Best Tent Camping near Shalimar, FL
Tent campsites in the Shalimar area of Florida's panhandle include several primitive options within a short drive. Black Water River State Forest offers primitive tent camping approximately 25 miles north of Shalimar, while Point Washington State Forest provides established tent sites at Eastern Lake Campgrounds about 20 minutes east. These forest locations offer alternatives to the region's more developed coastal camping areas.
Most tent campgrounds near Shalimar feature basic amenities typical of primitive sites. Eastern Lake Campground in Point Washington State Forest provides tent pads with gravel surfaces, picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern poles. Access roads to these forest sites can become challenging after rain, with several campground reviews mentioning significant puddles that may require higher clearance vehicles. Black Water River State Forest primitive camping areas follow pack-in, pack-out principles with limited or no facilities. A visitor commented, "This is all primitive camping so be sure to bring EVERYTHING you need to camp."
The tent camping experience around Shalimar offers proximity to both forests and beaches. Point Washington State Forest's Eastern Lake Campgrounds provide two distinct camping areas within the forest. Campground 1 features more secluded sites with better separation between campers and less highway noise, while Campground 2 offers better lake views and water access. Reviews indicate these areas remain relatively quiet, even during peak seasons. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, tent sites at Black Water River State Forest provide true wilderness camping with opportunities to explore extensive forest trails. Some tent campers use these areas as bases for exploring nearby Navarre Beach (about 7 miles from some sites) or paddling on Blackwater River. Forest roads accessing most tent sites are unpaved and may require careful navigation, especially in smaller vehicles after rainfall.