The best camping near Destin with horseback riding

·

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.

95% (362) 13 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Destin

30A Bay Hideaway

1. 30A Bay Hideaway

100%
(194)
14mi from Destin · 1 site · RV
Private, gated waterfront estate on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay. Close to the activities on 30A and the Gulf of Mexico (7 minutes) but secluded enough to feel like you have your own private piece of paradise with amazing sunset views. The bay is full of life: watch mullet jump, catch crabs, watch for dolphins and sting rays. If you enjoy fishing, try night fishing on the dock, too. Bay charters come to the waters around our dock on their excursions! If you bring a boat, Cessna Landing is just under 2 miles away with a very nice boat launch. Tie your boat to our dock for the duration of your visit. Boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, swimming, sunset watching, bicycling and campfires are a few things to enjoy while at the 30A Bay Hideaway. Sunset viewing deck, bay beach/dock, fire pit and an outdoor shower and sink with hot water and an outdoor mini-fridge are included in the listing. Owners are not onsite during rental periods and the property is limited to one RV site so you can be sure you will have the property all to yourself!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$114
 / night
The Red Barn

2. The Red Barn

96%
(28)
34mi from Destin · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Nestled on 3 acres right next to blackwater national forest & yellow river management area. Lots of swimming, kayaking, fishing, hunting! Hunters delight! Also less than a hour drive to local beaches! Pensacola, Navarre, Ft. Walton! We offer kayaks on site for a small fee! There’s also several swimming areas on Blackwater river close by as well!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$29
 / night
Apple Hill Cabins and Camp Ground

3. Apple Hill Cabins and Camp Ground

98%
(56)
45mi from Destin · 36 sites · Tents, RVs
Associated on 40 acres. Adjacent to Conecuh and Blackwater National forests. Five RV pads, areas for primitive camping. Two Rustic Cabins with bath and showers. Amenities include fishponds,( no license required, no catch limit). Ponds have bass, brim, catfish and tilapia. Access to Blackwater River for swimming, canoeing, tubing or Kayaking. Hunting allowed in National Forests in season with license, skinning rack available on site. only 45 miles from the beach camp or stay in cabins an drive to the beach and save a $$$$$$ drive or pull your big rvs and leave them in goods hands to you return for your next vacation
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$20
 / night
Florala State Park

4. Florala State Park

28 sites · Florala, Alabama
Day-cationers, we found your Gulf getaway. Florala State Park is close enough to several major areas that you can come down here for a short-term getaway if need be, though campers are of course more than welcome. White sand beaches and water that has been deemed some of the cleanest in Alabama, creates a real allure for fishers and swimmers alike. Birders can keep an eye out for osprey and bald eagles, or just hike the beautiful winding trails. Swing by a historic Victorian mansion on your way out, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many Southern-style family restaurants. With a great location for a great getaway, what's not to like?
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Conecuh National Forest

5. Conecuh National Forest

100%
(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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

6. Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

99%
(161)
46mi from Destin · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
WEDDINGS, Vow Renewals, Special Anniversary, Family Reunion, Large Parties? Enjoy It All River Side With Rustic But Elegant Vibes. One Of The Host Is An Ordained Minister; The Other Host Is An Event Planner/ Designer. Different Package Options Are Available. Come Plan Your Special Day with Us. Two Month Minimum Notice on Booking If You Wish for Hosts to Plan/Decorate for Your Event. 50 Guest Maximum. Two Night Minimum Booking For Event. $2300 Covers Reservation Of Property, Decorations and Cleanup. Food Packages, DJ.'s ETC Will Be Additional According To Your Individual Needs. This listing will accommodate Two Full 30 Amp RV Hookups for Your Wedding Party with Lots of Extra Space to Pitch a Tent and Park Your Guests. Cabin and Additional RV Site Coming Now Available. Check Out Our Other Listings For More Details.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
Choctawhatchee Bay

7. Choctawhatchee Bay

83%
(12)
16mi from Destin · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Very private woods, gardens, and an aquifer-fed pond teeming with wildlife. A short walk to the park on Choctawhatchee Bay. The water is calm for swimming and paddling. A short drive or bike ride to the finest beaches in the world. The nearby 331 bridge allows freedom from the tourist traffic on Hwy 98. There are just two campsites overall and they are in the shade. Kids are safe to explore our long dead-end road with only two neighbors at the end.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night

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.

