Forest bell tents near Crestview
Discover the Panhandle’s forests, rivers, and beaches on a Crestview camping getaway.
- Crestview
Popular camping styles for Crestview
Forest bell tents near Crestview guide
Overview
Crestview is a Florida Panhandle city with access to rivers, forests, and Gulf Coast beaches. The area’s rolling hills and deciduous trees are a major change of scenery from central and South Florida, especially during fall foliage. It’s close to the Blackwater River State Park and the longleaf pine forests of Alabama’s Conecuh National Forest, as well as about 40 minutes from Fort Walton Beach and the Emerald Coast section of the Gulf of Mexico, where numerous parks offer beachside camping on white-sand shores. Set on I-10 and known as Hub City for the convergence of highways here, Crestview is a convenient pass-through town, but the camping options in its surrounding area make it a worthy stop in itself.
Where to go
Crestview Surrounds
The Yellow and Shoal rivers both border Crestview, with their confluence just south of town. The nearby Yellow River Water Management Area has boat launches for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing access. Crestview—and DeFuniak Springs, further east—both have multiple RV parks and RV resorts with full hookups and wifi for campers to choose from.
Blackwater River State Park
At Blackwater River State Park, you can paddle or float down the lush Blackwater River at a leisurely pace, enjoying its many sand beaches. Kayak, canoe, and tube rentals are available on-site. There’s also a campground with RV and tent sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and full hookups.
Ponce De Leon Springs State Park
Although not open for camping, you can swim or snorkel year-round in crystal-clear 68°F spring water at Ponce De Leon Springs State Park, just 45 minutes east of Crestview.
Gulf Shore Beaches
The Emerald Coast section of the Gulf of Mexico is due south of Crestview. Henderson Beach State Park, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, and Grayton Beach State Park are all excellent beach parks with campgrounds in this area. For day trips, the Gulf Islands National Seashore’s Santa Rosa Area, including the Opal Beach Complex, is also an excellent choice.
When to go
Crestview has great fall, winter, and spring camping. Winters tend to be the busiest camping season, when camping reservations should be made early. With high temps, high humidity, and high precipitation—not to mention hurricane season on the Gulf Coast—summer tent camping is a challenge in Crestview.
