Destin, Florida is the perfect vacation destination for RVers looking to experience the Emerald Coast's beautiful white sand beaches, clear emerald waters, and abundance of outdoor activities. Located along Florida's Panhandle in the northwest region of the state, Destin offers easy access to coastal towns like Fort Walton Beach, Navarre Beach, and Panama City Beach.
With its convenient location and mild climate, Destin has become one of the most popular beach destinations in the Southeast. The city's beaches frequently rank among the best in the country, renowned for their soft white sands and calm emerald green waters. Beyond the beaches, Destin offers world-class fishing, fantastic shopping outlets, delicious seafood restaurants, and family-friendly attractions.
Destin is also home to some of the best RV parks in Florida. RV travelers will find spacious sites, top-notch amenities, stunning views, and access to area beaches and attractions. From full hook-up sites to waterfront lots, Destin offers RV parks to accommodate all sizes of rigs and budgets. Keep reading to discover some of the best RV parks Destin has to offer and start planning your Florida Panhandle getaway!
Featured Destin Activities
Destin is known as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" so it's no surprise that some of the top activities involve getting out on the water. Two quintessential Destin experiences are pontoon boat rentals and fishing charters.
Pontoon Boat Rentals
Cruising the emerald green waters on a pontoon boat rental is a fantastic way to explore Destin. Pontoon boats provide plenty of space to bring family and friends along for a day of fun on the water. Most pontoon rentals can accommodate 6-12 people comfortably.
Companies like Destin Pontoon Rental, SunQuest Cruises, and Coastal Cruise Rentals offer pontoon boats for full or half-day rental. You can cruise to Crab Island for a big party scene or find a quiet cove to relax in. Pontoon rental prices range from $200-500 per day depending on the size of the boat.
Fishing Charters
The Gulf of Mexico offers world-class fishing and Destin is hailed as the "Luckiest Fishing Village in the World." You have your pick of charter companies that will take you out to catch snapper, grouper, mahi-mahi, and more.
Full and half-day deep sea fishing trips are available. The boats supply all the bait, tackle, licenses and equipment you'll need. Destin fishing charters through companies like Destin Party Boat Fishing and Swoop II Sportfishing run $40-100 per person. Private charters are also available for more flexibility and a personalized experience.
Destin Florida RV Parks
Destin has several excellent RV parks right along the beautiful white sand beaches. These parks put you close to the emerald green waters, giving easy access for fishing, swimming, and water sports.
Camping on the Gulf
Camping on the Gulf is aptly named, with sites situated directly on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico. The park has full hookups and concrete pads, along with a pool, laundry, and other amenities. Beachfront sites have unbelievable views.
Geronimo RV Park
Also directly on the beach, Geronimo RV Park is another top choice. The sites are spacious, with full hookups. Premium sites are just steps from the water. Enjoy the heated pool, clubhouse, laundry facilities, and stocked fishing pond.
Henderson Beach State Park
Within a state park, Henderson Beach offers water and electric sites surrounded by protected dunes and nature. The park has great fishing, trails, and a scenic picnic area overlooking the Gulf.
Destin RV Beach Resort
Destin RV Beach Resort puts you close to Crab Island and other top Destin attractions. The resort offers full hookups, concrete pads, and a peaceful setting.
Fort Walton Beach RV Parks
Fort Walton Beach is just a short drive from Destin and offers its own selection of fantastic RV parks right along the beautiful Emerald Coast. Two top options to consider are:
Cozy Corner RV Lodge
Cozy Corner RV Lodge is conveniently located right off Highway 98 and is just minutes from the white sand beaches. It provides full hookup RV sites, free WiFi, laundry facilities, restrooms, showers, and a dump station. Other amenities include a clubhouse, pool, hot tub, and fishing pier. Pet friendly.
The sites are shaded by oak trees and there's plenty of room to relax and enjoy the Florida weather. It's an affordable option that provides easy access to all that Fort Walton Beach has to offer.
Destin West RV Resort
Destin West RV Resort is situated right across from the beach on Okaloosa Island. It features premium full hookup RV sites with excellent amenities.
Onsite you'll find a swimming pool, hot tub, fitness room, cafe, convenience store, and more. The sites are spacious and well-maintained.
It's located close to restaurants, charter fishing, water sports, and area attractions. A top choice if you want to be steps from the beach during your RV vacation.
Navarre RV Parks
Navarre, located just east of Destin, is home to some excellent RV parks along the beautiful white sand beaches of the Emerald Coast. Three top options for RV camping in Navarre include:
The Hideaway Retreat
The Hideaway Retreat is a peaceful, secluded RV resort set among towering pines and oaks. It's located just 3 miles from Navarre Beach but feels worlds away. The Hideaway has 65 full hookup sites, with 30 and 50 amp electric, water, sewer, and free Wi-Fi at every site. Other amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, recreation hall, laundry facilities, and bath house. Pets are welcome.
