Panama City Beach camping options span from secluded forest settings to locations with direct beach access within a 30-minute drive. The region experiences summer high temperatures averaging 90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through September, while winter lows can dip into the 40s. The Gulf waters near campgrounds remain swimmable from May through October with typical water temperatures between 75-85°F.
What to do
Paddling at St. Andrews State Park: The protected waters of Grand Lagoon provide excellent paddling opportunities for all skill levels. "We had a quick drive through the main park to check it out. The beach access was great from a couple of areas. The snorkeling can be great depending on how recently a storm has passed through," notes Matt S. from St. Andrews State Park Campground.
Snorkeling at the jetties: The rock jetties create a protected area perfect for amateur snorkelers. "Best area for protected, near shore snorkeling. A small area located inside rock jetties provides the perfect area for amateur and intermediate snorkeling. Many divers also frequent the rougher/deeper areas near the jetties," shares Denise K. about St. Andrews State Park.
Biking at Topsail Hill Preserve: The park offers interconnected trails suitable for casual cyclists. "The bike path right out front" makes it easy to access the surrounding area according to Jeffrey S. from Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground. Another visitor mentions you can "bike in the forest across the street and bike up and down 30A a bit."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many parks offer chances to see native Florida wildlife. "We saw lots of wildlife around, including deer and rabbits," reports one camper about St. Andrews. At Eastern Lake Campground, visitors are advised to watch for "signs for active bears" although Andrea S. "saw none" during her stay at Eastern Lake Campground 1.
Lake and pond access: Several campgrounds feature freshwater fishing opportunities. "CG has good amenities: water, electric, hard pads, tables, showers/rr. Unique lake dunes offered trails, beach access, and paddling/fishing," shares James M. about Grayton Beach State Park Campground. At Pineglen Motorcoach & RV Park, "Turtles come up to the dock begging for something to eat. We went to Walmart just to buy proper turtle food. It was a lot of fun to watch and feed them."
Secluded camping experience: For those seeking quieter camping away from crowds, Sand Pond offers tranquility. "This was a very quiet and peaceful campground. We stayed on a campsite right next to the pond. It made for fantastic sunsets!" notes Jennifer D. about Sand Pond Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: State parks book up quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Topsail Hill, "Just be sure to book the campsite well in advance, this place is super popular and fills up very quickly," advises Angeline S.
Road conditions: Access to primitive sites can be challenging after rain. Regarding Eastern Lake Campground, Jared warns, "I came in a day after rain and there were numerous significant deep puddles to get through. I was grateful my Sprinter had knobby tires and was a little higher; even then at one point the puddle was so deep it covered my headlights!"
Noise factors: Some campgrounds near commercial areas experience significant noise. At Raccoon River Campground, visitors note it "can be a little noisy at night from road traffic" despite being very convenient to attractions. At Camper's Inn, one camper reports, "Drawback was traffic on Thomas Drive, except vehicle noise in evening with cyclists and roadster revving it up."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "The playground was to 'big' for them," notes one Raccoon River visitor about their experience with children under age 6, while another mentions the "great playground and fort looking structure for people with kiddos."
Protected swimming areas: For families with young children, St. Andrews offers safer swimming options. "There are two beach areas. One is on the gulf, and one is between the gulf and the bay. The gulf water is a lot choppier but clearer, and the swimming in the spot by the bay is much calmer," explains Sonyia W.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer nature programs for children. "St. Andrews State Park is a regular destination for our group of Dads and kids annual camping trip... A special treat for the kids each year is the white tailed deer walking through the sites and the bike ride over to the 'Kiddie Pool' at the jetties," shares Matt M. from Raccoon River Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At some campgrounds, site size varies significantly. "Sites are all VERY different. Some are tiny, some are huge. Some have waterfront and many don't. If you want a good spot once they reopen, definitely book early and pay attention to the measurements on the website," advises Sonyia W. about St. Andrews State Park.
Hookup arrangements: Some campgrounds have unusual utility layouts. At Camper's Inn, "Electric and water Hookups are on passenger side when connecting. Make sure your hookups can reach. Sewer is on drivers side," warns Jeff T.
Maneuverability concerns: Some parks have limited space for larger rigs. At Sand Pond Campground, "Some campsites can be tight if you have a big rig. Within the past year, they have removed some trees to make it easier to maneuver in the campground," reports Eric R.
