Discover the best dog-friendly RV campgrounds in Florida Panhandle

United States
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Florida
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Florida Panhandle

93% (1643 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Florida Panhandle

Dog-friendly getaways

Star Hosts in Florida Panhandle

100%

(15)

Sand Between Your Toes

1 site · RV1 acre · Laguna Beach, FL

The property is located on west end of Panama City Beach, FL fenced and gated with a 16 foot gate and gravel driveway for easy back up or pull in we suggest back up. The property is quiet, with a fire pit, electric hook up service for 30 or 50 amp. Sewer, water, Wi-Fi and electric included. The property is within 3 miles of the world's most beautiful beaches, Panama City Beach Florida. We are conveniently located in the heart of it all. The property is approximately 5 minutes to scenic 30A, 5 minutes to Pier Park, 5 minutes to Frank Brown Park. We enjoy having individuals, families and their pets as long as quite hours remain 9am-9pm and that the property is left in the same manner as it was when you arrived

"Sweet Tupelo" on the "Big River"!

3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Bristol, FL

R.V. DUMP STATION for guests! . ALL THREE sites now have large pull-through circular driveways! . "SWEET TUPELO" is a magical 12-acre RIVERFRONT property offering 3 riverfront R.V. sites, spaced 150 feet apart from each other. We're directly on the Apalachicola River, approximately 15 minutes south of Bristol, Florida. These campsites have so much to offer with sweeping water views on a wide bend of the river! The campsites feature: . 1. Waterfront R.V. camping sites spaced far enough from another camper for your enjoyment, (150 feet apart from each other with Site 1 and Site 3 having woods on one side). 2. Picnic table at EACH SITE. 3. Swivel-top charcoal grill at EACH SITE. 4. Fire Pit with wood Adirondack Chairs AT EACH SITE. 5. EACH SITE has a 30-amp and 50-amp hookup, plus 110v electric outlets, along with two city drinking water spigots, (bring your own RV electric cord and RV drinking water hose). 6. Room for boat parking 7. County-owned boat ramp, playground, restrooms, just 300 YARDS AWAY! 8. R.V. size limit recommendations: Site 1 up to 50', Site 2 up to 40', Site 3 up to 40'. . (For best results to see ALL features of our listing, including dates/availability of ALL 3 campsites, view our Hipcamp listing on a laptop rather than your mobile phone) . Our three "SWEET TUPELO" R.V. campsites are located on 12 riverfront acres in the northern Panhandle of Florida on the historic Apalachicola River. The name “Sweet Tupelo” is taken from the Tupelo tree that grows exclusively in the floodplains and sloughs along the Apalachicola River. Local bees make their honey with the pollen of these trees creating many unique health and taste benefits found only in this part of the world. When you venture back into civilization, make sure you pick up a jar of Tupelo honey. You won’t be disappointed! . "Sweet Tupelo" is located roughly halfway between Apalachicola and Chattahoochee, at the river's mile marker 60. This river is Florida's LARGEST by volume of water, stretching 103 miles from the FL/GA border in Chattahoochee to the historic fishing village of Apalachicola on the Gulf coast. . WE DO NOT OFFER RESTROOMS - You would use your RV bathroom and our RV Dump Station. . Quiet and respectful campers only! No loud parties allowed.

RV on 30E

1 site · RV1 acre · Port St. Joe, FL

Located on Florida's “Forgotten Coast,” a stretch of pristine white beaches just below the panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico, Cape San Blas is known for its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere and few tourists. This is a coveted RV site on the North end of Cape San Blas. Water, power, sewage, and garbage are provided. Deeded beach access and St. Joseph Bay just steps away. Miles of walking and biking paths located across the street. A short walk or bike ride to The Trading Post, Peachy’s Webber’s Donuts and more. Award winning Florida state park, T H Stone Memorial Park a short drive away. Come explore Florida’s forgotten Coast.

