Best Glamping near Panama City, FL

Newly renovated following Hurricane Michael, the camp boasts great shower and laundry facilities, electrical hookups, back in and pull through sites among the quiet of the beach dunes and palmetto swamp... a great natural area minutes from Panama City/Panama City Beach. There’s great opportunities for beachcombing, snorkeling and diving, particularly on the south end of the park on Shell Island, which is accessible by water taxi shuttle during the season. Recent viewing includes the lower mount and traverse rings of gun turrets constructed 1942-43, when the 166th infantry regiment was stationed here to guard Gulf shipping from German U-Boats following the sinking of the Empire Mica.

We had an awesome time at Camping on the Gulf (Camp Gulf). My husband and I took our 4 kids and they loved it there. They can’t stop talking about it and are ready to go back. The campground is right on the Gulf of Mexico with some sites right on the sand. We were in a pull through and it was a bit tight and small, but really that was my only complaint with the campground. The sites in the back of the park were roomier and had some shade, which I think made up for them not being as close to the ocean. The bath houses were awesome! They had individual bathrooms with a toilet, sink and fully tiled shower with glass enclosure. These were by far the best bathhouses I have ever seen. There is a large laundry in the middle of the campground and it was very clean with a huge table for folding clothes on and large rolling carts to put your laundry in when you take them out of the washer or dryer. There were also 2 pools, one of which was heated. This was great because it was still pretty cold at the beginning of April. There is a large water slide beside the main pool. They also had lots of activities for the kids. My kids made lots of friends and really hated to have to leave. In addition to campsites they also have glamping tents which looked really neat and cabins/tiny houses for rent. Additionally they offered golf cart rentals and had a food truck located inside that park. We ordered nachos from it one night and they were great.

These are the nicest beaches on the Emerald Coast! The campsites are nicest on the very back loop but you need to reserve at 11 months out! Summer months are very hot and humid- we enjoy October and Early spring the most. The trolley will take you to the beach, runs every 30 minutes or you can bike or walk. The bath houses are very clean and air conditioned if you visit in hot months. The walking trails are great or if you prefer biking you can ride for miles and miles along the coast. There are some in campground but I suggest leaving campground for long rides. You have access to close by grocery stores- Walmart- Publix. We go every year and love this park. It’s got everything if you love the beach!

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is one of our top 5 parks we like to frequent. We were able to watch for reservations online and scored a site for ten days in late November. The sites are paved and level with full hookups (50amp electrical service, water and sewer). A paradise for those with large rigs. There’s foliage between each site providing adequate privacy from your neighbors. This is a great campground for walking/biking as many neighbors have their favorite decorations out. All sites are marked clearly with excellent lit signage throughout the park to provide directions. There are spherical lamp posts scattered every few sites to provide ambient lighting. The staff is informative and humorous at times. There were weekly nature series led by park rangers. Restrooms and laundry facilities were immaculate. There’s even a butterfly garden with a bench nearby the laundry house. Minimal highway noise can be heard from the sites. The most prominent sounds are those from the Air Force base nearby. Be sure to bring a bike to explore the park and access the freshwater coastal lakes. It is a long walk to the beach. We opted for the complimentary tram. During your visit be sure to stop by the Donut Shop about 5 minutes from the park, an excellent location for breakfast. Be sure to be there at opening as it can become quite crowded.