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GuideSt. Andrews State Park Campground
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Dog-Friendly Camping near Panama City Beach, FL
11 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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St. Andrews State Park Campground accommodates pets in all accommodation types including tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts. Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort provides a dedicated pet washing station for campers with dogs, while Raccoon River Campground allows pets within walking distance to Panama City Beach. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the area require dogs to remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet when outside the RV or tent. Camper's Inn permits pets but visitors should be aware of limited pet relief areas due to the campground's compact layout. Pineglen Motorcoach & RV Park features an open field that serves as a dog run area and outdoor dog washing station, particularly appreciated by long-term campers with pets. Some campers find that stray cats are prevalent at Raccoon River Campground which may be a consideration for those traveling with dogs.
Panama City Beach's pet-friendly campgrounds provide convenient access to nearby beach areas, though pet policies on public beaches vary seasonally. Dogs are prohibited on most Panama City Beach public beaches between 9 AM and 5 PM during peak season, but several campgrounds offer dedicated pet exercise areas on-site as alternatives. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground maintains nature trails suitable for leashed pets, though dogs must be kept away from wildlife and sensitive dune areas. Campgrounds like Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort and Pineglen Motorcoach & RV Park receive high ratings specifically for their pet amenities and well-maintained grounds. Campers should pack extra towels for sandy paws after beach visits, as the coastal location means frequent cleanups. The closest emergency veterinary care is approximately 5-10 minutes from most Panama City Beach campgrounds.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Panama City Beach (78)
1. St. Andrews State Park Campground
"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."
"Right in Panama city beach Florida, our great secret. Has a big bath house and bathrooms paved roads very well kept and not as expensive as most camp grounds."
3 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 / night
2. Grayton Beach State Park Campground
"Easy walk to Western Lake - some sites even back up to the lake. Longer walk to the beach/gulf, but we found the walk to be beautiful and saw quite a few birds along the way."
"Yet another great Florida State campground! Florida does it right when it comes to campgrounds, and Grayton is no exception. The beach is beautiful, fairly secluded and easily accessible. "
3 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $30 - $110 / night
3. 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."
"Far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the beach areas but close enough to enjoy them just the same."
1 Site AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $23 / night
4. 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."
"Yes, this is known as a cat haven but with people who have dogs should stay in the dog parks, If they don't accept a place that cannot turn a blind eye to cats."
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $65 / night
5. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground
"Little pool, dog park, beach close by, tons of biking, deer, turkeys, birds galore. Highly recommend the Donut Hole for breakfast, brunch or lunch! So good! Service was awesome!"
"Site 81- level; gravel parking pad; 8x30 ft concrete patio; moveable picnic table; partial shade Very nice beach
Hourly tram to the beach
Good bike paths
Very nice Campbell Lake"
13 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $24 - $130 / night
6. 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."
Check Availabilityfrom $48 - $100 / night
7. 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"
Check Availabilityfrom $79 - $105 / night
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. Pineglen Motorcoach & RV Park
"Has a small pool, pet wash and shuffle board. Several ponds, one with a gazebo. VERY well kept. Office staff is friendly and helpful."
"An open field serves as a place for dogs to run. There is even an outdoor dog wash. The sites are gravel and quite level. Full hook-ups. There is a cement pad for the picnic table."
10. Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest
"Good distance to beaches, although I didn’t see a way to walk to the beach - we drove. I would not chance the forest roads in a sedan."
"Nice primitive campground located near 30A beach. The road leading in is sandy and gravely."
4 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $9 / night
Drive Time
- 23 min from Panama City, FL
- 1 hr 9 min from Crestview, FL
- 1 hr 29 min from Dothan, AL
- 1 hr 42 min from Pensacola, FL
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Panama City Beach, FL
62 Photos of 78 Panama City Beach Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Raccoon River Campground
Panama City Beach RV Resort
St. Andrews State Park CampgroundD
Sand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest
Grayton Beach State Park Campground
Retroville 1960s-70 Drive In Movie/TV Themed RV ParkD
Blue Spring Recreation AreaK
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground
Camp On The Gulf
Destin RV Beach Resort
Henderson Beach State Park CampgroundC
Old Salt RV ParkK
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Panama City Beach, FL
581 Reviews of 78 Panama City Beach Campgrounds
- BBuckee B.
ScoutLakeview Campsites
Beautiful lake, misleading ad
Just be forewarned this is NOT a normal camping experience. By far.
Firstly, there are no actual accommodations as advertised. The "camping" you will experience consists of no primitive sites, no RV hookups, no amenities to speak of, and many other inconsistencies despite what's being presented here. There are no private areas even for changing your clothes much less anything else. As it sits beside a major county roadway with a public boat ramp with roadside public parking making any chance of alone time impossible most days. You CANNOT per county ordinances have any unregulated fires or burning due to the lake being EPA protected. If you get caught disturbing any of the flora or fauna you are subject to possible fines or prosecution by FWC. Not one stump is to be disturbed at all. The advertisement is misleading regarding this property. For the amount of money being charged you may as well go a few more miles and get a room at a motel. It would be cheaper if you did. I gave two stars because of the lake itself. Which BTW, is NOT actually "visible " from this property itself. The best viewing and admiring is better at the PUBLIC areas that are county owned and somewhat maintained. The lake itself is public use for everyone. Not to mention that this property owner has a negative reputation for shady practices in the local area. Any observations of illegal practices should be reported to law enforcement. 
Mike N.ScoutEmerald Coast RV Beach Resort
AVOID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!`
My campsite was turned into a construction zone. See pictures. My site should have not been available given the work that would be done. People all over my site, terrorizing my dog, using my picnic table as a staging area for supplies. Manager devoid of any form of empathy. They offered a site move(no thank you a day before departure) and 50% off(not adequate). AVOID AT ALL COSTS.