The Outside Inn

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Quincy, FL

Planted pine, orchard, untouched wetlands, walking trails, planted fields for wildlife viewing. Quiet and peaceful escape. Close to several state parks, including Torreya, Three rivers, Seminole, Florida Caverns, and Lake Talaquin forest. At this time I can host 1 RV or camper with full hook ups, 3 RV sites with power, water and 1 boondock (no power/water) site but large enough for an off-grid/self-sustainable RV. I'm always happy to show folks around and share the story. Please note: During the rainy season the grass may get a bit long at times. You can also expect to experience a wide variety of agricultural activities, outside of quiet hours of course. Born out of a dream that started 10 years ago when I acquired 40 acres of forgotten and unmanaged rural woods. Having dug right in with the help of the Florida Forestry Service, FWC, IFAS, NRCS and a very knowledgeable private forester; we developed a conservation management plan to restore it to its native state. The neighboring land became available and happily added another 40, I've learned so much on this amazing journey. 25K pines and a great deal of sweat equity later, it is time to share and encourage others to join in on the conservation efforts and make sure it's around for future generations.

Sugar White Sand - St. Joe Beach

1 site · RV1 acre · Port Saint Joe, FL

Most people come here for the sugar white sand beaches, (St. Joe Beach - between Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe), which is within walking distance from your single private RV camper site. 50 and 30 amp service, water hose bib, full sewage hook up, outdoor shower and foot shower, washer/dryer available. Picnic table. Ample parking. Very quiet area. No light pollution. Star gazing is amazing. Able to accommodate BIG RIGS ! Relax on soft, white-sand dune beaches, go snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico, or go fishing at a local, rustic fish shack. The local area also provides an educational and even inspirational peek into the state’s early past. Gift and antique stores, bistros, vest-pocket parks, vast greenways, and an appealing waterfront marina make up this tiny, easily accessible Port St. Joe downtown. Not to mention, you have easy access to some of the best seafood in the nation!

12 top dog-friendly RV sites in Florida Panhandle

100%

(15)

Sand Between Your Toes

1 site · RV1 acre · Laguna Beach, FL

The property is located on west end of Panama City Beach, FL fenced and gated with a 16 foot gate and gravel driveway for easy back up or pull in we suggest back up. The property is quiet, with a fire pit, electric hook up service for 30 or 50 amp. Sewer, water, Wi-Fi and electric included. The property is within 3 miles of the world's most beautiful beaches, Panama City Beach Florida. We are conveniently located in the heart of it all. The property is approximately 5 minutes to scenic 30A, 5 minutes to Pier Park, 5 minutes to Frank Brown Park. We enjoy having individuals, families and their pets as long as quite hours remain 9am-9pm and that the property is left in the same manner as it was when you arrived

The Outside Inn

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Quincy, FL

Planted pine, orchard, untouched wetlands, walking trails, planted fields for wildlife viewing. Quiet and peaceful escape. Close to several state parks, including Torreya, Three rivers, Seminole, Florida Caverns, and Lake Talaquin forest. At this time I can host 1 RV or camper with full hook ups, 3 RV sites with power, water and 1 boondock (no power/water) site but large enough for an off-grid/self-sustainable RV. I'm always happy to show folks around and share the story. Please note: During the rainy season the grass may get a bit long at times. You can also expect to experience a wide variety of agricultural activities, outside of quiet hours of course. Born out of a dream that started 10 years ago when I acquired 40 acres of forgotten and unmanaged rural woods. Having dug right in with the help of the Florida Forestry Service, FWC, IFAS, NRCS and a very knowledgeable private forester; we developed a conservation management plan to restore it to its native state. The neighboring land became available and happily added another 40, I've learned so much on this amazing journey. 25K pines and a great deal of sweat equity later, it is time to share and encourage others to join in on the conservation efforts and make sure it's around for future generations.

"Sweet Tupelo" on the "Big River"!

