Florida's Sparkling White Sand Campground On The Gulf Coast Is A Family-Friendly Gem With Convenient Facilities

Imagine waking up to the faint call of seagulls searching for breakfast over the repetitive lap of waves licking the shore. Consistently named one of the "Most Beautiful Beaches in the Entire World," the soft white sand beaches of Destin, Florida, are one of nature's masterpieces. You might catch a pelican diving deep for a snack, and playful dolphins are frequently spotted from shore. What was once a small fishing village now welcomes millions of visitors a year, and it's easy to see why.

Tucked between the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico (renamed the Gulf of America in 2025 by U.S. President Donald Trump) in the panhandle region of Florida, Destin is a beach-lover's paradise. The mild winters and sunny summers make this a year-round destination accessible by air or car, where you can bring your own camping gear or rent on-site. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is the closest access by plane, located just 40 minutes from the city center. Once you arrive, head to Camping on the Gulf, a family-friendly campground with ocean views.

Whether you choose to bring your RV or spend the night in one of the property's cabins or glamping tents, at Camping on the Gulf, you're never more than a short walk from the ocean. (Though if you can, snag one of the beachfront sites.) Guests rave about the meticulously clean bathhouses and convenient laundry facilities, and there is even a pool with a waterslide and an activity center to keep young campers occupied. Camping on the Gulf also offers daily entertainment and events for the whole family, from karaoke nights to beach yoga. If you're feeling peckish after a day of sunning and swimming, check out the weekly rotation of food trucks on site to curb your hunger. 

Averaging 226 sunny days a year, Destin has no shortage of activities for the whole family, and Camping on the Gulf is the perfect base for exploring. The beach has endless watersport activities, including parasailing, paddleboarding, jet ski rentals, and fishing directly from the shore. Start your day renting a golf cart to explore the strip and finish it snuggled by a campfire on the beach.

Get out on the water with one of the multiple dolphin tours leaving from the harbor daily, or cruise around on your very own tiki boat. Grab your snorkel and explore one of the artificial reefs just a few hundred yards off the shore. The reef structures are uniquely designed to regenerate marine life in the area and potentially become one of Florida's top snorkeling spots. You might spot a starfish, snapper, or even a resident sea turtle. The area is home to seven different species of sea turtles, many of which return to nest on the soft sandy shoreline.

If your family is looking for a break from the beach, Big Kahuna Waterpark is located just minutes from the shore with heart-pounding slides, a relaxing lazy river, and splash pads for the little ones. Challenge the family to an entertaining round at one of the many mini golf courses in town, or have a full arcade experience at Wild Willy's Adventure Zone. For respite from the sun, learn more about Destin's rich history at the History and Fishing Museum. This reasonably priced museum's exhibits demonstrate how both fishing methods and boat design have changed throughout this town's transition to a major tourist destination.