Pace sits on Florida's western Panhandle, characterized by its mix of coastal lowlands and pine forest terrain. The area receives approximately 65 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush vegetation and sandy river access points. Campgrounds near Pace range from state parks with forest trails to waterfront RV parks with boat access to local waterways.
What to do
Waterfront fishing access: Avalon Landing RV Park provides direct water access where "people were fishing right off the bridge that separates the two parts of the campground." The park sits on scenic waterfront property that's ideal for casual anglers without needing a boat.
Historic fort exploration: Visit the Civil War-era Fort Pickens Campground where "we walked about 30 minutes to the old fort" and "there is a nice museum that describes the history of the fort and impacts of hurricanes." The park offers ranger-led tours during various seasons, including special night hikes focusing on astronomy.
Hiking trails: The area features multiple natural trails for day hikes. One camper at Blackwater River State Park notes "the hiking trails were quite near and the hikes were fun," making it convenient to combine camping with day adventures without long drives between activities.
What campers like
Clear water access: Big Lagoon State Park Campground features "sandy trails leading through the coastal scrub vegetation" and access to "brackish water and calm compared to the gulf." The campground provides "nice little picnic spots right along the water" ideal for afternoon relaxation.
Privacy between sites: Despite being close to population centers, many campgrounds maintain natural buffers. At Mystic Springs Recreation Area, "most sites are secluded" and each comes with "their own picnic table, fire ring, and cover!" The protective covers are particularly valued during Florida's frequent rain showers.
Wildlife viewing: The region's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife. As one camper mentioned, "Went hiking along the trails and found 3 baby gators hanging out!" Another notes to "keep your eyes peeled for wonderful birds and alligators!" Many campgrounds feature interpretive wildlife programs during peak seasons.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Pace require advance booking. The Mystic Springs system can be problematic as "almost all the sites were officially booked, yet less than half actually were occupied." Plan ahead, especially during winter snowbird season.
Highway noise: Some parks experience traffic noise due to proximity to Interstate 10. One camper at Five Flags mentions it's "convenient to I-10 and many restaurants and shopping" but notes the background noise. Another mentions at Avalon Landing that there's "road noise at night" though it typically doesn't significantly impact sleep.
Weather considerations: Blackwater River State Park Campground campers appreciate that "bathrooms were clean & warm" during winter stays, noting February visits can be quite cold with temperatures dropping into the 40s. Summer visitors should prepare for high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: The splash features at Milton-Gulf Pines KOA make it family-friendly. "The heated pool was a hit with the kids" and the park offers "lots of activities for the kids" including a "nice little putt putt area."
Beach proximity: Consider drive time to beaches when booking. One camper notes "Fort Pickens Campground is about 10 miles from the nearest convenient store or restaurant" and "campsites are a short ¼ mile from the gorgeous beaches." Plan accordingly with supplies.
Insect preparation: Dog friendly campgrounds near Pace often have seasonal insect challenges. At Big Lagoon, one camper warns "there were noticeably more bugs -- specifically termites and what we think were deer flies in May." Always bring appropriate repellent, especially during warm months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Splash RV Resort & Waterpark, an RVer recommends "looking at the map online, before booking, to make sure you choose the right spot for your RV as some are closer together than others." Premium sites typically offer more space and amenities like concrete pads.
Leveling considerations: Some parks have challenging site angles. One RVer notes at Gulf Pines KOA that "sites are at 90 degree angle and hard to get into for big rigs, but doable." Another mentions "a bit of an incline" at Splash RV Resort that caused hitch issues when backing in.
Dog exercise areas: Multiple pet-friendly parks offer designated dog areas. Five Flags RV Park provides "huge dog runs" where pets can exercise freely while maintaining leash requirements elsewhere. Most campgrounds enforce strict waste cleanup rules with varying enforcement levels.
