The best river, stream, or creek RV campgrounds 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.

93% (485)

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.

93% (485)

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. 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.

3. Apple Hill Cabins and Camp Ground

98%

(56)

41mi from Fort Walton Beach · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · AL

Associated on 40 acres. Adjacent to Conecuh and Blackwater National forests. Five RV pads, areas for primitive camping. Two Rustic Cabins with bath and showers. Amenities include fishponds,( no license required, no catch limit). Ponds have bass, brim, catfish and tilapia. Access to Blackwater River for swimming, canoeing, tubing or Kayaking. Hunting allowed in National Forests in season with license, skinning rack available on site. only 45 miles from the beach camp or stay in cabins an drive to the beach and save a $$$$$$ drive or pull your big rvs and leave them in goods hands to you return for your next vacation

4. 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.

5. Shoal River Retreat

100%

(3)

19mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · RV · Crestview, FL

RV pad available for rental. Includes 50 amp electric, sewer, water hookup, use of laundry facility, fire pit and WiFi. Picturesque, private setting on 30 acres but 10 minutes from I-10, shops and restaurants. River kayaking and fishing available. Maximum of 2 people, regret no children due to water hazards. Does not include RV in photo, for illustrative purposes only.

Public campgrounds near Fort Walton Beach

100%

(4)

Blackwater River Campground

32mi from Fort Walton Beach · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Blackwater River State Park

100%

(1)

Open Pond Recreation Area

46mi from Fort Walton Beach · 74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Conecuh National Forest

Stories from the community

J

Jerry

November 2025

22 ft travel trailer

7 nights at Shoal River Retreat

Darryl’s place was private and clean he had kayaks and a jon boat we could use. but we were unable to use because of the colder weather will deffanatly be back in the future.

K

Kevin

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

Supper nice. Definitely going backwards. River is nice. Power,water and toilet.

G

Gryphon

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

5 nights at Shoal River Retreat

Absolutely wonderful place with a wonderful host. Would absolutely stay here again.

A

Adam

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

Great tent spots right on the river, nearby patio area has all the needed amenities to make any length of stay comfortable. Host is very friendly and hospitable. Fun spot for kids to explore riverbank or do some fishing, we caught and released several over a short period. Highly recommend this spot if want to throw up a tent or park an RV.

A

Ashley

September 2025

10 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

Absolutely loved this cute little secluded campground in the forest. There was absolutely no cell service, but that was a nice change. There’s no regular power hookups at the campsite, which sucked but we had a backup plan for those times. We will most definitely be back!!

Tami

September 2025

29 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

It was beautiful, quiet, and dark at night. Phone service was a little sketchy but she warns about that and anyway, you're there to unplug and get away! The river is beautiful.

E

Elizabeth

September 2025

17 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to The Wandering Path

The Rv site was perfect and the creek is such a nice spot to swim and relax. Amanda was friendly and kept the bath houses very well maintained.

T

Tyler

September 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

Cozy spot right by the creek. Shelia and Larry’s place is a hidden gem for nature lovers.

C

Chris

September 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at The Wandering Path

Beautiful area. Very quiet and well maintained. Amanda is a great host, very accommodating.

C

Chris

September 2025

12 ft travel trailer

2 nights at The Wandering Path

Our stay was incredible. Beautiful site with great amenities and Amanda and Bella are great hosts. Best camping experience we have ever had. Thanks Amanda!

H

Heather

September 2025

6 ft pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at The Wandering Path

I had a fantastic time! The camping sites have so much character! Amanda was super accommodating and sweet! Her dog. Bella was so adorable! I would totally go back again! It's so close to the water, cute hiking path, cute showers, and a sweet setup for cooking and having coffee in the morning.

Camp spot in relation to the pavilion. We were able to run a 100 ft extension cord down from the pavilion to both of the tent and plug in fans. However, the weather was great so we didn't really need them.

J

Jess

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

What an incredible trip! The campsite was so spacious and very private. We were the only group over the weekend, so it was very secluded. The amenities were awesome! We spend most of our time hanging out around under the pavilion, sitting by the fire pit, and fishing in the river. Larry and Sheila stopped by to check on us on the second day and recommended some great fishing spots and bait! They were so incredibly kind. We will definitely be coming back!

D

Dreamweaver

August 2025

15 ft campervan

With pets

5 nights at The Wandering Path

Beautiful well kept site, I loved being near water, and its always nice to have a bathroom and shower.

J

James

August 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

These two are just great good hearted people. Very clean place, grass cut, shower and toilet is always clean and well stocked as well You can rest assured Larry or Shelia one will come by and check to make sure you are well taken care of

J

Joseph S

July 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Wandering Path

We had a great time at The Wandering Path. The RV set up offered some nice shade and close proximity to the amenities. Coldwater Creek was amazing and super refreshing. Great place for my dog too. Amanda is a gracious host and the property is very well maintained. We shall return!!

Liz

July 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

Reserved entire site for four nights. The cabin was immaculate with icy cold AC, a short walk from the riverbank. Easy RV hook ups. Plenty of large and small tent spots on level ground w shade. Hosts were completely approachable and friendly. And of course, the river was so much fun.

J

James

July 2025

27 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

This is the Best camping site around great host beautiful campsites.

J

James

July 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With kids

2 nights at Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

Great place Swimming creek Everything you need right there

Kimberly

July 2025

17 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Lake City Campground

Lake City Campground is somewhat remote & quiet - just what my husband & I were looking for. The common area bathrooms & kitchen were clean & convenient. The proximity to Lake Jackson & a few other nearby areas of interest such as Finks Mill and Andalusia were an added bonus for this location. If you’re looking for no crowds but nearby activities, then this is an ideal campground.

Kiri

July 2025

27 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

Wel always enjoy this place! It never disappoints.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(4)

Blackwater River State Park

Harold, Florida

100%

(1)

Conecuh National Forest

Carolina, Alabama

Other options near Fort Walton Beach

Black Creek RV Park

67%

(6)

33mi from Fort Walton Beach · 4 sites · Freeport, FL

BCRV is a family-owned 52-site RV Park just north of the Emerald Coast, located in a quiet location within driving distance of Destin, Miramar Beach, Sandestin and Freeport dining, shopping, and beaches. We're a park and go and offer all the basic necessities in a very quiet forest location, but we're still just north of all of the popular beaches. It's run by me, my wife, my son, and our new little puppy Ollie (he's the most important.) There's a grocery store nearby, and all RV types up to 45ft are welcome here, with 20, 30, and 50 amp hookups available. Water, sewer, trash, electric, and wifi are all included at no additional charge. Doordash is available, and Hungry Howies Pizza also delivers to us if you're not feeling like cooking. Every site has a picnic table and fire pit, and Firewood, Propane, and Laundry facilities are also available on-site for you to purchase or pay for as well. We do NOT have public restrooms. Primitive camping and popups with no restrooms are currently not allowed. Weekly and Monthly discount rates are also available if you go directly to my website and book there. The discount is applied automatically at checkout. When booking your site, please be aware that the site numbers on Hipcamp may not be accurate to the sites you'll be using in the park. All sites offer the same amenities, and I try to put everyone in a site that works best for their needs and RV size. If there's a specific site that you fancy when you arrive, we're happy to make adjustments for you if it's available.

Pets

Potable water

Campfires

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek RV camping 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.