3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Bristol, FL

R.V. DUMP STATION for guests! . ALL THREE sites now have large pull-through circular driveways! . "SWEET TUPELO" is a magical 12-acre RIVERFRONT property offering 3 riverfront R.V. sites, spaced 150 feet apart from each other. We're directly on the Apalachicola River, approximately 15 minutes south of Bristol, Florida. These campsites have so much to offer with sweeping water views on a wide bend of the river! The campsites feature: . 1. Waterfront R.V. camping sites spaced far enough from another camper for your enjoyment, (150 feet apart from each other with Site 1 and Site 3 having woods on one side). 2. Picnic table at EACH SITE. 3. Swivel-top charcoal grill at EACH SITE. 4. Fire Pit with wood Adirondack Chairs AT EACH SITE. 5. EACH SITE has a 30-amp and 50-amp hookup, plus 110v electric outlets, along with two city drinking water spigots, (bring your own RV electric cord and RV drinking water hose). 6. Room for boat parking 7. County-owned boat ramp, playground, restrooms, just 300 YARDS AWAY! 8. R.V. size limit recommendations: Site 1 up to 50', Site 2 up to 40', Site 3 up to 40'. . (For best results to see ALL features of our listing, including dates/availability of ALL 3 campsites, view our Hipcamp listing on a laptop rather than your mobile phone) . Our three "SWEET TUPELO" R.V. campsites are located on 12 riverfront acres in the northern Panhandle of Florida on the historic Apalachicola River. The name “Sweet Tupelo” is taken from the Tupelo tree that grows exclusively in the floodplains and sloughs along the Apalachicola River. Local bees make their honey with the pollen of these trees creating many unique health and taste benefits found only in this part of the world. When you venture back into civilization, make sure you pick up a jar of Tupelo honey. You won’t be disappointed! . "Sweet Tupelo" is located roughly halfway between Apalachicola and Chattahoochee, at the river's mile marker 60. This river is Florida's LARGEST by volume of water, stretching 103 miles from the FL/GA border in Chattahoochee to the historic fishing village of Apalachicola on the Gulf coast. . WE DO NOT OFFER RESTROOMS - You would use your RV bathroom and our RV Dump Station. . Quiet and respectful campers only! No loud parties allowed.

RV on 30E

1 site · RV1 acre · Port St. Joe, FL

Located on Florida's “Forgotten Coast,” a stretch of pristine white beaches just below the panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico, Cape San Blas is known for its natural beauty, relaxed atmosphere and few tourists. This is a coveted RV site on the North end of Cape San Blas. Water, power, sewage, and garbage are provided. Deeded beach access and St. Joseph Bay just steps away. Miles of walking and biking paths located across the street. A short walk or bike ride to The Trading Post, Peachy’s Webber’s Donuts and more. Award winning Florida state park, T H Stone Memorial Park a short drive away. Come explore Florida’s forgotten Coast.

Sugar White Sand - St. Joe Beach

1 site · RV1 acre · Port Saint Joe, FL

Most people come here for the sugar white sand beaches, (St. Joe Beach - between Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe), which is within walking distance from your single private RV camper site. 50 and 30 amp service, water hose bib, full sewage hook up, outdoor shower and foot shower, washer/dryer available. Picnic table. Ample parking. Very quiet area. No light pollution. Star gazing is amazing. Able to accommodate BIG RIGS ! Relax on soft, white-sand dune beaches, go snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico, or go fishing at a local, rustic fish shack. The local area also provides an educational and even inspirational peek into the state’s early past. Gift and antique stores, bistros, vest-pocket parks, vast greenways, and an appealing waterfront marina make up this tiny, easily accessible Port St. Joe downtown. Not to mention, you have easy access to some of the best seafood in the nation!

100%

(3)

Country Camping At The Beach

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Upper Grand Lagoon, FL

This memorable place is anything but ordinary. Bring your RV and experience the beach while feeling like you are at the zoo. You have your personal fenced in yard, but can step out and pet and feed goats and chickens. Walk to the beach or many of the activities and restaurants near by. You can also come back to your place and enjoy the fire pit, grill and hot tub. Plenty of space to bring your toys. We provide 50 amp service, water, outdoor shower, sewer hookup and wifi.

99%

(39)

The Gulf Stream Beach Camp

1 site · RV1 acre · Port Saint Joe, FL

Private, breezy RV lot one block from the Gulf of Mexico. Beautiful white sand beaches, an incredible starry night sky, and the peaceful sound of waves on the shore awaits you. The lot is a 12-minute drive from the City of Port St. Joe with restaurant options, grocery store, and marina, and a 5-minute drive from Mexico Beach. Looking for some fun on the beach? Check out Barefoot Rentals in Mexico Beach for kayaks, paddle boards, golf cart rentals and beach gear that deliver to the beach, the RV property, or any of the surrounding areas.

