Sue H.
Scout
Scoutdefuniak springs free camping
Directions on the dirt AND Google take you to an outdated, run down housing complex that's really sketchy looking. No campsite, bathroom, etc there.
Tent Camping near Youngstown, FL
4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent campsites in the Youngstown, Florida area range from primitive forest settings to coastal locations with beach access. Point Washington State Forest offers secluded tent camping at Eastern Lake Campground with two distinct areas for tent campers. Pine Log State Forest Primitive Campsites provide additional tent-only options within a short drive, while White Oak Landing Campground offers tent sites with boat access to nearby waterways.
Most tent campgrounds in this region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient camping. Sites typically include gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings, though campers should verify fire regulations before arrival. Forest roads accessing Point Washington's tent sites can become difficult after rain with significant puddles that may challenge low-clearance vehicles. According to one visitor, "The drive in had some big puddles in the road, so it could be difficult to get to after rain in a low car." Most primitive tent areas require reservations through Reserve America and provide access codes for gated entrances.
The tent camping experience near Youngstown offers opportunities for solitude and nature immersion. Eastern Lake Campground's tent sites provide varying levels of privacy and lake access, with some campers preferring sites farther from highway noise. A review mentioned that "The site was pretty and felt nicely distanced from the other three sites in campground #1." Many tent-only areas feature nearby hiking and biking trails, particularly in Point Washington State Forest where a 3.5, 5, or 10-mile loop trail system is accessible to campers. Cotton Landing provides more primitive tent camping with vault toilets but no drinking water. During off-peak seasons, tent campers often report having entire campgrounds to themselves, creating a peaceful backcountry experience despite being relatively close to coastal communities and beaches.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Youngstown (25)
1. Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB
"The campground doesn't have as much shade or as many trees as it had before the hurricane in 2018, but it is back open for business and is a great place for military and veterans to park their campers"
"You can also simply tent camp if you prefer rather than camping in an RV. Its conveniently located near the base and also near the bay for fishing and other fun water recreational activities."
2. El Governor Motel & RV Park
"Gravel lots close to your neighbors and a little pricey but you are paying for location."
"You can walk across the street to the beach. The sunsets are beautiful! The bath house and laundry room is always spotless."
Check Availabilityfrom $69 / night
3. Pine Log State Forest Primitive Campsites
"It’s definitely primitive, so no toilets or hook ups or anything."
"Private maybe one person will drive down the road but they turn around pretty fast with out a problem nice back country campground"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $9 / night
4. White Oak Landing Campground
"It has open areas for more room to spread out, picnic tables and restrooms. This site also has a everflowing water supply that has been there for decades. It's sulfer water but it's clean and cold."
5. Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest
"Nice primitive campground located near 30A beach. The road leading in is sandy and gravely."
"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."
3 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $9 / night
7. Eastern Lake Campground 2 — Point Washington State Forest
"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."
"The sites are a fine gravel, which was fine, but the ground was so hard underneath we couldn’t drive one of our stakes in."
Check Availabilityfrom $9 / night
8. Park Place RV Park and Motel
9. Vilas Campsite
10. Hickory Landing Campground
Drive Time
- 14 min from Panama City, FL
- 1 hr 1 min from Dothan, AL
- 1 hr 22 min from Crestview, FL
- 1 hr 23 min from Tallahassee, FL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Youngstown, FL
4 Photos of 25 Youngstown Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Youngstown, FL
610 Reviews of 25 Youngstown Campgrounds
ashley R.
GuideSt. Andrews State Park Campground
Heaven on earth!
Lorilee S.
LegendThree Rivers State Park Campground
This has to be one of the most peaceful campgrounds we’ve been to. It’s very quiet and dark at night. The bathhouse was really clean and spacious. Our site is perfect with unobstructed water views. We were able to do the trails and ride our bikes on the road.
We stopped at the entrance, but no one was in there. Luckily a nice gentleman was coming in and said for us to follow him in. Rangers are at another office within the campground from 9:00-9:30 and 4:00-4:30. We went over in the afternoon to check in.
