The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Florida’s panhandle is home to Fort Walton Beach, which is flanked by Santa Rosa Sound and Choctawhatchee Bay. Campers can swim, boat, fish, mountain bike, and explore one-of-a-kind natural occurrences close by—find cave systems, sinkholes, and stalactites at Florida Caverns State Park and a rare coastal dune lake in Deer Lake State Park. Camping options range from high-end RV resorts with all the amenities to primitive backcountry camping. Equestrian campers can also find access to designated trails and stables for their horses at Florida Caverns State Park. And furnished rental cabins await campers just across the Alabama state border in Little River State Forest.

100% (724)

Top-rated campgrounds

Florida’s panhandle is home to Fort Walton Beach, which is flanked by Santa Rosa Sound and Choctawhatchee Bay. Campers can swim, boat, fish, mountain bike, and explore one-of-a-kind natural occurrences close by—find cave systems, sinkholes, and stalactites at Florida Caverns State Park and a rare coastal dune lake in Deer Lake State Park. Camping options range from high-end RV resorts with all the amenities to primitive backcountry camping. Equestrian campers can also find access to designated trails and stables for their horses at Florida Caverns State Park. And furnished rental cabins await campers just across the Alabama state border in Little River State Forest.

100% (724)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Wandering Path

100%

(383)

36mi from Fort Walton Beach · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Milton, FL

Located 20 minutes north of downtown Milton, FL, The Wandering Path is a serene escape, offering a unique blend of untouched natural beauty and comfortable accommodations. With 2000 feet of waterfront along the picturesque Coldwater Creek, this nature retreat is a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life, set within a sprawling 20-acre landscape. Accommodations at The Wandering Path are designed for those seeking a peaceful retreat. 4 glamping tents, equipped with real full-size beds, portable AC for summer, heaters for winter, and essential amenities, ensure a comfortable stay amidst nature. Each tent is adorned with solar string lights, and outdoor essentials like a picnic table, fire pit ring, small charcoal grill, and trash can are provided. There is 1 RV site with 30 amp electric and water. For those who prefer a more raw connection with nature, 4 primitive campsites are available, each equipped with solar string lights, a fire pit ring, and a trash can. Guests have access to a centrally located bathhouse with two full bathrooms, ensuring comfort and convenience. There is an outdoor kitchen for all guests to use. There is no cookware, silverware or dishes. There is a counter-top oven, toaster, 2 stove top burners, 1 flat top griddle, sink and keurig coffee maker. There are reusable k-cups for you to put your own coffee in, or your own k-cups. The property boasts 2000 feet of trails alongside the creek, perfect for hiking and exploring the natural surroundings. Kayak rentals are available for guests with appropriate vehicles, and fishing enthusiasts are welcome to cast their lines into the spring-fed creek. At The Wandering Path, nights come alive under a starlit sky, unblemished by city lights, making every evening perfect for a campfire. It’s more than just a stay; it’s an experience of tranquility, a chance to recharge amidst nature’s embrace. We look forward to becoming your go-to spot when you’re in need of recharging. We are less than 1 hour from Pensacola and Navarre beaches, 15-20 minutes to local grocery stores and restaurants. At this time, no pets or children under 12 are allowed in yurts. ***All pets do require prior approval to maintain the safety of other guests.

2. Bay Forest Retreat

96%

(362)

17mi from Fort Walton Beach · 7 sites · Tents, Lodging · Navarre, FL

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.

3. Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

99%

(157)

42mi from Fort Walton Beach · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Wing, AL

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.

4. FOB Pelican on the bayou War Wagon

100%

(4)

27mi from Fort Walton Beach · 3 sites · Lodging · Milton, FL

FOB Pelican is a small peninsula surrounded by Little Pelican Bayou. We have an airstream camper, sleeps 3, an M109a3 army truck, sleeps 2 with an adjacent shower and restroom. FOB Pelican has an air conditioned trolley car converted into a bar that overlooks the bayou and a larger outdoor bar that overlooks the bayou. We also have a small beach with canoes and kayaks. There’s feeders that attract numerous turtles and fish to watch at feeding times. The bayou leads out to the Blackwater River accessing downtown Milton river walk or go south into the bay and Pensacola. We have an RV electrical and water hookup as well.