92%

(6)

RV Spots on Cape San Blas

9 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Port Saint Joe, FL

We are a property management company with nearly 250 properties to choose from across Cape San Blas, Indian Pass, Mexico Beach, and St Joe Beach. These are our selection of RV Rental Sites located near the beach for those that want to hear the sounds of the beach and everything the coastal outdoors has to offer. Please note that pricing can vary by time of year.

95%

(30)

Wild and Free Cape San Blas RV

1 site · RV2 acres · Port St Joe, FL

Full hook-up extra large RV LOT right off North Cape San Blas Rd. Sunrise views of St Joe Bay and a short walk or bike to the beach (approx .4 miles from site). Located on an acre and a half lot stretching from Cape San Blas Rd to the bay, there is plenty of room for extra cars, boat parking, and complete privacy. Direct access to St Joe Bay from private dock should be done 2025.

94%

(51)

Panama City Beach RV Resort

118 sites · RVs5 acres · Panama City Beach, FL

We are a cute little RV resort just across from the Gulf of Mexico. You can ride your bikes or take a golf cart ride over to St. Andrews State Park. There are many great activities close by to choose from. Our friendly and helpful staff would be delighted to help! We are open year-round and would love to have you here! We have full hookups on all of our sites. We are across the street from the beach, a short 5-minute walk. Heated pool. Clean bathhouses. Laundromat and fitness room. We are just minutes away from St. Andrews State Park. They have great nature trails you can walk or ride your bike. Come check out our great location and meet all of the wonderful guests we have! Free high-speed wireless internet is brand new along with beach access from our private, gated resort. We’re really pet-friendly here and even have a fantastic dog park.

92%

(37)

Crazy 8 Ranch & 4 Steps Horse Rescue

7 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Tallahassee , FL

This is our own little piece of paradise and we love to share it with others. First, we are a horse rescue ranch under 4 Steps Horse Rescue, 501c3 non-profit. The business side is Crazy 8 Ranch. We offer guided trail rides, boarding, education and activities for all ages. All proceeds go towards the feed and care of our rescues. Everyone is welcome here, come enjoy our hospitality

100%

(2)

It's Creek Time - Howard Creek

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Wewahitchka, FL

One acre with an area of 80x120 fenced in the eclectic fishing community of Howard Creek. DOG FRIENDLY! You can put your boat in just 5 minutes away. Howard Creek is located just 20 minutes from the St Joe Bay for saltwater fishing or access to the Gulf of Mexico, 15 minutes from the Intracoastal waterway access at White City, FL and 35 minutes from the Dead Lakes in Wewahitchka, FL. Flat site partially tucked behind some trees and set back 80 feet off of the sand street. Well water hookup, septic capabilities with macerator (lav pump), electric with 30 and 50 amp at the box on the pole (approx. 100 feet from primary parking spot) or 30 amp at the parking spot, corner of pole barn. COLD water shower and sink available. There is a pole barn on the property with our camper stored under it. You're welcome to use the remaining space under the pool barn for your leisure, approximately 20x35 ft. We're dog people! Your dogs are welcome but must supervised while you're away from the property. We have some wonderful neighbors and do not want to disturb them. There are security cameras present on the property. This is a wonderful "Forgotten Coast" region of the Florida panhandle with so much to see and do within minutes. This area took a direct hit from Hurricane Michael in 2018 and has worked hard at recovery, with so much rebuilding and growth over the last few years. Howard Creek is an eclectic little fishing community made up of a variety of residents from weekend fishers, summer or winter visitors and full time residents. This little golf cart community offers a small general store, a small community church, a volunteer fire department and two landings to put your boat in. Just 20 minutes from the quaint little beach town of Port Saint Joe, Florida. PSJ is known for its warm, welcoming people, old world Florida feel, dog-friendly beaches, Cape San Blas and Indian Pass. Many locally owned wonderful restaurants, bakeries and shops. It's easy to find a charter out of PSJ if you're interested in fishing! If you leave our site and head north, you're just 35 minutes from the Dead Lakes in Wewahitchka; some gorgeous old Florida natural views and fresh water fishing; bream, large mouth bass, crappie, shellcracker and catfish.

