The best waterside campgrounds near Crestview, Florida

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.

97% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Crestview

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.

97% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Crestview

1. Bay Forest Retreat

96%

(362)

29mi from Crestview · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging

Explore 11+ acres of rustic and untamed woods. We are a military veteran family who enjoys the land as a place for family and friends to explore, camp, and relax at the 250+ feet of the East Bay beach. We do not have WiFi, but we do have 5g service throughout the 11 acre property. Our camping sites DO NOT have electricity These are hike-in only campsites ☺️ Primitive camping is permitted at designated wooded high grounds in the middle of the property. It is a 5 and 10-minute rugged hike in to the middle ground respectively. The trail remains under development, so please bring close-toed shoes or boots for hiking throughout the property (depending on rainfall, there may be mud and water). We have two primitive campsites these campsites are first come first serve, they are not assigned when booking. Plesea see pictures. Our Glamper tent is a 10x12 canvas furnished full size bed with bedding, pillows and enough floor space for two sleeping bags. The tens are located off a short trial, but rugged 2-minute hike from the parking area. We provide the opportunity to go camping without having to pack the tent. Closed toed shoes are highly suggested as well as plenty of lighting with batteries or solar charging capability. This is a rugged, fun and serene camping experience. Locates justminutes from the Emerald Coast - 7 mins to Navarre Beach, - 30 mins to Pensacola Beach, - 15 mins to Naval Live Oaks, - 45 mins to Fort Pickens, - 50 mins to NAS Pensacola, - 45 mins to Santa Rosa Island, - 35 mins to Okaloosa Island, - 40 mins to Destin. Recommended local restaurants: St. Michael's Brewery which has rotating food trucks and is family friendly, Ye Olde Brothers Brewery, Dewey Destin’s, Andy D's on Navarre Beach, Stripe's Pub, Johnny Huston's, Windjammers, TC’s Front Porch, Deb’s Coffee, The Eatery food truck park, Top’s Burgers, and New York Pizza Depot. Other sightseeing in the area includes: Museums: National Naval Aviation Museum, Air Force Armament Museum, Fort Pickens, Indian Temple Mound Museum, Pensacola Museum of Art, Museum of Industry, and Destin History & Fishing Museum Additional activities include: Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, HH Arts Gallery, Emerald Coast Science Center, Gulf Breeze Zoo, and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.

2. Blackwater River State Park

100%

(4)

27 sites · Harold, Florida

Discover Blackwater River State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

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Campfires

3. Conecuh National Forest

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(1)

74 sites · Carolina, Alabama

The southernmost outdoor playground in Alabama, Conecuh National Forest is sure to keep the most experienced adventurers in awe with it’s stunning wetlands and pine forests. This low coastal plain can be enjoyed best in the wintertime. The cool temps and bugless days will allow you to enjoy the 20 mile Conecuh Trail with ease. Wind through bogs and ponds, hunters will dig plentiful deer, quail and turkey season. You might even meet these woodland friends on the trail! Camping at Open Pond Recreation Area means brews, fishing and biking all steps from your tent...who doesn’t want to fish with a beer in hand? A real southern dream, Conecuh knows how to turn on the charm and turn up the heat!

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Electrical hookup

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Public campgrounds near Crestview

100%

(4)

Blackwater River Campground

11mi from Crestview · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Blackwater River State Park

100%

(1)

Open Pond Recreation Area

24mi from Crestview · 74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Conecuh National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Baking biscuits with the dry heat method on my coleman stove.

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Scarlett

November 2025

1 night at Bay Forest Retreat

Secluded and private getaway from the norm. My fiance and I slept really hard. The host was super nice & helpful!

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Amanda

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

I loved this hidden gem! I was traveling and decided to call it a night and this spot was perfect for me. The host was extremely helpful and led me straight to the spot in the dark. I will be back! Thank you again, Hillary!

Haylee

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

The space was very secluded and clean. We would come again!

R

Rachel

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

Great place to stay! It was quiet, clean, the tent smelled great which I don’t expect camping. It was just what I look for. Secluded enough to not be shoulder to shoulder but it had all the convenient amenities. We will be back!

A

Amaury

October 2025

2 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

Kids loved having their own tent. The parents got Glamper 1 and the boys got Glamper 2. Great setup. We will be coming back.