95% (362) 13 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Destin

30A Bay Hideaway

1. 30A Bay Hideaway

100%
(194)
14mi from Destin · 1 site · RV
Private, gated waterfront estate on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay. Close to the activities on 30A and the Gulf of Mexico (7 minutes) but secluded enough to feel like you have your own private piece of paradise with amazing sunset views. The bay is full of life: watch mullet jump, catch crabs, watch for dolphins and sting rays. If you enjoy fishing, try night fishing on the dock, too. Bay charters come to the waters around our dock on their excursions! If you bring a boat, Cessna Landing is just under 2 miles away with a very nice boat launch. Tie your boat to our dock for the duration of your visit. Boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, swimming, sunset watching, bicycling and campfires are a few things to enjoy while at the 30A Bay Hideaway. Sunset viewing deck, bay beach/dock, fire pit and an outdoor shower and sink with hot water and an outdoor mini-fridge are included in the listing. Owners are not onsite during rental periods and the property is limited to one RV site so you can be sure you will have the property all to yourself!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$114
 / night
The Red Barn

2. The Red Barn

96%
(28)
34mi from Destin · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Nestled on 3 acres right next to blackwater national forest & yellow river management area. Lots of swimming, kayaking, fishing, hunting! Hunters delight! Also less than a hour drive to local beaches! Pensacola, Navarre, Ft. Walton! We offer kayaks on site for a small fee! There’s also several swimming areas on Blackwater river close by as well!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$29
 / night
Apple Hill Cabins and Camp Ground

3. Apple Hill Cabins and Camp Ground

98%
(56)
45mi from Destin · 36 sites · Tents, RVs
Associated on 40 acres. Adjacent to Conecuh and Blackwater National forests. Five RV pads, areas for primitive camping. Two Rustic Cabins with bath and showers. Amenities include fishponds,( no license required, no catch limit). Ponds have bass, brim, catfish and tilapia. Access to Blackwater River for swimming, canoeing, tubing or Kayaking. Hunting allowed in National Forests in season with license, skinning rack available on site. only 45 miles from the beach camp or stay in cabins an drive to the beach and save a $$$$$$ drive or pull your big rvs and leave them in goods hands to you return for your next vacation
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$20
 / night
Florala State Park

4. Florala State Park

28 sites · Florala, Alabama
Day-cationers, we found your Gulf getaway. Florala State Park is close enough to several major areas that you can come down here for a short-term getaway if need be, though campers are of course more than welcome. White sand beaches and water that has been deemed some of the cleanest in Alabama, creates a real allure for fishers and swimmers alike. Birders can keep an eye out for osprey and bald eagles, or just hike the beautiful winding trails. Swing by a historic Victorian mansion on your way out, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many Southern-style family restaurants. With a great location for a great getaway, what's not to like?
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Conecuh National Forest

5. Conecuh National Forest

100%
(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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

6. Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

99%
(161)
46mi from Destin · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
WEDDINGS, Vow Renewals, Special Anniversary, Family Reunion, Large Parties? Enjoy It All River Side With Rustic But Elegant Vibes. One Of The Host Is An Ordained Minister; The Other Host Is An Event Planner/ Designer. Different Package Options Are Available. Come Plan Your Special Day with Us. Two Month Minimum Notice on Booking If You Wish for Hosts to Plan/Decorate for Your Event. 50 Guest Maximum. Two Night Minimum Booking For Event. $2300 Covers Reservation Of Property, Decorations and Cleanup. Food Packages, DJ.'s ETC Will Be Additional According To Your Individual Needs. This listing will accommodate Two Full 30 Amp RV Hookups for Your Wedding Party with Lots of Extra Space to Pitch a Tent and Park Your Guests. Cabin and Additional RV Site Coming Now Available. Check Out Our Other Listings For More Details.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
Choctawhatchee Bay

7. Choctawhatchee Bay

83%
(12)
16mi from Destin · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Very private woods, gardens, and an aquifer-fed pond teeming with wildlife. A short walk to the park on Choctawhatchee Bay. The water is calm for swimming and paddling. A short drive or bike ride to the finest beaches in the world. The nearby 331 bridge allows freedom from the tourist traffic on Hwy 98. There are just two campsites overall and they are in the shade. Kids are safe to explore our long dead-end road with only two neighbors at the end.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Destin with horseback riding guide

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.