- AAmanda T.
TravelerSand 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
- JJeremy H.Guide
Grayton 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.Traveler
Topsail 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
Guide to Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach camping areas have diverse elevation changes despite Florida's generally flat terrain. Most sites sit 10-15 feet above sea level with some beach campgrounds at lower elevations and inland sites reaching up to 50 feet. The region experiences humid subtropical climate with temperatures ranging from 45-65°F in winter and 75-90°F in summer, creating distinct camping experiences depending on seasonal timing.
What to do
Kayaking at freshwater lakes: Point Washington State Forest's Eastern Lake Campground offers secluded lake access away from Gulf beaches. "Nice secluded little spot close to our home in Fort Walton but still manages to feel like you're far away," notes Karen S. The forest maintains multiple water entry points for small watercraft without the crowds of beachfront areas.
Beach snorkeling for beginners: The protected area at St. Andrews State Park Campground provides ideal conditions for novice snorkelers. "Best area for protected, near shore snorkeling. A small area located inside rock jetties provides the perfect area for amateur and intermediate snorkeling," writes Denise K. The jetty-protected area maintains calmer waters than open Gulf beaches.
Nature trail hiking: Sand Pond Campground offers a well-maintained 2-mile loop trail connecting multiple habitats. "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," explains Dale W.
Wildlife observation: Campers report regular wildlife sightings at multiple campgrounds throughout the area. "We saw lots of other wildlife around, including deer and rabbits," notes a Topsail Hill Preserve State Park visitor. Early morning and dusk provide optimal viewing times for local wildlife.
What campers like
Site privacy and spacing: Grayton Beach State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its well-designed site layouts. "There is good privacy in the campground, with thick brush and trees separating the sites," writes Fred M. Sites along the water feature additional spacing compared to interior locations.
Water proximity options: The region offers varied water access from beachfront locations to lake-view sites. "We were able to put our kayaks in right off the site," explains Aida K. about Grayton Beach's waterfront camping. Multiple campgrounds provide direct water views without requiring site changes.
Clean facilities despite high usage: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground maintains above-average cleanliness standards according to multiple reviews. "The facilities are always clean and safe. The park staff and volunteers are always helpful and kind," states Matt M. Regular maintenance schedules operate even during peak visitor seasons.
Natural settings close to amenities: Multiple campgrounds balance natural surroundings with nearby conveniences. "It felt like we were miles from urban life, but in reality this park is very close to entertainment, shopping, food, etc.," explains Sara S. about St. Andrews State Park. Most campgrounds maintain wooded perimeters while providing easy access to supplies within 5-10 minutes.
What you should know
Beach access variability: Walking distances to beaches vary significantly between campgrounds. "Longer walk to the beach/gulf, but we found the walk to be beautiful and saw quite a few birds along the way," notes Denise about Topsail Hill Preserve. Direct beach access is limited to specific campgrounds while others require drives of 10-15 minutes.
Post-hurricane rebuilding continues: Several parks continue recovery efforts years after major storms. "Park is under construction with improvements. Trails, paddling access, shelters, concession, food available," states James M. about St. Andrews State Park. Construction schedules may affect specific campground sections or amenities.
Road quality concerns after rain: Point Washington State Forest camping areas have access challenges during wet periods. "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," warns Jared. Small vehicles may struggle on forest roads after precipitation.
Gate access requirements: Several campgrounds implement security measures requiring advance planning. "Very nice quiet secluded spot. Camp site has locked gate, should receive gate code once reserve with reserveamerica," explains Ty C. Campers must secure access codes before arrival as cell service may be limited.
Tips for camping with families
Specialized kid-friendly areas: Raccoon River Campground offers dedicated play structures. "Very nice and centrally located. About 10min walk to putt putt golf, beach, and water park. Shady, clean, 2 pools are very nice...great playground and fort looking structure for people with kiddos," shares Courtney B. Multiple age-appropriate sections accommodate different developmental stages.
Kid-friendly wildlife viewing: St. Andrews State Park provides regular wildlife encounters suitable for children. "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," notes Matt M. Morning and evening hours yield most frequent animal sightings.
Open play spaces: Some campgrounds feature designated areas for unstructured play. "Sites were perfect. Electric perfect. Water was great," reports Jeff T. about Grayton Beach State Park, which maintains open field areas between camping loops for games and activities.
Beach alternatives during peak sun hours: When midday heat makes beach trips challenging, multiple parks offer alternate water options. "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. about the swimming options at St. Andrews State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for pet owners: Pineglen Motorcoach & RV Park offers specialized pet amenities for extended stays. "An open field serves as a place for dogs to run. There is even an outdoor dog wash," notes Carol. The park provides designated pet relief areas away from camping pads.
Reservation timing importance: Popular campgrounds require advance planning. "This is a hard location to get a site. Reservations have to be made far in advance," advises Fred M. about Grayton Beach. Winter reservations may require 10-12 months advance booking while shoulder seasons allow 3-6 month windows.
Utility placement challenges: Older campgrounds may have non-standard hookup locations. "Electric and water hookups are on passenger side when connecting. Make sure your hookups can reach. Sewer is on drivers side," warns Jeff T. Camper's Inn and similar older facilities may require extension hoses or cables.
Noise considerations: Some oceanfront camping areas experience noise from nearby entertainment. "Very loud! The campground is directly across the street from a bar and grill that plays live music LOUDLY every night. So loud that you can hear it over the a/c running," reports Cat R. Sites further from main roads typically offer quieter environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Panama City Beach, FL?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Panama City Beach, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Panama City Beach, FL is St. Andrews State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 60 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Panama City Beach, FL?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Panama City Beach, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 78 dog-friendly camping locations near Panama City Beach, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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