5. LappinLand

100%

(1)

41mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Wing, AL

Discover Serenity at LappinLand Escape to this peaceful riverfront cabin tucked into nature in rural Escambia County, Alabama. This cozy getaway accommodates up to 4 guests with 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, and a full bathroom—offering the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern comfort. What You’ll Love Relax by the river on hammocks, listening to the gentle flow of water. Unwind beside the fire pit under a brilliant starry sky. Enjoy convenient amenities like heating, air conditioning, and on-demand hot water. Cook meals in the full kitchen and freshen up in clean, modern bathroom facilities. Bring your own drinking water; the artesian well water is mineral-rich and best used for other needs. Pets are welcome and can roam off-leash. On the Land The cabin is surrounded by forest and trails, with three state forests bordering the property. A shooting range and race track are located about five miles away, offering a mix of peaceful nature and nearby activity. Ideal For Couples or small groups looking for a quiet river retreat Nature lovers who enjoy hiking, relaxing in hammocks, or stargazing Pet-friendly travelers Practical Details Starting at $48/night Campfires allowed Flush toilets and showers available Pets allowed, off leash Nearby Adventure With forests, trails, and scenic natural areas all around, this is an ideal base for exploring Alabama’s outdoors—or simply disconnecting and relaxing by the river.

6. Lake City Campground

100%

(7)

46mi from Fort Walton Beach · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Florala, AL

Just a 10-minute drive to Lake Jackson, Alabama’s only natural lake, this peaceful camping retreat is the perfect place for families to relax and enjoy nature. Positioned in the city of Florala, this campground is a combination of Florida Sunshine and Alabama heritage making it a valuable repository of outdoor activities and perfect for the history-seeking enthusiast. This veteran-owned and operated campground provides a place where family time is revisited with games and campfire stories. Memories can be made in only a short drive for shaded picnics on the beaches of Florala State Park, exploring the peaceful downtown antique shops, or just a shaded stroll through 21+ acres of nature located right outside your door. This location is also an affordable destination for visiting the beaches of Destin, Ft. Walton, or Navarre. Being just an hour drive away, you can spend time enjoying the refreshing salt air, and then return to the campground for some time to relax in the serenity of nature.

7. Elegant Log Cabin Creekside

100%

(4)

42mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · Lodging · AL

Forget your worries in this spacious and serene space located in the Conecuh National Forest. Cabin has small amount of steps on front and is 3 levels on the back, overlooking the forest and trail down to the creek. Spacious back porch with several comfortable rocking chairs allows for birdwatching and visiting. Down the trail 2-3 min walking or driving is a covered pavilion and beautiful creekside private sandbar. Wifi and phone are spotty. Conveniently located close to fishing lakes.

8. Country Living

100%

(2)

46mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Vernon, FL

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and experience the great outdoors by staying under the stars at our peaceful retreat. Located near Holmes Creek, our camper is nestled on a stunning 40-acre property with plenty of trails to explore and wildlife to observe. Despite feeling miles away from civilization, our property is actually conveniently located just 30 miles from Panama City Beach. Whether you're looking for a day of fun in the sun or an evening of entertainment, the beach is just a short drive away. Our site boasts a cozy fire pit, BBQ grill, and outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a meal or drinks with loved ones. We also provide essential amenities such as water, sewer, and electricity, as well as satellite internet and a television with a Netflix account. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors.

9. War Wagon on FOB Pelican

27mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Milton, FL

The War Wagon @ FOB Pelican is located one mile north of I-10 off Exit 28. The Vietnam era truck is under a shaded cover and equipped with a queen size bed, ac, tv, coffee maker, refrigerator and wifi. The property’ amenities are available to guests. Outside under cover bar, trolley car bar, kayaks, canoes and floats. We’re on the water with a small beach for kayak launching and a boat tie-up area. We’re close to the beaches, downtown Milton, and Pensacola. Our property features a dock with boat access to the Blackwater River and the surrounding bay. There is additional lodging available on FOB Pelican. Guests can enjoy free use of canoes, kayaks, and floats. There’s an air-conditioned trolley bar overlooking the water, plus a covered outdoor bar area with a TV and hot tub. Milton offers great bars and restaurants nearby, and you can even have food delivered from Domino’s or Walmart. You’ll feel like you’re in a remote Florida bayou, yet still close to everything.

