Panama City, Florida offers camping options across several state and privately operated facilities catering to a range of preferences. St. Andrews State Park Campground provides waterfront sites along the Grand Lagoon with full hookups for RVs and tent camping areas. Other established options include Panama City Beach RV Resort, Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort, and Raccoon River Campground, all offering cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping sites. Military personnel can access Raptor Ranch at Tyndall Air Force Base, which provides RV sites, tent areas, and elevated cabins.
Camping is available year-round at most facilities, with Florida's warm climate allowing for comfortable winter camping when northern destinations become too cold. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for waterfront sites and during peak tourist seasons. Most established campgrounds provide electric hookups, water, and sewer connections for RVs, while tent campers can find designated areas with picnic tables and fire rings. Access to most campgrounds requires no special vehicles, with paved roads leading to well-maintained sites. A visitor noted, "St. Andrews State Park is a regular destination for our group of Dads and kids annual camping trip. The facilities are always clean and safe."
Several campgrounds feature water access as their primary attraction, with St. Andrews State Park offering both gulf and bay swimming areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer frequently spotted wandering through campsites. Pine Log State Forest's Sand Pond Campground, located north of Panama City, provides a more rustic experience with direct access to freshwater recreation. Campers frequently mention the convenience of having beach access while still enjoying a camping experience. One reviewer commented, "We loved this campground. Clean and peaceful and beautiful walking trails and easy access to the beach. Beautiful sunsets on the beach." The proximity to water activities, including fishing, kayaking, and swimming, remains the defining characteristic of the camping experience in this coastal region.
$28 / night
"Michael, the camp boasts great shower and laundry facilities, electrical hookups, back in and pull through sites among the quiet of the beach dunes and palmetto swamp... a great natural area minutes from Panama City"
"Hiking and biking trails within the park. Nice saltwater bay with a white sand beach to relax and snorkel. Good location next to Panama City Beach so you can have city time as well. Fills up quickly."
$79 - $105 / night
"There are two pools and to laundry facilities. the clubhouse is spacious and clean there is a place to watch movies read books or just relax in the cool outside of the pool."
"Clean close to beach great sites"
$48 - $100 / night
"Stayed in Panama City beach. Going back ASAP!"
"Pickle Ball courts, basket ball court, dog walk areas and much more. Short drive to the beach."
$35 - $65 / night
"Panama City Beach is definitely short on dispersed camping so we tried out the Raccoon River Campground because it was close to the beach and some other things we wanted to do."
"The location of this campground was perfect. We were walking distance to the beautiful beaches and pier of Panama Beach. There are a lot fun activities here."
"It's close to Tyndall AFB and the Tyndall marina (requires a drive, not directly connected) where you can rent kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, jet skis, bikes, and more (again, call ahead to verify availability"
"Its conveniently located near the base and also near the bay for fishing and other fun water recreational activities."
$45 - $50 / night
"A beautiful new pool, hot tub and outside lounge are available. The pool and surrounding area was clean and well kept."
"It is one of our homes away from home. The staff is very friendly, the bathrooms are very clean and the pool/hot tub area is super nice. It's well worth the stay if you're in the area."
"The downside is that there are “grass burrs” everywhere in the sparse grassy areas if you want to walk a dog but there is a dog park."
"Close to beach access and tons of stuff to do with in walking distance."
"Good location with boardwalk access to beach. Park amenities were as described. Drawback was traffic on Thomas Drive, except vehicle noise in evening with cyclists and roadster revving it up."
"Camped here in August of 2019 a quiet campground located about 25 miles from Panama City Beach. Mostly pine forrest nice campsites and a beautiful lake."
"Great little campground near Panama City! Almost all sites were water front. The sites were paved, spacious, and well spaced out. The grounds were well kept with many pine trees."
$25 - $35 / night
"Waterfront with free use of marina and boat storage, for renters at Tharp's, on beautiful fresh water Deerpoint lake who's recent creel study by Game and fish commission ranked Deerpoint lake the most"
TravelerClean facilities, level gravel lots on most sites, the beach is pristine, even some hiking trails. A must visit campground and State Park. Some sites even are direct waterfront.
ScoutThe campground was about 20 miles off the main road. I could not find the road to go on for at least another 20 minutes due to horrible instructions. I left before getting to the campsites since it was in the middle of the woods. A waste of money.
