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Best Campgrounds near Pensacola Beach, FL

835 Reviews

Camping near Pensacola Beach ranges from beachfront sites to park settings with varying levels of comfort. Fort Pickens Campground sits within Gulf Islands National Seashore, putting campers right by the white sand beaches and old military structures. The campground works for both RVs and tents, but you won't find much shade or space between sites. If you drive a bit from Pensacola Beach, Gulf State Park Campground has bike paths and even a good restaurant on the property. RV campers might prefer Island Retreat RV Park, which has full hookups and bigger sites. Spring and fall bring the best camping weather to Pensacola Beach, as summers get really hot and humid. Winter temperatures are actually pretty nice for camping here. You'll see lots of birds and possibly alligators, so keep your food secure and stay alert. You should definitely make reservations, especially during busy times. Fort Pickens fills up fast, so book early if you want to stay there. Gulf State Park also gets crowded on weekends and holidays. The sites at these campgrounds differ in size and what they offer, so check out maps and details before you commit to one. The coastal setting around Pensacola Beach makes for great camping whether you're in a tent or RV.

Map showing campgrounds near Pensacola Beach, FloridaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Pensacola Beach, Florida (146)

    1. Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    98 Reviews
    Gulf Breeze, FL
    8 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."

    "Love Fort Pickens...on the soundside of Pensacola Beach. So beautiful, has electrical outlets, indoor bathroom and showers with outlets. Limited number of campsites."

    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!"

    "Bathhouses clean and close to most campsites. Plenty of walking trails. Love the Bird tower and kayak launch. Sandbar near launch to hangout when paddling."

    3. Pensacola Beach RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Pensacola Beach, FL
    0 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"

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

    11 Reviews
    Perdido Key, FL
    11 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."

    "I love to run and the path through the campground leads to the sea wall. The campground is walking distance to the lighthouse and a short drive to the museum on base."

    5. Avalon Landing RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Bagdad, FL
    14 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."

    6. Gulf State Park Campground

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

    "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."

    "Gulf State Park is the one by which all other parks in the region (NW Florida/Alabama) are to be compared.  Everything you want: Hiking, BIKING, access to the beach, fishing, etc. "

    7. Emerald Beach RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Navarre, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 939-3431

    "Super nice place always so clean nice concrete pads quiet lots of things close by to do had teenage boys they loved it there they could either go to the pool or down to the beach we loved it so much we"

    "This campground is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of what is Navarre and surrounding communities."

    8. Santa Rosa RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Navarre, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 936-4791

    $62 - $126 / night

    "Showers/ bathroom, pool area, fenced pet area, gas fire pit lit at night to meet and greet if you want, access to the small beach and water. Shops near by for anything you want or need."

    "This campground is super clean and conveniently located. We loved the waterfront site……however you have to book well in advance. We were close to several great restaurants and shops."

    9. The Hideaway Retreat

    21 Reviews
    Navarre, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 939-2717

    $89 / night

    "From the moment you enter The Hideaway – and trust me, you have to be looking for this place located due south of Highway 98 Or Navarre Parkway – you’ll be whisked away to a magical nature oasis completely"

    "We have a 44 ft toy hauler and stayed in a watefront site just steps away from a very small private beach. If you want a bi ocean beach this isn't it."

    10. Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA

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

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

    "Guy next to us threatened to beat his dog with a pipe at like 2am. A truck, big diesel started at 5 and ran for 30 minutes. People walking all hours of the night. Dogs barking continuously."

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Recent Camping Photos near Pensacola Beach, FL

144 Photos of 146 Pensacola Beach Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pensacola Beach, FL

835 Reviews of 146 Pensacola Beach Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • m
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Pelican Palms RV Park

    Great site

    this is an RV park and is quiet and accommodating, the WiFi works well, had laundry facilities and mailbox to have your mail sent to , cannot complain

  • Bobbie S.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Avalon Landing RV Park

    Absolutely Amazing Stay

    I have stayed many places and this is by far my favorite! We stopped over for one night on our way home from Texas. As soon as my husband backed the camper in, I asked if we could stay two nights. So glad we did! 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. They have a boat ramp, rent fishing poles & kayaks, swimming pool, club house, bathrooms, laundry room and a wonderful covered deck/outside area. The office staff were absolutely wonderful. Hope to stay here again ❤️

  • Amy L.
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Mystic Springs Recreation Area

    Remote Primitive and Wild

    Pros: Covered tent sites (we tent camped) portapottys, free for up to a week, boat launch, spaced out sites (pretty private). Has picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. Cons: Sites flood, lots of gaters (if you have small pets this is sketchy), gets a little busy on the weekends with the boaters, it's reaallllly far from the next town but there's a gas station 15mins away. Get gas before you go back to camp. It's beautiful and clean. About 45mins to pcola

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2025

    Emerald Beach RV Park

    Great Place

    My wife and I and my two furry friends(dogs) give Emerald RV Park a Five Star rating. We thought we had lost our little Yorkie in the park somewhere or she even left the park. We set out on a frantic search for her. I am riding my bike, and my wife is on foot yelling out her name. I go into the park office and tell them what has happened, and a member of the park staff puts out an immediate bulletin by text message to all current registered guests to look for her. I could not believe the immediate help we had from other RVers that came out to help search for the dog. Making a long story short, we found the dog in maybe 20 minutes in good health. We are so thankful for the help of the residents of the park and especially the staff at Emerald RV Park. We may add that the park is well kept and very dog friendly. It has all the facilities (in working order) needed for a long stay. The staff are friendly and especially helpful in unusual circumstances as we experienced. Thank you to the staff at Emeral RV Park.

