The best camping near Fort Walton Beach with surfing

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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.

96% (553) 9 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Walton Beach

Bay Forest Retreat

1. Bay Forest Retreat

96%
(363)
17mi from Fort Walton Beach · 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
Local's Life

2. Local's Life

98%
(32)
2.1mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV
We have a nice little RV pad on the back of our coastal home. Situated on a little bayou that opens out into Choctawhatchee Bay. Crab Island is only a 10 minute boat ride away. You would have access to our small dock and there is a neighborhood boat ramp less than one hundred feet away. This is a great place for kayaks, wave runners, and small boats. If you don't have a boat, we can set up any kind of trip you want. We are all licensed captains and own multiple Crab Island businesses. So we can set up charters for you on the following boats: Sailing trip on a restored 1963 Pearson Ensign. Can accommodate up to 6 people. This is a classic sailboat that is easy to sail and easy to learn to sail. A restored 1966 Boston Whaler that is perfect for couples looking for a sunset cruise, etc. Can accommodate up to 6 people but it perfect for 2 -4. We can go to Crab Island, look for dolphins or find our own private island beach. Waverunner tours. We can take you on a guided wave runner tour looking for dolphins and private beaches. You will drive one wave runner while our licensed captain guided you on another one. Insurance does not allow us to rent these out solo but there are many good vendors in the area to do that. Inshore flats skiff targeting redfish and trout on light spinning gear and fly rods. This boat is best fished with no more than 3 people. Rates: $150 per hour for less than 3 hours $500 for half day (4 hours) $600 for 6 hours The neighborhood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Fort Walton with large oaks and magnolias providing plenty of shade for bike riding and walking. Downtown Fort Walton with its shops and quaint restaurants is only a mile away. Didn't bring a bike, we have 2 you can use. During the summer, there are fireworks every Wednesday night that are viewable from this spot. The site comes with water/sewer and 30 Amp hookup. The sight can accommodate up to 43' for trailer and vehicle.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$61
 / night
30A Bay Hideaway

3. 30A Bay Hideaway

100%
(194)
23mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · RV
Private, gated waterfront estate on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay. Close to the activities on 30A and the Gulf of Mexico (7 minutes) but secluded enough to feel like you have your own private piece of paradise with amazing sunset views. The bay is full of life: watch mullet jump, catch crabs, watch for dolphins and sting rays. If you enjoy fishing, try night fishing on the dock, too. Bay charters come to the waters around our dock on their excursions! If you bring a boat, Cessna Landing is just under 2 miles away with a very nice boat launch. Tie your boat to our dock for the duration of your visit. Boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, swimming, sunset watching, bicycling and campfires are a few things to enjoy while at the 30A Bay Hideaway. Sunset viewing deck, bay beach/dock, fire pit and an outdoor shower and sink with hot water and an outdoor mini-fridge are included in the listing. Owners are not onsite during rental periods and the property is limited to one RV site so you can be sure you will have the property all to yourself!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$114
 / night
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

4. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

100%
(10)
189 sites · Miramar Beach, Florida
A pristine beach with miles of white and a rare coastal dune lake are waiting for you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Grayton Beach State Park

5. Grayton Beach State Park

100%
(10)
55 sites · Miramar Beach, Florida
A unique Gulf Coast paradise with clear jewel waters and rare coastal dune lakes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sand Between Your Toes

6. Sand Between Your Toes

96%
(37)
41mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · RV
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 1 mile 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 9pm-9am and that the property is left in the same manner as it was when you arrived
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$60
 / night
Choctawhatchee Bay

7. Choctawhatchee Bay

83%
(12)
25mi from Fort Walton Beach · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Very private woods, gardens, and an aquifer-fed pond teeming with wildlife. A short walk to the park on Choctawhatchee Bay. The water is calm for swimming and paddling. A short drive or bike ride to the finest beaches in the world. The nearby 331 bridge allows freedom from the tourist traffic on Hwy 98. There are just two campsites overall and they are in the shade. Kids are safe to explore our long dead-end road with only two neighbors at the end.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
Murphy's Quiet Getaway

8. Murphy's Quiet Getaway

100%
(9)
41mi from Fort Walton Beach · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
1 acre, fenced in backyard with drive through gate entrance, electric, water hook up, grill, and fire pit. Quiet Neighborhood 20 mins from Perdido Key, 30 mins from Pensacola Beach, 15 mins from Downtown. Great place to stay for Spring Break, Summer Vacation, Mardi Gras, or just the next stop on your travels.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Travel Downs RV Park

9. Travel Downs RV Park

100%
(27)
44mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · RV
Private 2 acre property with 20x40 concrete pad with custom fire pit. Half of Property is cleared with woods surrounding it, gated entrance. Custom shed with washer/dryer, toilet, sink, shower and tankless water heater. Located 10min from perdido key beach’s and Johnson beach national seashore.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$85
 / night

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.

