Best Campgrounds near Pensacola, FL

Pensacola, Florida provides numerous camping opportunities along the Gulf Coast, with options ranging from beachfront sites to wooded inland areas. Fort Pickens Campground in Gulf Islands National Seashore offers tent, RV, and cabin camping on Santa Rosa Island between the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. Big Lagoon State Park Campground, approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown Pensacola, features water and electric hookups in a forested setting. Several military-affiliated campgrounds serve veterans and active duty personnel, including Blue Angel Park and Oak Grove Park on Naval Air Station Pensacola. The region includes both public and private campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV resorts.

Most developed campgrounds in the Pensacola area require reservations, especially during the peak summer season when beach areas attract high numbers of visitors. The Gulf Coast climate brings hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winters remain mild with occasional cold fronts. Hurricane season (June through November) can impact camping plans, though fall and spring typically offer the most comfortable camping conditions. Many campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, with several offering full sewer connections for RVs. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some areas within state parks may have limited coverage. "Located only a short 10 minute drive from Pensacola, Florida this is a great state park! Despite damage left from hurricane Sally, the trails around the campground are gorgeous and covered in white sand."

The proximity to beaches represents a major draw for campers visiting the Pensacola area. Fort Pickens Campground receives consistent praise for its location between the Gulf and the bay, with several visitors noting the opportunity to observe military aircraft from nearby Naval Air Station Pensacola. According to one visitor, "This is located in the Gulf Islands National Sea Shore. It is on Santa Rosa Barrier Island just off the coast at Pensacola FL. They have left it as natural as possible." Many campgrounds in the region provide access to water activities including fishing, swimming and boating. Several state parks and public lands maintain hiking trails through diverse coastal ecosystems. Campers frequently mention the white sand beaches as a highlight of their stay, with easy access to both secluded natural areas and more developed beach communities with dining and shopping options.

Best Camping Sites Near Pensacola, Florida (153)

    1. Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    99 Reviews
    Gulf Breeze, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 934-2622

    $20 - $40 / night

    "The campground is reached through an unavoidable toll and a park entrance fee ($25/week personal vehicle). The grounds are well maintained but the bathrooms are basic as basic can be."

    "Located on the barrier island of Gulf Island National Sea Shore. Bordered on the south by the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and on the north by Pensacola Bay. Best of both worlds!!!"

    2. Big Lagoon State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Perdido Key, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 492-1595

    $20 / night

    "Located only a short 10 minute drive from Pensacola, Florida this is a great state park!"

    "Typical Florida state park. Beautiful, spacious and clean. Close to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, home of the Blue Angles and a great aviation museum."

    3. Avalon Landing RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Bagdad, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 995-5898

    "Pelicans always roosting near bridge were fun to watch. Owners are delightful. Park along busy highway, so some traffic noise, but not bad."

    "Breathtaking views and we were able to fish behind our camper. You're so close to all the "action" without hearing or having to be part of it."

    4. Pensacola Beach RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Pensacola Beach, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 932-4670

    $70 - $100 / night

    "This resort is the perfect location to visit Pensacola Beach. Lots of tourist things to do: playing in the sand, eating in every restaurant imaginable, fishing, recreation, etc. Close to Ft."

    "We have visited many places in Florida and many beaches, but since we loved this place without words, I want to visit it again"

    5. Military Park Pensacola Naval Air Station Oak Grove Park and Cottages

    11 Reviews
    Perdido Key, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 452-2535

    $24 - $30 / night

    "clean, fun, beautiful beaches and plenty around to keep you entertained. NAS museum, lighthouse, Pensacola beach and so much more."

    "Walking distance to the Pensacola Lighthouse and National Naval Aviation Museum. Dog friendly beach right at the campground."

    6. Pensacola RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Gonzalez, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 944-1734

    "Our RV GPS and Waze took us to the Pensacola area, and then we followed the email instructions for coming in Eastbound on I-10 and taking exit 7A."

    "Close to a lot of food. Close to a lot of things to do. One of the things I like is that you have everything here. The staff is very friendly and very helpful."

