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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Pretty Bayou, FL
61 campgrounds and RV Parks near Pretty Bayou, FL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
61 campgrounds
2936 campsites
18 RVs available for delivery
From $16/night
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Best campgrounds near Pretty Bayou, FL
Venture Out Panama City Beach
Panama City, FL (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(4 sites)
+7
Panama City Beach RV Resort
Panama City Beach, FL (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(69 sites)
+6
St Andrews State Park
Panama City, FL (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(158 sites)
+8
Panama City Beach KOA
Panama City Beach, FL (5 miles away)
Sun Outdoors Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach, FL (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(138 sites)
+7
Campers Inn Inc.
Panama City, FL (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(115 sites)
+8
Deerhaven RV Park
Panama City, FL (7 miles away)
Raccoon River Camp Resort
Panama City, FL (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(171 sites)
+5
El Governor RV Park
Mexico Beach, FL (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(59 sites)
+3
Old Salt RV Park
Port St. Joe, FL (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(28 sites)
+5
Augies World Campground and RV Park
Florida (27 miles away)
(25 sites)
Holmes Creek Camping & RV Resort
Vernon, FL (28 miles away)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Showers Toilets Laundry Tables Internet Dump station Grills Playground Fishing
Campgrounds near Pretty Bayou
Pretty Bayou sits on the north shore of St. Andrew Bay in Bay County, Florida, just across the water from Panama City Beach and its Gulf-facing barrier beaches. The area functions as a quieter residential base for RV travelers who want easy access to St. Andrews State Park, the Grand Lagoon, and the sugar-white sand beaches of the Emerald Coast. Most RV inventory is clustered south of Pretty Bayou, on and around Thomas Drive and Panama City Beach Parkway.
St Andrews State Park anchors the public camping options, with two campground loops set in the pinewoods near Grand Lagoon. Private RV parks fill out the map: Venture Out Panama City Beach and Panama City Beach RV Resort sit along Thomas Drive near the state park, while Panama City Beach KOA and Sun Outdoors Panama City Beach offer larger resort-style setups closer to the west end of the beach.
Expect a mix of shaded pine and open sunny sites, humid coastal air, and short drives to groceries, seafood, and Pier Park.
Things to do near Pretty Bayou
The Gulf and Grand Lagoon are the main draw. St Andrews State Park offers beach frontage on both the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon, plus swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp. Nature trails wind through coastal pine and dune habitat, and freshwater areas are a known alligator viewing spot. A seasonal concession shuttle runs to Shell Island for day trips, typically operating during peak season and on weekends through October.
Off the water, families gravitate to Pier Park for shopping and dining, Gulf World Marine Park, and the local water parks. Fishing charters run year-round out of the marinas along Grand Lagoon, and inshore fishing for redfish and speckled trout is a fall and winter highlight.
Camping spots and RV parks near Pretty Bayou, FL
When to visit Pretty Bayou
- spring
March - May
75° / 59°F 68 mmWarm and drier; spring-break crowds peak in March
- summer
June - August
88° / 75°F 140 mmHot, humid; frequent afternoon thunderstorms; peak bookings
- fall
September - November
77° / 61°F 95 mmCooler and drier by October; hurricane risk peaks in September
- winter
December - February
63° / 46°F 95 mmMild off-season; snowbird stays; Gulf too cold for swimming
Peak season runs from spring break through mid-August. Mid-March through April brings large spring-break crowds along Thomas Drive and Pier Park, with beachfront and RV sites often booked months in advance. Late April through May is a sweet spot: warm weather, lower humidity, drier days, and Gulf water warming into the mid-70s.
Summer is hot, humid, and busy. Highs sit in the upper 80s, afternoon thunderstorms are frequent, and July and August are the wettest months of the year. This is also Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June 1 through November 30, with activity historically peaking in September.
Fall cools noticeably after Labor Day, humidity drops, and October is one of the drier, less crowded months with Gulf water still warm enough for swimming. Winter is the mild off-season, with daytime highs generally in the low 60s and cool nights; it draws snowbirds on long stays rather than beach swimmers, since Gulf water drops into the low 60s.
