9 Best Campgrounds in Destin, Florida on the Beach (2024)

Henderson Beach State Park

17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, 850-837-7550
Hours – 8 am until sundown, 365 days a year
Fees: Camping starts at $30
Day use Fee: $6 per car

Experiences: 
bicycling, camping, fishing, geo-seeking, hiking, picnicking, swimming, reunions, gatherings, weddings, wildlife viewing

Amenities:  
beach, campfire circle, campgrounds, nature trails, picnic pavilion, playground, restroom facilities, shower station, wheelchair accessible.

Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Henderson Beach State Park Campground offers 6,000 feet of pristine white sand beaches, emerald green waters, and stunning sunsets. The park features 60 campsites, each equipped with water and electric hookups, as well as access to modern amenities such as restrooms and showers. 

You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching.  

Hiking at Henderson Beach State Park is truly a unique opportunity.  Typically walking on the sand dunes is strictly prohibited as walking on them can cause erosion and damage to the dune that could threaten the animals that depend on them.  However, Henderson Beach State Park allows you to hike and explore the dune and scrub areas within the park.  

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat right on the beach in Destin, Florida, Henderson Beach State Park is the perfect place. 

Bayview RV Campground

Unfortunately, Bayview RV Campground is completely booked.  They do not have any availability for the next 6 months.

Camping on the Gulf

10005 Emerald Coast Parkway 850-502-5282
Prices: Base Price $150/night, beach view $180/night, beachfront $245/night They do offer military discounts.

Camp Gulf is a premier camping destination in Miramar Beach, Florida, boasting 215 sites for camping enthusiasts.  Among these sites, 16 are beachfront campsites, providing a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico.  The resort is pet friendly, welcoming you to bring your furry friends along for a fun-filled beach vacation.  

For those looking for a more luxurious experience, Camp Gulf offers 3 large glamping tents that are climate controlled and equipped with a king-size bed, full bath, and small kitchen.  These tents provide guests with all the comfort and convenience of a modern hotel room while still allowing them to experience the great outdoors.  

The resort also offers cabins that are equipped with modern kitchen appliances and kitchenware, making it easy for you to cook your meals.  Linens are also provided for your convince making packing a breeze.  

There is a food truck near the pool area, serving up delicious snacks and meals. The camp store offers an assortment of items from camping gear to souvenirs. This makes it easy for you to stock up on essentials.  

Camping on the Gulf is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a memorable beach camping experience.  With its beachfront sites, glamping tents, pet-friendly policy, and excellent amenities, you will surely have a fun-filled relaxing beach vacation.  

The Best Campgrounds Near Destin, Florida on the Beach

Destin West RV Resort

1310 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach 850-200-4533
Prices: Range from $129 per night up to $164 per night depending on the season and occupancy

Located between Fort Walton Beach and Destin, Destin West RV Resort is a great option for a memorable beach vacation.  

They focus on providing an ideal destination for you to enjoy the beach, bay, and unique RV lifestyle.  Staying here, you will have the sun, sand, and all of the fantastic amenities and views the resort has to offer.  Situated directly on the bay and just across the street from the Gulf of Mexico’s pristine white-sand beaches, and crystal clear waters, its convenient location makes this a vacation that won’t soon be forgotten.  

One of the biggest highlights of staying at Destin West RV Resort is that you have access to all of the amenities available at the Gulf-front Island Hotel.  From the famous grotto waterfall and pool, complete with a bar inside, to beach access, a beach bar, restaurants, an activity center, and a wide range of water sports, you will have everything you need for the perfect vacation.  

They also offer a variety of activities, including a weekly bonfire complete with s’mores, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing.  A Laundry facility and 24-hour bathhouses are available for your convenience. The resort is also pet-friendly so you can bring your furry friends along.  The waterfront pool offers a stunning view of the bay setting the scene for a relaxing day catching some rays.  

RV sites offer both back-in and pull-thru options with full hookups.  The patio and picnic tables are on the passenger side.  

State Parks Near Destin on the Beach

You can make campsite or cabin reservations from 1 day to 11 months in advance by calling toll-free 1-800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time or by going online.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

7525 W Co Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
Hours: 8 am until sundown, 365 days a year
Fees: Camping starts at $42
Day use Fee: $6 per car

Experiences: Bicycling, camping, hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing, birding, fishing, paddling, tours, geo-seeking, picnicking

Amenities:  cabins, concession and restaurant, playground, shower station, amphitheater, campgrounds, picnic pavilion, fire rings,

Topsail is one of our favorite state parks to visit in the Florida Panhandle.  There are over 10 miles of great hiking trails and the beaches are never overcrowded.  

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is truly a natural wonderland, boasting 3 miles of gorgeous white sand beaches flanked by majestic dunes that soar more than 25 feet tall.  It’s renowned as one of the most exceptional parks in the United States, thanks to its rare coastal dune lakes, vast camping and picnic areas, and an endless array of outdoor adventures.  

 RV enthusiasts can enjoy their stay at the park’s spacious and well-equipped sites that offer full hook-ups, a swimming pool, and laundry facilities.  Additionally, you will have the option of choosing from the park’s cozy cabins or camping sites for a more traditional camping experience.  

Getting to the beach is a breeze thanks to the park’s convenient tram service that transports guests to the pristine shoreline.  Topsail’s amenities include live music, restrooms, and a sparkling pool.  

With 209 campsites available, you will have no problem finding your little piece of heaven.  Whether you prefer a relaxed beach day or an action-packed outdoor adventure, Topsail has just what you need.  

With its pristine white-sand beaches, towering dunes, rare coastal dune lakes, and incredible amenities, it’s no wonder that it is considered one of the nation’s premier state parks. 

Grayton Beach State Park

357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach,  850-267-8300
Hours: 8 am until sundown, 365 days a year
Fees: Camping starts at $30
Day use Fee: $6 per car

Experiences:  bicycling, birdwatching, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, paddling, swimming, wildlife viewing

Amenities:  beach, boat ramp, cabins, campfire circles, campgrounds, canoe-kayak launch, nature trails, picnic pavilion, restrooms, RV

Grayton Beach State Park, situated along the Gulf Coast boasts one of the most stunning camping grounds.  They offer 59 campsites, each equipped with electricity, water, and sewer hookups.  If you have the proper license, you can enjoy surf fishing as well as fishing on Western Lake.

Looking for a relaxing nature walk?  Grayton has a 1-mile trail that begins at the beach parking area.  You will experience the dune ecosystem, salt marsh, and the pine flat woods.  If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, you can explore their 4.5-mile hiking and biking trail that meanders through the forest and the backwaters of Western Lake.

Kayaking or paddle boarding is my favorite way to explore the backwaters of Western Lake, a 100-acre coastal dune lake surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.  You can either use your own kayak or SUP or rent a NuCanoe or kayak from the ranger station.  

Grayton Beach State Park’s natural beauty is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and connected to nature.  Its available recreational activities make it the perfect spot for a family vacation or weekend getaway.