Cave RV camping with full hookups in Florida Panhandle
Get a handle on Floridaâs stunning scenery with a trip to the Panhandle.
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- Florida Panhandle
Popular camping styles for Florida Panhandle
Cave RV camping with full hookups in Florida Panhandle guide
Overview
Northwest Florida runs parallel to Alabama and toward Mississippiâbut it packs the best of the state into one last handle. Quaint beach towns, verdant parks, and diverse forests cover the region. You can start your camping trip south of Tallahassee and stretch your legs during a hike along a Florida National Scenic Trail. Or, when the Sunshine Stateâs sunshine emerges in full force, take a dip at Panama City Beach. No matter where you go, youâre in good company, thanks to the Panhandleâs white sand beaches, nature preserves, and, oh yeah, the Gulf of Mexico shoreline.
Where to go
Apalachicola National Forest
As the stateâs largest national forest, Apalachicola National Forest caters to all kinds of campers, whether youâre looking to hike, bike, or hop on your horse. Pitch your tent alongside the Ochlockonee or Apalachicola River. Or, check in to a campsite with restrooms and picnic tables. The birdwatchers among you will flock to the flocks at the nearby Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve.Â
State Forests
State forests crop up across the Panhandle. Tateâs Hell State Forest merges Floridaâs various ecosystems into one fascinating landscape where campers can experience everything from wet prairie to forest to swamp, right from their Panhandle campsite. Further west, Point Washington State Forest likewise sits along the coast offering backcountry campsites. If youâd rather camp inland, Blackwater River State Forest boasts a namesake riverâand a stream of activities.
Along The Coast
Beaches in the Panhandle range from Pensacola Beach, where sea turtles seasonally nest, to Destin, whose clear waters claim the title of Floridaâs best. If youâre not big on the water, donât discount a coastal campground yet. State parksâlike Henderson Beach State Parkâalso scatter the area. You can rent an RV campsite surrounded by longleaf pines. Or, listen to the sound of lapping waves from your tent site. Â
When to go
In the summer, tourists crowd the Panhandleâfor good reason. In July, temperatures run in the 80s, so if youâre an avid beachgoer, now is the time to swim to your heartâs content. The heat, however, may bring thunderstorms, so if youâre looking to hit both the beach and the trails, choose the shoulder months. The slightly cooler temperatures make forest and park explorations all the more enjoyable.
