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Best Tent Camping near Panama City Beach, FL

419 Reviews

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.

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Best Tent Sites Near Panama City Beach, Florida (9)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Panama City Beach, FL

4 Photos of 9 Panama City Beach Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Panama City Beach, FL

419 Reviews of 9 Panama City Beach Campgrounds

  • Jamie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2021

    Sand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest

    Nice camping area with fishing pond

    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.

  • Elizabeth G.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Henderson Beach State Park Campground

    Quiet and secluded for the beach

    My family and I stayed here for one night in July 2020 as our midway point from GA to Texas. We stayed in site 44 and it was private and near the bathrooms. All the sites had gravel, a picnic table, and and a fire pit as well as a clothesline. There’s a path to the beach from the bathhouse. The bathhouse was very clean and there were men and women restrooms as well as private bathroom/showers.

    We fit 2 tents at our site. It was so humid and muggy I cowboy camped on the gravel with my picnic blanket and sleeping pad. Everyone else slept in the tents without the rain fly’s for some ventilation. It was a nice, clean, and quiet park and we felt very secluded in our site. There was WiFi and cell service (2 bars for Verizon).

    Each site has electric and water. There’s a dump station near the entrance/exit of the park. Overall, lovely experience and I would definitely stay here again.

  • Shea M.
    Apr. 1, 2020

    Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest

    Beach camping

    Nice primitive campground located near 30A beach. The road leading in is sandy and gravely. The site was for tent camping and offers a picnic table, grill, fire pit, food/lamp pole and a porta house (which was fairly clean, considering). There was also a pier close by. The bed was gravel and uncomfortable but they were actually repairing it while we were there, so it should be quite comfortable for your stay! No hookups or water. We stayed at campsite #1 which had plenty of trees for shade and was closest to the water, but they all looked nice. The beach is right across the bay so it's a short drive to the ocean. Quiet and clean, we stayed four days and had a neighbor for two of them. He seemed respectful to nature and gave us no issues. Overall would stay again, just remember there is no shower to get off all that sand and sunscreen!

  • Dale W.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Sand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest

    Quiet, secluded, and beautiful.

    I initially had a reservation at one of the primitive camp grounds, but my reservation was cancelled due to flooding that closed all three primitive camp grounds. Better yet, I got an RV spot on the day of arrival. Great pull-through sites with fire ring, picnic table, water, and electricity. Pitched my tent on the banks of Sand Pond.

    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.

    Was lulled to sleep by the croaking of bull frogs while watching the moon rise from my sleeping bag. A thoroughly enjoyable stay.

  • lydia B.
    Mar. 19, 2022

    Henderson Beach State Park Campground

    Family Friendly

    We arrived at a very clean, gravel campsite with a picnic table, fire ring, water & electric access, as well as a clothes line. Because we were tent camping, the gravel made it difficult to pitch our tent on site. Luckily, we had enough space and privacy on our site to unload the car and sleep in the trunk of it. The bathrooms were kept very clean, and the showers were fantastic! The beach itself is kept extremely clean and is beautiful. The volunteers do a wonderful job around the campground. Here you will find a family friendly stay! I would for sure visit Henderson Beach again for the clean facilities, beautiful beach, and local attractions.

  • Maria E.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Grayton Beach State Park Campground

    Nice

    We were initially assigned to site number 10 which was small but fine because we were tent camping. After a quick set up we started walking around and found site number 16 open by the water with a breeze. We drove up to the front confirmed availability and moved camp. Keep in mind this is not the beach, it is a lake but also has a trail along side where we walked the dog which was nice.  Ground is gravel but not difficult to stake. Bathroom facilities were very well located in the middle of the inner loop. Our site was on the outer side of the loop but paths to the bathroom are easy to find because there are reflectors making it visible with a flashlight at night. We only stayed one night but would definitely come back and bring bikes so we can check out the cute little beach town nearby.

  • Beth B.
    Jun. 28, 2022

    Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest

    Forest Nights

    I liked this forest and thought it was very pretty. 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. You might be okay if it stays dry but if it rains you will not be in good shape. Lots of roads and trails to explore.

    Pros and cons of each campground

    Campground 1 Pros: can park in your site, further apart, no highway noise Cons: only have access to a tiny part of the lake, breeze kind of blocked by trees

    Campground 2 Pros: beautiful lake view and easy access to water, prettier view, more breeze Cons: traffic noise, cannot park in your site

    Both campgrounds have a bathroom (I did not use so not sure of conditions). Every site has a fire pit, bbq pit, picnic table, and lantern pole.