Edward R.GuideEastbank
Sunset Paradise
Well kept campground. Paved roads. The loop C has a concrete parking pads. Gravel picnic table area with a fire pits and bbq stand. Well kept grass. Very shallow water off bank. We have camped here before and had a local five foot alagator that hung around. But I didn't see it this time. Spent a couple days. Has a few restaurants just a few miles. The park is in eastern time. A couple miles west is Central time. So my phone said eastern..my wife's phone read central. The shower house and restroom combo is very dated and needed some paint and rust removal. Didn't check out the other restroom. Don't plan on fishing...water very shallow and weeds. The sunsets are fantastic.
- BBuckee B.Scout
Lakeview Campsites
Beautiful lake, misleading ad
Just be forewarned this is NOT a normal camping experience. By far.
Firstly, there are no actual accommodations as advertised. The "camping" you will experience consists of no primitive sites, no RV hookups, no amenities to speak of, and many other inconsistencies despite what's being presented here. There are no private areas even for changing your clothes much less anything else. As it sits beside a major county roadway with a public boat ramp with roadside public parking making any chance of alone time impossible most days. You CANNOT per county ordinances have any unregulated fires or burning due to the lake being EPA protected. If you get caught disturbing any of the flora or fauna you are subject to possible fines or prosecution by FWC. Not one stump is to be disturbed at all. The advertisement is misleading regarding this property. For the amount of money being charged you may as well go a few more miles and get a room at a motel. It would be cheaper if you did. I gave two stars because of the lake itself. Which BTW, is NOT actually "visible " from this property itself. The best viewing and admiring is better at the PUBLIC areas that are county owned and somewhat maintained. The lake itself is public use for everyone. Not to mention that this property owner has a negative reputation for shady practices in the local area. Any observations of illegal practices should be reported to law enforcement. - WWilliam P.
TravelerFlorida Caverns RV Resort
Observant Non-Guest
So we didn't actually stay here. We were at another campsite that was 30 minutes away with higher reviews. However, we stopped by to check this place out on our way to the Florida Caverns and we really wished we would of stayed here! This place was amazing. And the convenience of the gas station and corner store in walking distance plus all of the activities they had for kids. We surely would of enjoyed this place. And the view of the water and ability to fish and kayak were an added plus. Our kids were disappointed in me for not choosing this one. Definently keeping it saved for the next time we go though. And it was only 10 minutes from the Florida Caverns and close to several stores and not to far off Highway 10. There was plenty of spots and cabins when we went in October and spacious and not over-crowded.
- WWilliam P.Traveler
Alliance Hill RV Resort
50 Over RV resort
Think The Dyrt forgot to mention that this site is for 50 years and older. My family and I were effected by Hurricane Isaias and were looking for a RV resort that hadn't lost power. We explained the situation to the resort manager and although we are in our 40s with 3 kids, they were very welcoming of us and so friendly. Mr. Glen, the owner, was a great person and I shared great conversation with him about his life. The view from the resort is amazing. Acres of land in a sloping hillside with gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Small 4ft pool and very spacious and clean bathrooms and clubhouse. It SOOOO peaceful and quiet out here . I went along a trail that they have to read and watch the sunrise and was welcomed by deers that roam the land. This was a very gorgeous spot and I'll likely return in 9 years after I hit the age requirements to enjoy again😁. But we were so grateful for them being so accomodating given our circumstance.
- AAmanda T.Traveler
Sand Pond Campground — Pine Log State Forest
Beautiful and peaceful
Small campground. Peaceful. Mostly older people in small RVs. Oddly enough no issue with mosquitoes which was shocking! Very nice sites
- JJeremy H.Guide
Grayton Beach State Park Campground
Grayton Beach State Park in December
Grayton Beach State Park is an outstanding place to camp in December, especially if you enjoy birding, hiking, and spending time outdoors without the heat and crowds of the summer months.
December is a great time to explore the park. The cooler temperatures make walking the trails much more comfortable, and the campground has a peaceful, laid-back feel during the winter. Tent camping is especially enjoyable if you come prepared for the weather. Days can be mild and beautiful, but mornings and nights can get surprisingly cool, so warm layers and a good sleeping bag are definitely worth bringing.
