Best Tent Camping near Panama City Beach, FL
State forests and public lands surrounding Panama City Beach, Florida offer primitive tent camping options for those seeking a natural coastal experience. Point Washington State Forest, located near Santa Rosa Beach, features two tent-friendly campgrounds: Eastern Lake Campground 1 and Eastern Lake Campground 2. Both provide secluded tent campsites within a forested setting approximately 20 minutes from popular beaches. Pine Log State Forest Primitive Campsites, situated in Ebro, offers additional backcountry tent camping opportunities. Cotton Landing provides basic tent-only camping with minimal amenities for those seeking a more rustic experience.
Sites at Point Washington State Forest feature gravel tent pads measuring approximately 12'x20', with each site equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole. Access roads can be challenging after rain, with significant puddles forming that may be difficult for low-clearance vehicles to navigate. A gate code is required for entry and is provided with reservations made through ReserveAmerica. Most primitive tent campgrounds have pit toilets but no running water or showers. Campers should plan to bring all necessary water and supplies. Forest roads leading to walk-in tent sites are often poorly marked, requiring careful navigation and preparation.
The tent camping experience varies between locations within Point Washington State Forest. According to reviews, Campground 1 offers more privacy between sites, less highway noise, and the ability to park at your site, while Campground 2 provides better lake views and water access but requires a short walk from the parking area to tent sites. One camper noted, "It was so quiet there and we were the only ones at the campground." Visitors frequently mention the well-maintained hiking and biking trails, with options including 3.5, 5, and 10-mile loops that are part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Hiking Program. Tent campers should be aware of potential wildlife, including bears, though sightings are uncommon. The proximity to beaches makes these primitive tent campgrounds popular with visitors wanting to combine forest solitude with beach activities.