Panama City Beach provides access to both established campgrounds and luxury glamping spots along the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The coastal terrain features white sand beaches with natural dune systems, inland freshwater lakes, and pine forests within a short drive of the main tourist areas. Camping options range from primitive sites with natural surroundings to upscale cabins with concrete pads and full-service amenities.
What to do
Beach snorkeling and diving: St. Andrews State Park Campground offers protected, near-shore snorkeling opportunities. "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," notes Denise K.
Freshwater paddling: Pine Log State Forest's Sand Pond Campground provides paddling opportunities on cypress-lined ponds. According to Dale W., "The two-mile Campground Trail, part of the Forest Service's Trailwalker Program, winds along the banks of Cyprus Pond, through the mixed hardwood/pine forest, and around Sand Pond. This is a nice and easy, well-maintained, level trail."
Wildlife viewing: Watch for coastal and forest wildlife throughout the region. At St. Andrews State Park Campground, "We had a quick drive through the main park to check it out. The beach access was great from a couple of areas. We rented a boat and spent a few hours on Shell Island. Because it is difficult to access there are very few people out on the beech," shares Matt S.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Campers appreciate secluded tent camping areas away from RV sections. At Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground, "We were at one of the few 'tent' campsites in the park. Our site was back off the road in the brush - very private even with a trail just on the other side of the bushes. Either ride your bike or take the tram the mile to the boardwalk and beach," reports John O.
Off-season camping: Winter and spring camping offers fewer crowds with mild temperatures. According to Richard F. at St. Andrews State Park, "Great State Park. Under a little construction can't wait to see when completed. Beaches. Views. All hook ups. Quiet and at the end of Panama Beach away from the big tours areas."
Waterfront sites: Campsites with direct water views provide sunrise and sunset viewing opportunities. At Sand Pond Campground, "We have about 1 mile of dirt road to get here. 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," notes Eric R.
What you should know
Hurricane recovery: Several campgrounds continue to rebuild after hurricane damage. At Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB, "The campground doesn't have as much shade or as many trees as it had before the hurricane in 2018, but it is back open for business and is a great place for military and veterans to park their campers short or long term," writes Mark J.
Beach shuttle services: Some campgrounds offer transportation to beach areas. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park provides tram service from the campground to the beach boardwalk. One camper mentions, "For hammock campers the tent camping spots are okay for hammock camping. I made due but I was in spot 21 and there are no trees accessible enough to hang a hammock up how you would want."
Reservation requirements: Book well in advance for peak season stays, particularly at beachfront sites. During rebuilding, some parks may have limited availability or walk-in only policies.
Tips for camping with families
Protected swimming areas: Look for designated swimming zones away from boat traffic. At St. Andrews State Park, one camper shares, "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."
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Many parks offer paved or hard-packed trails for family cycling. "These sites are perfect for our group to book two or three sites together and for the kids to ride their bikes around the loop," reports Matt M. about St. Andrews State Park.
Glamping options for beginners: Several campgrounds near Panama City Beach offer glamping accommodations for families new to outdoor experiences. Twin Lakes Camp Resort provides "townhouse cabins and glamping yurts as well as a community center, pool, and laundry room. Full hookups and Wi-Fi. Sites not located on the waterfront are elevated so they still have a water view," according to Shannon J.
Tips from RVers
Distance from tourist areas: Consider proximity to activities when selecting a camping location. At Pine Log State Forest, "Far yet close…that's the first thing that comes to mind. Far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the beach areas but close enough to enjoy them just the same. Do yourself a favor and give this place a try if you are in the Panama City beach/bay county/Walton county area," advises camper C.S.
Site dimensions: Pay attention to specific site measurements when booking RV spots. As one Camp On The Gulf visitor notes, "Pay attention to the size site you reserve some of them are more narrow and less deep than others. It can make backing in a challenge. They were very busy when we arrived and we had to pause our back in twice to left the traffic flow."
Concrete pad availability: Several glamping locations close to Panama City Beach provide concrete pads that remain stable during wet weather. "This park has something for everyone. Up top away from the beach the level sites have plenty of shade. Beachfront sites are tight but you have the ocean at your doorstep," writes Doug and Terri C.