10. The Lazy River

100%

(1)

32mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Vernon, FL

Located on the Choctawhatchee river, The Lazy River home is 1 mile up river from the bay and located just off of the big river. You are able to access the best of both worlds here including Crab Island, the fresh water springs and the big river. Stay in the river and catch bass, bream and catfish or venture into the bay and catch redfish, trout and mullet. The home features a private concrete boat launch, dock, and boat lift in the brackish water canal behind the home for your boat. Enjoy accessing the home for your stay by water or land. Our favorite way to access is by boat- launching at the West Bay bridge in Panama City and running down the intracoastal waterway into the bay. When accessing our property by vehicle, be prepared to drive 17 miles off of highway 79 with a 4 mile portion of that being a dirt road. We can not guarantee the condition of the dirt road portion of your drive for your stay, however the dirt road is graded weekly. Enjoy the seclusion of this area while still being in close proximity to Panama City Beach and 30A. Pier Park in Panama City Beach is where you can find the nearest grocery stores, shopping and restaurants in a 35-40 min drive from the home. Once you are here, its likely you will want to stay and not leave though so bring plenty of good meals to cook and enjoy! The home features a private screened cookhouse with a wood burning grill, satellite TV and plenty of private parking for your vehicle and boat trailer.

Camper favorites near Fort Walton Beach

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

FOB Pelican on the bayou War Wagon

100%

(4)

27mi from Fort Walton Beach · 3 sites · Lodging · Milton, FL

FOB Pelican is a small peninsula surrounded by Little Pelican Bayou. We have an airstream camper, sleeps 3, an M109a3 army truck, sleeps 2 with an adjacent shower and restroom. FOB Pelican has an air conditioned trolley car converted into a bar that overlooks the bayou and a larger outdoor bar that overlooks the bayou. We also have a small beach with canoes and kayaks. There’s feeders that attract numerous turtles and fish to watch at feeding times. The bayou leads out to the Blackwater River accessing downtown Milton river walk or go south into the bay and Pensacola. We have an RV electrical and water hookup as well.

LappinLand

100%

(1)

41mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Wing, AL

Discover Serenity at LappinLand Escape to this peaceful riverfront cabin tucked into nature in rural Escambia County, Alabama. This cozy getaway accommodates up to 4 guests with 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, and a full bathroom—offering the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern comfort. What You’ll Love Relax by the river on hammocks, listening to the gentle flow of water. Unwind beside the fire pit under a brilliant starry sky. Enjoy convenient amenities like heating, air conditioning, and on-demand hot water. Cook meals in the full kitchen and freshen up in clean, modern bathroom facilities. Bring your own drinking water; the artesian well water is mineral-rich and best used for other needs. Pets are welcome and can roam off-leash. On the Land The cabin is surrounded by forest and trails, with three state forests bordering the property. A shooting range and race track are located about five miles away, offering a mix of peaceful nature and nearby activity. Ideal For Couples or small groups looking for a quiet river retreat Nature lovers who enjoy hiking, relaxing in hammocks, or stargazing Pet-friendly travelers Practical Details Starting at $48/night Campfires allowed Flush toilets and showers available Pets allowed, off leash Nearby Adventure With forests, trails, and scenic natural areas all around, this is an ideal base for exploring Alabama’s outdoors—or simply disconnecting and relaxing by the river.

Lake City Campground

100%

(7)

46mi from Fort Walton Beach · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Florala, AL

Just a 10-minute drive to Lake Jackson, Alabama’s only natural lake, this peaceful camping retreat is the perfect place for families to relax and enjoy nature. Positioned in the city of Florala, this campground is a combination of Florida Sunshine and Alabama heritage making it a valuable repository of outdoor activities and perfect for the history-seeking enthusiast. This veteran-owned and operated campground provides a place where family time is revisited with games and campfire stories. Memories can be made in only a short drive for shaded picnics on the beaches of Florala State Park, exploring the peaceful downtown antique shops, or just a shaded stroll through 21+ acres of nature located right outside your door. This location is also an affordable destination for visiting the beaches of Destin, Ft. Walton, or Navarre. Being just an hour drive away, you can spend time enjoying the refreshing salt air, and then return to the campground for some time to relax in the serenity of nature.

Elegant Log Cabin Creekside

100%

(4)

42mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · Lodging · AL

Forget your worries in this spacious and serene space located in the Conecuh National Forest. Cabin has small amount of steps on front and is 3 levels on the back, overlooking the forest and trail down to the creek. Spacious back porch with several comfortable rocking chairs allows for birdwatching and visiting. Down the trail 2-3 min walking or driving is a covered pavilion and beautiful creekside private sandbar. Wifi and phone are spotty. Conveniently located close to fishing lakes.