The Hideaway Retreat is ideal for RVers seeking a quiet camping experience away from crowds yet close to the beach. The heavily wooded sites and relaxing amenities make this a top choice.
Emerald Beach RV Park
For a beachfront camping experience, Emerald Beach RV Park can't be beat. The park sits right on Navarre Beach, with amazing views. There are over 90 full hookup sites, including premium waterfront sites and pull-throughs.
Emerald Beach has 30/50 amp electric, water, sewer, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. Onsite amenities include a clubhouse, heated pool and hot tub, grill gazebos, laundry room, and dog park. It's a short walk from your campsite to the soft white sands and sparkling emerald waters.
With its stunning location, Emerald Beach is perfect for water lovers. Enjoy beachcombing, swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, and more right outside your door.
Navarre Beach Camping Resort
The Navarre Beach Camping Resort is another excellent beachfront option, located on the sound side of Navarre Beach. There are 150 full hookup sites, able to accommodate rigs up to 45 feet.
Resort amenities include a clubhouse, laundry facilities, large swimming pool, hot tub, dog park, and recreation areas. The sound side beach offers calmer waters for swimming and kayaking. It's a short walk over the dunes to the Gulf of Mexico beach.
Navarre Beach Camping Resort is ideal for RVers who want beach access with tons of activities and amenities. The resort offers the perfect coastal camping location.
With beautiful beaches and great amenities, Navarre provides fantastic options for RV camping conveniently close to Destin.
Santa Rosa Beach RV Parks
Santa Rosa Beach is just east of Destin and offers some fantastic RV parks right along the beautiful beaches and emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Here are some of the top options for RV camping in the Santa Rosa Beach area:
30A Luxury RV Resort
30A Luxury RV Resort is situated right on scenic Highway 30A, just steps from the beach. It features premium amenities like a resort-style swimming pool, hot tub, fitness center, dog park, and more. Sites are spacious and can accommodate large rigs.
The resort offers full hookups, concrete pads, and meticulous landscaping throughout the property. The location provides easy access to shops and restaurants in Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and other communities along 30A.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Within this pristine protected preserve, you'll find 75 full hookup campsites nestled among sand pine scrub forest. Each site has a picnic table, grill and fire ring.
The campground is just a short walk from 3.2 miles of nearly deserted white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Nature trails wind through the rare coastal dune lakes ecosystem.
Grayton Beach State Park
Shady live oak trees tower over the 60 campsites at this scenic state park campground. It's just steps from Grayton Beach, which frequently lands on Dr. Beach's list of top beaches in the U.S.
The campground offers water and electric hookups, along with picnic tables, grills and access to hot showers. Pets are allowed at the sites. Nature trails allow you to explore the park's coastal scrub habitat.
Peach Creek RV Park
Boasting direct beach access in Santa Rosa Beach, Peach Creek RV Park sits along the shore of Choctawhatchee Bay. The 200+ full hookup sites are shaded by oak and pine trees.
Concrete pads, patios and cable TV come standard. On-site amenities include a clubhouse, laundry facilities, pool, hot tub, dog park and more. The location grants easy access to area attractions.
Niceville Florida RV Parks
Niceville is located just north of Destin and offers a more relaxed camping experience away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist area. The star RV park in Niceville is Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park.
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park spans over 4,000 acres and offers a serene camping environment surrounded by pine forest, sandhills, and bayou. The park has over 100 campsites, many right along Rocky Bayou with scenic water views.
The sites offer water and electrical hookups and there is a dump station on-site. Restrooms with hot showers are available. Pets are allowed at the campsites.
Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and paddling on Rocky Bayou. There are also hiking and biking trails to explore the diverse ecosystem. The park offers ranger-led programs and has a camp store stocked with supplies.
Rocky Bayou State Park is located just a short drive from the beaches of the Emerald Coast. It provides a peaceful home base to explore Destin and surrounding areas without the high prices and crowds of beachfront RV resorts.
RV Park Amenities
The RV parks in Destin offer a variety of amenities to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient.
Most parks provide full hookup sites with water, sewer, and electric connections. Premium waterfront sites with stunning gulf views are available at select locations.
Pet-friendly policies vary across the different parks. Some allow pets at all sites while others restrict pets from beachfront areas. Always check the pet policy before booking.