    7. Gulf State Park Campground

    102 Reviews
    Orange Beach, AL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 948-7275

    "Yesterday we drove over to Pensacola Florida and we watched the Blue Angles practice their air show and it was awesome. This has been wonderful and we are discussing making it an annual destination."

    "Spacious sites, some with foliage, some with Lake or canal views. Grills but no fire pits. Right now there's a shortage of usable bath houses because of hurricane damage repairs in progress."

    8. Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA

    20 Reviews
    Lillian, AL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 961-1717

    "Location is convenient to Gulf beaches and to Pensacola FL. Park is nice and quiet. Lots ate level. We chose one with a patio. Beautiful spot. Clean playground for kids."

    "We loved walking to the waterfront. My son enjoyed the basketball court. My kids loved the pool. It was quiet at night."

    9. Blue Angel Park

    11 Reviews
    Lillian, AL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 390-6133

    $7 - $75 / night

    "Bike friendly…  Of note…Not located on NAS Pensacola and you cannot reserve a specific campsite.  I would recommend getting in early to pick your spot.."

    "There is a walking trail and a flat place to ride a bike. Hope to return soon."

    10. Milton-Gulf Pines KOA

    16 Reviews
    Milton, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 623-0808

    "We were driving from California to Tampa Florida so we just used it as a stopping place but the lots are big and it was easy to get in and out of."

    "We enjoyed our stay here and will be back for future Florida stays. Great staff. Pool was nice! Great little putt putt area for kids."

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Recent Reviews near Pensacola, FL

894 Reviews of 153 Pensacola Campgrounds


  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Nice beaches but campground pretty packed

    First off, we stayed in space number E 24 and I want to caution that there is a tree over hanging the site that if you have more than 11 feet height in your RV you need to hug the driver side of the site or you’ll hit the tree. Site was nice and level. Short quarter mile hike over to the beach. Hike out to Fort Pickens was a nice trail, and the fort itself was pretty cool. We did not visit the bathrooms/showers so can’t comment on those. I would say 80 to 90% of the campsites are probably in the sun. Very few actually have trees with shade. It does cost an extra $25 or America the beautiful pass to get into the Fort Pickens national Park. We did visit the aviation museum over on the airbase which was fascinating and it was free.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Blackwater River State Park Campground

    Beautiful area right next to the river

    The main reason I did not get this campground five stars, which really isn’t their fault, but there’s quite a bit of air traffic noise with helicopters and planes flying overhead. I think there is an airport nearby. The campground itself is very well-maintained with nice level pads and full hook ups. Caution, if you’re coming from the east on 90 Google maps will have you turn at Cooper Lane. Continue on 90 until you get to Deaton Bridge Road. The other way will take you meandering through about 10 miles of small back roads and Deaton Bridge Road is only about 4 miles from the campground. Showers were nice and great hiking trails in the area.

  • M
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Fort Walton Beach RV Park

    great stay!

    such a great spot! The park is clean (i think new), well taken care of, and close to everything .... beaches, restaurants, and stores (but still at a great rate). The sites were easy to pull into (thank goodness, sometimes that is a challenge) and had everything we needed. The staff was friendly and hospitable. It’s a nice, quiet place to relax... park is safe feeling. Good stay overall, would come back

  • Jordan W.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Fort Walton Beach RV Park

    Clean Park, Good Size

    This park was perfect for us, and in a great location. We were able to save money but still enjoy the awesome costal town. There is great stufff all around, and we felt very safe in the park.

    It was clean, the grass looked wonderful, the pad were wide, the picnic pads were great and we had so much fun!

  • B
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Fort Walton Beach RV Park

    Brand New RV Park!

    This RV Park was beautiful, beand new, well maintained and in a great location. We enjoyed our stay here and plan to be back next year. The community center had laundry and the wifi was fast. The picnic table was sturdy and I liked the pavered sites, it felt very clean and elevated!

  • E
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Alabama Coast Campground

    Very nice spot!