Country Living

100%

(2)

46mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Vernon, FL

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and experience the great outdoors by staying under the stars at our peaceful retreat. Located near Holmes Creek, our camper is nestled on a stunning 40-acre property with plenty of trails to explore and wildlife to observe. Despite feeling miles away from civilization, our property is actually conveniently located just 30 miles from Panama City Beach. Whether you're looking for a day of fun in the sun or an evening of entertainment, the beach is just a short drive away. Our site boasts a cozy fire pit, BBQ grill, and outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying a meal or drinks with loved ones. We also provide essential amenities such as water, sewer, and electricity, as well as satellite internet and a television with a Netflix account. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors.

War Wagon on FOB Pelican

27mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Milton, FL

The War Wagon @ FOB Pelican is located one mile north of I-10 off Exit 28. The Vietnam era truck is under a shaded cover and equipped with a queen size bed, ac, tv, coffee maker, refrigerator and wifi. The property’ amenities are available to guests. Outside under cover bar, trolley car bar, kayaks, canoes and floats. We’re on the water with a small beach for kayak launching and a boat tie-up area. We’re close to the beaches, downtown Milton, and Pensacola. Our property features a dock with boat access to the Blackwater River and the surrounding bay. There is additional lodging available on FOB Pelican. Guests can enjoy free use of canoes, kayaks, and floats. There’s an air-conditioned trolley bar overlooking the water, plus a covered outdoor bar area with a TV and hot tub. Milton offers great bars and restaurants nearby, and you can even have food delivered from Domino’s or Walmart. You’ll feel like you’re in a remote Florida bayou, yet still close to everything.

The Lazy River

100%

(1)

32mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · Lodging · Vernon, FL

Located on the Choctawhatchee river, The Lazy River home is 1 mile up river from the bay and located just off of the big river. You are able to access the best of both worlds here including Crab Island, the fresh water springs and the big river. Stay in the river and catch bass, bream and catfish or venture into the bay and catch redfish, trout and mullet. The home features a private concrete boat launch, dock, and boat lift in the brackish water canal behind the home for your boat. Enjoy accessing the home for your stay by water or land. Our favorite way to access is by boat- launching at the West Bay bridge in Panama City and running down the intracoastal waterway into the bay. When accessing our property by vehicle, be prepared to drive 17 miles off of highway 79 with a 4 mile portion of that being a dirt road. We can not guarantee the condition of the dirt road portion of your drive for your stay, however the dirt road is graded weekly. Enjoy the seclusion of this area while still being in close proximity to Panama City Beach and 30A. Pier Park in Panama City Beach is where you can find the nearest grocery stores, shopping and restaurants in a 35-40 min drive from the home. Once you are here, its likely you will want to stay and not leave though so bring plenty of good meals to cook and enjoy! The home features a private screened cookhouse with a wood burning grill, satellite TV and plenty of private parking for your vehicle and boat trailer.

Stories from the community

Baking biscuits with the dry heat method on my coleman stove.

S

Scarlett

2 weeks ago

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!

J

Jamie

3 weeks ago

With kids

2 nights at The Wandering Path

Our family rented out 2 yurts for our sons birthday and we had an amazing time! Amanda was attentive and kind (as was her sweet fur baby, Bella) Our yurt was clean and well maintained. We had everything we needed to make our "glamping" trip a success and we look forward to making more memories there soon!

Even though it was pretty hot out, we HAD to make a campfire for s'mores!

P

Peggy

3 weeks ago

2 nights at The Wandering Path

Absolutely beautiful location white sand bar cold water creek steps away from camp site . Definitely will return!!!!

T

Trixie

November 2025

1 night at The Wandering Path

I loved the welcome and the energy. The area was clean and the space felt private but not isolated. It felt communal in the common spaces but there was plenty of room to be alone.

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!

C

Claire

November 2025

Weekend Trip to The Wandering Path

We loved our experience. The yurt was clean, bed comfortable, and campsite quiet and perfect. We enjoyed walking to the sandbars and hiking the trail. The host communicated well- provided clear directions and checked in on us once we were settled in. We will definitely be back!

Haylee

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

The space was very secluded and clean. We would come again!

R

Rachel

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

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!

A

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.

A

Amaury

October 2025

With kids

2 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

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!

T

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.

Shelly

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Wandering Path

The Wandering Path was a fabulous place to stay. Very relaxing environment with spaced out sites for privacy. There’s a communal kitchen area and the bathrooms were nice and well kept. We stayed in yurt #1 which was cozy and a short walk to the sandy waterfront. Amanda, the host was very friendly. Will visit again in the future.

