Campgrounds in Okaloosa County, Florida

Campgrounds in Okaloosa County, Florida
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Okaloosa County, Florida, is located in the northwestern panhandle region and extends from the Alabama state line, on the north, to the emerald coast of the Gulf of Mexico, on the south. It includes the main cities of Crestview, Destin and Fort Walton Beach, as well as lesser known Mary Esther and Niceville. There is a broad spectrum of camping possibilities in Okaloosa County, Florida, from the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico to the Blackwater bayous.

Significance

Okaloosa means “black water” and was named by the Choctaw tribe. The county has a large military population and is home to three United States Air Forces bases, Duke Field, Eglin AFB and Hurlbert Field. Fishing and tourism are vital industries in Okaloosa County, Florida

Identification

If you are interested in an exclusive luxury RV resort with outstanding amenities and located adjacent to the sugar white sandy beaches and emerald waters, then Destin RV Beach Resort is for you. Also located in Destin, at the Henderson Beach State Park you’ll find campsites in the scrub habitat beyond the beach among the saw palmettos and sand pines. Further north, extending across Okaloosa county into neighboring Santa Rosa County is the Blackwater River State Forest, which holds four campgrounds in Okaloosa, two on Hurricane Lake and two on Karick Lake. Niceville is home to the Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park which offers a developed campground suitable for tents or RVs.

Geography

Of its 1,082 square miles, 936 is land and 146 square miles, or 13.4 percent is water. The average high temperature in July is 92 degrees and the average low in July of 71 degrees. Okaloosa County, Florida, receives an average of 68 inches of rainfall every year.

Types

The types of camping offered in Okaloosa County, Florida, range from luxury RV camping in an exclusive resort environment in Destin to the more primitive campsights found around Hurricane Lake and everything in between. You can choose from the vastness of the Gulf of Mexico to the rivers and lakes where kayaking and rafting are plentiful. Lounging on the white sandy beaches, swimming, biking, deep sea fishing, fresh and saltwater fishing are all possible activities.

Benefits

Camping in Okaloosa County has benefits for both you and the local community. The benefits to you are obvious, that is getting to enjoy the beauty and landscape of Northwest Florida. Okaloosa County will also benefit by having you there as a happy camper, promoting tourism and helping stimulate the economy.

References

Article reviewed by Scott E. Rupp Last updated on: Dec 7, 2010

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