For birding, Grayton Beach is a fantastic location. The combination of coastal dunes, pine forest, wetlands, Western Lake, and the Gulf creates several different habitats within a relatively small area. Early mornings are particularly enjoyable when the park is quiet and wildlife is active. Bring a good pair of binoculars and take your time around Western Lake and the trails through the wooded areas.
Guide to Youngstown
Tent camping in the Youngstown, Florida area offers diverse options from coastal settings to inland forest experiences. The region experiences mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F and hot, humid summers often exceeding 90°F. Most primitive camping areas require advance reservations during peak seasons (March-August), with forest service roads sometimes becoming challenging after rainfall.
What to do
Water activities at Eastern Lake: Point Washington State Forest provides lake access for paddling enthusiasts. A reviewer at Eastern Lake Campground 2 noted, "I had a beautiful view of Eastern Lake and easy access to the water where there is a small dock. Great place to launch a canoe or kayak."
Military recreation access: Active duty and veterans can take advantage of activities near Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB. "It's close to Tyndall AFB and the Tyndall marina where you can rent kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, jet skis, bikes, and more," explains one camper, adding it's "about a 15 minute drive from Walmart, Win Dixie, and a slew of restaurants."
Biking trails: The Point Washington trail system offers options for cyclists of various abilities. Eastern Lake Campground features "three hiking trail options on the Eastern Lake bike/hike trial. The hiker or bicyclist can travel the 3.5-, 5- or 10-mile loop," according to one visitor.
What campers like
Lakeside camping convenience: Campers appreciate the ease of water access at Eastern Lake Campground 2. A visitor reported, "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."
Beach proximity: Many campers value the easy access to Gulf beaches. At El Governor Motel & RV Park, "You can walk across the street to the beach. The sunsets are beautiful! The bath house and laundry room is always spotless," according to one reviewer.
Solitude opportunities: The chance for quiet camping draws many to the area. At Point Washington State Forest, one camper shared, "It was so quiet there and we were the only ones at the campground, we enjoyed the peace and quiet, and the alone time."
What you should know
Post-hurricane rebuilding: Several campgrounds continue recovering from Hurricane Michael. At El Governor Motel & RV Park, a camper noted, "The Park is open, good access to the beach but not much for park looks."
Road conditions: Forest access roads can present challenges. One camper at Point Washington warned, "I will say that the mud holes are huge and you definitely don't want to take a small car through it, that's the only downfall."
Reservation requirements: Many primitive sites require advance planning. For Point Washington State Forest, "The primitive campsites, which require reservations through the ReserveAmerica system, can be accessed via forest roads 11 or 2 from U.S. Highway 98."
Gate codes: Security measures are in place at some locations. A camper noted that at Point Washington, there is a "code to lock on gate when you go in. No amenities but 1 pit toilet."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for potential wildlife encounters. At Point Washington, one camper observed, "Signs for active bears but we saw none."
Beach day planning: Schedule beach visits to complement tent camping. At Cotton Landing, campers find "no drama and bathrooms were decent," though they should "get fire wood along the dirt road on your way in to avoid the ticks and sticker bushes."
Insect preparation: Pack appropriate bug protection for different seasons. One camper at Cotton Landing warned about ticks being "definitely out at this campsite but only in the woods."
Noise considerations: Be aware of potential noise from nearby establishments. At Eastern Lake Campground 2, a camper reported, "We stayed at campground 2 site 3, a stone's throw across the lake from the Old Florida Fish House. You can definitely hear the music coming from there."
Tips from RVers
Site proximity: Expect close quarters in some RV parks. At El Governor, "This is a very small campground where you park very close together. The park is very clean. No shade. Full hookups. Bath and showers and laundry."
Military discounts: Veterans should inquire about special rates. At Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB, "The campground doesn't have as much shade or as many trees as it had before the hurricane in 2018, but it is back open for business and is a great place for military and veterans to park their campers short or long term."
Beach security: Consider valuables security at beach-adjacent sites. One RVer at El Governor noted they "were a little concerned as our lot backed up to the road and there was no security we could see. Gates open 24-7, but had no issues."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Youngstown, FL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Youngstown, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Youngstown, FL is Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Youngstown, FL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Youngstown, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near Youngstown, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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