Camping in Florida Panhandle
Get a handle on Florida’s stunning scenery with a trip to the Panhandle.
- Florida Panhandle
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Camping in Florida Panhandle guide
Overview
Northwest Florida runs parallel to Alabama and toward Mississippi—but it packs the best of the state into one last handle. Quaint beach towns, verdant parks, and diverse forests cover the region. You can start your camping trip south of Tallahassee and stretch your legs during a hike along a Florida National Scenic Trail. Or, when the Sunshine State’s sunshine emerges in full force, take a dip at Panama City Beach. No matter where you go, you’re in good company, thanks to the Panhandle’s white sand beaches, nature preserves, and, oh yeah, the Gulf of Mexico shoreline.
Where to go
Apalachicola National Forest
As the state’s largest national forest, Apalachicola National Forest caters to all kinds of campers, whether you’re looking to hike, bike, or hop on your horse. Pitch your tent alongside the Ochlockonee or Apalachicola River. Or, check in to a campsite with restrooms and picnic tables. The birdwatchers among you will flock to the flocks at the nearby Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve.
State Forests
State forests crop up across the Panhandle. Tate’s Hell State Forest merges Florida’s various ecosystems into one fascinating landscape where campers can experience everything from wet prairie to forest to swamp, right from their Panhandle campsite. Further west, Point Washington State Forest likewise sits along the coast offering backcountry campsites. If you’d rather camp inland, Blackwater River State Forest boasts a namesake river—and a stream of activities.
Along The Coast
Beaches in the Panhandle range from Pensacola Beach, where sea turtles seasonally nest, to Destin, whose clear waters claim the title of Florida’s best. If you’re not big on the water, don’t discount a coastal campground yet. State parks—like Henderson Beach State Park—also scatter the area. You can rent an RV campsite surrounded by longleaf pines. Or, listen to the sound of lapping waves from your tent site.
When to go
In the summer, tourists crowd the Panhandle—for good reason. In July, temperatures run in the 80s, so if you’re an avid beachgoer, now is the time to swim to your heart’s content. The heat, however, may bring thunderstorms, so if you’re looking to hit both the beach and the trails, choose the shoulder months. The slightly cooler temperatures make forest and park explorations all the more enjoyable.