St. Andrews State Park campground and other camping destinations near Panama City, Florida provide direct access to both Gulf of Mexico and bay waters. The region experiences mild winters with temperatures rarely below 50°F and hot, humid summers averaging 90°F. Hurricane season from June through November can affect camping conditions, with several campgrounds still rebuilding from Hurricane Michael's 2018 impact.
What to do
Snorkeling at protected jetties: At St. Andrews State Park, the jetty area creates ideal conditions for amateur and intermediate snorkelers. "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. from St. Andrews State Park Campground.
Paddle coastal waters: Sand Pond Campground offers multiple paddling opportunities in calmer waters. "I like to kayak in calm waters. There was plenty of that. I also like to camp on the water. Which was perfect," shares Vicky E. who stayed at Sand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest.
Explore wildlife viewing trails: Campgrounds offer trails through coastal forests with regular wildlife sightings. A recent visitor to Sand Pond noted: "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."
What campers like
Beach access variety: Campgrounds offer different beach experiences from crowded to secluded. "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," reports Sonyia W. about St. Andrews State Park Campground.
Coastal wildlife encounters: Visitors frequently spot local wildlife around camping areas. "The deer around were practically tame," notes Vicky E. about St. Andrews, while others report seeing dolphins from shoreline sites.
Military camping options: Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB provides affordable options for service members. "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," explains Mark J. from Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB.
What you should know
Hurricane recovery status: Many campgrounds continue rebuilding from Hurricane Michael. "Nice park and CG. Park is under construction with improvements. Trails, paddling access, shelters, concession, food available," explains James M. about St. Andrews State Park.
Tent site limitations: At popular campgrounds, tent sites can be scarce. A camper at Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort observed: "This resort is very nice. All concrete with class A sites facing a pond. Pickle Ball courts, basket ball court, dog walk areas and much more. Short drive to the beach."
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "Just be sure to book the campsite well in advance, this place is super popular and fills up very quickly," advises Angeline S. about St. Andrews State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water areas: Protected swimming spots work well for children. Matt M. from St. Andrews describes: "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."
Group site planning: Reserve adjacent sites well in advance for family gatherings. "St. Andrews State Park is a regular destination for our group of Dads and kids annual camping trip. These sites are perfect for our group to book two or three sites together (we book between 6-10 months in advance) and for the kids to ride their bikes around the loop," shares Matt M.
Activity scheduling: Many campgrounds offer organized children's activities. At Camp On The Gulf, one family reports: "The week we were there they had a different activity for the kids each day. They had painting sand dollars, bubba the alligator show, face painting and even an Easter egg hunt."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing variations: RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy. Susan L. from Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort advises: "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."
Waterfront site selection: Waterfront sites offer premium experiences but book early. "Hard to get campsites range from waterfront to tiny but any spot here will have you thankful to be here," notes a camper at St. Andrews about the premium waterfront sites.
Luxury glamping options: For those seeking glamping near Panama City, Florida, several upscale options exist beyond traditional RV sites. At Indian Pass Campground, a visitor described the experience as "Beautiful secluded camping. Loved this oasis outside of Port St. Joe! Tent camping limited but the 5 tent sites are ON THE WATER and the fishing is spectacular!"
