance, especially during winter when snowbirds flock to the region. Cell service varies considerably, with forest campgrounds like those in Blackwater River State Forest offering limited connectivity. Highway 98, which connects many coastal campgrounds, presents challenging driving conditions for those towing RVs or trailers. Visitors report seeing "several bad accidents every single day" along this route.

Water recreation defines the camping experience in this region, with the pristine Blackwater River being particularly popular for paddling activities. According to one visitor, "You don't need the beach when you've got the pristine white sands of the shores of Blackwater river. Tubing, kayaking, canoeing are all super here." State park campgrounds typically receive high ratings for cleanliness and maintenance, with Big Lagoon State Park praised for "good separation between campsites with shade." Wildlife considerations include alligators in freshwater areas, with swimming restrictions at some lakes and ponds. Military activity from nearby Eglin Air Force Base creates occasional noise at inland campgrounds, with campers reporting "fighter jets and helicopters buzzing overhead" at certain locations.

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Best Camping Sites Near Pace, Florida (158)

    1. Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    98 Reviews
    Gulf Breeze, FL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 934-2622

    $20 - $40 / night

    "This might be my favorite place to camp in all of florida. The campgrounds are clean , quiet and steps from the beach. Great hot showers that are cleaned daily. A visit to the fort is a must."

    "Fort Pickins is a large National Park campground on Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida. There are 4 camping loops. Loop D is tents only."

    2. Avalon Landing RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Bagdad, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 995-5898

    "Pelicans always roosting near bridge were fun to watch. Owners are delightful. Park along busy highway, so some traffic noise, but not bad."

    "Breathtaking views and we were able to fish behind our camper. You're so close to all the "action" without hearing or having to be part of it."

    3. Blackwater River State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Holt, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 983-5363

    $20 / night

    "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"

    "Yet another one of the state of Florida's fantastic state parks.  You don't need the beach when you've got the pristine white sands of the shores of Blackwater river. "

    4. Milton-Gulf Pines KOA

    16 Reviews
    Milton, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 623-0808

    "Close enough to Milton and Pace to allow for some extra activities, though. Overall, it was a good place for us to try out our new camper and we had a good week."

    "We were driving from California to Tampa Florida so we just used it as a stopping place but the lots are big and it was easy to get in and out of."

    5. Pensacola RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Gonzalez, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 944-1734

    "Close to a lot of food. Close to a lot of things to do.

    One of the things I like is that you have everything here. The staff is very friendly and very helpful."

    "Highly recommendable- a very clean, friendly and well run family RV park - close to major highways, restaurants, groceries and other amenities. Popular with pet owners."

    6. Big Lagoon State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Perdido Key, FL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 492-1595

    $20 / night

    "Located only a short 10 minute drive from Pensacola, Florida this is a great state park!"

    "Bathhouses clean and close to most campsites. Plenty of walking trails. Love the Bird tower and kayak launch. Sandbar near launch to hangout when paddling."

    7. Splash RV Resort & Waterpark

    7 Reviews
    Milton, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 600-8500

    "It's loud by the highway. You can't enjoy your camping on half of the campground. So, if you are one to stay in your camper after playing all day, this park is for you."

    "We live here locally and its great to have this place so close allowing us to save on the crazy gas prices for the holiday weekends or short distance getaway

    Highly recommended!!!"

    8. Gulf State Park Campground

    102 Reviews
    Orange Beach, AL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 948-7275

    "Spacious sites, some with foliage, some with Lake or canal views. Grills but no fire pits. Right now there's a shortage of usable bath houses because of hurricane damage repairs in progress."

    "Gulf State Park is the one by which all other parks in the region (NW Florida/Alabama) are to be compared.  Everything you want: Hiking, BIKING, access to the beach, fishing, etc. "

    9. Five Flags RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Gonzalez, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (844) 453-5247

    10. Mystic Springs Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Jay, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 539-5999

    "Trash and a porta potty are located on site. There is also a boat launch for access to the Escambia River."

    "I camped for 4 nights at site 7 next to the river. Beautiful and quiet."

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Recent Camping Photos near Pace, FL

157 Photos of 158 Pace Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pace, FL

894 Reviews of 158 Pace Campgrounds

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Pensacola Beach RV Resort

    Perfection!

    I'd give it 10 stars if I could! The parking spots are pristine, the showers clean, the tiki bar on the sound beach was incredible, with lots of chairs & bean bags to laze around in... The pool is beautiful & super clean, with lights all around & a fountain!

  • m
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Pelican Palms RV Park

    Great site

    this is an RV park and is quiet and accommodating, the WiFi works well, had laundry facilities and mailbox to have your mail sent to , cannot complain

  • Bobbie S.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Avalon Landing RV Park

    Absolutely Amazing Stay

    I have stayed many places and this is by far my favorite! We stopped over for one night on our way home from Texas. As soon as my husband backed the camper in, I asked if we could stay two nights. So glad we did! Breathtaking views and we were able to fish behind our camper. You're so close to all the "action" without hearing or having to be part of it. They have a boat ramp, rent fishing poles & kayaks, swimming pool, club house, bathrooms, laundry room and a wonderful covered deck/outside area. The office staff were absolutely wonderful. Hope to stay here again ❤️

  • Amy L.
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Mystic Springs Recreation Area

    Remote Primitive and Wild

    Pros: Covered tent sites (we tent camped) portapottys, free for up to a week, boat launch, spaced out sites (pretty private). Has picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. Cons: Sites flood, lots of gaters (if you have small pets this is sketchy), gets a little busy on the weekends with the boaters, it's reaallllly far from the next town but there's a gas station 15mins away. Get gas before you go back to camp. It's beautiful and clean. About 45mins to pcola

