The best waterside campgrounds near Gulf Breeze, Florida

Gulf Breeze, a coastal suburb of Pensacola, offers campers four seasons of sunshine. Activities like sailing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, jet skiing, beachcombing, and strolling the Gulf Breeze pier are daily parts of life for those visiting the city. Book a fishing charter to catch swordfish, wahoo, mahi mahi, sailfish, and tuna. Back on land, explore nearby Blackwater River State Park to hike, kayak, and swim, or attend wildlife observation points at Naval Live Oaks Reservation. Then, take a trip to Santa Rosa Island to relax on secluded white-sand beaches. Many of the area’s top-rated RV parks and campgrounds can be found near these popular attractions. Year-round campsites near Gulf Breeze also feature convenient amenities like electric and water hookups and full restrooms.

98% (957)

Top-rated campgrounds near Gulf Breeze

Gulf Breeze, a coastal suburb of Pensacola, offers campers four seasons of sunshine. Activities like sailing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, jet skiing, beachcombing, and strolling the Gulf Breeze pier are daily parts of life for those visiting the city. Book a fishing charter to catch swordfish, wahoo, mahi mahi, sailfish, and tuna. Back on land, explore nearby Blackwater River State Park to hike, kayak, and swim, or attend wildlife observation points at Naval Live Oaks Reservation. Then, take a trip to Santa Rosa Island to relax on secluded white-sand beaches. Many of the area’s top-rated RV parks and campgrounds can be found near these popular attractions. Year-round campsites near Gulf Breeze also feature convenient amenities like electric and water hookups and full restrooms.

98% (957)

Top-rated campgrounds near Gulf Breeze

1. Bay Forest Retreat

96%

(362)

17mi from Gulf Breeze · 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.

2. Blackwater River State Park

100%

(4)

27 sites · Harold, Florida

Discover Blackwater River State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

3. Meaher State Park

100%

(2)

71 sites · Daphne, Alabama

Discover the natural splendor of Meaher State Park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Gulf Breeze

100%

(4)

Blackwater River Campground

48mi from Gulf Breeze · 27 sites · Tents, RVs · in Blackwater River State Park

100%

(2)

Meaher Campground

49mi from Gulf Breeze · 71 sites · Tents, RVs · in Meaher State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

S

Scarlett

November 2025

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!

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!

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.

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!

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..

E

Emily

August 2025

1 night at Bay Forest Retreat

Super cool area!! Would highly recommend! Very clean and a great outdoor space to spend with family! We stayed in Glamper 2 and it was perfect for us!

R

Rebecca

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

We enjoyed our stay!!! This is a great place if you are looking to spend less than a hotel or an air BNB, and a more fun and relaxing, in my opinion. It was a short drive to Navarre Beach and also close to Pensacola. Every evening we loved watching the sunset on the bay and the free kayaks. It was hot, as expected in late July, but with a cheap battery operated fan we brought it was very pleasant at night. I would definitely recommend and plan to return.

J

Jessica

July 2025

With kids

3 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

My family and I loved this property! Would definitely recommend 👌

A

Ava

June 2025

4 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

Had an amazing time camping here! The property was beautiful and exactly as advertised. The directions were very clear, and we really appreciated the amenities. It’s in a great location and the nearby town is super cute. Highly recommend staying here!

S

Sidnie

June 2025

1 night at Bay Forest Retreat

It was a great experience camping here! We loved the beach and the fire. There are a ton of mosquitos so make sure to lather in bug spray! Thank you for the help and keeping my husband’s bag safe when he forgot it. You guys are awesome!

C

Chloe

April 2025

2 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

It was a very peaceful stay, with beautiful views.

B

Braden

March 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat

If you are looking for an outdoor getaway and like to camp this is the place to book, we are so happy we did and will be back with more family! We brought our 4 year old and he loved it, especially the walk to the kayaks! The three tents are spaced out enough for everyone to have plenty of privacy! If staying during cooler weather bring proper attire at night to stay warm! The owners are super easy to get ahold of and if they are very helpful if you have questions about the area! We will be back soon!

D

Denali

March 2025

3 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

My boyfriend and I really enjoyed our three night stay here in the glamper! It was spacious and very comfortable and could easily accommodate a few more people but was quite spacious for us as a couple. The hosts were very easy to contact and were responsive to any questions. Brooke reached out the evening of our arrival to ensure everything was good with the site. There was also a picnic table, several chairs, and a fire ring to enjoy! There was plenty of space to feel isolated but close enough to town to enjoy that aspect of the vacation. The walk to the beach area was nice and there were even a few kayaks and a picnic table down there for people staying on the property to use! 10/10 would definitely come back here again and would recommend it to anyone!

M

Mirabel

March 2025

3 nights at Bay Forest Retreat

This was an amazing retreat. We stayed for 4 days, 3 nights. The hosts were communicative and amazing even with a weather scare. Short walk to campsite and short walk to the bay beach. Ocean beach a close drive as well. There were kayaks and lifejackets for use by the bay, fire pits and chairs already setup, a clean port-a-potty close to the site, and several thoughtful amenities in the glamping tent. Honorable mention that the tent held very strong through a brief rainstorm. It was beautiful, relaxing, clean, and well-maintained. Would definitely come back!

E

Emily

March 2025

Group trip

1 night at Bay Forest Retreat

We had a great experience! Everything was as described on Hilary’s profile. We would definitely come back again!

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Gulf Breeze

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(4)

Blackwater River State Park

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Gulf Breeze guide

Where to go

Blackwater River State Park

Blackwater River State Park is just 45 minutes away from Gulf Breeze. It features nature trails and interpretive exhibits as well as kayaking, paddling, birding, fishing, tubing, and bicycling. The area’s contiguous longleaf pine and wiregrass ecosystem is rare—even compared to tropical rainforests. Camping is allowed in the area in one on-site campground with 30 available spacious gravel campsites. There are also full hookups, and the campground can accommodate tents or RVs up to 35 feet.

Santa Rosa Island

A barrier island set within the emerald waters of Pensacola Bay, Choctawhatchee Sound, and Santa Rosa Sound, Santa Rosa Island features white sandy beaches that are popular for swimming and shore fishing. Pensacola Beach is the most popular beach on the island, and its restaurants and beach bars contribute to a fun day trip. While camping on the island isn’t permitted, nearby campsites, cabin rentals, and RV parks offer convenient amenities like full restrooms and nearby supply shops.

Big Lagoon State Park

Explore the saltwater tidal marshes and pine flatwoods of Big Lagoon State Park. Hike along the park’s lands to see wood warblers and sandpipers trails as it’s one of the stops on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Or take a kayak out and paddle along the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Trail that also passes along the park’s shores. Camping is permitted on-site at RV and tent campsites—reservations are required. Most spots can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. There are also ADA accessible campgrounds in the park.

When to go

Temperatures in Gulf Breeze range from the mid 80s during summer to the 50s in wintertime, making for a year-round climate that is great for camping during any season. The gulf breeze helps dispel humidity in summer, but bugs are prevalent in the area during warmer seasons. The area is also known for short rain showers, so bring rain gear.