96% (553) 9 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Walton Beach

Bay Forest Retreat

1. Bay Forest Retreat

96%
(363)
17mi from Fort Walton Beach · 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
Local's Life

2. Local's Life

98%
(32)
2.1mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · Tent, RV
We have a nice little RV pad on the back of our coastal home. Situated on a little bayou that opens out into Choctawhatchee Bay. Crab Island is only a 10 minute boat ride away. You would have access to our small dock and there is a neighborhood boat ramp less than one hundred feet away. This is a great place for kayaks, wave runners, and small boats. If you don't have a boat, we can set up any kind of trip you want. We are all licensed captains and own multiple Crab Island businesses. So we can set up charters for you on the following boats: Sailing trip on a restored 1963 Pearson Ensign. Can accommodate up to 6 people. This is a classic sailboat that is easy to sail and easy to learn to sail. A restored 1966 Boston Whaler that is perfect for couples looking for a sunset cruise, etc. Can accommodate up to 6 people but it perfect for 2 -4. We can go to Crab Island, look for dolphins or find our own private island beach. Waverunner tours. We can take you on a guided wave runner tour looking for dolphins and private beaches. You will drive one wave runner while our licensed captain guided you on another one. Insurance does not allow us to rent these out solo but there are many good vendors in the area to do that. Inshore flats skiff targeting redfish and trout on light spinning gear and fly rods. This boat is best fished with no more than 3 people. Rates: $150 per hour for less than 3 hours $500 for half day (4 hours) $600 for 6 hours The neighborhood is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Fort Walton with large oaks and magnolias providing plenty of shade for bike riding and walking. Downtown Fort Walton with its shops and quaint restaurants is only a mile away. Didn't bring a bike, we have 2 you can use. During the summer, there are fireworks every Wednesday night that are viewable from this spot. The site comes with water/sewer and 30 Amp hookup. The sight can accommodate up to 43' for trailer and vehicle.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$61
 / night
30A Bay Hideaway

3. 30A Bay Hideaway

100%
(194)
23mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · RV
Private, gated waterfront estate on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay. Close to the activities on 30A and the Gulf of Mexico (7 minutes) but secluded enough to feel like you have your own private piece of paradise with amazing sunset views. The bay is full of life: watch mullet jump, catch crabs, watch for dolphins and sting rays. If you enjoy fishing, try night fishing on the dock, too. Bay charters come to the waters around our dock on their excursions! If you bring a boat, Cessna Landing is just under 2 miles away with a very nice boat launch. Tie your boat to our dock for the duration of your visit. Boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, swimming, sunset watching, bicycling and campfires are a few things to enjoy while at the 30A Bay Hideaway. Sunset viewing deck, bay beach/dock, fire pit and an outdoor shower and sink with hot water and an outdoor mini-fridge are included in the listing. Owners are not onsite during rental periods and the property is limited to one RV site so you can be sure you will have the property all to yourself!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$114
 / night
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

4. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

100%
(10)
189 sites · Miramar Beach, Florida
A pristine beach with miles of white and a rare coastal dune lake are waiting for you!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Grayton Beach State Park

5. Grayton Beach State Park

100%
(10)
55 sites · Miramar Beach, Florida
A unique Gulf Coast paradise with clear jewel waters and rare coastal dune lakes.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sand Between Your Toes

6. Sand Between Your Toes

96%
(37)
41mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · RV
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 1 mile 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 9pm-9am and that the property is left in the same manner as it was when you arrived
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$60
 / night
Choctawhatchee Bay

7. Choctawhatchee Bay

83%
(12)
25mi from Fort Walton Beach · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Very private woods, gardens, and an aquifer-fed pond teeming with wildlife. A short walk to the park on Choctawhatchee Bay. The water is calm for swimming and paddling. A short drive or bike ride to the finest beaches in the world. The nearby 331 bridge allows freedom from the tourist traffic on Hwy 98. There are just two campsites overall and they are in the shade. Kids are safe to explore our long dead-end road with only two neighbors at the end.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$60
 / night
Murphy's Quiet Getaway

8. Murphy's Quiet Getaway

100%
(9)
41mi from Fort Walton Beach · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
1 acre, fenced in backyard with drive through gate entrance, electric, water hook up, grill, and fire pit. Quiet Neighborhood 20 mins from Perdido Key, 30 mins from Pensacola Beach, 15 mins from Downtown. Great place to stay for Spring Break, Summer Vacation, Mardi Gras, or just the next stop on your travels.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Travel Downs RV Park

9. Travel Downs RV Park

100%
(27)
44mi from Fort Walton Beach · 1 site · RV
Private 2 acre property with 20x40 concrete pad with custom fire pit. Half of Property is cleared with woods surrounding it, gated entrance. Custom shed with washer/dryer, toilet, sink, shower and tankless water heater. Located 10min from perdido key beach’s and Johnson beach national seashore.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$85
 / night

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The best camping near Fort Walton Beach with surfing 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.