  • Paul M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Open Pond Campground

    Open Pond

    The campground is nicely maintained. The bath houses are not the cleanest, but not anywhere near the worst I have seen. But definitely not Buc-ee’s level. LOL But for $16 a day and an hour from Destin you can’t beat that. You can fish the pond (large) for catfish, brim, bass, and one other I don’t remember. Hiking trails are kept in great condition with the exception of a couple of spots. Blue Springs is a short hike and is crystal clear and cool to swim in. RVs can stay in C and D loops.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Emerald Beach RV Park

    Great Place

    My wife and I and my two furry friends(dogs) give Emerald RV Park a Five Star rating. We thought we had lost our little Yorkie in the park somewhere or she even left the park. We set out on a frantic search for her. I am riding my bike, and my wife is on foot yelling out her name. I go into the park office and tell them what has happened, and a member of the park staff puts out an immediate bulletin by text message to all current registered guests to look for her. I could not believe the immediate help we had from other RVers that came out to help search for the dog. Making a long story short, we found the dog in maybe 20 minutes in good health. We are so thankful for the help of the residents of the park and especially the staff at Emerald RV Park. We may add that the park is well kept and very dog friendly. It has all the facilities (in working order) needed for a long stay. The staff are friendly and especially helpful in unusual circumstances as we experienced. Thank you to the staff at Emeral RV Park.

    From Lake Nebagamon WI

  • Wendee W.
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA

    Older but nice

    The sites are a combination of dirt and grass. Ours is level enough no problems there. WiFi is okay they publish that it doesn’t work for streaming but it worked fairly well for our TV. We would stay here again for the price in comparison to other RV parks close by.

  • madison M.
    Jun. 18, 2025

    Bay Breeze RV on the Bay

    Love it!

    Small, homey campground! Clean bath houses, lots of shady trees, and plenty of parking! The campground sits a max of 75 yards from the bay (depending on where your camper sits). A long peer leads out to the water making a beautiful sitting and fishing spot. The boat ramp is right beside the peer! The beach is a short drive down the road!

Guide to Pace

Camping near Pace, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do

  • Explore the beaches: Many campers enjoy the nearby beaches. For instance, at Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore, one reviewer mentioned, "Perfect for anyone wanting to have a nice quiet stay near the beach."
  • Bike trails: The extensive bike trails at Gulf State Park Campground are a hit. A visitor noted, "The biking trails were amazing, very wide, with a good amount of shade."
  • Fishing and nature walks: Big Lagoon State Park Campground offers great fishing spots. One camper shared, "The campground has electric sewer and water. The restrooms were very clean here."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Henderson Beach State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms are clean. The camp site has a picnic table and a fire ring."
  • Spacious sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites. At Meaher State Park Campground, a visitor remarked, "Awesome state park! Plenty of room between spaces which are staggered so you aren’t looking out your door at another trailer."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One review for Blakeley State Park Campground highlighted, "Super easy check-in after hours. Host was very nice."

What you should know

  • Crowded during peak season: Some campgrounds can get busy. A visitor at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground noted, "The only downside is that you cannot drive to the beach. You have to walk or bike the 2-mile round trip."
  • Limited trash disposal: Campers have pointed out that trash disposal can be inconvenient. One review for Gulf State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a lack of places to throw trash and the dumpsters are all the way back at the front of the park."
  • Noise from nearby roads: Some campgrounds are close to busy roads. A camper at Meaher State Park Campground said, "The only downside I could find was I10 is close enough to be heard."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. At Dauphin Island Campground, a family-friendly spot, one reviewer said, "The beach is beautiful white sand and is not crowded at all."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A visitor at Camp On The Gulf mentioned, "It’s perfection. Beautiful beach, TWO pools, water slide, shop, activity center."
  • Bring bikes: Many campgrounds have bike trails. A camper at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground noted, "We rented bicycles and enjoyed the paved paths and private beach over the dunes."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Blackwater River State Park Campground noted, "Nice sized campsites and some are concrete pads."
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. At Fort Pickens Campground, a camper mentioned, "Almost every spot had full hookups."
  • Be prepared for wildlife: Keep food secure to avoid raccoons. One camper at Blackwater River State Park Campground warned, "I had a problem with raccoons every single night as soon as it got dark."

Camping around Pace, Florida, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Pace, Florida?

Pace offers excellent camping options within a short drive. Blackwater River State Park Campground stands out with its 30 full-hookup sites divided between Magnolia and Titi Circles, featuring meticulously maintained grounds. For a more rustic experience, Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping provides true wilderness camping near the Florida-Alabama state line, perfect for those seeking solitude. Other nearby options include River's Edge RV Campground for riverside camping and Avalon Landing RV Park for convenient amenities close to town.

What are the most family-friendly camping options in Pace for kids?

Fort Pickens Campground offers an exceptional family experience with clean, quiet grounds just steps from the beach. Kids will love exploring the historic fort, and the campground features hot showers cleaned daily. Another excellent option is Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, which provides a safe, gated environment with friendly staff and clean facilities. The park's proximity to grocery stores makes family trips easier, and its affordability gives access to some of Florida's best beaches. Both locations offer walking trails and water activities that keep children engaged throughout your stay.

What amenities are available at tent camping sites near Pace?

Tent campers near Pace will find varying amenity levels to match their preferences. Big Lagoon State Park Campground provides clean bathhouses within walking distance of most sites, electric and water hookups, and private campsites with good separation between neighbors. The grounds feature beautiful white sand trails and a kayak launch. At Open Pond Recreation Area, tent sites include clean shower houses, spacious shaded spots, and helpful camp hosts. Most tent sites in the region offer fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water, though amenities decrease at primitive camping locations.

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