Trish T.
Guide
GuideFalling Waters State Park Campground
Pretty campground
Stayed for 4 nights. It was quiet and relaxing. A few fun trails. Voluntary camphost was very nice.
Best Campgrounds near Panama City, FL
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Panama City, Florida (111)
1. St. Andrews State Park Campground
58 ReviewsPanama City, FL9 milesWebsite+1 (850) 233-5140$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."
2. Panama City Beach RV Resort
8 ReviewsPanama City, FL10 milesWebsite+1 (850) 249-7352$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"
3. Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort
8 ReviewsPanama City Beach, FL11 milesWebsite+1 (850) 235-0924$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."
4. Raccoon River Campground
10 ReviewsPanama City Beach, FL13 milesWebsite+1 (877) 234-0181$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."
5. Outback Springs RV Resort
7 ReviewsPanama City, FL12 milesWebsite+1 (850) 258-3110$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."
6. Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB
4 ReviewsPanama City, FL8 milesWebsite+1 (850) 283-2798"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."
7. NSA Panama City FamCamp Southside
3 ReviewsPanama City, FL9 milesWebsite+1 (850) 234-4402"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
5 ReviewsPanama City Beach, FL12 milesWebsite+1 (866) 872-2267"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. Sand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest
19 ReviewsEbro, FL23 milesWebsite+1 (850) 535-2888"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."
10. Tharp's Camp Cedar
2 ReviewsPanama City, FL8 milesWebsite+1 (850) 265-2330$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"
Recent Camping Photos near Panama City, FL
95 Photos of 111 Panama City Campgrounds
Camp With Me
St. Andrews State Park Campground
Deborah T.
My Father's Sanctuary
Kathy D.
Blue Spring Recreation Area
hilary G.
Tom Johns Landing
Brianna B.
Sand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest
Brenda A.
Pine Lake RV Park
Carlie G.
Holmes Creek Camping & RV Resort
Talia R.
dead river landing
Dale W.
Eastern Lake Campground 2 — Point Washington State Forest
Shea M.
Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest
Sonyia W.
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park Campground
Black Creek R.
Black Creek RV Park
Recent Reviews near Panama City, FL
587 Reviews of 111 Panama City Campgrounds
- ssandy B.
ScoutTopsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground
Top Sail
Great place! Friendly staff very helpful. Great bath house... Clean!!! Laundry coin operated. Coffee house with food and small store... Love it here.
- jjeanne A.
TravelerStay n Go RV Resort
Good for the night
The campground is clean, with full hookups. No one is at the office, so you need to reserve online. They will come check on you later. The only drawback is no showers or restrooms so be prepared.
- JJim and Marriana E.Traveler
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground
Very clean lovely park
Clean site, full hookup. Playground, laundry, bike & walking trails, near the beach
- MMickey K.Scout
Florida Caverns RV Resort
Florida Caverns
Huge spaces. No trees. Frogs made the site a little loud. Staff are extremely friendly and accommodating
- KKristine C.Traveler
Old Salt RV Park
Dog friendly and quiet
Everyone was so welcoming. The park was very clean. We walked to the beach and let Boomer play off leash with other dogs. When we got back there was a hose to rinse off with and we found that several people we’d met at the beach were also staying there 💗 LOVED IT 😍
John K.TravelerWright Lake Campground
Quiet site. Away from everything.
I like the very clean bathroom and hot water. I had trouble solar charging because of all the trees. Non electric site. Small lake, not good for fishing. The current host Dale was very pleasant.
Linda C.GuideWhite Oak Landing and Hunt Camp
Well used area
Older RVs and mobile homes permanently parked nearby. The night we stayed was quiet.
- KKristen S.Guide
White Oak Landing and Hunt Camp
Simple and quite full of sounds.
Tucked away in the National Forest, you turn on a forest service road to find this spot. Drive on a solid 3.5 mile dirt road. Meaning, it’s quite flat with some bumps but easily done.
The locals come daily to hunt during season and likely fish otherwise, but keep to themselves.
There is a dumpster (so it is fairly clean but not everyone picks up). And a porta potty for use.
I was here 5 nights in my Skoolie, no one bothered me. I saw a forest service ranger but they didn’t stop & a crew came to collect the trash that over spilled the dumpster.
No AT&T service. But you can squeeze Starlink in the right spot to work remotely and take a video call with minimal interference. It got me through just fine.
There are a million stars on a clear night. A few spots people have done fires but no pits.
I would stay here again.
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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