Waterside glamping near Destin

Opt into beachside camping, Gulf views, and seaside fun along Florida’s Emerald Coast.

99% (630 reviews)
99% (630 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Destin

Top waterside glamping sites near destin

96%
(306)

Bay Forest Retreat

7 sites · Lodging, Tents11 acres · Navarre, FL
Explore 11+ acres of rustic and untamed woods. We are two military veteran families who enjoy the land as a place for family and friends to explore, camp, and relax at the 250+ feet of the East Bay beach. 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 and waterfront, 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). Our Glamper is a 10x12 canvas furnished tent located a short but rugged 2-minute hike from parking. It provides the opportunity to go camping without having to pack all the gear. Our location is minutes 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, 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
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from 
$25
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Waterside glamping near Destin guide

Overview

Take the dreamy sunsets and sugary sands of Florida’s Emerald Coast, throw in a bar and restaurant-lined harbor, a handful of golf courses, and a state park, and you’ve got Destin, one of the Panhandle’s most popular beach resorts. Perched on a peninsula between Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, sunseekers have a choice of beaches in Destin, where you can swim, snorkel, parasail, cruise the coast in search of dolphins, or cool off at a waterpark. RV parks, resorts, and campgrounds are dotted along the peninsula, or you can camp amid the sand dunes at Henderson Beach State Park.

Where to go

Emerald Coast

Sandy beaches and turquoise waters stretch along Florida’s aptly nicknamed Emerald Coast. East of Destin, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park have popular coastal campgrounds, or you can head inland to hike, bike, and horseback ride in the Point Washington State Forest. A little further, check into an RV resort at Panama City Beach and enjoy water sports along the Grand Lagoon. 

Gulf Islands

West of Destin, scenic barrier islands stretch all the way to the Alabama border. You can hike to coastal marshes and pristine beaches, then pitch your tent right on the sand at the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Or, seek out a secluded beach or fishing spot along Okaloosa or Santa Rosa islands.

Okaloosa County

Coastal parks, campgrounds, and boat launches pepper the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, north of Destin. Heading inland, the rambling woodlands of Blackwater River State Forest provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and fishing, along with a choice of campgrounds.  

When to go

Summer is peak season in Destin, when temperatures soar into the high 80s°F, and prices shoot up accordingly. Opt for a spring or fall visit to avoid the crowds—it will still be warm enough to hit the beach, and you can benefit from shoulder-season rates too. Many campgrounds stay open year-round, but be aware that seasonal activities and services may close down over winter. 

Know before you go

  • Destin has plenty of supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations, and you’ll find several shops selling camping and outdoor supplies.  
  • Day-use fees apply in all Florida state parks, as well as campsite booking fees.
  • Stingrays are common in the Gulf from May through October, so take care when swimming, and always follow warning flags and local advice. Bug spray is equally a must for coastal camping.

Popular Destin glamping styles

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