GuideWe arrived on Thursday and there were a couple campers. On the weekend it got pretty full and busy with .the boat dock. There is one camper that looks like it lives here and just moves to different sites Otherwise pretty quiet and nice. Only a half hour from Panama City Beach
ScoutNothing special, pit toilet, great boondocking spot, $3 nightly fee
GuideVery nice place with great staff. Larger community with 2 pools and courts. Well maintained and clean. The sites are a bit tight but they have some newer sections that back to a lake that are very nice. Great spot overall
GuideWe stayed at this little unique park the first week in March. The park truly does look like a trip back to the 1960s Drive in but inside the office is the most fun with a hollywood museum and tons of memorabilia. The phone booth has been coverted to a shower and a photo booth. The owners are great and gave us a map to all of the best places to go locally along the beach 30a area as they are very close to it. Would highly recommend not to miss this place.
TravelerWhile staying at FamCamp we were awakened at 4 am to sirens blasting “Code Red, Code” The war with Iran had just started and we didn’t know what to think, until we distinctly heard TRAINING DRILL. The campground itself is small and provided everything we needed for a short stay. Beautiful surroundings- but very noisy. The free air show with the Jets taking off and landing was incredible.
GuideGreat location just a couple of miles from beach. Very clean and friendly staff. Clean pool, laundry, and club house. Nice paved lots with cable and wifi. Nice place.
GuideGreat and quiet. Everyone is very friendly. The 100s loop has the best spots. Hard to get a spot in any of the campgrounds on 30A
Campgrounds near Panama City, Florida range from state-operated sites to military facilities and private RV resorts along the Gulf Coast. St. Andrews State Park Campground provides waterfront camping with full hookups, picnic tables, and accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins. Other options include Panama City Beach RV Resort, Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort, and Raptor Ranch at Tyndall Air Force Base, offering varying levels of amenities within the coastal ecosystem. Most facilities maintain year-round operations, with many sites positioned to take advantage of water access to the Gulf of Mexico or nearby lagoons.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for most Panama City area campgrounds, particularly for waterfront sites and during peak seasons. St. Andrews State Park typically books 6-10 months ahead for prime locations. While most campgrounds feature paved pads and good road access, recent hurricane damage has affected some facilities. The region experiences hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and mild winters that attract seasonal campers. Many campgrounds offer full hookups with 50-amp electrical service, though amenities vary significantly between primitive and developed sites. A camper noted, "If you want a good spot once they reopen, definitely book early and pay attention to the measurements on the website."
Waterfront campsites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, particularly those in St. Andrews State Park with views of the lagoon or Gulf access. Several campgrounds feature beach proximity, with St. Andrews offering both Gulf-side beaches and calmer bay waters for swimming and kayaking. Wildlife observation opportunities include deer that often wander through campgrounds, dolphins in the bay, and various shore birds. A recent review noted, "We saw lots of other wildlife around, including deer and rabbits." Many campers appreciate the balance of natural surroundings with proximity to urban amenities, as most sites are within 15-20 minutes of shopping, dining, and entertainment options in Panama City Beach while maintaining a feeling of seclusion within the parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Panama City, Florida?
St. Andrews State Park Campground is a premier camping destination with newly renovated facilities following Hurricane Michael. Located minutes from Panama City Beach, it offers beautiful waterfront sites, hiking and biking trails, and excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Another excellent option is Sand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest, which provides a quiet retreat about 25 miles from Panama City Beach. The campground features paved, spacious sites, many waterfront, surrounded by pine forest—perfect for hammock camping.
How much does camping near Panama City, FL cost?
Camping costs near Panama City vary by amenities and location. Wright Lake Campground in Apalachicola National Forest offers more affordable options, with most sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. For state park camping, Grayton Beach State Park Campground provides well-maintained facilities at standard state park rates, typically ranging from $20-30 per night. Private RV resorts like those in Panama City Beach generally command higher prices, especially during peak season, with rates potentially ranging from $50-100+ per night depending on amenities and season.
What RV camping options are available in Panama City?
Panama City offers several RV-friendly camping options. Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort provides excellent facilities with helpful staff in a convenient location. For those seeking a military connection, Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB is an option, though it's worth noting it was damaged by Hurricane Michael and availability may be limited. Additional RV accommodations include Panama City Beach RV Resort and Raccoon River Campground, both offering full hookups, amenities for larger rigs, and convenient access to area attractions.
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