    Extremely scenic and friendly staff. Great playground, 2 dog parks. Would stay again!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Island Retreat RV Park

    Change of Scenery

    Camping down in Florida earlier in week decided to go to Gulf Shores for a change of scenery. Nice RV park. Staff are great. Most sites are full sun. Great central location to the beach (bike ride or drive). Bike and walking path. It’s off the main tourist area so it’s nice and quiet. MO’s Landing is right across the street so you can put a boat in or you paddleboard/kayak and tool around Little Lagoon. The only reason for not a 5 star is a lot of the sites do not have the patio area right off the center of the trailer where you normally would hang out. Ours had 3 ft of concrete then drop off to sandy ground. Still a really nice RV park.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Pensacola Beach RV Resort

    Perfection!

    I'd give it 10 stars if I could! The parking spots are pristine, the showers clean, the tiki bar on the sound beach was incredible, with lots of chairs & bean bags to laze around in... The pool is beautiful & super clean, with lights all around & a fountain!


Guide to Pensacola

Camping near Pensacola, Florida offers diverse ecological experiences from coastal wetlands to inland forests. The region sits at a low elevation of just 12 feet above sea level, creating unique camping conditions where saltwater and freshwater ecosystems converge. Water management can be challenging for campers, especially after heavy rains when some unpaved sites become saturated.

What to do

Military aviation history: 10 miles from downtown. The Naval Aviation Museum near Oak Grove Military Pensacola NAS provides free admission and impressive displays. "Check out the National Aviation Museum or the old forts from long ago! Or just hang out and watch the Blue Angels practice!" notes Paul G. The museum is walking distance from the campground.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations. Both freshwater and saltwater fishing spots are available throughout the area. At Avalon Landing RV Park, "Fishing from their bridge is permitted" according to Lauren M. Many campers bring their own gear, though some locations offer rentals.

Hiking coastal trails: Various lengths. The Florida National Scenic Trail sections near Fort Pickens offer sand-based hiking with wildlife viewing. "There are plenty of hiking/mountain biking trails which are part of the Florida National Scenic Trail," explains Nancy W. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with cooler months providing the most comfortable hiking experience.

What campers like

Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk optimal. Many campers report seeing diverse coastal wildlife including dolphins, osprey, and even alligators. At Big Lagoon State Park, "Wildlife is everywhere. Very nice staff. The board walk out to the observation tower is great for a stroll," mentions Chris M. Early morning offers the best wildlife spotting opportunities.

Clean facilities: Regular maintenance. Campground bathrooms and facilities receive consistent praise for cleanliness and upkeep. "Bathrooms are kept clean. The sites are roomy," reports Katherine H. about Big Lagoon State Park. Most established campgrounds feature hot showers and regularly cleaned restrooms.

Beach proximity: Various distances. While not all campgrounds sit directly on the beach, many offer reasonable access. At Pensacola Beach RV Resort, "The location is everything! The RV park is super nice, but the fact that you are in the middle of all the restaurants, public beach and shops is the real winner here," shares Shana D. Some campgrounds require a short drive while others offer walking access to beaches.

What you should know

Weather considerations: Hurricane risks. The Pensacola area sits in a hurricane zone with storm season running June through November. Campers should monitor weather forecasts carefully during these months. "We were so thankful our reservation wasn't cancelled. We were able to fish and enjoy nearby Johnson Beach and had a wonderful time," notes Denise K. after Hurricane Sally affected Blue Angel Park.

Insect preparation: Seasonal variations. Bugs can be problematic, especially during warmer months. "There were noticeably more bugs -- specifically termites and what we think were deer flies in May. It was pretty bad and they would swarm at certain times of the day," warns Meghan S. Campers should bring insect repellent and consider camping during cooler months for fewer insects.

Reservation timing: Book early. Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during winter months when snowbirds arrive. "We look forward to our next opportunity to visit," mentions Sonny H., highlighting the popularity of Pensacola Beach RV Resort. For peak season camping (October-April), reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance.

