Fall mega guide to camping in Pensacola and Northwest Florida

Jake Newby | Pensacola News Journal

Show Caption Hide Caption Here are the best campgrounds in Northwest Florida Here are the best campgrounds in Northwest Florida

There are a lot of places to go and things to know if you plan on camping in the Pensacola area this fall.

The first thing to know, and you've probably already grasped this, is that the fall weather in Florida is just about perfect. The humidity drops, the heat finally relents and outdoor activities tend to be more bearable and enjoyable than in the summer.

One of those activities that’s tailor made for the fall in Florida is camping — especially tent camping. Whether you’re looking to try out a campground you’ve never been to or are tackling a first-time family camping trip in the near future, below is your all-in-one guide for places to camp in our area, focusing on the best tent and primitive camping spots, along with helpful tips from a collection of local experts.

Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center

Address: 8974 Tomahawk Landing Road, Milton

Phone: (850) 623-6197

Sites: 14 tent sites, only one tent allowed per site. Hook-up sites have 30 amp electric hookups with water, but you must bring a 30 amp adapter for campsites. No alcohol allowed on the campground.

Pet policy: Only four campsites, on the north end of Adventures Unlimited, are reserved for campers with pets.

Fees: $30 per site, $5 for each additional person per night.

Reserve: Call or go to www.adventuresunlimited.com/florida-camping.

The only area campground that offers zip-lining as an activity, Adventures Unlimited has three different zip lines starting as low as $89 per person. All three give you a chance to tour Coldwater Creek. There’s also canoeing, kayaking and tubing trips, stand-up paddle boarding and even overnight river trips if you’d like to camp out on the water.

Big Lagoon State Park

Address:12301 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola

Phone: (850) 492-1595

Sites: 75 sites, each equipped with 30/50 amp electric, water, a picnic table and a fire ring/ground grill. Includes water and electricity.

Pet policy: Allowed on a leash, just not on the beach.

Fees: $20 per night, plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee. Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older, who hold a social security disability award certificate/100 percent disability award certificate from the federal government are permitted to receive a 50 percent discount on current base campsite fees. Proof of eligibility is required.

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Reserve: Book now at ReserveAmerica.com.

The 704-acre Florida State Park separate the mainland from Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico. Between the bird watching and the small beach areas along the Intercoastal Waterway, the activities are limitless. There’s also a two-lane boat ramp, canoeing and kayaking with a canoe kayak launch, five miles of hiking and nature trails, a playground and opportunities for swimming and picnicking and bicycling.

There are full-service restrooms and a dump station at the camp, which is open from 8 a.m. until sunset, daily. Admission fees apply. Group camping is available.

Top 5 trails: Explore Pensacola's varied nature parks

Blackwater River State Forest camping

Phone for all (with the exception of Coldwater): (877) 879-3859

Fees: $25 per electric site, per night, which includes tax. Reserved sites are $25 per electric site per night, which includes tax plus a $6.70 reservation fee.

Non-electric sites (have water) are $15 per site, per night. Reserved sites add a $6.70 reservation fee.

Primitive sites (no electric, no water at site but campground has water available) are $10 per night.

Group primitive camping site rate is $20, which includes taxes for up to 10 people. It's $2 per person (includes tax) additional charge for over 10 people.

Military active duty, honorably discharged, 100 percent disabled or 65-or-older-senior citizen rate pays $15 instead of $25 for an electric site and $10 instead of $15 for a non-electric site. Primitive site charge of $10 per night is the same for everyone.

Reserve for all: FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com

State parks: Get outside and explore Perdido-area state parks

Bear Lake Campground:

Address: 2960 Bear Lake Road, Milton

Sites: 40 total sites, 32 have electric.

Pet policy: Pets are allowed, but must be on a leash.

Camp Paquette:

Address: 11650 Munson Highway, Milton

Sites: Four primitive group tent sites, up to 50 people per group tent site. Youth groups only.

Pet policy: No pets.

Coldwater:

Address: 8032 Horse Shoe Loop Road in Milton

Phone: (850) 957-6161

Sites: 56, all electric.

Pet policy: Pets allowed on a leash.

Hurricane Lake:

Address: Hurricane Lake North — 446 Hurricane Lake Road in Baker

Hurricane Lake South — 7760 South Hurricane Lake Entrance Road in Baker

Sites: 13 electric sites and 5 non-electric sites at Hurricane Lake South, 18 primitive sites at Hurricane Lake South.

Pet policy: Pets allowed on a leash.