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Amaury

October 2025

With kids

2 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

What a wonderful place tucked away next to the bay. Our host was very helpful and nice. 2 Adults and 3 kids stayed in both of the glamping tents. The camping experience by far was even more pleasant than we had imagined. Navarre beach and a several night at here will be something we do again. Bring your kayaks and explore the East Bay river. What a treasure!

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Tabitha

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

Everything was good. Bed was comfy. Fire pit, porta potty, a d water spigot were close. Would recommend to others and stay again.

J

Joseph

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Bay Forest Retreat

What a wonderful experience! This was the perfect introduction to camping for my three-year-old son and me. Even with hot weather and a rainy, chilly day, having the spacious canvas tent made everything smooth and enjoyable. A huge thank you to our co-host, Brooke, who was absolutely fantastic. Her quick and polite replies, along with her excellent customer service, really enhanced our stay. We even received a bonus night for Labor Day weekend, which was an awesome surprise.

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Joseph

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

This was the first time camping with our three-year-old son, and it was a wonderful experience for him and for us! He absolutely loved his first time seeing a campfire, and it was so special to experience that with him as a parent. The campgrounds were clean and well-maintained. We especially appreciated the provided tent, which was a fantastic touch. Communication with the landlord and manager was excellent; their responses were both respectful and quick. I highly recommend this spot!

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Mckinnon

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

The place was great easy to find pretty private. Loved being able to use the kayaks..

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Emily

August 2025

1 night at Bay Forest Retreat

Super cool area!! Would highly recommend! Very clean and a great outdoor space to spend with family! We stayed in Glamper 2 and it was perfect for us!

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Rebecca

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

We enjoyed our stay!!! This is a great place if you are looking to spend less than a hotel or an air BNB, and a more fun and relaxing, in my opinion. It was a short drive to Navarre Beach and also close to Pensacola. Every evening we loved watching the sunset on the bay and the free kayaks. It was hot, as expected in late July, but with a cheap battery operated fan we brought it was very pleasant at night. I would definitely recommend and plan to return.

J

Jessica

July 2025

With kids

3 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

My family and I loved this property! Would definitely recommend 👌

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Ava

June 2025

4 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

Had an amazing time camping here! The property was beautiful and exactly as advertised. The directions were very clear, and we really appreciated the amenities. It’s in a great location and the nearby town is super cute. Highly recommend staying here!

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Sidnie

June 2025

1 night at Bay Forest Retreat

It was a great experience camping here! We loved the beach and the fire. There are a ton of mosquitos so make sure to lather in bug spray! Thank you for the help and keeping my husband’s bag safe when he forgot it. You guys are awesome!

C

Chloe

April 2025

2 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

It was a very peaceful stay, with beautiful views.

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Braden

March 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

If you are looking for an outdoor getaway and like to camp this is the place to book, we are so happy we did and will be back with more family! We brought our 4 year old and he loved it, especially the walk to the kayaks! The three tents are spaced out enough for everyone to have plenty of privacy! If staying during cooler weather bring proper attire at night to stay warm! The owners are super easy to get ahold of and if they are very helpful if you have questions about the area! We will be back soon!

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Denali

March 2025

3 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

My boyfriend and I really enjoyed our three night stay here in the glamper! It was spacious and very comfortable and could easily accommodate a few more people but was quite spacious for us as a couple. The hosts were very easy to contact and were responsive to any questions. Brooke reached out the evening of our arrival to ensure everything was good with the site. There was also a picnic table, several chairs, and a fire ring to enjoy! There was plenty of space to feel isolated but close enough to town to enjoy that aspect of the vacation. The walk to the beach area was nice and there were even a few kayaks and a picnic table down there for people staying on the property to use! 10/10 would definitely come back here again and would recommend it to anyone!

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Mirabel

March 2025

3 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

This was an amazing retreat. We stayed for 4 days, 3 nights. The hosts were communicative and amazing even with a weather scare. Short walk to campsite and short walk to the bay beach. Ocean beach a close drive as well. There were kayaks and lifejackets for use by the bay, fire pits and chairs already setup, a clean port-a-potty close to the site, and several thoughtful amenities in the glamping tent. Honorable mention that the tent held very strong through a brief rainstorm. It was beautiful, relaxing, clean, and well-maintained. Would definitely come back!

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Emily

March 2025

Group trip

1 night at Bay Forest Retreat

We had a great experience! Everything was as described on Hilary’s profile. We would definitely come back again!

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Crestview

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(4)

Blackwater River State Park

Harold, Florida

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(1)

Conecuh National Forest

Carolina, Alabama

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Crestview guide

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.