For Gulf Coast beach camping without the crowds, head to Navarre Beach.
Don’t let its small size fool you—Navarre Beach is a stunning destination on the Gulf of Mexico with everything you need for the perfect beach camping getaway. Located on Santa Rosa Island just east of Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach features smooth, white sand and warm, clear water right next door to a section of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Navarre Beach camping is a great choice if you want a quiet and secluded Panhandle Beach experience. When visiting, you may rely on Navarre across the Santa Rosa Sound for restaurants and groceries. This is also where you’ll find RV parks with full hookups, wifi, and other amenities.
Navarre Beach Surrounds
The Navarre Beach Marine Park is the heart of Navarre Beach. It has ample parking, picnic tables, and BBQs to help you enjoy its sprawling white-sand beach. Kayak and paddle board rentals are available on-site too, and the park is within walking distance of the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center. The Navarre Beach Fishing Pier is a great spot to cast a line, observe sea life like dolphins and turtles, and catch the sunset.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
The Santa Rosa Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore is right next door to Navarre Beach. This 8-mile section of pristine beach is remarkably peaceful. For many, the highlight is Opal Beach, which has parking, showers, and a seasonal lifeguard.
Blackwater River State Park
When you’re ready for a break from the beach, check out Blackwater River State Park and its campground, home to picnic tables and fire rings. About 40 minutes north of Navarre Beach, this park shelters the tannic Blackwater River and a longleaf pine and white cedar forest. Kayaking and tubing are popular on the river, and the park has 4.5 miles of hiking trails where white tail deer, herons, and woodpeckers may be spotted. Many additional miles of hiking trails are accessible in the adjacent Blackwater River State Forest.
Navarre Beach is nice to visit year-round, though winter nights can get chilly and summer days hot and humid. Although rain is possible year-round, showers are especially strong in summer. Like all of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Navarre Beach is vulnerable to summer and fall hurricanes. Following the National Hurricane Center’s Atlantic Outlook will give you a clear forecast of storm risks when traveling at this time.