Krul:

Address: 11009 Krul Lake Road, Milton

Sites: 45 electric sites and 5 non-electric sites.

Pet policy: No pets.

Glamping: Why camp when you can 'glamp'?

Blackwater River State Park

Address: 7720 Deaton Bridge Road, Harold, just east of Milton

Phone: (850) 983-5363

Sites: 30 sites. All accommodate tent-only camping, RV’s or motor homes.

Pet policy: Pets are allowed. They must be well-behaved and on a six-foot leash.

Fees: $20 plus tax, per night. That includes up to eight people per campsite, which is the maximum per site. There are no additional fees. 1 RV/camper or two tents are allowed per campsite.

Reserve: ReserveAmerica.com.

The main draw here is the Blackwater River and the campground is situated just a short while from the river. There are water activities, hiking trails and geocaching for the entire family to enjoy. The Chain of Lakes Nature Trail is a 1.75 mile loop and the Juniper Lake Trail is a 0.5 mile trail for all interested hikers. The list goes on and on at Blackwater, as there’s also swimming, wildlife viewing and picnicking.

All sites have electricity, water and sewer connections. All sites also have a picnic table, fire ring and barbeque grill. Campground hosts on site will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns during your stay.

Coldwater Gardens

Address: 7009 Creek Stone Road, Milton

Phone: (850) 426-1300

Sites: 15 sites - 6 glamping, 6 combined cottages/treehouses/cabanas, 3 primitive.

Pet policy: No pets

Fees: Glamping is $75 a night on weekdays/$80 a night on weekends (sleeps four, or up to six with self-providing bedding. There is a $5 per person fee for more than four guests). Primitive is $25 a night on weekdays/$30 on weekends (price includes up to four guests. Any additional is $5 per person, up to six total guests per site). Treehouse sites are $170 a night on weekdays/$190 on weekends (sleeps four). Cottages are $150 a night on weekdays/$170 on weekends (sleeps four). Cabanas are $130 a night on weekdays/$150 a night on weekends (sleeps two).

Reserve: By phone, ColdwaterGardens.com, Booking.com or Expedia.com.

Primitive sites are just a mile away from the Coldwater Creek Beach, so the hiking and biking opportunities are plentiful. The glamping options separate Coldwater from the rest of the pack, however, as that style ofcamping is all the rage these days. For those who don’t know, glamping is a word that combines “glamourous camping,” and at Coldwater, glamping sites offer safari style tents, queen-sized beds, a mini-fridge, outdoor furniture and more.

Fort Pickens Campground

Address: 1463 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach

Phone: (850) 934-2622

Sites: 42 tent-only sites (no electricity, five outdoor faucets in area).

Pet policy: Pets are allowed on campgrounds, trails, etc., but they’re not allowed on Gulf or Bayside beaches. They’re also not allowed in any building or picnic area. They must be on a leash no longer than six feet in length.

Fees: $26 per night on tent sites, up to eight people and two tents.

Reserve: Recreation.gov or at (877) 444-6777.

Fort Pickens Campground is on Santa Rosa Island and the campground is on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. Historic Fort Pickens is only a mile from the campground and there is a pier for fishing near the picnic pavilions. There's also hiking trails, and of course those white-sand beaches, to name just a few of the attractions of Fort Pickens.

Tents can also be on any of the electric sites that accommodate truck campers, pop-ups and motor homes. The tent only area is on both the B and D loop.

Lake Stone Campground

Address: 801 West Highway 4, Century

Phone: (850) 256-5555

Sites: 30-40 tent-only sites. 77 sites total. Water and electricity available on every site.

Pet policy: Must be on a leash at all times. The campgrounds asks that you clean up behind them. If they are caught without a leash you will be asked to leave.

Fees: Escambia County resident breakdown: Senior citizen/disability is $10.04 a night. For everyone else, it’s $17.84 a night. Out of county breakdown: Senior citizen/disability is $17.84 a night. For everyone else it’s $20.07 a night. Fee covers up to eight people per site, with two tents allowed per site. Group sites are also available.

Reserve: No reservations, first come, first serve.

Lake Stone is a 100-acre campground and boat ramp facility on the very northern end of the county. It’s a peaceful, quiet area that attracts a lot of senior citizens camping by RV, according to staff. There’s no swimming allowed.

The campground is located just about a half hour away from the Wind Creek Casino in Atmore, Alabama.