    Would definitely camp here again.

  • D
    Aug. 23, 2019

    Eastern Lake Campground 2 — Point Washington State Forest

    Is located outside of Destin off of 98 east.

    Great primitive camping with several spots on the water in camping area 2

    Has a “outhouse” no running water or hookups in the primitive camping area. Roads are easy to travel in a sedan. Campsites provide picnic table and grill with a lantern pole and pea gravel area to set up tent. Very glad I found this!

  • a
    Feb. 12, 2022

    Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground

    1st road trip!

    What a wonderful place! Let’s start off with the super sweet lady at the office she was the most kind welcoming person I’ve ever met! Checkin was quick, the office had supplies and firewood. Our site was a tent or Rv, we were camping with a roof top tent on our suv. It was back in which worked fine for us. The site was clean and tidy with a picnic table, fire ring, water and electric. The restroom and shower facility was very clean, hot water and heaters for winter. The roads around the park were all paved and nice for walking or biking. Lots of wildlife! The park was beautiful and well kept up, we will definitely be visiting again!

Guide to Panama City Beach

Tent camping near Panama City Beach, Florida, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a peaceful stay at Point Washington, where you can hike through scenic trails and explore the nearby beaches, just a short drive away.
  • Experience the tranquility of White Oak Landing Campground, which features open areas for relaxation and access to a clean, cold water supply for a refreshing dip.
  • Discover the beauty of the Apalachicola National Forest while camping at Cotton Landing, perfect for those who enjoy a more rustic experience without modern amenities.

Explore local attractions

  • Visit the nearby beaches after a stay at Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB, where you can enjoy full hookups and a rec center for added convenience.
  • Take a short drive from El Governor Motel & RV Park to Mexico Beach, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy stunning sunsets right across the road.
  • Experience the charm of Panama City Beach while camping at Park Place RV Park and Motel, which is conveniently located near local shops and restaurants.

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

  • Point Washington offers essential amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and fire pits, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
  • At Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB, you'll find well-maintained facilities including showers and laundry, ensuring a pleasant stay.
  • Enjoy the natural surroundings at White Oak Landing Campground, where you can have campfires and bring your pets along for the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there tent camping options near Panama City Beach if the main sites are full?

Yes, several alternatives exist if main Panama City Beach sites are full. Eastern Lake Campground 2 — Point Washington State Forest provides primitive camping with spots on the water. These sites include picnic tables, grills, lantern poles, and gravel areas for tent setup. For another option, consider White Oak Landing Campground, located just off Highway 65. It offers open areas with room to spread out, picnic tables, restrooms, and a natural cold-water spring. For groups, Baptism Hole Group Camp — Pine Log State Forest near Ebro provides reservable drive-in sites.

Where can I find tent camping spots in Panama City Beach?

Several tent camping options exist near Panama City Beach. Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest offers primitive tent sites with picnic tables, grills, fire pits, and food/lamp poles. The sites feature gravel beds for tent setup and are located near beaches along 30A. Access requires a reservation through ReserveAmerica, and you'll need a gate code to enter. Another option is Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB, which provides tent camping facilities for military members and veterans. The campground is conveniently located near the base and the bay for water recreation activities.

Can you camp with tents directly on Panama City Beach?

No, you cannot camp with tents directly on Panama City Beach sands. Overnight camping on the public beaches is prohibited by local ordinances to protect the beach environment and ensure public access. Instead, look for established campgrounds near the beach like Cotton Landing or Pine Log State Forest Primitive Campsites, which offer legal tent camping opportunities a short drive from the beaches. Always check current regulations before planning your trip, as rules may change seasonally and penalties can be issued for unauthorized beach camping.

What amenities are available at Panama City Beach tent campgrounds?

Amenities at Panama City Beach area tent campgrounds vary by location. Park Place RV Park and Motel offers more developed facilities near the beach. At state forest sites like El Governor Motel & RV Park, you'll find basic amenities with beach proximity. Most primitive sites include picnic tables, fire rings or grills, and designated tent pads (often gravel). Some campgrounds provide pit toilets or outhouses, but running water is limited at primitive sites. Lantern poles are common at forest campgrounds. More developed campgrounds may offer showers, flush toilets, and drinking water. Most sites require reservations, and access roads can be challenging in wet conditions or for low-clearance vehicles.

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