Best Campgrounds near Vernon, FL
The Florida Panhandle surrounding Vernon offers a diverse camping landscape with options ranging from state parks to forest service campgrounds. Falling Waters State Park, located just 15 miles northwest in Chipley, features Florida's tallest waterfall and provides developed campsites with electric and water hookups. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Sand Pond Campground in Pine Log State Forest and Cotton Landing, which offers more primitive camping experiences along waterways. The region balances RV-friendly destinations with tent camping areas, many situated near lakes or within forested settings that provide natural shade and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Florida state parks in this region typically require reservations up to 11 months in advance, especially for popular destinations. As one camper noted about Falling Waters, "Home to the tallest waterfall in Florida. Easy to park, level sight, quick access to I-10 but very quiet." Forest roads accessing more remote sites can become challenging during wet weather, with several reviewers cautioning against attempting these routes in standard passenger vehicles. Summer brings high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while winter offers milder conditions ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Hurricane season (June through November) occasionally impacts camping availability and conditions.
Natural features distinguish many campgrounds in the area, with several sites offering access to swimming holes, fishing spots, and paddling opportunities. Florida Caverns State Park, approximately 30 miles northeast of Vernon, provides a unique camping experience near the state's only publicly accessible cave system. According to a visitor, "The campsites are very nice with good bathroom facilities. The swimming hole rocks and the water is crystal clear." Campgrounds closer to the Gulf Coast, about an hour south, feature access to the region's famous white-sand beaches. Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between developed state parks and more primitive forest service campgrounds, with the latter sometimes offering only basic amenities.
