Best Campgrounds near Shalimar, FL

Camping options around Shalimar, Florida primarily consist of established RV parks and state park campgrounds along the Emerald Coast. Henderson Beach State Park Campground and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground offer beach proximity with sites for tents, RVs, and cabins. Military recreation areas including Eglin AFB FamCamp and Hurlburt Field FamCamp provide additional options for those with military access credentials. Most campgrounds in this coastal region feature full hookup sites with concrete or paved pads suitable for larger RVs.

Many campgrounds throughout the region remain open year-round due to the mild Florida Panhandle climate, though advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak season from March through August. Road access is generally excellent with paved surfaces leading to most established camping areas. As one visitor noted, "The campground is well manicured, and beautiful. There are no pull-thru sites, but the back-in sites are easy enough to maneuver." Traffic congestion can be significant during summer months, particularly around the Destin and Fort Walton Beach areas, impacting travel times to beaches and attractions. Cell service is reliable throughout the region, and most developed campgrounds offer WiFi connectivity, though quality varies by location.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the area, with several RV parks offering bay or sound views. Camp On The Gulf and Emerald Beach RV Park provide direct water access, while others are situated within walking distance of beaches. According to recent reviews, proximity to the Gulf of Mexico comes at a premium price point compared to inland options. A camper at Destin West RV Resort observed, "Beautiful RV park that backs up to the bay and across the street from the beach. All paved sites, very clean and well groomed full hook up sites. It's a little pricey but location is worth it." Many campgrounds in the area provide resort-style amenities including pools, laundry facilities, and community centers. Visitors seeking more natural settings might prefer the state park campgrounds, which offer more vegetation between sites and access to nature trails.

Best Camping Sites Near Shalimar, Florida (111)

    1. Henderson Beach State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Destin, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 837-7550

    $30 / night

    "Pad 13 is a roomy site surrounded by lush foliage and trees. Included on my site was a nice picnic table, fire pit and clothes line."

    "It was nice to have such close access to groceries, coffee, Target, etc but then leave it all behind when driving through the park entrance gate."

    2. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    Santa Rosa Beach, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 267-8330

    $24 - $130 / night

    "My wife and I are frequent campers in NW Florida and Alabama.  Topsail is certainly one of our favorites.  Excellent access to the beach, hiking, biking (many miles), lakes, great campground. "

    "Beautiful beach, trees between paved spots, bike path, cute coffee shop on site, bike rentals, & a great location!"

    3. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Niceville, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 833-9144

    $16 / night

    "Conveniently close to grocery stores. If you want to stay in Florida at affordable prices and have access to the best beaches in the US. This is the place to stay."

    "Close to everything and I now want to move to Niceville, Florida. Very quiet in the campground day and night."

    4. Camp On The Gulf

    29 Reviews
    Miramar Beach, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 837-6334

    "Great proximity to the beach. Depending on your site several are just steps from the beach (actually on the beach if you don’t need sewer)."

    "We are Connecticut residents, we took a winter trip to Destin Florida. Camp gulf was an amazing experience for the whole family."

    5. Destin West RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Shalimar, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 200-4533

    "Fantastic sites, great amenities, and access to resort and beachfront included. Some of the sites are real close to the busy highway, and there's an AFB nearby"

    "Short walk to beach. Full 50 amp hookup. Overlooks bay. Easily accessible. Picnic table with umbrella. Lot covered by pavers. Cons: No Wifi for week of stay."

    6. The Hideaway Retreat

    21 Reviews
    Navarre, FL
    14 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."

    7. Eglin AFB FamCamp - Camp Robbins

    6 Reviews
    Eglin Air Force Base, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 883-1243

    "It’s also a short walk to the water. Close to several towns including Ft Walton Beach. We are currently at the Family camp and will bounce between the two campgrounds on base"

    "Camp Robbins is located on Eglin AFB just outside the Fort Walton Beach area."

    8. Emerald Beach RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Navarre, FL
    16 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."

    9. Navarre Beach Camping Resort

    16 Reviews
    Navarre, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 939-2188

    "The campground is technically not in a traditional beach such as Miramar or Clearwater; rather, it’s a small bay front area with a small man-made beach area adjacent a pier out into the bay."

    "It is also a mile away from the public beach across the Santa rosa sound. Dont forget to stop at Tommy's Sno Balls we went there every day and tried a different flavor snow cone every time."

    10. Geronimo RV Beach Resort

    10 Reviews
    Miramar Beach, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 424-6801

    "We stayed at this park for 10 days because our original plan to stay at nearby Topsail Hill Preserve State Park was derailed by the closure of all Florida State Parks due to Covid-19."

    "Proximity to beach is about 10 mins. The staff were incredible. They advised on timing. They helped guide me backing in and walked the hook ups to explain. Restroom and laundry were clean."

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Recent Reviews near Shalimar, FL

724 Reviews of 111 Shalimar Campgrounds


  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Grayton Beach State Park Campground

    Grayton is great!

    This is a hard location to get a site. Reservations have to be made far in advance. There is good privacy in the campground, with thick brush and trees separating the sites. The restrooms were immaculate. Beautiful beach, only on hiking trail in the main part, but others nearby. There are cabins too. I give it high marks.

  • Aaron D.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Perfect Beach Getaway

    We stayed at spot E40 in Loop E. Somewhat easy to back into. The spot was relatively flat and only needed slight leveling side to side. Bathrooms weren't too far away, just a short walk. It was very quiet at night with barely any lights. The cell service wasn't really great in our specific spot, the closer you got to Fort Pickens, the better it was, as was going back towards Pensacola Beach. Having easy access to all the beach spots was very nice. Langdon beach was a great place with good restrooms and was very quiet when we went. Fort Pickens itself was a great visit and a must see. Overall the campground was great, good amenities, very quiet, access to the beach, ton of other activities in Pensacola Beachas well as Gulf Breeze.

