The best camping in Blackwater River State Park, FL

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The Wandering Path

100%
(383)
11mi from Blackwater River State Park · 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.
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$41
 / night

LappinLand

100%
(1)
23mi from Blackwater River State Park · 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.
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$48
 / night

Malakai 🏕 different by design

98%
(85)
18mi from Blackwater River State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Dickerson City, FL
Welcome to Malakai campgrounds different by design 🏕 I purchased this land several years ago after a loss of a child a daughter her named was (little jo) JoLisa Marie Roadcap , it was a life changing moment, teaching me that family and enjoying of life is what it all about... so I want to welcome you here to Malakai for a peaceful and relaxing time, it's even a place that may help you heal from life hardships... At 5:30 just as the Sun comes up it is time for you to go out on to the deck and listen to the birds song 🎵 . As the Sun starts to rise on a new day ✨️ dozens of species of birds from the Great American Bald Eagle , To the endangered woodpecker, The blue herrings, bluebirds(we have mating pair that comes every year) blue jays, mocking birds, doves and several other species and occasionally a couple small black bears like walking through, we want you to have a peaceful and relaxing stay here while you visit everything,here at Garson Point were several species of carnivorous plants grow wild and our beaches have much to offer. It's official -- after 4 years of politics we are officially a park and a preserve.....9 acres of 🚶‍♂️ trails 👣 we are still constructing trails by hand I believe this place has a spiritual strength to people of all nations History of our location Count De Galvez awarded a land grant on Garcon Point to Antonio Garzon following his 1781 Siege of Pensacola in consideration of “his good services rendered as an interpreter to the Indians of Pensacola." The grant was held for 35 years before Maria Garzon, who survived husband Antonio, sold the land they called Garzon’s Point to Joseph (Jose) Bonifay. The land uses were favorable for cattle grazing and turpentining through the 1800s. Many more pioneer families moved into the area and began their own business in the booming industrial opportunities of western Florida. It came to be known as Yellow River Marsh State Buffer Preserve on June 12, 2000, when it was purchased by the state of Florida to protect rare and environmentally sensitive lands, plants and animals. Through generous donations, Preservation 2000 and the Florida Forever Program, more land was added to protect contiguous habitat of the Garcon Ecosystem. Today Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park provides recreational opportunities for hiking and nature study along the Great Florida Birding Trail among rare and endemic plant species and within one of Florida’s oldest multi-cultural frontiers.The preserve is located in Santa Rosa County on Garcon Point, which separates Escambia Bay from Blackwater Bay. Nearly 20 rare and endangered species of plants 🪴 and animals make their homes along the bay and its wet prairies, dome swamps and flatwoods.
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$26
 / night

Bay Forest Retreat

96%
(361)
19mi from Blackwater River State Park · 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.
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$35
 / night

Gateway Trails

99%
(117)
9.9mi from Blackwater River State Park · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Holt, FL
🌲 Gateway Trails – Wooded, Gated & Peaceful Getaway Welcome to Gateway Trails, a 14-acre gated and wooded campground bordering Blackwater River State Forest—your basecamp for North Florida’s best rivers, trails, and beaches. Whether you’re tent camping, van traveling, or bringing your RV, you’ll find spacious, private, and well-maintained sites surrounded by pines and native forest. 🦌 Enjoy both forest and coast — explore the creeks, canoe routes, and hiking trails of Blackwater River State Forest, or head 45 minutes south to the Emerald Coast beaches of Destin, Navarre, and Okaloosa Island. 🏕️ Campsites • 3 Full Hook-Up RV Sites – Water, electric & sewer (1 × 50 AMP, 2 × 30 AMP) • Water & Electric Site – Ideal for smaller RVs or vans • Tent/Car/Van Site – With water & electric hookup • Boondocking Site – Dry camping; dump station available ($10 fee) • Primitive Tent Site – Quiet, secluded forest spot 🚿 Amenities • 🧺 Washhouse – Full bathroom with shower, flush toilet & coin washer/dryer • 🚰 Dump Station – $10 use fee • 🚗 Secure Gated Entry for guest privacy • 🌐 Wi-Fi (spotty in some wooded areas) • 🐾 Pet Friendly – Off-leash time possible with host coordination • 🥾 ½-Mile Trail – On-site hiking & biking loop 📍 Location Highlights 3 mi → Baker or Holt for groceries & restaurants 7 min → I-10 Holt Exit 45 1.9 mi → Bone Creek Recreation Area 5 mi → Blackwater River access (via dirt road) 35–50 mi → Destin / Pensacola / Pensacola Beach Convenient stop for travelers from TX, LA, AL, or GA en route to Tampa or Walt Disney World! 🌿 Sounds of Nature Gateway Trails is a peaceful setting, but you may hear the friendly chorus of nearby farm life—donkeys braying, roosters crowing, cows mooing, or the occasional dog announcing deer in the forest. It’s all part of the charm of country camping! 🧺 Washhouse Courtesy & Cleanliness The washhouse is a shared courtesy space for all campers. Cleanliness and respect are mandatory. No one cleans up after you. Failure to follow rules may result in loss of access or removal without refund. Please ensure you’re aligned with our washhouse expectations before booking. 🌐 Find Us 📸 gatewaytrails850.com 📱 Instagram: @gatewaytrails850 💬 Facebook: Gateway Trails
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from 
$10
 / night

YaYa's River Retreat

100%
(15)
43mi from Blackwater River State Park · 101 sites · Tents, RVs · Robertsdale, AL
A little slice of camping heaven, 41 acres with 800 feet of water frontage on Styx River. YaYa's is a completely primative or boondocking campground and swim area with porta pottie available. There is hot showers available at truck stop about a mile away and they have a dump station for those in RV. Come enjoy all the natural beauty or we are within an hour of hundreds of things to do for all ages. YaYA lives about 1/2 mile away and has a well available to refill your water. There is plenty of fallen wood to gather for fires or cut wood available for purchase. We have a community area with picnic tables, sun sails, grill, pavilion, and large bonfire. Please note the access road is old gravel and dirt, so if in a low car you'll need to take it slow. If there has been rain call ahead for entry directions as part of road becomes muddy. There is also a shooting range near by so during the day you will hear this some. You will not be disappointed if you love the tranquility of being outdoors.
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$30
 / night

Larry & Sheila's Blackwater Getaway

99%
(157)
24mi from Blackwater River State Park · 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.
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$45
 / night

Local's Life

98%
(31)
27mi from Blackwater River State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Fort Walton Beach, FL
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.
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$61
 / night

Other options near Blackwater River State Park

The best camping in Blackwater River State Park, FL guide

Overview

About

Black water doesn’t sound all that refreshing -- but trust us, it is. The dark, tannic water of this 56-mile river (two miles of which run through the state park) is home to striped bass, catfish, and the occasional friendly river otter (and less friendly gator). So paddle on down the river, or take a dip and try to reach the sandy bottom; Blackwater River is one of the purest sand bottom rivers in the U.S. Dry out beneath towering longleaf pines and white cedars. Or hike one of the parks two trails that wind past ox bow lakes and sandy banks, and listen to the trills of warblers and woodpeckers. We have a feeling that once you leave, you’ll be returning to Blackwater River State Park again very soon.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Blackwater River State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer months can be hot and humid, while winter brings cooler temperatures that may not be ideal for water-based activities.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's website for any alerts on closures or safety information before your visit.
  • Accessibility options are available; inquire ahead for specific needs.
  • Remember to pack sunscreen and insect repellent for protection against the Florida sun and bugs.
  • Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan your activities accordingly.
  • Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to bring water and snacks.
100%
4 ratings · 0 reviews

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