Milton Gulf Pines/KOA Holiday

Address: 8700 Gulf Pines Drive, Milton

Phone: (850) 623-0808

Sites: 22 tent sites,12 have water and electric (hookups) and the remaining are primitive. Up to six people are allowed to camp per site and only one tent is allowed per site. You must have a tent to stay at one of these sites.

Pet policy: No pets allowed

Fees, primitive: $34 a night for two people, $6 for each additional person per night

Fees, hookups: $38 a night for two people, $6 for each additional person per night

Reserve: 888-562-4258

Less than a mile from I-10, the Milton Gulf Pines/KOA Holiday is popular among RV campers because of the dozens of full-hookup RV sites available at the campground, but there you can roll up your sleeves and enjoy some good old fashioned traditional camping in Milton as well.

Activities include bike rentals, mini golf, a basketball court and a dog park. There are also showers and bathrooms. There are fire rings and sand site pads on each site, as well as a community gazebo.

Navarre Beach Camping Resort

Address: 9201 Navarre Parkway, Navarre

Phone: (888) 639-2188

Sites: 7 tent sites

Pet policy: No pets allowed for tent camping, but most of the resort is pet friendly.

Fees: $54 per night, plus tax. Cost covers up to six people. $74 per night on holidays. A deposit is required at time of booking.

Reserve: By phone or at Nav.Beach.com/reservations

Not all beach camping has to be RV camping. In addition to the RV sites and cabin availability, the Navarre Beach Camping Resort has beach sites available. For activities, the resort offers a game room with video games, air hockey and a pool table, a playground, a shuffleboard court, horseshoe pits, a fishing pier, a basketball court, a heated swimming pool and a hot tub for those 18 years of age or older. Plus, it’s just a 15-minute cruise from the Gulf Breeze Zoo.

Rocky Bayou State Park

Address: 4281 Highway 20 East, Niceville

Phone: (850) 833-9144

Sites: 42 tent/RV sites each equipped with 30/50 amps, electricity and water.

Pet policy: Pets are allowed but the must be under physical control of their owners at all times. Allowed on trails but not in buildings.

Fees: $16.96 a night for up to eight people maximum, per site.

Reserve: ReserveAmerica.com, or, it's first come, first serve on the day you plan to begin camping.

Surprise, surprise, the main feature of this campground is Rocky Bayou, the trailing arm of Choctawhatchee Bay renowned for its boating and fishing. The campground features a double-lane boat ramp and there is hiking, bicycling, picnicking, canoeing and wildlife viewing.

There is a dump station and restrooms, showers and washer and dryer facilities.

Water Management Area camping

Escribano Point:

Address: Grassy Point Road, Navarre

Phone: (850) 265-3676

Sites: Two campgrounds with primitive sites only (no electricity or water) available in the Grassy Point area.

A permit from Eglin Air Force Base is required to access Department of Defense Lands. The permit costs $10 and can be purchased at the Natural Resources Branch, which is at 107 Highway 85 North in Niceville: (850) 882-4164.

Escambia River

Located in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, near Pensacola and Molino

Sites: There are 11 recreational sites and six designated campsites that require a reservation. No electricity or running water at any of the campsites or day use areas. Designated campsites include Bluff Spring, Cotton Lake, Keyser Landing, Mystic Springs, Webb Landing Recreation Area and Williams Lake.

Perdido River:

Located in Escambia County

Sites: Five recreational sites on the Perdido River WMA, but there is only one designated campsite – Otto Hill.

Escambia River and Perdido River share the following information:

Phone: (850) 539-5999

Pet policy: Dogs are allowed, but must be kept under physical restraint at all timers, per FWC rules.

Fees: No charge.

Visit the Northwest Florida Water Management District's website for specific address information.

Campgrounds that we may have missed that would like to submit their information for inclusion into this article can email us at online@pnj.com.

Longtime campers share their favorite spots

With a plethora of campgrounds to choose from, landing on one place can make for an overwhelming process. Different people want different things, and whether that be a prime spot for family camping, a good place to go for beginners or a campground that puts an emphasis on hiking, fishing or water activities, some longtime Panhandle-area campers offered a little insight into their experiences to help simplify your decision-making process.

“Bear Lake (at Blackwater River State Forest) is great because Bear Lake is a real nice lake, it has access to camping trails and the campsites are well spaced,” said Bob Browden of Pace, a tent camper since 1999. “The smaller campsites don’t have as many of the motor homes and campers that come in. They have nice campsites, and it’s quiet.”

Browden, who is with the Florida Trail Association, said he likes to have fun and bounce around from activity to activity during his campground stays, another reason he sings the praises of Bear Lake and the Blackwater campgrounds.