On-site amenities often include bathhouses, laundry facilities, dump stations, swimming pools, playgrounds, convenience stores, and rec rooms. Some parks offer special activities like beach bonfires, live music, ice cream socials, arts and crafts, and more.
Wifi access and cable TV are standard at most Destin RV parks. Many sites are now furnished with patio furniture and gas grills for guest use. Security features like gated entries and security patrols provide peace of mind.
Most importantly, the parks offer easy access to the area's gorgeous beaches, attractions, restaurants and shopping. The amenities and location make RVing in Destin convenient and comfortable.
Nearby Attractions
Destin and the surrounding Florida Panhandle area offer a wide variety of attractions and things to do near the RV parks. Here are some nearby attractions to consider:
Beaches
- Henderson Beach State Park - This state park right in Destin features scenic nature trails and boardwalks, along with a pristine white sand beach.
- Grayton Beach State Park - Located in Santa Rosa Beach, this state park has sand dunes, nature trails, and a beautiful beach for swimming and sunbathing.
- Navarre Beach - This relaxing beach area near Navarre has soft white sands and emerald green waters.
- Pensacola Beach - The westernmost Florida Panhandle beach with white sand and a lively beach scene.
Golf Courses
- Regatta Bay Golf and Country Club - Championship golf along Choctawhatchee Bay in Destin.
- Kelly Plantation Golf Club - Scenic course winding through wetlands and woodlands in Destin.
- Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club - Golf with views of the Gulf of Mexico in Santa Rosa Beach.
- Tiger Point Golf Club - Links-style course in Gulf Breeze with water hazards and undulating greens.
Restaurants
- Harbor Docks - Casual waterfront seafood restaurant in Destin Harbor.
- Another Broken Egg Cafe - Popular breakfast and brunch cafe with multiple locations.
- Dewey Destin's - Seafood and steaks with a water view in Destin.
- Old Bay Steamer - Casual Cajun seafood joint with live music in Santa Rosa Beach.
Shopping
- Silver Sands Premium Outlets - Large outlet mall with 100+ stores in Miramar Beach.
- Destin Commons - Open-air mall with national retailers like Apple and Pottery Barn.
- Grand Boulevard - Upscale mixed-use town center with shopping and dining in Miramar Beach.
- Gulf Place - Boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants in a pedestrian village in Santa Rosa Beach.
With scenic beaches, challenging golf courses, tasty restaurants, and great shopping nearby, RVers have plenty of attractions to enjoy during a stay at any of the area's excellent RV parks.
Weather and Events
Destin enjoys a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild, drier winters. The peak tourist season runs from May through August, when daytime highs average in the 80s Fahrenheit.
The summer months also bring an increased chance of thunderstorms and tropical systems to the region. For pleasant weather with smaller crowds, visit in the spring or fall, when highs are in the 70s. Winters are mildest near the coast, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to 60s.
Some of the top annual events in the Destin area include:
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Destin Fishing Rodeo (October) - One of the largest fishing tournaments in the world, drawing anglers from around the globe. Prizes are awarded across numerous categories.
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Destin Seafood Festival (October) - A huge community celebration featuring fresh seafood, live music, and family activities.
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Emerald Coast Boat and Lifestyle Show (September) - Showcases the latest boats, marine equipment, RVs, and more.
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Destin Wine Festival (April) - Sample wines from around the world and savor gourmet food during this beachside wine tasting event.
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Destin Music Festivals (May & October) - Rock out to country, rock, and more during these open-air concert series.
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4th of July Celebration - Enjoy parades, live music, fireworks shows, and more in honor of Independence Day.
Many festivals are concentrated in the spring and fall shoulder seasons, providing more to do with smaller crowds. The most pleasant weather is often found in May, September, and October.
Getting to Destin
Destin, located in the Florida Panhandle along the Emerald Coast. Here are some tips for getting to Destin by air or car:
By Air
The closest major airport is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City Beach, about 1 hour from Destin. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is a smaller regional airport just 15 minutes east of Destin.
Other nearby airport options include:
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS): 1 hour drive
- Tallahassee International Airport (TLH): 2.5 hours
- Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT): 2 hours
By Car
Destin is easily accessible by car. It's located off Interstate 10 and Highway 98 along the coast.
From the east, take I-10 W and exit 85 onto Emerald Coast Pkwy toward Destin. From the west, take I-10 E and use the same exit.
From the north, take I-65 S which turns into I-10 W before Destin. From the south, take I-10 W through Tallahassee and Panama City Beach.
The drive from Atlanta is about 7 hours, while Tampa and New Orleans are both around 4.5 hour drives. Pensacola is just over an hour away. Use Highway 98 to reach Destin from any of these cities.
