The Florida Panhandle area around Sumatra offers RV campers secluded waterfront locations with varying amenities and site conditions. Located within Tate's Hell State Forest, the region sits at an elevation below 25 feet and experiences high humidity from May through September. Many RV campgrounds in Sumatra, Florida and surrounding areas provide water access for fishing and boating activities.
What to do
Fishing from piers or shorelines: At Ho-Hum RV Park in Carrabelle, guests can enjoy pier fishing without additional permits. "At the end of the fishing pier you can see the crabs clinging to the support poles. Great Gulf views," notes one camper who appreciated the waterfront access.
Boating and kayaking: The waterways near Sumatra provide excellent opportunities for water recreation. At Ed and Bernices Fish Camp and RV Park, "We had a flat spot and not needing to bust out the levelers is always a treat! We got some tips on what kinds of fish to catch...if you are into that sort of thing! If not, it is a great relaxing place to watch the river float past."
Beach exploration: Many parks offer quick access to Gulf beaches for shell collecting and swimming. One visitor to Cape San Blas shared, "We slept with the windows open. It was glorious. The dogs had a great time chasing crabs on the beach and my daughters were able to find several perfect sea shells."
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: The bathroom facilities at many parks receive positive reviews for cleanliness. A guest at Coastline RV Resort & Campground remarked, "I felt like I walked into a spa when I opened the door calming music started and the lights came on. The showers are big! The pool was wonderful and the clubhouse amazing!"
Waterfront views: Many campers prioritize waterfront access when selecting sites. "We had a waterfront site and thoroughly enjoyed letting the dogs run on the beach," commented a visitor about their experience at Ho-Hum RV Park, emphasizing the value of direct beach access.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural setting provides chances to observe coastal wildlife. "You can watch dolphins in the bay. They keep the facilities very clean," shared one camper about their experience at Coastline RV Resort & Campground.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Gulf coast experiences seasonal weather patterns that affect camping conditions. "This site was great and right on the beach. The only negative was we had to dig up the sewer connection which is right by the water hookup. 2 warnings the site has no shelter from the wind and a storm could damage your Rv which happened to us and bring a good rug for the outside because you'll get sand everywhere," advises a camper from RV by the Sea.
Site spacing varies significantly: Many RV parks maximize capacity, resulting in close quarters. One camper noted, "The only drawback is the tightness of the spots. Right next to your neighbors - but that's just utilizing real estate. It's going to be that way in Fl."
Seasonal insect concerns: Biting insects can be problematic during certain months. A visitor to Presnells Bayside Marina noted, "The only complaints weren't the parks fault. The yellow biting flies are the spawn of satan. I read they are most prevalent April-June and they were horrible."
Tips for camping with families
Look for parks with specific family amenities: While some RV campgrounds near Sumatra cater primarily to adults, others welcome families with facilities for children. One visitor mentioned, "We didn't experience too much of the town, restaurants or shops, but we did LOVE Mexico beach. It is beautiful, white sand beach and was empty on Thanksgiving weekend. The dogs loved it!"
Consider distance to grocery stores: Some parks are remote with limited nearby services. "Cape San Blas is secluded. You're about 10 miles from a grocery store and restaurants (we planned meals). But there is a general store that is surprisingly well stocked."
Find parks with kid-friendly beaches: River Landing RV Park offers family-friendly amenities according to one visitor: "The park inside has tables and chairs and little beautiful hanging lights a big fire pit and a really nice bathhouse with laundry room... lots of dogs and kids with a big bounce house for the kids to play on."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some parks have uneven sites requiring additional equipment. A visitor to Presnells Bayside Marina and RV Resort shared, "The sites are relatively level and very clean. The park is in a convenient location and quiet."
Utility placement considerations: The location of hookups affects how RVs must be positioned on sites. One camper advised, "While the site is long enough, the sewer connection is closer to the front of the site, so we could not park at the back. We had to be positioned to reach the sewer connection and work our rear slide around a large palm tree."
Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity: Signal strength varies considerably throughout the region. "WiFi is very spotty and Verizon is very weak. AT&T phones worked well. Wife was not able to connect for a work meeting, but other than that the cable tv works well."
