Spend the Night Camping Under the Stars in Walton County

With more than 40 percent of the land dedicated to preservation, you can be close to nature without ever being too far from the beaches, fun and amenities that make this a world-class destination. And thanks to restrictions on development, the night sky is wide open for some incredible stargazing. (Walton County’s official motto says it all: “Pride. Preservation. Conservation.”)

South Walton lets you find your perfect outdoor adventure. You can bring all the amenities of home with you by camping in a fully equipped RV, or keep things simple with a trusty tent and sleeping bag. For an elevated outdoor experience, put your trust in the experts at Fancy Camps to arrange a luxury camping trip complete with a furnished tent and heating/cooling unit.

So, where can you camp in South Walton? Let’s start with the state parks. Both Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offer tent and RV campsites that allow guests access to all of the amenities available within the park, such as hiking and biking trails and beaches.

At Topsail Hill in Dune Allen, the Gregory E. Moore RV Resort has 156 RV sites, complete with water, 30- or 50- amp electric, digital cable, sewers and laundry facilities. It also offers a swimming pool, as well as shower and restroom facilities. In addition, there are 22 tent sites that include an elevated tent pad and a fire ring, plus water and electric hook-ups. Both one- and two-bedroom cabins can also be rented at the park, accommodating up to six guests.

At Grayton Beach State Park, campers have access to 59 sites, each with electricity and water. The campsites, some of which have sewer access, can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, and tents. If you prefer an experience a little closer to home, there are 30 two-bedroom cabins in the park, which can accommodate up to six guests. You can spend your day exploring miles of trails, birding or just soaking up sunshine at the beach.

Camping reservations for both Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park can be made by calling (800) 326-3521 or by using their online reservation system.

For a unique spin on tent camping, be sure to check out Fancy Camps. Partnering with Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park, Fancy Camps elevates the traditional camping experience by providing not only a 16-foot canvas tent, but a queen bed with linens, end tables, lighting, a seating area, a heating/cooling unit, exterior lighting and outdoor chairs. Each tent can accommodate two adults. A variety of add-ons, such as firewood and a camping stove are also available. Want to book a Fancy Camp? Visit www.fancycamps.com/make-a-reservation/ or call (850) 628-9696.

Still looking for more options? Miramar Beach is home to three RV parks, so you can explore everything the west side of South Walton has to offer, from shopping and dining to jet skis and parasailing.

The Destin RV Resort offers lush landscaping with easy access to restaurants and the beach. You’ll find 36 fully equipped cement pads with patios, free cable and WiFi, shower rooms, a pool and private beach access at this gated facility. Learn more at www.destinrvresort.com or call (850) 837-3529.

Located just two blocks from South Walton’s sugar-white sand and turquoise water is the Geronimo RV Resort. Complete with concrete pads and patios, WiFi and cable, plus all the essentials you’d expect, this park provides a laid-back camping experience. Learn more at www.geronimorvresort.com or call (850) 424-6801.

If you find yourself on the eastern side of South Walton, the Peach Creek RV Resort in Santa Rosa Beach is the perfect place to pull in and relax. You’ll find 14 campsites tucked away just off U.S. Highway 98. Be sure to bring your kayak or stand-up paddleboard, as you’ll have easy access to the Choctawhatchee Bay and be just 5 minutes from the beach. Learn more about the resort by calling (850) 585-9795.

And don’t forget all the incredible beyond-the-beach options north of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Twin Lakes Camp Resort in DeFuniak Springs has everything from boat rentals and laundry facilities to a pool and activity center. In addition to RV sites with full hook-ups, they offer cabin suites such as lake houses and tiny houses. They also have large “glamping” tents with king-size beds that allow you to soften the edges of roughing it. To make a reservation, give them a call at (850) 892-5914.

Also in DeFuniak Springs is the hidden gem, Sapphire Island. While easy to access from I-10, this cozy RV park is tucked into the peaceful coastal forest. The many amenities include full and partial hook-ups, a playground and even a pet park for your furry family members. They also provide convenient RV and boat storage options. Nearby attractions include cool, freshwater springs for swimming and all the sights of historic DeFuniak Springs. To book, simply visit their website or call (850) 520-4757.

Camping in Walton County offers plenty of variety, so you can find an experience that’s perfect for everyone. Craft your own adventure – whether rustic or high-end – all while enjoying the natural beauty this destination is famous for.