Touring Military Campgrounds in the Destin Area

(Destin, FL)  There are four military bases in the Emerald Coast area.  Yesterday we toured two of them and also one recreation area.  Our first stop was the Maxwell-Gunter Recreation Area (Air Force) in Niceville  (what a great name for a city).  We took the Mid-Bay toll bridge ($3) over to this area.  The road leading to the campground was in disrepair and very rough. The sites look over the Choctawhatchee Bay and are a good size.  However, the park looks run down and a lot of bridge and traffic noise could be heard  We were not very impressed and probably would not stay here in the future. 

Maxwell-Gunter Campsite

We drove further inland to the Eglin Air Force Base.  This is the largest Air Force Base in the world covering over 463,000 acres.  It is huge!  It prides itself on providing "war winning capabilities on time and on cost".   There are two very nice campgrounds on this base.  One (Camp Robbins) offers full hook ups, good size sites and some privacy.

Eglin Air Force Campground-Camp Robbins

The second campground (Postl Point) look over the bay and many sites are along the water.  There is 50 amp service and cable  However, no sewer service and very few trees or privacy.  It is next to the recreation center that rents all types of equipment including boats, canoes, kayaks, and even campers.  Neither campground accepts reservations and are on first come, first served basis. 

We did our grocery shopping at the commissary.  It was a very nice store with a lot of variety.  There also is a huge base exchange.  This is not surprising since the base employees over 22,000 people (civilian and military combined).  We are going to Orlando next and bought our Universal tickets at the ticket (ITT)office.  It is a full service travel agency and the staff were very helpful. 

Eglin also has their own beach in Destin for the military.  It is not open this time of year.  It only costs $2 per car load and is a great location. It would probably be about a 20 minute drive from the campground to the beach.  

Our last stop was Hurlburt Field.  This is the home of the Air Force Special Operation Command and the 16th Special Operation Wing.  They also have a very nice campground.  It is rustic with lots of privacy.  Each site offers  full hook with a concrete pad. Reservations are not accepted. We would definitely stay here in the future.  It is close to the Fort Walton Beach area. 



Hulbert Field Campground



All of these campgrounds are about $20 per night.  A monthly rate is also available.  Here is a map to show you where each one is located.  It was an interesting day trip.  Being able to see Eglin Air Force Base was a thrill. This trip today will certainly help us with planning our future trips to this wonderful area.

View Military Campgrounds-Destin Area in a larger map