Best Campgrounds near Pace, FL

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Pace, Florida (152)

    1. Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    97 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

    12 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."

    "Stayed for a week and while not on the beach is quiet and close to the items we wanted to go to. Fishing from their bridge is permitted. Flat concrete spots with picnic tables. Laundry service."

    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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Showing results 1-10 of 152 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pace, FL

891 Reviews of 152 Pace Campgrounds



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

What camping is available near Pace, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pace, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 152 campgrounds and RV parks near Pace, FL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pace, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pace, FL is Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore with a 4.6-star rating from 97 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pace, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Pace, FL.

What parks are near Pace, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Pace, FL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.