Tips for camping with families

Water activities: Multiple options. Families enjoy various water-based recreation from swimming to kayaking. At Milton-Gulf Pines KOA, "Nice large pool and clean bathhouses. Entire campground was very clean and kept up well," reports Rick D. Many campgrounds offer water access, though swimming isn't permitted at all locations.

Playground facilities: Various ages. Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and kid-friendly amenities. "Great RV Park if you enjoy the beach. Not easy to get to, but certainly worth the effort," shares Sonny H. about Pensacola Beach RV Resort, which offers family-friendly amenities and beach access.

Educational opportunities: Military and nature. The region offers learning experiences from naval aviation to coastal ecology. "We went on a full moon night hike where the ranger talk focused on astrology and how moon phases impact some animals," describes Nancy W. Most educational programs are free or low-cost and cater to various age groups.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Size considerations. RV sites vary considerably in size, shade, and privacy throughout the area. "We prefer to stay in Loop A because there are way fewer sites in that section and you don't get the feeling of being crowded like in Loops B – E. There is also more shade in Loop A which is very welcomed in the summer," advises Nancy W. about Fort Pickens Campground.

Access challenges: Road conditions. Some campgrounds have access limitations due to narrow roads or flooding issues. "It is best to check the park's website before your visit because sometimes they have to close the road to the campground due to sand and water on the roads," warns Nancy W. RVers should verify road conditions before arrival, especially after storms.

Hookup variations: Water and electric common. Most campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, with fewer providing full sewer connections. "RV sites are concrete pads with full hook up (power, water, sewer, WiFi, and cable). Most sites are a little closer together than we are used to," notes Steve V. about Oak Grove Military Pensacola NAS. Campground websites typically specify available hookup types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there kid-friendly campgrounds with swimming pools near Pensacola?

Pensacola Beach RV Resort is ideal for families seeking water-based fun. With its perfect location on Pensacola Beach, kids can enjoy both swimming and playing in the sand, with numerous family-friendly restaurants nearby. For a campground with dedicated pool facilities, Milton-Gulf Pines KOA offers a swimming pool among its amenities, making it perfect for families wanting both camping adventure and pool recreation. Both locations provide easy access to Pensacola's attractions while offering water-based activities that keep children entertained throughout your stay.

Is tent camping available year-round in Pensacola, Florida?

Yes, tent camping is available year-round in the Pensacola area, though weather considerations are important. Holley Navarre RV Park offers clean facilities throughout the year in a quiet setting, though it has limited shade and primarily caters to RVs. Be aware that Florida's climate brings challenges - as experienced at River's Edge RV Campground where heavy rain can create wet conditions. Winter months (November-February) offer pleasant temperatures (50s-60s°F) with fewer insects and crowds. Summer brings heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall are ideal with mild temperatures, though fall has hurricane risk. Always check campground-specific seasonal policies before planning your trip.

Where can I find affordable camping options in Pensacola?

For budget-conscious campers, Blackwater River State Park Campground offers an economical option with the bonus of spacious, private sites surrounded by trees and bushes that create natural separation from neighbors. The park features enjoyable walks to the river with sandbars and is conveniently located for trips into Pensacola. Those seeking an even more economical experience should consider Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping, which provides basic primitive camping at lower rates. Located near the Florida-Alabama state line, this option requires bringing all your own supplies but offers extensive hiking opportunities through the connected Conecuh National Forest.

What are the best campgrounds near Pensacola, FL?

The Pensacola area offers several exceptional camping options. Big Lagoon State Park Campground stands out for its gorgeous white sand trails, privacy between sites, and full hookups. Just a 10-minute drive from Pensacola, it provides easy access to attractions like the Naval Air Station. For beach lovers, Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore delivers unbeatable coastal camping. Located on a barrier island, it's bordered by the emerald green Gulf waters and Pensacola Bay, offering spacious sites and the soothing sounds of waves. While there's a toll road and entrance fee ($25/week per vehicle), the spectacular location makes it worthwhile for many campers.