M

Mare

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Wandering Path

The Wandering Path is a wonderful experience. Amanda is a great host who always makes us feel welcomed. This is our 4th annual trip and we enjoy it more each time. The yurt is spacious & clean and the camp area is located near to the bathhouse and the creek. The creek was chilly and clear. It was another magical experience at the Wandering Path.

M

Michelle

September 2025

4 nights at Elegant Log Cabin Creekside

What a beautiful place to relax and let the noise of the world fade away. The property is spacious, with plenty of shade and room to run and play, plus a lovely walking trail that leads down to the creek. Though the creek is narrow, it was perfect for walking the full creek bed with our dog as he learns the river. Along the way, we found several swimming holes that were just deep enough to cool off, but never too deep to be safe. The fire pit is beautifully laid out and makes the perfect spot for morning coffee in the shade. The house itself is neat, clean, and tidy, with everything thoughtfully put together — it truly feels like a cozy cabin in the woods. We especially appreciated how private and dog-friendly the property is. Our pittie boy had the best time exploring, swimming, and enjoying the simple pleasures of the private beach and creek walks. It’s exactly the kind of secluded getaway we’re always searching for, and we’ve already added it to our trip planner for future visits. Mary was so very pleasant, patient and accommodating. I felt very welcomed and at home. Thank you Mary :)

J

Jessica

September 2025

Weekend Trip to The Wandering Path

Amanda’s land was the perfect sweet retreat! With a trail and access to the river, the property was so fun to explore. Yurt #2 was so cozy, and the outside lights made it cute to sit out at night and enjoy my space. The bath house and kitchen were extra sweet perks! The perfect hidden gem in Milton ❤️

J

Joseph

August 2025

With kids

1 night at Bay Forest Retreat

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.

J

Joseph

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

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!

T

Tammy

August 2025

With pets

4 nights at Elegant Log Cabin Creekside

I cannot say enough about this cabin and the host Mary, location, privacy and all of the provided amenities. Wonderful place to just hang out at the creek and disconnect from the everyday hustle of work. Mary has done an outstanding job she has provided basically everything you need (you will need extra ice)

M

Mckinnon

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

The place was great easy to find pretty private. Loved being able to use the kayaks..

R

Rachel

August 2025

Weekend Trip to The Wandering Path

Everything was great!! It was very relaxing and quiet. I would definitely recommend going to the wandering path

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Fort Walton Beach guide

Where to go

Florida Caverns State Park

About 100 miles northeast of Fort Walton Beach, rainwater eroded bedrock for eons, creating the limestone cave system of Florida Caverns State Park. Open year-round (but closing each day at sunset), the park offers guided cave tours among sinkholes, stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones—just show up early, since tour tickets are first-come, first-served and sell out fast. Hipcampers can also enjoy bicycling, hiking, and boating on Chipola River. Stay nearby at pet-friendly tent and RV campsites with 50-amp hookups.

Little River State Forest, AL

Northwest of Fort Walton Beach, just across the border to Alabama, sits Little River State Forest. Hipcampers will find 2,100 acres of longleaf pine and a man-made dam and spillway that created Little River Lake—perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating (rentals available in the park). Little River State Forest has RV and tent campsites with electric and water hookups and primitive, backcountry camping anywhere in the park. Ride a horse through gorgeous pine forests, slide down the spillway, or look for quail and bobcats during the day, then retire to a furnished cabin at night.

Deer Lake State Park

Deer Lake is a rare landscape formation of coastal dune lakes. In Deer Lake State Park, campers explore growths of Gulf Coast lupine, spoonflower, and pitcher plants all while witnessing the migration of birds and butterflies. Three dollars per vehicle in the honor box allows campers to stroll the boardwalk across the dunes to find the perfect picnic, swimming, or fishing spot in warm Gulf waters. There’s no camping in the park, but campsite options nearby include pet-friendly RV campsites with potable water on pull-in and back-in concrete pads, dirt pads, and grassy fields.

When to go

Summers at Fort Walton Beach last from May to the end of September, with the temperature averaging 85°F. Expect cloudy skies, increased rainfall, and high humidity. During spring and fall, temperatures usually stay around 65°F and drop no lower than 45°F. Many campers may prefer to camp from September to October or April to May to avoid the humidity, but lots of campsites and resorts are open year-round.