Camping in Panama City Beach is an experience like no other. Not only can you sleep out under the stars, hike beautiful trails and roast marshmallows over a campfire — you can do it all within walking distance of the sparkling Gulf of Mexico! Whether you prefer to pitch a tent, crank up the RV or glamp it up in style with all the comforts of home, Panama City Beach has the perfect spot for you. Read on for some helpful tips on where to stay, what to bring and how to stay safe to make your visit an adventure you’ll never forget!
DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF ST. ANDREWS
For that old-fashioned camping experience, Panama City Beach is home to St. Andrews State Park, where visitors can explore more than 1,200 acres of unique coastal terrain. One of the most popular state parks in Florida, St. Andrews is perfect for tent campers and folks with RVs. With 176 campsites — for tents and RVs up to 45 feet — in the pinewoods near Grand Lagoon, the park has the largest selection of camping accommodations in the area. The campground area includes fire rings, grills, picnic tables, two bathhouses, a playground, plus electricity and running water. The park offers more than a mile and a half of sugar-white beachfront, and for those who like to hike or simply stroll through nature, there are two main inland trails. Heron Pond Trail takes visitors through a flatwood pine forest and past a historic turpentine still, while Gator Lake Trail offers a scenic view of Gator Lake. Other activities include watching wading birds at Button Bush Marsh, shore and pier fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and taking the boat shuttle to Shell Island, a pristine barrier island across the channel from the park.
PLACES TO CAMP
Most other campgrounds in Panama City Beach are resort-style properties that offer a combination of old-school tent camping, cabins and RV access as well as a variety of amenities. They’re all located minutes away from the beach with safe and easy access points. Not a fan of salt water and waves? No problem. Most of the local campgrounds offer swimming pools and hot and cold showers. Traveling with a four-legged friend? You’ll find several pet-friendly properties — all with strict rules regarding leashes and cleanup — and a few with designated dog-walking paths. For those campers who like to meet new people, we recommend a property with a clubhouse or recreation centers where you can enjoy everything from shuffleboard and bocce ball to potlucks and movie nights. If you need to get a little work done while you’re on vacation, don’t panic. Wi-Fi is widely available, and it’s a complimentary feature at some campgrounds.
CAMPERS INN
Located roughly 300 yards from the Gulf of Mexico, this full-service RV resort has something for everyone. In addition to almost 100 spaces for all sizes of RVs, it offers rustic 12-by-14 cabins and sites for tent camping. Amenities include a freshwater pool, laundry facilities, showers, a recreation center, complimentary Wi-Fi and a general store that sells everything from sand pails to boiled peanuts.
EMERALD COAST RV BEACH RESORT
This gated community caters primarily to serious RV campers — either short-term or longterm — with a variety of paved sites, some offering patio furniture and gas grills. Other accommodations include small rental cottages that sleep 4-to-6 people. Amenities include two swimming pools, a playground, fire pits, WiFi, a library and a fitness center.
RACCOON RIVER CAMPGROUND
Although this campground sits in the heart of Panama City Beach and is surrounded by some of its most popular eateries and attractions, you’ll feel as if you’re miles away from the action. Shady campsites accommodate RVs and tents, and amenities include fishing, a pool, a fenced playground, showers, cable TV and Wi-Fi.
Venture Out at Panama City Beach
Venture Out has nine individual rental RV lots scattered throughout the park that will accommodate RVs up to 45'; there are an additional 15 spaces for RVs up to 45' in length next to the office. All spaces include water, sewer, electric and cable TV.
Pineglen Motorcoach and RV Park
Pineglen is the perfect RV campground for enjoying Florida's Emerald Coast. Nestled away among the palm trees, pine trees and fishing ponds we offer a quiet retreat just minutes from the best white sand beaches, golf courses, restaurants and shopping malls that Panama City Beach has to offer.
Panama City Beach RV Resort
Panama City Beach RV Resort is a full-service RV park with sixty-nine luxury hookups and can accommodate any size recreational vehicle, including fifth wheels, travel trailers, and luxury RVs. A wide variety of activities such as a heated swimming pool, water theme parks, fishing, luxurious shopping, etc. are available to choose from while vacationing at the Panama City Beach RV Resort.