    From Lake Nebagamon WI

  • Wendee W.
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA

    Older but nice

    The sites are a combination of dirt and grass. Ours is level enough no problems there. WiFi is okay they publish that it doesn’t work for streaming but it worked fairly well for our TV. We would stay here again for the price in comparison to other RV parks close by.

  • madison M.
    Jun. 18, 2025

    Bay Breeze RV on the Bay

    Love it!

    Small, homey campground! Clean bath houses, lots of shady trees, and plenty of parking! The campground sits a max of 75 yards from the bay (depending on where your camper sits). A long peer leads out to the water making a beautiful sitting and fishing spot. The boat ramp is right beside the peer! The beach is a short drive down the road!

  • Jenny The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Sugar Sands RV Resort

    Nice place w/pool & fitness

    We camped here a couple days in our way to FL. The campground was great, they could stand to have a few more tall trees for just a little more shade - it got a bit hot being about 5 miles north of the beach.

Guide to Pensacola Beach

Camping near Pensacola Beach, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short drive from the beach. For example, at Gulf State Park Campground, campers can enjoy free parking at several nearby beaches, making it easy to soak up the sun.
  • Biking Trails: If you love biking, check out the extensive trails at Gulf State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The biking trails were amazing, very wide, with a good amount of shade."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Many campgrounds, like Fort Pickens Campground, offer fishing opportunities. A visitor noted, "Perfect for anyone wanting to have a nice quiet stay near the beach."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean restrooms and showers. One review for Blackwater River State Park Campground stated, "Clean restrooms with great water temperature and pressure."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Navarre Beach Camping Resort said, "The entire staff is a living definition of southern hospitality."
  • Spacious Campsites: Campers enjoy having enough space. At Island Retreat RV Park, one reviewer mentioned, "Lots of level spots, tidy and well laid out."

What you should know:

  • Busy Seasons: Campgrounds can get crowded during peak times. A visitor at Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA noted, "It rained nearly the entire time, but the owners kept us up to date on serious weather conditions."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. For instance, Big Lagoon State Park Campground has limited trash disposal options, as one camper pointed out, "There is a lack of places to throw trash."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Blackwater River State Park Campground warned, "I had a problem with raccoons every single night as soon as it got dark."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with activities for children. At Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA, one reviewer mentioned, "The front office even had ice cream parties and scavenger hunts for kiddos!"
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor at Emerald Beach RV Park noted, "The sites don’t include lots of real estate, but they are clean and easy to access."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Choose campgrounds that offer a peaceful atmosphere. One camper at Big Lagoon State Park Campground appreciated the "nice and quiet" environment.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites. A reviewer at Emerald Beach RV Park mentioned, "The lots are not very wide, as you may have read, but they are very nice."
  • Book Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A camper at Island Retreat RV Park advised, "Reservations are needed as this is a popular spot."
  • Wi-Fi Availability: Be aware that Wi-Fi may be spotty. A visitor at Navarre Beach Camping Resort mentioned, "The Wi-Fi is not great."

Camping near Pensacola Beach, Florida, has something for everyone, from beautiful beaches to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy your time outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a state park with camping facilities at Pensacola Beach?

There is no state park with camping facilities directly on Pensacola Beach. The closest state park with camping is Big Lagoon State Park Campground, located about 20 minutes west of Pensacola Beach on the mainland. Another nearby option is Blackwater River State Park Campground, situated northeast of Pensacola. For camping directly on Pensacola Beach, Fort Pickens Campground is your best option, but it's part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore (federal land) rather than a state park. These state parks offer beautiful natural settings with proper facilities but require a short drive to reach Pensacola Beach.

Where are the campgrounds located at Pensacola Beach?

The primary camping option directly on Pensacola Beach is Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore, located on the western end of Santa Rosa Island. This campground sits on the sound side of Pensacola Beach within the Gulf Islands National Seashore. To reach Fort Pickens, you'll need to pay a toll to cross onto the island plus a park entrance fee ($25/week per vehicle). Other nearby options include Military Park Pensacola Naval Air Station Oak Grove Park and Cottages, which is not directly on Pensacola Beach but offers convenient access to the area's attractions.

Can you camp directly on Pensacola Beach with a tent?

Tent camping directly on the sand at Pensacola Beach is not permitted. However, you can enjoy tent camping at Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore, which is located on Pensacola Beach within the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This campground offers electric and water hookups, bathhouses with showers, and laundry facilities. For a more primitive tent camping experience near Pensacola, Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping provides a back-to-nature option, though you'll need to bring all necessary supplies as it's truly primitive camping. These established campgrounds are your legal options for tent camping in the Pensacola Beach area.

What RV camping options are available at Pensacola Beach?

Pensacola Beach RV Resort offers a premium RV camping experience in an ideal location for exploring Pensacola Beach. This resort provides excellent access to tourist activities including restaurants, fishing, recreation, and is close to Fort Pickens where you can watch Blue Angels practice. For a more economical option near Pensacola Beach, Holley Navarre RV Park is a clean, quiet facility with full hookups. While not directly on the beach, it's a short drive away and offers a peaceful atmosphere with friendly management. The park has limited amenities (no bathrooms) but provides clean, well-maintained sites.

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