97% (1.2K) • 4 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Destin
Bay Forest Retreat
1. Bay Forest Retreat
96%
(363)
26mi from Destin · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$28
/ night
Blackwater River State Park
2. Blackwater River State Park
100%
(4)
27 sites · Harold, Florida
Discover Blackwater River State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Conecuh National Forest
3. 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
97% (1.2K) • 4 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Destin
Bay Forest Retreat
1. Bay Forest Retreat
96%
(363)
26mi from Destin · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$28
/ night
Blackwater River State Park
2. Blackwater River State Park
100%
(4)
27 sites · Harold, Florida
Discover Blackwater River State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Conecuh National Forest
3. 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
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
S
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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A
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!
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Haylee
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat
The space was very secluded and clean. We would come again!
See moreR
Rachel
October 2025
With kids
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!
See moreA
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.
See moreA
Amaury
October 2025
With kids
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!
See moreT
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.
See more
J
Joseph
August 2025
With kids
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.
See moreJ
Joseph
August 2025
With kids
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!
See moreM
Mckinnon
August 2025
With kids
The place was great easy to find pretty private. Loved being able to use the kayaks..
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E
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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R
Rebecca
July 2025
With kids
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.
See moreJ
Jessica
July 2025
With kids
My family and I loved this property! Would definitely recommend 👌
See moreA
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!
See moreS
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!
See moreC
Chloe
April 2025
B
Braden
March 2025
With kids
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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D
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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M
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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E
Emily
March 2025
Group trip
We had a great experience! Everything was as described on Hilary’s profile. We would definitely come back again!
See more
The best waterside camping near Destin 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.