Camping in Destin, Florida

A complete guide to camping in Destin

Panoramic view of Destin Florida campsite near Emerald Coast

Photo Credit: S Smoes

Overview

Destin sits on the Emerald Coast of Florida's panhandle, where white quartz-sand beaches meet clear green Gulf water. The town itself has limited campground space, with Bayview RV Campground providing the primary in-town option on the harbor side. The real camping corridor extends east and west along the coast through neighboring beach towns.

Destin West RV Resort in Fort Walton Beach (10 minutes west) provides waterfront RV sites with Gulf access. Navarre Beach Camping Resort and Emerald Beach RV Park in Navarre (30 minutes east) add beach-adjacent options. Camp Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach (20 minutes east) sits in the coastal dune lake ecosystem with access to one of the least developed stretches of beach on the panhandle. 30A Luxury RV Resort in Santa Rosa Beach serves the premium RV market along the Scenic Highway 30A corridor.

The Destin area's appeal for camping centers on the water clarity. The emerald-green color comes from the white quartz sand reflecting sunlight through the clear Gulf. Crab Island, a shallow sandbar in Destin Harbor, draws boats and paddleboards for floating and socializing. Deep-sea fishing charters run from the Destin Harbor, which calls itself the Luckiest Fishing Village in the World. The campgrounds serve as affordable bases for beach access in an area where hotel rates climb steeply in summer.

Browse All RV Parks & Campgrounds in Destin

Weather & Best Seasons

Best months: March through May and September through November

Spring warms into the 70s and 80s with Gulf water reaching swimming temperature by May. Summer is hot and humid with daily afternoon thunderstorms, but the Gulf stays calm and warm. Hurricane season runs June through November. Fall is the sweet spot with warm water, comfortable air temps, and reduced crowds after Labor Day. Winter is mild with highs in the 50s and 60s. The water cools below comfortable swimming by November.

Season

Things to Do in Destin

Float at Crab Island, a shallow sandbar in Destin Harbor where boats, kayaks, and paddleboards gather in waist-deep water. Food vendors on floating platforms. Rent a pontoon or kayak from harbor marinas.
Book a deep-sea fishing charter from Destin Harbor for red snapper, king mackerel, mahi-mahi, and amberjack. Destin calls itself the Luckiest Fishing Village in the World. Half-day and full-day trips available.
Snorkel or dive the jetties at Destin East Pass, where the harbor meets the Gulf. The rock structure attracts fish and provides clear-water snorkeling accessible from shore.
Bike or walk the 18-mile Timberline Trail along Scenic Highway 30A through beach communities from Grayton Beach to Rosemary Beach. Flat, paved, and scenic.
Kayak or paddleboard through the coastal dune lakes along 30A. These rare lakes connect to the Gulf through intermittent outflows. Western Lake near Grayton Beach is the most accessible.
Visit Henderson Beach State Park for a mile of undeveloped beach with nature trails through coastal scrub. Day use only but among the quietest beaches in the Destin area.

Camping Tips for Destin

Destin-area campgrounds book out for spring break (March) and summer weekends. The Emerald Coast draws heavy panhandle traffic from Alabama, Georgia, and the Southeast.
Hurricane season (June through November) affects the entire panhandle. The Destin area took direct hits from Hurricane Ivan (2004) and Hurricane Sally (2020). Know evacuation routes before arriving.
Crab Island in Destin Harbor is a shallow sandbar, not a beach with camping. Access by boat, kayak, or paddleboard only. Rent from the harbor marinas.
No-see-ums (sand gnats) are active near the dunes from March through November, worst at dawn and dusk. Ocean-side breeze helps. DEET or picaridin repellent needed.
The Scenic Highway 30A corridor east of Destin passes through beach communities with public beach access, restaurants, and a paved bike path. Campgrounds along 30A put cyclists and walkers on the path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I camp closest to Destin beaches?

Bayview RV Campground sits in Destin on the harbor side. Destin West RV Resort in Fort Walton Beach (10 minutes) provides the closest waterfront RV option. Camp Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach (20 minutes east) puts tent and RV campers near an undeveloped beach in the dune lake ecosystem.

When is the best time for beach camping near Destin?

September through October is the best combination of warm Gulf water, comfortable air temperature, and reduced crowds. Spring (March through May) offers warming water and wildflower blooms but brings spring break crowds in March. Summer is hot, humid, and crowded but the Gulf is calm and warm.

What is the 30A corridor?

Scenic Highway 30A runs along the coast east of Destin through a string of planned beach communities (Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Grayton Beach). A paved bike path parallels the road. Campgrounds along 30A provide access to restaurants, public beaches, and the path. 30A Luxury RV Resort and Camp Grayton Beach State Park are the primary camping options.

Is Destin good for fishing?

Destin is one of the top fishing destinations in the Gulf. The harbor supports the largest charter fleet on the Emerald Coast. Deep-sea trips target red snapper, king mackerel, and mahi-mahi. Inshore fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay produces redfish and speckled trout. Pier fishing and surf casting from the beach are also productive.

Spring	Mar-May	74°F	62°F	Spring warms into the 70s and 80s with Gulf water reaching swimming temperature by May.
Summer	Jun-Aug	88°F	76°F	Summer is hot and humid with daily afternoon thunderstorms, but the Gulf stays calm and warm.
Fall	Sep-Nov	74°F	62°F	Fall is the sweet spot with warm water, comfortable air temps, and reduced crowds after Labor Day.
Winter	Dec-Feb	59°F	47°F	Winter is mild with highs in the 50s and 60s.