How to book a site near Pretty Bayou
St Andrews State Park is reserved through the Florida State Parks system at FloridaStateParks.org or by phone at 800-326-3521. Florida residents can book up to 11 months out, non-residents up to 10 months out, with new inventory releasing daily at 8 a.m. Eastern. Waterfront and lagoon-side sites fill first, especially for spring break, summer weekends, and holidays, so plan well ahead. Walk-ins are only occasionally accommodated.
Private parks like Panama City Beach RV Resort, Panama City Beach KOA, and Sun Outdoors Panama City Beach are booked directly through each resort's website or reservations line. Venture Out Panama City Beach is a condominium community of individually owned lots, so nightly and weekly stays are arranged through rental agents or individual owners rather than a single front desk. For summer and spring-break dates, booking three to six months in advance is standard.
What to expect
Sites in this area are coastal: sandy soil, pine cover, and humid Gulf air. St Andrews State Park has 176 sites in two loops near Grand Lagoon, accommodating rigs up to 40 feet, with water and electric at every site, a dump station in the campground, five bath houses, and a laundry facility. Bathhouses were rebuilt after Hurricane Michael. Park gates close at sunset, and late arrivals need to call ahead for the gate code.
Private resorts along Thomas Drive and Panama City Beach Parkway generally offer 30 and 50 amp full hookups, pull-through sites for larger rigs, pools, laundry, and dog areas. Beach access from the private parks is typically a short walk or shuttle ride. Bring bug spray, reef-safe sunscreen, and a plan for afternoon thunderstorms in summer.
Own an RV? Earn up to $35,319/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Pretty Bayou, FL
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Pretty Bayou, FL?
An RV rental in Pretty Bayou is often more affordable than beachfront hotels in nearby Panama City Beach. Motorhome rentals near Pretty Bayou typically range from $175 to $250 per night, while travel trailers and towables run closer to $100 to $150 per night, and many hosts offer 10 to 20 percent discounts on weekly and monthly bookings. To find a cheap RV rental in Pretty Bayou, book during the shoulder months of late September, October, or early March to save on summer beach-season rates while still enjoying warm Gulf Coast weather. Use the price-range filter on RVezy to instantly match a rig to your budget.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pretty%20Bayou%2C%20FloridaDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Pretty Bayou, Florida?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Pretty Bayou, Florida. The State of Florida does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal-use motorhomes or trailers, no matter the size, so your standard Class E Florida license (or your home state or province license) is perfectly fine. You must be at least 25 years old to book on RVezy, and ID confirmation happens quickly through the platform during checkout. International guests can drive with their home-country license plus an International Driving Permit. Most first-time renters are surprised at how simple the paperwork is, so you can focus on the fun part: picking your rig.
flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/what-class-license-do-i-need/What protection is included when I rent an RV in Pretty Bayou?
Every RV rental in Pretty Bayou booked through RVezy comes with a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance built into the booking, so you can explore St. Andrews Bay with peace of mind. You choose your level of coverage at checkout (not the host), and the plan covers most physical damage to the RV during your trip. While this is not traditional auto insurance, it provides substantial financial protection if something unexpected happens, like a bump in a tight Panama City marina parking lot. Pick the coverage tier that fits your comfort level when you book, and the rest is handled.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if my plans change after I book? Can I cancel?
Booking is low-risk. RVezy sets a standard cancellation policy on every reservation (hosts do not decide this), and it includes a grace-period window after booking where you can get a full refund if your plans change. After that, your refund depends on how far out you are from your trip start date. The full cancellation terms are displayed before you confirm payment, so you know exactly where you stand before clicking Book. This is especially helpful for a Gulf Coast RV trip during Florida's June 1 to November 30 hurricane season, when plans can shift quickly.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV rental in Pretty Bayou?
Yes, Pretty Bayou is a great spot for a pet-friendly RV rental. Toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see rigs whose hosts welcome dogs (some allow cats and other pets too, so message the host if you are traveling with additional companions). Once you are set, your dog will enjoy the leash-friendly trails at St. Andrews State Park and nearby pet-friendly RV parks in the Panama City Beach area. Pro tip: pack a collapsible water bowl and a tie-out stake, since Gulf Coast humidity in summer means more shade breaks and water stops for your four-legged co-pilot.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/st-andrews-state-parkCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Pretty Bayou?
