Glamping Through Florida’s Panhandle

by Darien Hardy

The Florida heat is finally getting ready to cool down as September brings with it the prime of fall. Cool breezes and beautifully colorful, natural backdrops will set the scene for more outdoor activities. After a brutally hot summer, just about everyone is itching to get out of the house and do something different. Glamping, or “glamorous camping,” is the trend that brings the comforts and luxuries of home into the great outdoors.

Many campgrounds in the Florida Panhandle offer a variety of amenities and luxurious glamping experiences for those that want to get out into nature and away from routine without sacrificing their all-important household comforts. Whether you’re looking to fall asleep under the stars during a romantic getaway with your significant other, or take advantage of the local waterways, beaches and trails, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for fun with friends and family at one of these local glamping sites.

Ranging in location and scenery from Panama City Beach to Milton, Northwest Florida’s state parks and campsites offer something for everyone. Whether you are not quite ready to rough it outdoors, or you’re an avid adventurer looking for a bit more luxury in your experience, this roundup of popular glamping spots has you covered.

Twin Lakes Camping Resort

Defuniak Springs 580 Holley King Rd. | (850) 892-5914 twinlakescampresort.com

Nestled on King Lake and Holley Lake, Twin Lakes Camping Resort is the perfect spot to kick back and relax by fishing, swimming or taking a “pondtoon” boat or kayak rental out on the lake for the day. The campground features a swimming pool, bathhouse, 65 RV hook-up sites, five cabin rentals, two lake houses and several glamping/eco tents. The cabins, lake houses and glamping tents are fully furnished with all the household comforts. Twin Lakes’ glamping tents put the glamor in glamping with running water, sinks, toilets, a small fridge, a microwave, fire pits with cooking grills, a large cooler for drinks, picnic tables and AC/heat. Don’t forget your furry companion—many of the rental suites and glamping tents are pet friendly! Visit the Twin Lakes website for more property details and help with booking a stay.

Camping on the Gulf

10005 Emerald Coast Parkway W. | (850) 502-5282 campingonthegulf.com

Of all the beautiful lakes, rivers and creeks in the Panhandle, we can’t forget about glamping on the beach! Camping on the Gulf is located on Miramar Beach and offers the most luxurious beach get-away trip. Dig your toes into the sand by taking a short walk from the campground to the beach. Along with RV hook-ups, cabins and beach house rentals, Camping on the Gulf now offers small and large glamping tents. The small tents feature two single beds, a stand-alone AC, covered porch and a charging station for electronics. The upgrade to the large tent features a kitchen, bathroom, king beds, a sofa, a TV and several other amenities. Be sure to check out Camping on the Gulf’s recreational rentals like golf carts, paddle boards and floating islands, as well as the pool featuring a big water slide and other amenities on the Camping on the Gulf website.

Grayton Beach State Park

357 Main Park Rd. | (850) 267-8300 floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach

At nearly 2,000 acres, Grayton Beach State Park is more than a backdrop for golden sunrises and silver moonlit evenings. Soaking in warm gulf breezes while relaxing on pristine Grayton Beach might be the main attraction, but that’s only one aspect of this gorgeous state park. Western Lake offers fishing and paddling, and those who want to explore on foot have four miles of trails through a coastal forest where scrub oaks and magnolias are bent and twisted by salt winds to traverse. Among other natural experiences such as biking, paddling, wildlife viewing and more, Grayton Beach offers a scenic backdrop for overnight camping. An overnight excursion yields its own unique experience with a stay in one of the well outfitted cabins or a more rustic accommodation at one of Grayton’s cozy campgrounds. Learn more about Grayton Beach’s many amenities and visitor fees on the state park’s website.

Aluminum Cabana at My Cabana Club

8315 Navarre Parkway | (855) 566-5938 | mycabanaclub.com

When looking for a comfortable and luxurious vacation experience, gaze no further than My Cabana Club’s fully equipped Aluminum Cabana Airstream coach. Overnight guests can relax in the spacious sitting area, complete with a flat-screen TV, or gather around the dinette table for a meal with family and friends. The stocked kitchen has everything you need to cook up a storm, including a range, refrigerator, microwave/ convection oven and ample storage. All dishes, utensils and cookware needed are included in the cabana, so guests may indulge in gourmet meals during their vacation. Also included is a Keurig coffee maker for all the caffeination needs. The private master suite features an additional flat-screen TV, a convertible sofa, and a convertible dinette, ensuring every member of the party has plenty of space to relax and unwind. The private bath features a separate shower, and the entire coach is fully air conditioned and heated for comfort in all weather conditions. Visit the My Cabana Club website to check out all the luxurious resort amenities and book your glamped-out stay in one of the Aluminum Cabanas.

Eco-Tents at St. Andrews State Park

4607 State Park Lane | (850) 919-6274 floridastateparks.org/parks-andtrails/st-andrews-state-park

With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and St. Andrews Bay on the other, visitors who crave swimming, snorkeling or surfing will be more than satisfied with St. Andrews State Park’s five distinct ecological landscapes. Now, state park visitors can also experience sugar white sands, emerald green waters and a vast array of ever-changing winged creatures. The park is a popular migratory stopover for numerous bird and butterfly species. Besides boasting a mile-and-a-half of pristine beaches for fishing and swimming, St. Andrews also offers the chance for visitors to stroll through pines, along dunes and within coastal plant communities. For those looking for a more lush experience, glamping is also now available at St. Andrews State Park. Unplug, relax and reconnect with nature in one of three available eco-tents, each of which sleeps three people and includes a glamorous coffee station and a relaxing porch. Modern luxuries include electricity, a queen bed, a twin-sized cot and many other amenities. Each eco-tent offers bayside water views and is in closeproximity to bathhouses, golf cart rentals and the Land’s End Grill food truck. For more information on St. Andrews’ amenities and instruction on how to book a stay, visit the state park’s website.

Coldwater Gardens

7009 Creek Stone Rd. | (850) 426-1300 coldwatergardens.com

Running alongside Big Coldwater Creek, Coldwater Gardens is home to beautiful glamping accommodations, several gardens to tour featuring produce, European honeybees, aquaponics, hydroponics and, of course, the creek to swim in and enjoy. Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations including hillside tent camping, platform tent camping, a tiny-house cabana, glamping tents, eco-design cottages and a modern treehouse. Whether you want to try out tiny living, gaze at the stars from the treehouse or stargazer platforms, or kick back in the luxury glamping tents, Coldwater Gardens has you covered. Check out Coldwater Gardens’ website for more information about the property’s accommodations and booking a stay.

Glamping Essentials:

Glamping is designed to make your stay as carefree as possible. Unlike a traditional camping trip where you’d haul all the dusty gear out of the garage, these glamping experiences provide nearly everything you need to make yourself at home—including a morning cup of joe. Many campsites still recommend guests bring some extra items to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

• Comfy exploration clothes and hiking boots

• Toiletries, towels and shower shoes

• Groceries: food, water, cooler, ice, etc.

• Coffee grounds and sweet creamers

• Cooking supplies: pots, pans, cooking utensils, etc.

• Lighter for camp stove and cheap fire starter or kindling for fire pit

• Bug spray and flashlights

• Beach supplies: sun block, bathing suit, beach umbrella, etc.

• Picnicware: plates, cups, mugs, silverware, etc.