Best Tent Camping near Vernon, FL

Tent camping near Vernon, Florida provides access to several primitive campgrounds within state forests and parks across the Florida Panhandle. Pine Log State Forest Primitive Campsites in Ebro offers secluded tent-only camping about 20 miles southwest of Vernon. Point Washington State Forest, approximately 40 miles west, features two tent campground areas: Eastern Lake Campground 1 and Eastern Lake Campground 2, both providing backcountry tent camping experiences near coastal areas. Neals Landing Park in Bascom, located north of Vernon, offers additional tent camping options along the Chattahoochee River.

Most tent campsites in the Vernon area require advance reservations through ReserveAmerica, with prices around $16 per night. Sites typically include basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and gravel tent pads measuring approximately 12'x20'. Access roads to primitive tent camping areas can be challenging, particularly after rain when deep puddles form. According to multiple campers, vehicles with higher clearance are recommended for reaching these backcountry tent sites. Pit toilets are available at most locations, but running water is limited or unavailable. Campers should pack in all necessary water and supplies and be prepared for pack-in, pack-out waste management.

The tent camping experience near Vernon offers notable privacy and quiet. Point Washington's tent sites are particularly valued for their seclusion, with one camper noting, "It was so quiet there and we were the only ones at the campground." Each forest campground provides distinct advantages - Eastern Lake Campground 1 offers more distance between sites and less highway noise, while Campground 2 provides better lake views and water access. Pine Log State Forest provides private backcountry tent camping where, as one visitor described, "maybe one person will drive down the road but they turn around pretty fast without a problem." Active bear warnings exist in some areas, requiring proper food storage. Hiking and biking trails connect many of these primitive tent camping areas, with Point Washington offering 3.5, 5, and 10-mile loop options.

Best Tent Sites Near Vernon, Florida (8)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Vernon, FL

497 Reviews of 8 Vernon Campgrounds


  • Elizabeth G.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    Henderson Beach State Park Campground

    Quiet and secluded for the beach

    My family and I stayed here for one night in July 2020 as our midway point from GA to Texas. We stayed in site 44 and it was private and near the bathrooms. All the sites had gravel, a picnic table, and and a fire pit as well as a clothesline. There’s a path to the beach from the bathhouse. The bathhouse was very clean and there were men and women restrooms as well as private bathroom/showers.

    We fit 2 tents at our site. It was so humid and muggy I cowboy camped on the gravel with my picnic blanket and sleeping pad. Everyone else slept in the tents without the rain fly’s for some ventilation. It was a nice, clean, and quiet park and we felt very secluded in our site. There was WiFi and cell service (2 bars for Verizon).

    Each site has electric and water. There’s a dump station near the entrance/exit of the park. Overall, lovely experience and I would definitely stay here again.

  • Shea M.
    Apr. 1, 2020

    Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest

    Beach camping

    Nice primitive campground located near 30A beach. The road leading in is sandy and gravely. The site was for tent camping and offers a picnic table, grill, fire pit, food/lamp pole and a porta house (which was fairly clean, considering). There was also a pier close by. The bed was gravel and uncomfortable but they were actually repairing it while we were there, so it should be quite comfortable for your stay! No hookups or water. We stayed at campsite #1 which had plenty of trees for shade and was closest to the water, but they all looked nice. The beach is right across the bay so it's a short drive to the ocean. Quiet and clean, we stayed four days and had a neighbor for two of them. He seemed respectful to nature and gave us no issues. Overall would stay again, just remember there is no shower to get off all that sand and sunscreen!

  • Dale W.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Sand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest

    Quiet, secluded, and beautiful.

    I initially had a reservation at one of the primitive camp grounds, but my reservation was cancelled due to flooding that closed all three primitive camp grounds. Better yet, I got an RV spot on the day of arrival. Great pull-through sites with fire ring, picnic table, water, and electricity. Pitched my tent on the banks of Sand Pond.

    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.

    Was lulled to sleep by the croaking of bull frogs while watching the moon rise from my sleeping bag. A thoroughly enjoyable stay.

  • lydia B.
    Mar. 19, 2022

    Henderson Beach State Park Campground

    Family Friendly

    We arrived at a very clean, gravel campsite with a picnic table, fire ring, water & electric access, as well as a clothes line. Because we were tent camping, the gravel made it difficult to pitch our tent on site. Luckily, we had enough space and privacy on our site to unload the car and sleep in the trunk of it. The bathrooms were kept very clean, and the showers were fantastic! The beach itself is kept extremely clean and is beautiful. The volunteers do a wonderful job around the campground. Here you will find a family friendly stay! I would for sure visit Henderson Beach again for the clean facilities, beautiful beach, and local attractions.

