Looking for a Great Winter Escape? Try These 11 Florida Beach Campgrounds on the Gulf Coast. You’ll Find RVing Paradise.
As winter approaches, many travelers seek warmer climates to escape the chill. Florida, with its sun-kissed beaches and vibrant culture, offers an ideal winter getaway. The Gulf Coast, in particular, is home to some of the best beach campgrounds in the state. However, securing a spot at these coveted locations requires advance planning—ideally, a year ahead. But don’t lose hope! Cancellations do happen, and with a bit of persistence, you can find your slice of paradise.
The Allure of Florida Beach Campgrounds
Florida beach campgrounds are in high demand, especially during the winter months. With stunning views, direct beach access, and a plethora of amenities, these campgrounds cater to both seasoned RVers and families looking for a fun outdoor experience. To help you navigate your options, we’ve compiled a list of 11 of the best Florida beach campgrounds along the Gulf Coast, complete with essential details to help you plan your trip.
1. Camp Gulf
Located in Destin, Camp Gulf is a full-hookup resort featuring 72 spacious sites. Each site boasts a level concrete pad and a grassy area for pets. Enjoy amenities like a tiki bar on the beach, picnic tables, flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, a pool, and even WiFi. Rates range from $70 to $130 per night.
2. Navarre Beach Campground
This campground offers a charming beach at its end, complete with pier access for boating enthusiasts. Located about a mile from a local seafood market and a Turtle Conservation Center, it’s perfect for family outings. Amenities include full hookups, picnic tables, flush toilets, showers, laundry, WiFi, cable TV, and a pool. Nightly rates are between $64 and $95.
3. Okaloosa Island Campground
Situated right on the beach, Okaloosa Island Campground is a serene spot where you can listen to the ocean waves as you unwind. All sites come with full hookups, picnic tables, and essential amenities like potable water, flush toilets, showers, laundry, WiFi, cable TV, and a pool. Rates range from $114 to $139 per night.
4. Henderson Beach State Park
Near Destin, this campground features easy beach access and a tranquil atmosphere. Most campsites offer electric-water hookups, picnic tables, grills, flush toilets, and showers. Kids can enjoy the playground, while adults appreciate the privacy between sites. Nightly rates are $30, plus a $6 entrance fee.
5. Mirimar Beach Campground
For those looking to splurge, Mirimar Beach Campground offers a luxurious experience with crystal-clear waters and sugar-white sand. While pets aren’t allowed on beachfront sites, the amenities include private restrooms, showers, a community room, two swimming pools, and a full-service camp store. Expect to pay around $200 per night for prime beachfront spots.
6. Grayton Beach State Park
Located near Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach State Park is known for its beautifully landscaped grounds and clean facilities. The campground features mature trees that provide privacy between sites. Amenities include electric-water hookups, picnic tables, grills, flush toilets, showers, laundry, a pool, WiFi, and cable TV. Nightly rates are $42, with a $6 entrance fee.
7. Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
Nestled off Choctawhatchee Bay near Niceville, this campground offers stunning water views and scenic trails. Sites are separated by trees for added privacy, and many have water views. Amenities include electric-water hookups, picnic tables, grills, flush toilets, showers, laundry, and a playground. Rates are incredibly affordable at $16 to $20 per night, plus a $6 entrance fee.
8. St. George Island State Park
Just a quarter-mile from the campsite, St. George Island boasts gorgeous white sand beaches. Enjoy kayaking in the bay and exploring the surrounding state park with its extensive trail system. Most sites have electric-water hookups, and amenities include picnic tables, flush toilets, showers, and a dump station. Nightly rates are $24, plus a $6 park entrance fee.
9. Carrabelle Beach RV Park
This clean and quiet campground near Carrabelle features 27 sites, all equipped with full hookups. Amenities include picnic tables, grills, flush toilets, showers, a pool, and WiFi. Rates average between $50 and $60 per night.
10. Ho-Hum RV Park
Also located near Carrabelle, Ho-Hum RV Park offers beautiful bay views and a fishing pier. While pets are welcome, this adults-only park is not family-friendly. All sites have full hookups, picnic tables, flush toilets, showers, laundry, WiFi, and cable TV. Rates range from $29 to $39 per night.
11. Fort De Soto Park
Close to St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park is a highly-rated campground with waterfront sites. Enjoy kayaking or rent a bike from the camp store. Amenities include electric-water hookups, picnic tables, grills, flush toilets, showers, laundry, and a playground. Nightly rates are between $40 and $45.
Exploring the Gulf Coast
With so many options, the Gulf Coast of Florida is a treasure trove of beautiful beach campgrounds waiting to be explored. From the Emerald Coast to the serene shores of Naples, each campground offers a unique experience that caters to various preferences and budgets.
Weather Expectations
In the Panhandle, where many of these campgrounds are located, winter nights can dip into the 40s, while daytime highs range from the 50s to low 70s. Despite the cooler temperatures, the sun shines brightly most days, making it a pleasant time to enjoy outdoor activities.
Visual Inspiration
For a deeper look at these campgrounds, check out our accompanying video on our YouTube RVLifestyle Channel. We showcase images of each campground, helping you visualize your next adventure.
Planning Your Trip
To make your camping experience seamless, consider using The Dyrt, the #1 camping app in the U.S. With over 8 million campsites, reviews, and tips from fellow campers, it’s an invaluable resource for planning your trip. The Dyrt PRO version offers offline map backups, exclusive discounts, and trip planning tools to enhance your camping experience.
Conclusion
Florida’s Gulf Coast is a haven for beach lovers and RV enthusiasts alike. With careful planning and a bit of luck, you can secure a spot at one of these fantastic campgrounds and enjoy a winter escape filled with sun, sand, and adventure. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in the Sunshine State!