  • 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!

  • 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 Shalimar

Camping near Shalimar, Florida centers around the protected coastal ecosystems of the Choctawhatchee Bay and Gulf of Mexico. The region sits at just 7-13 feet above sea level, creating a flat terrain ideal for both primitive and full-hookup camping sites. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with winter temperatures averaging 50-65°F while summer conditions bring 85-95°F temperatures with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through September.

What to do

Wildlife viewing: 3-4 miles from campgrounds. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities along its coastal dunes with lakes. "Keep in mind, this is a Preserve. Good trails, coastal dunes with lakes, fishing, paddling, beach, cabins, and tent camping including Glamping!" shared James M. The park's natural setting creates a habitat where wildlife is frequently spotted during early morning hours.

Fishing from piers: Free with camping fee. The Hideaway Retreat provides direct access to fishing from their pier. One visitor noted, "You are in the middle of Destin but this place is gorgeous and quiet. The sites are luscious and private. Walking path to a beautiful beach. Very clean. Would highly recommend." These fishing areas typically offer catches including redfish, flounder, and speckled trout.

Beach activities: 5-10 minute walks. Camp On The Gulf offers immediate beach access for swimming and sunbathing. As one camper explained: "This park has something for everyone. Up top away from the beach the level sites have plenty of shade. Beachfront sites are tight but you have the ocean at your doorstep." Most beachfront campgrounds provide shower stations to rinse off sand before returning to your site.

What campers like

Private camping spaces: Various layouts available. At Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground, campers appreciate the site design. "Very well maintained campground. Sites are large with split rail fencing around each site. Restrooms are very clean. Family showers are also available, which is very helpful with little kids," noted Kim B. Many sites include natural vegetation barriers creating separation from neighboring campers.

Clean facilities: Maintained multiple times daily. Visitors consistently mention the cleanliness at Henderson Beach State Park Campground. "We stayed at Henderson Beach State Park in a small travel trailer. The gravel was freshly raked and all leaves recently removed. The sites included 50/30/20 electricity, water, table, fire ring and line for hanging towels," shared Tony C. Most campgrounds in the area maintain strict cleaning schedules with staff visible throughout the day.

Water views: Bay and Gulf options. Emerald Beach RV Park receives praise for its location. "Right on the water. Great facilities: a pier, dog parks, lounge chairs in the sand, outdoor eating areas, friendly staff, easy check in, and lots of pull through slots!" notes Allison N. Many waterfront sites command premium rates but provide direct water access not found at standard sites.

What you should know

Reservation timing: 6+ months advance booking. The most popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially Henderson Beach State Park. "Reservations here are extremely hard to get, especially on short notice. I highly recommend staying here if an opportunity presents itself," advises Tony C. Peak booking windows typically open 11 months in advance with most sites reserved within hours of availability.

Site access considerations: Tight navigation in some parks. Destin West RV Resort has specific site characteristics to consider. "The campground is well manicured, and beautiful. There are no pull thru sites, but the back in sites are easy enough to maneuver," notes Justin S. Many campgrounds have low-hanging trees requiring careful navigation for taller rigs.

Military-only options: Valid ID required. Eglin AFB FamCamp offers excellent value but restricted access. "Nice Famcamp with pull thru spots, laundry and showers. You are close to BX/Commissary and if you like the sound of planes it is awesome!" explains Gayle A. These facilities require Department of Defense identification for entry but typically cost 30-50% less than civilian alternatives.

Tips for camping with families

Beach proximity considerations: Walking distances. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground requires planning for beach access. "Either ride your bike or take the tram the mile to the boardwalk and beach. Clean showers, friendly staff at the camp store," advises John O. Families often bring collapsible wagons to transport beach supplies from campsites to shorelines.

Playground availability: Select locations only. Navarre Beach Camping Resort provides dedicated play areas. "It is a fairly nice park, however it's dense and feels crowded. Seems like there are quite a bit of long term campers here. Lots of children running around, mopeds etc," notes American Streamer's S. Playground areas typically include swings, slides and covered picnic areas for family gatherings.

Swimming options beyond beaches: Heated pools. Camp On The Gulf offers pool alternatives to ocean swimming. "They have 2 pools one is covered and heated with a hot tub. They have basketball courts, corn hole, a playground even pool tables," explains Monica G. Pool hours typically run 9am to 9pm with some facilities requiring quiet hours during afternoon rest periods.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling needs: Varies by park. Geronimo RV Beach Resort offers favorable site conditions. "Pristine grounds and bathrooms, spacious, level sites, convenient location and excellent service. Everything you want in a no frills campground," shares Arleen Q. Most parks provide either concrete pads or compacted gravel with minimal leveling required.

Laundry facilities: Limited capacity. Emerald Beach RV Park has functional but busy laundry rooms. "This was our 2nd time camping here. Such a fun place. We're a family of 4 with a kindergartner and a 4th grader. We could play on the campground beach located on the sound or drive about 5 minutes to the gulf front beach," notes Anna W. Typical costs run $2.00-4.50 per load with varying machine availability.

Site spacing: Premium rates for roomier spots. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park provides more space than commercial alternatives. "I was so impressed with this campground. I was in site #26. Plenty of room. Friendly staff, locked gates at night and well maintained park," explains Kemberley P. RVs over 40 feet should confirm site dimensions before booking as some parks have limited capacity for larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Shalimar, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Shalimar, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 111 campgrounds and RV parks near Shalimar, FL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Shalimar, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shalimar, FL is Henderson Beach State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 36 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Shalimar, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Shalimar, FL.