  • Maria E.
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Grayton Beach State Park Campground

    Nice

    We were initially assigned to site number 10 which was small but fine because we were tent camping. After a quick set up we started walking around and found site number 16 open by the water with a breeze. We drove up to the front confirmed availability and moved camp. Keep in mind this is not the beach, it is a lake but also has a trail along side where we walked the dog which was nice.  Ground is gravel but not difficult to stake. Bathroom facilities were very well located in the middle of the inner loop. Our site was on the outer side of the loop but paths to the bathroom are easy to find because there are reflectors making it visible with a flashlight at night. We only stayed one night but would definitely come back and bring bikes so we can check out the cute little beach town nearby.

  • Beth B.
    Jun. 28, 2022

    Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest

    Forest Nights

    I liked this forest and thought it was very pretty. Good distance to beaches, although I didn’t see a way to walk to the beach - we drove. I would not chance the forest roads in a sedan. You might be okay if it stays dry but if it rains you will not be in good shape. Lots of roads and trails to explore.

    Pros and cons of each campground

    Campground 1 Pros: can park in your site, further apart, no highway noise Cons: only have access to a tiny part of the lake, breeze kind of blocked by trees

    Campground 2 Pros: beautiful lake view and easy access to water, prettier view, more breeze Cons: traffic noise, cannot park in your site

    Both campgrounds have a bathroom (I did not use so not sure of conditions). Every site has a fire pit, bbq pit, picnic table, and lantern pole.

    Would definitely camp here again.

  • D
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Florida Caverns RV Resort

    Awful

    We called ahead to reserve tent sites and ensure they had electric and water on every site. Upon arrival, we were told all sites to the right edge (water side) and right of the road were tent sites. However, the first half of this row has electric for rv’s only. Moving down the row, the sites had no electric or water hookups. The last sites were in complete sun and next to a boat ramp. All the sites had trash on the ground and none had picnic tables. The showers were just curtained off from the bathroom with no privacy, hook or bench. The staff was unwilling to help and we left without staying.

  • D
    Aug. 23, 2019

    Eastern Lake Campground 2 — Point Washington State Forest

    Is located outside of Destin off of 98 east.

    Great primitive camping with several spots on the water in camping area 2

    Has a “outhouse” no running water or hookups in the primitive camping area. Roads are easy to travel in a sedan. Campsites provide picnic table and grill with a lantern pole and pea gravel area to set up tent. Very glad I found this!

  • L&A C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2024

    Three Rivers State Park Campground

    A Great Florida State Park

    Small, well maintained park and sites, with 30/50 amp and water hook ups. A pleasant surprise when we arrived, after miles of rural driving! GPS took us the correct way, but seemed we were lost! Staff greeted us at entrance, gave us a map and explained how to get to our site. It was raining, and our site was back-in and downhill, mostly level with gravel, a picnic table, has a fire-ring with grill grate. Bathhouse is clean and impressed how the trash area and dump station were placed away from campers. The dock/pier, and boat ramp, are at the back part of the campground, The amenities are nice and there is outdoor cleaning sink behind the bathhouse, sitting area overlooking the river, the fish cleaning station, fire pit area, trails, and canoe/kayak drying area. 3 concrete sites, as well as tent sites. Lots of spacing between most of the sites, some are waterfront. Wildlife is plentiful and the trails are a great way to enjoy it all! We will come back! And it’s only $20 a night!


Guide to Vernon

Tent camping near Vernon, Florida offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tent campers should check out Point Washington

  • Enjoy the serene environment at Point Washington, where you can set up camp near a beautiful lake and take in the peaceful surroundings.
  • This campground allows pets, making it a great choice for families who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
  • With amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, Point Washington provides a comfortable camping experience.

Nearby attractions for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Just a short drive from Point Washington, you can explore the stunning beaches along 30A, perfect for a day of sun and surf.
  • The area is also home to various hiking trails, allowing campers to immerse themselves in the local flora and fauna.
  • For those interested in biking, the nearby trails offer a flat, scenic route that is ideal for leisurely rides.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Neals Landing Park, known for its great fishing spots and tranquil setting.
  • Campers can enjoy a quiet retreat at Big Gully Landing Hunt Camp, where relaxation and nature go hand in hand.
  • For a unique experience, visit Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB, which offers a variety of recreational activities and is close to the water for fishing and kayaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Vernon, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Vernon, FL is Pine Log State Forest Primitive Campsites with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Vernon, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Vernon, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.