Under $50

92%

(37)

Crazy 8 Ranch & 4 Steps Horse Rescue

7 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Tallahassee , FL

This is our own little piece of paradise and we love to share it with others. First, we are a horse rescue ranch under 4 Steps Horse Rescue, 501c3 non-profit. The business side is Crazy 8 Ranch. We offer guided trail rides, boarding, education and activities for all ages. All proceeds go towards the feed and care of our rescues. Everyone is welcome here, come enjoy our hospitality

Booked 2 times

Scott's Ferry

16 sites · Lodging, RVs23 acres · Blountstown, FL

Welcome to our historic riverside campground, where guests can unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature in a welcoming community setting. Here’s what awaits you during your stay: What You’ll See Our campground is nestled in a scenic natural setting, surrounded by towering trees, open green spaces, and peaceful waters. The river is a central feature, providing stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset. As you explore the grounds, you’ll find stocked fishing ponds, cozy cabins, glamping tents, RV sites, and charming campsites, each offering its own unique vantage point of Florida’s native beauty. Things to Do - Fishing: Grab your gear and fish in our stocked ponds or along the riverbank. - Canoeing: Take to the river with our canoe rentals, and enjoy a peaceful paddle or an adventurous exploration. - Camping & Glamping: Choose from our tent sites, cozy cabins, glamping tents with extra comfort, or RV sites for added convenience. - Community Events: Join us for seasonal gatherings, from fishing tournaments and local farmers’ markets to small concerts and community meals. What to Expect We pride ourselves on creating a family-friendly, relaxed environment where guests feel right at home. Our general store (currently under renovation) will soon offer a unique selection of local goods, healthy snacks, and camping essentials. Our upcoming bistro will feature farm-to-table meals and local craft beers, providing a cozy spot to gather and enjoy good food with good company. With a focus on local products, community, and outdoor living, our campground is a place where everyone – from families to adventure-seekers to nature lovers – can relax, explore, and feel welcome. Whether you’re here to fish, explore, park your RV, or simply unwind by the fire, we’re here to help make your stay memorable.

The Outside Inn

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Quincy, FL

Planted pine, orchard, untouched wetlands, walking trails, planted fields for wildlife viewing. Quiet and peaceful escape. Close to several state parks, including Torreya, Three rivers, Seminole, Florida Caverns, and Lake Talaquin forest. At this time I can host 1 RV or camper with full hook ups, 3 RV sites with power, water and 1 boondock (no power/water) site but large enough for an off-grid/self-sustainable RV. I'm always happy to show folks around and share the story. Please note: During the rainy season the grass may get a bit long at times. You can also expect to experience a wide variety of agricultural activities, outside of quiet hours of course. Born out of a dream that started 10 years ago when I acquired 40 acres of forgotten and unmanaged rural woods. Having dug right in with the help of the Florida Forestry Service, FWC, IFAS, NRCS and a very knowledgeable private forester; we developed a conservation management plan to restore it to its native state. The neighboring land became available and happily added another 40, I've learned so much on this amazing journey. 25K pines and a great deal of sweat equity later, it is time to share and encourage others to join in on the conservation efforts and make sure it's around for future generations.

"Sweet Tupelo" on the "Big River"!