“Mainly I look for access to multiple activities, like at Bear Lake you have access to canoes and you can take non-motors out,” Browden said. “It has a swimming area and a looped bicycle trail, in addition to the hiking trail and access to the Florida Trail for longer hikes, where you can hike from Bear Lake to Hurricane Lake to Karick Lake (in Okaloosa County)."

Former Vice President of the Florida Trail Association Tom Daniel, an avid hiker and camper since 1980, said his favorite campgrounds are Big Lagoon, Blackwater State Park, Blackwater River State Forest and Rocky Bayou State Park.

“The area is there right on the waterway on Rocky Bayou, it used to be part of Eglin Air Force Base,” Daniel said of Rocky Bayou State Park. “There’s a lot of old oak and live oak trees. It’s an area that’s real close to some attractions, but at the same time a little out of the way, too. It’s probably one of the better places, I would say, for people who are new into camping.”

If you’ve got kids with you and would like to avoid the partiers, Daniel recommends Rocky Bayou for its homey feel.

“It’s one of the more relaxing atmospheres you’ll find,” he said. “Bayou tends to have a lot of regulars. Locals just pull up and go there, kids are riding bikes around so it’s like a big family event. It’s very relaxing when it starts cooling down in the evening.”

Why fall beats all

The summer is winding down, and while that’s a bit of a bummer for kids in school and beach lovers, it’s actually the best news for campers.

“October is the prime camping month,” said Marshall Shaw, park manager at Blackwater River State Park. “The humidity levels drop and the high temperatures kind of scale back, yet it’s still warm enough to get out and enjoy the swimming and hiking, so those months are the perfect time to get out."

The decrease in bugs is a definite plus to fall campers. October and November is also the time of year when many Florida wooded areas see a yellow explosion as wildflowers begin to bloom. But above all, fall is the time of year when the overbearing heat finally lets up.

“October through April is the time to go camping. It’s just too hot otherwise,” Daniel said. “If you’re camping in a tent in the summertime, that tent traps all your body heat. So it’s gonna turn into a kind of sauna. If there’s no air circulating around and it’s not cool, it just gets hotter and hotter and you get clammier and clammier.”

What to remember when camping with dogs

Many of us consider our pets to be members of the family so keeping them back at the house while we camp for a few days is oftentimes just not in the cards. Plus, dogs tend to really dig the outdoor air and all that new roaming space, so it’s fun to give them a little vacation, too.

But there are a few things to keep in mind when bringing dogs along to the local campsites that allow pets. One of those things is, even though we love our pets with every fiber of our being, your campground neighbors may not be as fond of Spot or Spike as you are.

“Not everybody appreciates your pet like you do,” Daniel said. “And no one thinks their pet is gonna bother anybody. But if I walk up to a dog, I don’t know what it’s gonna do. That’s why it’s important to have control of your pets at all times.”

“Sometimes people bring animals that aren’t accustomed to being outside or around other people and they tend to bark because they’re not sure of their surroundings, and that can be a nuisance for other campers,” Shaw said. “So just make sure if you bring your pet, you plan on providing them with the time, assistance and care needed to really keep it comfortable and under control.”

While most state parks and campgrounds are pet friendly, many do require you to keep them on six-foot leashes, because sometimes they’ll react to nature in unexpected fashion.

“The main thing is to keep them controlled and on a leash,” Browden said. “There are lots of things that animals can chase after and sometimes animals in strange places, and with strange smells around them, become more protective of owners than you might expect.”

FOOD!

If you’re camping for two or three days, you don’t need to overthink things — store-bought coolers are more technologically advanced than they were decades ago so your groceries will hold up, and most portable one-burner camping stoves can be had for $20-$40. But if you really want to get away and become immersed in the outdoors for a week or more, you’re going to want to turn to alternatives like freeze-dried food.

“After the first couple of nights you start having to get into dehydrated food or food you have to re-hydrate,” Daniel said. “Mountain House is a good brand with a variety of different kinds of food.”

Hikers hitting the trails for hours on end should keep in mind that the more weight you carry in your backpack, the more energy you’ll expend, so it’s best to be efficient with your food choices.

“When hiking bring something light,” said David Creamer, recreation administrator for Blackwater River State Forest. “Weight is definitely something to be aware of. Don’t bring a lot of cans or stuff like that. I’d avoid glass, too.”

Essential tips for beginners

Keep a checklist: Everyone's aware of the camping basics, like bringing shelter and food to a campground, but even the most grizzled of camping vets can forget to pack an item or two. There's nothing worse than forgetting something essential and having to either turn the car around or go without it on your trip so it’s best to keep a checklist and mark things down as you pack.

