Waterside RV camping near Destin
Opt into beachside camping, Gulf views, and seaside fun along Florida’s Emerald Coast.
- Destin
Popular camping styles for Destin
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Waterside RV camping 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.