Best Campgrounds near Panama City Beach, FL
Panama City Beach, Florida features a range of campground options within easy reach of its famous white sand beaches and emerald waters. St. Andrews State Park Campground provides waterfront sites with full hookups for RVs and tent camping areas just minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. Other established campgrounds in the area include Raccoon River Campground and Panama City Beach RV Resort, both offering cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping options. The region includes several state parks and forests within a 30-minute drive, including Pine Log State Forest's Sand Pond Campground, which provides a more secluded camping experience while still being accessible to beach attractions.
Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the Panama City Beach area, particularly during peak tourist seasons from spring through fall. Many sites book up to 11 months in advance, especially at popular state parks. "Florida state parks book out 11 months in advance. I lucked out and found one night available for $40.15," noted one camper about Henderson Beach State Park. Road access to most developed campgrounds is suitable for all vehicle types, though some forest service roads leading to more remote sites may require higher clearance vehicles. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while winter offers milder temperatures but occasional cold fronts. Hurricane season (June through November) can impact camping plans with little notice.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors to the Panama City Beach region. St. Andrews State Park Campground stands out for its proximity to both the Gulf and protected bay waters. One visitor described it as having "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/Panama City Beach." For those seeking a more forested experience, Sand Pond Campground in Pine Log State Forest offers a quieter alternative with full hookups and a fishing pond. Campers appreciate the balance of natural settings with convenient access to Panama City Beach attractions, with several noting the ability to enjoy both secluded camping and tourist activities within the same trip.