Local camping experts reiterate bringing the following items, in case some slip your mind: Bug spray, sunblock, pillows, lots of ice, flashlights and flashlight batteries, lantern batteries and also card games, board games and magazines to keep you entertained inside of the tent if the weather's bad.

Make sure your tent is big enough: If you’re fitting a family of four inside of one tent, it’s best to buy one with a capacity rating of six. If it’s just you and the significant other, the capacity rating should be four. Don’t camp cramped, it’s no fun for anyone.

Value your sleep: Staying on the subject of sleeping, don’t underestimate the comfort of an air mattress relative to a sleeping bag, especially if you have back troubles.

“When you’re in a tent you can have a root sticking up into your back sometimes, or find yourself on uneven ground, so some kind of blow-up mattress can be a lifesaver for some,” Creamer said. “A lot of people find it a lot more comfortable.”

If you do plan on bringing an air mattress or two, you’ll want to readjust your tent’s capacity ratings accordingly. If you’re going with sleeping bags, thin foam pads underneath can help solve that uneven ground problem and make for a more comfortable slumber.

And if you love all the sights and sounds of nature except when it’s time to sleep, ear plugs and masks should be added to the checklist.

Stay safe: Call ahead to your campground of choice to get a read on bears, gators and other wild animals and how often they’re spotted near the site you choose. Some campgrounds offer bear-resistant trash receptacles, but at other sites you may be on your own.

Keep your food packaged and tucked away in your car and secure your trash before bedtime so you don't attract bears and raccoons.

“Wild animals look for easy sources of food, so sometimes they come near your campsite, especially if they smell the steaks you had on the grill earlier,” Shaw said. “So secure your trash and don’t leave that out, available to them. And you definitely don’t want to feed the wildlife, ‘cause once you feed wildlife it loses its fear of people, then it can become a real nuisance and also dangerous.”

Test your gear first: Nobody wants to waste precious vacation and family time, but that’s just what you’ll do if you’re not familiar with your gear. Try setting up your tent in your backyard so you’re not struggling to pitch it when you get to the actual site. The same goes for your air mattress. Blow it up before you go, not only to make sure you can do it properly but to be sure it meets your comfort standards ahead of time.

Watch for the weather: Stay on top of the weather forecasts in the days leading up to your trip. This seems like no-brainer advice, but knowing just how hot and humid the weather will be ahead of time could prompt you to up your sunscreen’s SPF. If you’re going in the fall, don’t underestimate the chilly nights. Pack hoodies, sweats and caps. It wouldn’t hurt to bring a poncho or rain boots if rain is in the forecast.

Arrive early: If you’re new to camping or new to the campground you’re visiting, you won’t be too familiar with your surroundings, so it’s best to arrive as early as possible. You’ll want to give yourself time to learn more about campground amenities and it wouldn’t hurt to afford yourself the luxury of pitching your tent before nightfall.

Use your resources: If you’re at a state park, rangers or the Florida Forest Service can offer tips and suggestions.

“They know the local area and the seasons,” Browden said. They have helpful information. They want people to enjoy (their trip) and everything we have to offer in this area.”

As a reminder, there are campground hosts at Blackwater River State Park to help with any questions and concerns. Don’t just guess if you’re unsure about your campground’s rules: reach out to a host, ranger or employee.

Hiking hacks

Your feet will thank you later if you bring a good pair of boots or hiking shoes on your camping trip. Don’t forget to pack a second or third pair of shoes if hiking is indeed on the agenda.

“Sometimes people show up to go hiking in flip flops, obviously those aren’t supportive of your feet,” Shaw said. “So you’ll want to show up with closed-toed shoes and something with ankle support, especially for long hikes."

It’s also key to be aware of your surroundings out on the trail. Watch where you’re going if you’d like to avoid encounters with some of Florida’s scarier critters.

“It is wild Florida, so you do want to realize there are animals, and you want to make sure you’re looking where you’re walking,” Shaw said. “There may be a snake on the trail and it may not see you or move, and you may step on it. Keep an eye out where you’re looking, ‘cause there are wild animals.”

Also, learn how to recognize poison ivy if you can't already. Returning to your tent all itchy and swelling is a surefire way to ruin your night.

“It’s being comfortable in your own skin outside, that’s kind of a lost skill these days,” Daniel said.

Jake Newby can be reached at jnewby@pnj.com or 850-435-8538.