RV Travel Tips
Planning a trip in your RV to Destin? Here are some key tips to ensure your RV vacation goes smoothly:
Make Reservations Early
Destin is a popular destination, so you'll want to book your campsite well in advance. Reserve at least 6 months ahead for peak seasons like summer. State parks like Henderson Beach and Topsail Hill especially book up fast.
Even off-season, reserve 1-2 months early. Having guaranteed reservations reduces stress and ensures you get your top choice of campground.
Pack Properly
Create a master packing checklist for your RV based on length of trip, number of people, and activities planned. Be sure to pack:
- Food, drinks, and cooking supplies
- Bedding, towels, and toiletries
- Clothing and swimsuits
- Safety kit with first aid supplies
- Entertainment like outdoor games
- Beach gear such as chairs, umbrellas, and water toys
Remember your pet's needs too with food, bowls, leash, bedding, and waste bags.
Prepare Your RV
Do a thorough check of your RV systems and features before embarking on a long journey:
- Check tire pressure and tread wear
- Ensure propane tanks are full
- Bring a Growatt solar generator (charging your devices anywhere and anytime)
- Test brakes and lights
- Check fluid levels
- Examine roof and windows for any leaks
- Test appliances and entertainment systems
- Flush black and grey tanks
- Charge house and chassis batteries
Taking time to prepare your RV will prevent issues from arising on the road or at your campsite.
RV Rental Options in Destin
Renting an RV is a great option for visiting Destin, especially if you don't already own an RV. There are many RV rental companies that operate in the Destin area.
Local RV Rentals
Renting locally once you arrive in Destin allows you to pick up and return the RV from the same rental office. Some popular local RV rental companies include:
- Destin RV Rentals
- Emerald Coast RV Rentals
- Florida Panhandle RV Rentals
Local RV rentals range from small trailers to large motorhomes that can sleep 8+ people. Daily and weekly rates are available. You can even rent RV accessories like generators, grills, and more.
Renting vs Bringing Your Own RV
Renting an RV locally simplifies logistics since you don't have to drive your own RV. It also saves on fuel costs and wear-and-tear for your RV. However, bringing your own RV allows for more flexibility on dates and trip length.
If flying in, renting an RV is easier than transporting a rig. Rental RVs also tend to be newer models with modern amenities. However, your own RV feels more like home.
Consider trip length, group size, budget, and personal preference when deciding between renting or bringing an RV. Carefully compare costs including rental fees, fuel, insurance, etc.
Conclusion
Destin, Florida offers an abundance of amazing RV parks for your next vacation. From waterfront resorts to state park campgrounds, you'll find the perfect spot to park your RV.
The Gulf-front parks like Camping on the Gulf and Destin RV Beach Resort put you right on the sugar sand beaches. Inland parks like Geronimo RV Park and Destin West RV Resort provide easy access to area attractions. State parks like Henderson Beach and Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou offer beautiful natural settings.
Wherever you choose, you'll be within easy reach of all the fun activities Destin has to offer - charter fishing, dolphin cruises, water sports, shopping, and of course relaxing on the beach. With mild winters and warm sunny summers, it's always a great time to visit.
As you start planning your next Florida Panhandle getaway, be sure to book your RV site early. The peak season fills up fast. Consider traveling in the spring or fall for warmer weather with fewer crowds.
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind RV vacation in Destin. With pristine beaches, emerald waters, and incredible parks, it's paradise for RVers. Begin your Gulf Coast adventure today!
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Parks in Destin
What are the best RV parks in Destin?
Some of the top-rated RV parks in Destin include Henderson Beach State Park, Camping on the Gulf, Destin West RV Resort, Geronimo RV Park, and Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort. These parks offer amenities like full hookups, pull-through sites, pools, clubhouses, and access to beaches.
What are some fun things to do in Destin, Florida?
Destin offers amazing beaches, boating, fishing, dolphin cruises, water parks, golf courses, shopping centers, and great restaurants. Popular activities include charter fishing, pontoon rentals, beach days, and visiting area attractions like Big Kahuna's Water Park.
When is the best time to visit Destin?
Peak season in Destin runs May through August. Expect higher prices and crowded beaches. For warmer weather with fewer tourists, aim for March-April or September-November. The winter months are cooler but still pleasant.
What types of RV sites are available?
Most Destin RV parks have full hookup sites as well as water and electric only sites. Many parks also offer premium waterfront sites or pull-through sites for larger rigs. Sites accommodate RVs of varying sizes.
Can I bring my pet to an RV park in Destin?
Many Destin RV parks allow pets, though some may restrict pets from beachfront sites. Always check the pet policies before booking. Expect pet fees to apply. Keep dogs leashed and clean up after them.
