A
Amanda T.
Scout
ScoutSand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest
Beautiful and peaceful
Small campground. Peaceful. Mostly older people in small RVs. Oddly enough no issue with mosquitoes which was shocking! Very nice sites
Camping near Panama City, FL
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Panama City, Florida offers campgrounds ranging from waterfront state park sites to privately operated RV parks and rustic tent areas. 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 camping in this coastal region.
Best Campgrounds near Panama City (119)
1. St. Andrews State Park Campground
"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."
from $28 / night
Check Availability2. Panama City Beach RV Resort
"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"
from $79 - $105 / night
Check Availability3. Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort
"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."
from $48 - $100 / night
Check Availability4. Raccoon River Campground
"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."
from $35 - $65 / night
Check Availability5. Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB
"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."
6. Sand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest
"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."
from $23 / night
Check Availability7. NSA Panama City FamCamp Southside
"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."
8. Camper's Inn
"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."
9. Tharp's Camp Cedar
"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"
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability10. Campers Inn
"Its close to the beach, sanitary restrooms (Not hotel like but good) and nice people. Wifi is good enough"
"This is a campground inside a resort city, space is limited but it has beach access and a great location."
from $55 - $65 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 15 min from Dothan, AL
- 1 hr 23 min from Crestview, FL
- 1 hr 38 min from Tallahassee, FL
- 2 hrs 5 min from Pensacola, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Panama City, FL
97 Photos of 119 Panama City Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
St. Andrews State Park Campground
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Recent Reviews near Panama City, FL
619 Reviews of 119 Panama City Campgrounds
- JJeremy H.
GuideGrayton Beach State Park Campground
Grayton Beach State Park in December
Grayton Beach State Park is an outstanding place to camp in December, especially if you enjoy birding, hiking, and spending time outdoors without the heat and crowds of the summer months.
December is a great time to explore the park. The cooler temperatures make walking the trails much more comfortable, and the campground has a peaceful, laid-back feel during the winter. Tent camping is especially enjoyable if you come prepared for the weather. Days can be mild and beautiful, but mornings and nights can get surprisingly cool, so warm layers and a good sleeping bag are definitely worth bringing.
For birding, Grayton Beach is a fantastic location. The combination of coastal dunes, pine forest, wetlands, Western Lake, and the Gulf creates several different habitats within a relatively small area. Early mornings are particularly enjoyable when the park is quiet and wildlife is active. Bring a good pair of binoculars and take your time around Western Lake and the trails through the wooded areas.
- JJeremy H.Guide
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground
Great Spot for a December getaway.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is an excellent place for tent camping in December, especially if you enjoy hiking, wildlife, and having easy access to the beach without the summer crowds.
December is a great time to experience the park. The cooler temperatures make hiking much more enjoyable, and the campground is generally quieter and more relaxed than during the warmer months. The nights can get chilly, so I would definitely recommend bringing a good sleeping bag, warm layers, and something to block the wind. During the day, though, the weather can be perfect for exploring.
My biggest advice for December tent campers is to prepare for changing weather. You could have a beautiful mild afternoon followed by a cold and windy night. Bring layers, rain protection, and a windproof jacket rather than relying on one heavy coat.
Overall, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is one of the better winter camping destinations on the Florida Panhandle. You get the Gulf, hiking, birding, dune lakes, wildlife, and a comfortable campground all in one place. For someone who prefers quiet trails and beaches over hot weather and summer crowds, December may actually be one of the best times of the year to camp here.
- EEthan T.
TravelerTopsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground
Great beach spot
Excellent location for camping and having easy access to the beach. Bathhouse was incredibly clean and well maintained. Camp store has plenty of equipment to rent and there is tons of trails to ride bikes around and to the beach.
- jjohnny W.Scout
Outback Springs RV Resort
Weekend Escape
What can be said that I'm sure hasn't already been said. Outback Springs RV Park in Bonifay Florida is one beautiful place. Magnificent pool/hot tub area, fantastic duck pond with a fountain in the center of it, newly paved roads throughout, stellar staff and so much attention to detail in the grounds/landscaping. My husband and I found this gem during an online search for nearby campgrounds related to where we live. We have visited Outback Springs several times since and we absolutely hate leaving. Out of curiosity I asked a staff member ( Debbie) if I could take a look at the inside of the only cabin that's offered and was completely blown away by what I saw. This cabin is absolutely amazing, full kitchen, huge separate living room and a very well appointed bedroom and bathroom. I had the privilege of finally getting to meet the owners during our stay this weekend and immediately got attached to them. So very friendly and accepting of our lifestyle. The RV sites are large, level and for the most part very shady. The staff is amazing, the clubhouse/on-site store are out of this world and there is even a large separate clubhouse that has everything anyone needs from movies, books, board games, pool table and dartboard. Free coffee every morning and if you don't want to cook in your RV no worries, you can cook in the full kitchen that's available for free in there as well. Got pets? No problem because there is also a very nice dog park on site as well. I could go on and on about this place but I'm sure you get the picture lol. If your travels take you anywhere near Bonifay Florida Outback Springs RV Resort is the little slice of Australia that must be on your list of places to visit. Give them a try, I promise you will not be disappointed. Mike in the office will take good care of you and if you see a lady moving at light speed that's Debbie. She'll make double sure that all of your needs are met and any exceptions are exceeded. 100% the place to be!!!!!
Christi B.ScoutPonce de Leon RV Park
Quite place
Very quite, right off the interstate and less than a mile from the Ponce de Leon springs. Super friendly and helpful owner, full hookups and very easy access and parking. Walking distance from a Pilot truck stop, family dollar and dollar general. Would definitely come back
- SSherri B.Guide
Blue Hole Campground — Florida Caverns State Park
Cool caves
Florida Caverns State Park offers tours of underground caves, the focal point of the 1,500 acre grounds. Blue Hole Campground located within the Park offers 32 full hookup sites in a loop convenient to bathhouse and laundry. Quiet setting, well spaced sites with gravel surface, paved roads.
Chaence M.ScoutStay n Go RV Resort
Horrible! Not family friendly as advertised
Found this stop searching for a quick location on the way back home to S FL. The only positive is that there was online check-in. The website did not list their rules that pertained to children. Once we arrived the camp host was very rude. She informed us the kids couldn't use scooters (actually not in the written rules, bikes and skateboards were listed but nothing else) and that we couldn't watch them from our camper. The door and the window was opened. They were on our site. They never left our view. It was dark and we drove several hours and were setting up. Honestly they probably had closer supervision then they did when we were hooking up. The photos of the place also show a pool. Theres no pool. It is extremely dark, theres no lights anywhere. The website states its secure and gated. There is a gate but it was opened. I didnt have high expectations but I also expected what I paid for. It was also extremely over priced and the only reason we stopped was to get the kids out to run around, and we were unable to do that. There are other places that do not allow children if this place doesnt want children it should be on their web page and if theres rules that pertain to children those should be presented prior to payment rendered. At that point I had no choice but to agree or not pay, and honestly we didnt even break the rules yet were told we were.
- BBarbara S.Guide
Blue Hole Campground — Florida Caverns State Park
Quick overnight
We were making our way back from the Midwest to Sarasota and stayed overnight. We didn’t have time to explore, but from what we saw, there is a lot to do in the campground! The Blue Hole campground was great - only 32 sites and each site is spacious. We can’t wait to go back for a longer stay!
Guide to Panama City
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?
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?
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?
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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