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Best Campgrounds near Pensacola Beach, FL

842 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 (147)

    1. Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    99 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 147 Pensacola Beach Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Pensacola Beach, FL

842 Reviews of 147 Pensacola Beach 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 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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