Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground offers diverse camping options on 1,640 acres of protected coastal land. Located along Highway 30A, the park includes primitive tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with varying levels of privacy and access to natural features. Visitors can explore unique Florida landscapes including coastal dune lakes and undeveloped beachfront without driving to more crowded public beaches.
What to do
Explore coastal dune lakes: Pine Log State Forest contains several fishing areas with remarkably clean facilities. "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," notes a Sand Pond Campground visitor.
Beach activities at sunset: The beaches along Santa Rosa provide opportunities for evening wildlife viewing. "Hit the beach at sunset for lovely views and grazing deers," recommends a camper at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground. The park's protected shoreline allows natural wildlife patterns to remain undisturbed.
Fishing from piers: Several campgrounds provide dedicated fishing structures. "There are a lot of wooden fishing docks. Boats to rent," explains a Twin Lakes Camp Resort visitor. Fishing opportunities range from freshwater lakes to saltwater access points within short walking distances from campsites.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of certain tent areas. "Our site was back off the road in the brush - very private even with a trail just on the other side of the bushes," shares a Topsail Hill camper. "Either ride your bike or take the tram the mile to the boardwalk and beach."
Clean bathroom facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain exceptional bathroom facilities. "The campground was well maintained and not very loud and didnt feel overly busy. It felt like we were miles from urban life, but in reality this park is very close to entertainment, shopping, food, etc," explains a visitor at St. Andrews State Park Campground.
Hammock-friendly sites: Certain areas accommodate hammock camping setups. "For hammock campers the tent camping spots are okay for hammock camping. I made due but I was in spot 21 and there are no trees accessible enough to hang a hammock up how you would want, BUT they had a couple 4x4s in the ground so I used one of those and a tree," reports a Topsail Hill visitor.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds require advance planning. "We had a fantastic stay at this campground. The camper spots are close but we had an awesome experience checking in and getting in our spot with a little help from friendly workers," notes a visitor at Navarre Beach Camping Resort.
Military access requirements: Some exceptional campgrounds restrict public access. "This is for military, retirees DoD eligible employees and families. We booked 5 months in advance for a 1 week stay," explains a Destin Army Recreation Area camper. "At $35/night in Destin its well worth it."
Glamping differences: Twin Lakes Camp Resort offers safari-style glamping experiences with significantly different amenities than standard tent camping. "Private, gated road leads to level, stamped concrete pads landscaped with red lava rock around 2 lakes with great fishing either on the water or newly renovated or rebuilt piers lighted for night fishing."
Tips for camping with families
Bring bikes for mobility: Many campgrounds have extended trails connecting amenities. "We also have ventured out to Shell Island by boat to swim and play on the back side (calm waters). 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," recommends a Camp On The Gulf visitor.
Protected swimming areas: Parents should locate calmer waters for children. "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," notes a Camp Gulf visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids particularly enjoy the animal encounters. "We ended up here on an unplanned night of camping but were very pleased with the park and the campground. Our site was not overly private, but some of the other sites looked more private and some were even on the lagoon!"
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary significantly in size and privacy levels. "Keep in mind this is a Preserve. Good trails, coastal dunes with lakes, fishing, paddling, beach, cabins, and tent camping including Glamping!" advises a Topsail Hill visitor.
Electric hookup details: Several campgrounds offer multiple power options. "There is a potable water faucet and a two plug 30 amp electrical outlet at each site," notes a Eglin AFB FamCamp visitor. This information helps RVers plan power needs when glamping near Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
Off-season considerations: Weather impacts affect availability. "Camp Robbins is located on Eglin AFB just outside the Fort Walton Beach area. The camp is easy to find when you enter through the main gate and even the big rigs shouldn't have any navigational problems getting to the camp."
