Will you be vacationing in Florida’s panhandle? You’ll find some of the best places to stay on the Emerald Coast at Panama City Beach campgrounds. They have easy access to the water, shops, restaurants, and more.
Having all of the luxuries and amenities at your fingertips makes for an all-around relaxing time. And we’ve made the planning easy for you with a round-up of the nine best campgrounds in the area.
Let’s take a look!
Where Is Panama City Beach?
Panama City Beach is a resort town on the Gulf Coast of Florida’s Panhandle. It’s 100 miles southwest of Tallahassee, and it sits on what’s known as the Emerald Coast.
The turquoise blue waters of this stretch of coastline meet up with sugar-white sandy beaches, making the perfect combination for beachgoers.
Why Do People Go to Panama City Beach?
People go for the beach, of course. Visitors flock to Panama City Beach annually to experience the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and sink their feet in the sand. This area is particularly popular around Spring Break.
But there’s a lot more to the town than the beach. You can find hiking and biking in the area and nearly any watersport. Many also enjoy fishing and bird and sea life watching.
What Makes Panama City Beach Unique?
Panama City Beach has some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. The white sand feels like sugar between your toes. The town also gives you access to other unique places along the Emerald Coast.
Highway 30A connects it to Destin, Florida. This is a famous stretch of coastal highway to drive or bike and stop at beaches and outdoor restaurants along the way.
You’ll have plenty to do here while soaking in the year-round sun. That’s what makes it a popular destination for spring breakers, families, and tourists from around the world.
The beach is lined with hotels for tourists to get up close and personal with the Gulf. Plus, some campgrounds offer a similar unique stay.
Pro Tip: While cruising down Highway 30A make sure to check out these 9 Things to Do Along Seaside Highway 30A, Florida.
8 Best Panama City Beach Campgrounds for Your Vacation
If you prefer nature to hotels, you may love Panama City Beach campgrounds. Let’s check out the eight best ones for your next trip.
1. Grayton Beach State Park Campground
Address: Main Park Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459
About: Grayton Beach State Park Campground sits on the coast and has a beach, trails, and more. It also surrounds Western Lake, an interior body of water where you can fish and paddle. Popular activities at the campground include birding, wildlife viewing, bicycling, boating, and swimming.
Amenities: Each campsite has electricity and water, and some have sewer hookups. They also have fire rings, picnic tables, and some have grills. The campground has a dump station, bathrooms and showers, a boat ramp, boat rentals, and a recycling center. And it welcomes pets.
Morton Trip Rating: 10/10 for its proximity to the beach and trails.
2. Panama City Beach RV Resort
Address: 4702 Thomas Dr, Panama City Beach, FL, 32408
About: Panama City Beach RV Resort is a full-service luxury resort that can accommodate any size RV. They also have condos to rent on-site. The RV park has beach access, and it’s within walking distance of St. Andrews State Park.
Amenities: RV sites have full hookups with electricity, water, and sewer. The resort has free Wi-Fi, a heated swimming pool, laundry facilities, a fitness center, showers, and a dog park. In addition, they offer free breakfast on Saturdays.
Morton Trip Rating: 9/10 for its resort vibe and amenities.
3. Pineglen Motorcoach and RV Park
Address: 11930 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL, 32407
About: Pineglen Motorcoach and RV Park is a quiet retreat away from the activity on the shoreline. It’s a couple of miles from the beach and offers an on-site fishing pond among palm and pine trees. The park is also a few minutes from Pier Park, shops, restaurants, and a movie theatre.
Amenities: Campground has full hookups and a few waterfront sites. You can bring up to two medium-sized dogs on your lot. The campground offers basic Wi-Fi, bathhouses, laundry facilities, and a screened-in pool. It also has fully stocked fish ponds with bass.
Morton Trip Rating: 8/10 for its quiet, wooded atmosphere.
4. Emerald Coast RV Park
Address: 1957 Allison Ave, Panama City Beach, FL 32407
About: Emerald Coast RV Park is a big-rig-friendly campground one mile inland from Panama City Beach. The park has something for every age, from pickleball to pools, making it a great stay for a vacation. They also offer cabins to rent.
Amenities: The landscaped RV sites have full hookups with concrete pads and patios, Wi-Fi, and cable. The park has two heated pools, a hot tub, a fitness center, and various outdoor sports. It also has a store, propane, laundry facilities, bathrooms, showers, a clubhouse, a covered pavilion, a playground, and fishing.
Morton Trip Rating: 10/10 for its pools and amenities.
5. Racoon River Campground
Address: 12209 Hutchison Blvd, Panama City, FL 32407
About: Racoon River Campground has playgrounds and outdoor activities. Plus you may enjoy the fishing pond that requires no license. Additionally, they offer RV sites and some primitive camping options.
Amenities: Campsites have full hookups, and you can snag a pull-through site. The campground offers two large swimming pools, a convenience store, laundry facilities, bathrooms, and showers.
Morton Trip Rating: 7/10 for its pools and playground for kids.
6. St. Andrews State Park Campground
Address: 4607 State Park Ln, Panama City, FL 32408
About: St. Andrews State Park Campground sits between St. Andrews Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. The location is ideal for beachgoers and water sport enthusiasts. You’ll find trails throughout the park and a boat launch.
Amenities: The campsites have electricity, water, grills, and picnic tables. You can use the campground dump station, bathrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. And you can bring your pets.
Morton Trip Rating: 9/10 for its proximity to the bay and gulf.
Pro Tip: Traveling with your fur babies? We found The 7 Most Dog-Friendly Beaches in Florida.
7. NSA Panama City RV Park
Address: Magnolia Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL, 32408
About: NSA Panama City RV Park is a Navy Getaway campground. It’s within easy access to 27 miles of beaches along the Emerald Coast. However, you must be military to stay at this park. It is close to two state parks and has plenty of hiking and biking trails and beach access.
Amenities: The RV park offers full hookup sites with grills and picnic tables.
Morton Trip Rating: 7/10 for its excellent location and availability for military and their families.
8. Gulf Oaks RV Park & Smugglers Cove Marina
Address: 5612 E Hwy 98, Panama City, FL, 32404
About: Gulf Oaks RV Park and Smugglers Cove Marina are on Pitts Bayou. It has a fishing pier and boat storage area, making it an excellent campground for those wanting to get out on the water. Additionally, the park is close to Panama City for entertainment and shopping.
Amenities: This big-rig-friendly RV park has full hookups and some pull-through sites. It also has Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, a fish cleaning station, activities, and more. And feel free to bring your pet.
Morton Trip Rating: 8/10 for its access to the water for fishing and paddling.
Is Panama City Beach Worth Visiting?
Panama City Beach is worth visiting to soak your feet in the sand and gaze out at the blue waters. You may never want to leave Panama City Beach campgrounds. They offer easy access to the beach and all other activities and venues in the area.
Are you ready for your trip to Panama City Beach? Be sure to tag us in some photos when you go. We would love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
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Ray Davis
Wednesday 19th of January 2022
You guys always do such a terrific job in providing such helpful advice and suggestions. I always look forward to the next offering on Rv life. BTW, "Go North," was a wonderful adventure that I was able to enjoy . I did find the humor when the racoon decided to ride along. Glad Tom has some excellent mechanical skills so as not to sideline you on your journey. God Bless and be safe out there.
Mortons on the Move
Thursday 20th of January 2022
Thanks Ray! So glad you have enjoyed our content and had a laugh at the misfortune... looking back we laugh too :)