3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Bristol, FL

R.V. DUMP STATION for guests! . ALL THREE sites now have large pull-through circular driveways! . "SWEET TUPELO" is a magical 12-acre RIVERFRONT property offering 3 riverfront R.V. sites, spaced 150 feet apart from each other. We're directly on the Apalachicola River, approximately 15 minutes south of Bristol, Florida. These campsites have so much to offer with sweeping water views on a wide bend of the river! The campsites feature: . 1. Waterfront R.V. camping sites spaced far enough from another camper for your enjoyment, (150 feet apart from each other with Site 1 and Site 3 having woods on one side). 2. Picnic table at EACH SITE. 3. Swivel-top charcoal grill at EACH SITE. 4. Fire Pit with wood Adirondack Chairs AT EACH SITE. 5. EACH SITE has a 30-amp and 50-amp hookup, plus 110v electric outlets, along with two city drinking water spigots, (bring your own RV electric cord and RV drinking water hose). 6. Room for boat parking 7. County-owned boat ramp, playground, restrooms, just 300 YARDS AWAY! 8. R.V. size limit recommendations: Site 1 up to 50', Site 2 up to 40', Site 3 up to 40'. . (For best results to see ALL features of our listing, including dates/availability of ALL 3 campsites, view our Hipcamp listing on a laptop rather than your mobile phone) . Our three "SWEET TUPELO" R.V. campsites are located on 12 riverfront acres in the northern Panhandle of Florida on the historic Apalachicola River. The name “Sweet Tupelo” is taken from the Tupelo tree that grows exclusively in the floodplains and sloughs along the Apalachicola River. Local bees make their honey with the pollen of these trees creating many unique health and taste benefits found only in this part of the world. When you venture back into civilization, make sure you pick up a jar of Tupelo honey. You won’t be disappointed! . "Sweet Tupelo" is located roughly halfway between Apalachicola and Chattahoochee, at the river's mile marker 60. This river is Florida's LARGEST by volume of water, stretching 103 miles from the FL/GA border in Chattahoochee to the historic fishing village of Apalachicola on the Gulf coast. . WE DO NOT OFFER RESTROOMS - You would use your RV bathroom and our RV Dump Station. . Quiet and respectful campers only! No loud parties allowed.

It's Creek Time - Howard Creek

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Wewahitchka, FL

One acre with an area of 80x120 fenced in the eclectic fishing community of Howard Creek. DOG FRIENDLY! You can put your boat in just 5 minutes away. Howard Creek is located just 20 minutes from the St Joe Bay for saltwater fishing or access to the Gulf of Mexico, 15 minutes from the Intracoastal waterway access at White City, FL and 35 minutes from the Dead Lakes in Wewahitchka, FL. Flat site partially tucked behind some trees and set back 80 feet off of the sand street. Well water hookup, septic capabilities with macerator (lav pump), electric with 30 and 50 amp at the box on the pole (approx. 100 feet from primary parking spot) or 30 amp at the parking spot, corner of pole barn. COLD water shower and sink available. There is a pole barn on the property with our camper stored under it. You're welcome to use the remaining space under the pool barn for your leisure, approximately 20x35 ft. We're dog people! Your dogs are welcome but must supervised while you're away from the property. We have some wonderful neighbors and do not want to disturb them. There are security cameras present on the property. This is a wonderful "Forgotten Coast" region of the Florida panhandle with so much to see and do within minutes. This area took a direct hit from Hurricane Michael in 2018 and has worked hard at recovery, with so much rebuilding and growth over the last few years. Howard Creek is an eclectic little fishing community made up of a variety of residents from weekend fishers, summer or winter visitors and full time residents. This little golf cart community offers a small general store, a small community church, a volunteer fire department and two landings to put your boat in. Just 20 minutes from the quaint little beach town of Port Saint Joe, Florida. PSJ is known for its warm, welcoming people, old world Florida feel, dog-friendly beaches, Cape San Blas and Indian Pass. Many locally owned wonderful restaurants, bakeries and shops. It's easy to find a charter out of PSJ if you're interested in fishing! If you leave our site and head north, you're just 35 minutes from the Dead Lakes in Wewahitchka; some gorgeous old Florida natural views and fresh water fishing; bream, large mouth bass, crappie, shellcracker and catfish.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Three Rivers State Park

Sneads, Florida

100%

(10)

Florida Caverns State Park

Marianna, Florida

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

100%

(12)

T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park

Port St Joe, Florida

100%

(11)

St. Andrews State Park

Lower Grand Lagoon, Florida

Apalachicola National Forest

Hosford, Florida

100%

(2)

Falling Waters State Park

Ochlockonee River State Park

Sopchoppy, Florida

Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park

100%

(5)

Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park

St George Island, Florida

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Dog-friendly RV 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.