Yes, RV delivery in Pretty Bayou is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it is a great choice if you are a first-timer or simply prefer not to drive a large rig through Panama City traffic. Many local hosts will deliver, level, and set up the RV at your chosen campground, such as St. Andrews State Park or Panama City Beach RV Resort, connect water and power, and walk you through every system before they leave. Use the Delivery filter when searching, and review the host's delivery fee, which varies based on distance and the size of the rig.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pretty%20Bayou%2C%20FloridaHow far can I travel from Pretty Bayou during my RV trip?
You have a huge playground within easy driving distance. From Pretty Bayou you are about 10 minutes from Panama City Beach, around 45 minutes to Mexico Beach, roughly 90 minutes to the white sands of Destin, about 2 hours to Pensacola Beach, and around 3 hours to Tallahassee. For a longer Florida Panhandle RV road trip from Pretty Bayou, you can reach Apalachicola's oyster country in under 2 hours or continue to New Orleans in about 5.5 hours. Mileage policies are set by each host (some offer RV rental with unlimited mileage), so check the listing details and message your host if you are planning a bigger loop.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pretty%20Bayou%2C%20FloridaWhere are the best campgrounds near Pretty Bayou for my RV?
You have great options for RV camping in Pretty Bayou. Top campgrounds nearby include St. Andrews State Park (waterfront sites with water and electric on Grand Lagoon, beach access, and nature trails), Panama City Beach RV Resort (full hookups, heated pool, and big-rig friendly sites), Pineglen RV Park (a quiet, tree-shaded park with easy access to Pier Park), and Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort a short drive west. All are within a roughly 20 to 30 minute drive of the bayou and offer full or partial hookups. Book early for summer and Spring Break weekends, since these parks fill up fast.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/st-andrews-state-parkWhen is the best time to visit Pretty Bayou in an RV?
Pretty Bayou is a true year-round destination, which is part of the appeal of a Florida Panhandle RV trip. The sweet spot is March through May, when daytime highs sit in the comfortable 70s to low 80s F, Gulf water warms up, and Spring Break crowds thin after mid-April. September through November is another favorite, with highs in the 70s and 80s and lower humidity. Summer (June to August) brings highs in the upper 80s to low 90s, afternoon thunderstorms, and peak beach crowds. Winters are mild, averaging 60s by day and 40s at night, making December through February great for snowbirds chasing warmth.
weather.gov/tae/I've never driven an RV before. Is renting one in Pretty Bayou a good idea?
Yes, and you're in great company: most first time renting an RV travelers in the Pretty Bayou area choose smaller Class C motorhomes or travel trailers because they handle just like a large van or pickup. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through driving, leveling, hookups, the generator, and the tanks before you leave. You can also message the host with questions before you book. Pro tip: pick up early in the day, take 15 minutes to practice turns in an empty lot, and avoid driving through downtown Panama City at rush hour. Stick to US-98 along the coast and you'll feel confident fast.
flhsmv.gov/safety-center/driving-safety/What happens if I have a breakdown or issue during my RV trip?
You are never alone on the road. Every motorhome rental in Pretty Bayou booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so a flat tire on US-98, a dead battery at St. Andrews State Park, or a tow situation on I-10 is one phone call away from being handled. RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after your trip if something on the rig is not working as expected, and most local hosts respond quickly to messages too. Save the roadside number in your phone before pickup so help is just a tap away wherever the bayou breezes take you.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take the RV out of Florida or across state lines on my trip?
Yes, an RV road trip from Pretty Bayou into other US states like Alabama, Georgia, or Louisiana is allowed and easy to arrange. Confirm with your host before booking, since each owner sets their own travel-radius preferences on their listing. Popular cross-state routes include Pretty Bayou to Gulf Shores, AL (about 2 hours), Savannah, GA (around 6 hours), or New Orleans (about 5.5 hours). Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals, and travel into Canada may be possible only with host approval and confirmation that coverage applies. Message the host directly from the listing to lock in your route.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityHow much should I budget for fuel on a Pretty Bayou RV trip?
Fuel is usually the biggest variable cost, but it's easy to plan for. Class C motorhomes near Pretty Bayou average 8 to 12 miles per gallon (mpg), Class B campervans get 16 to 20 mpg, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle (typically 10 to 14 mpg loaded). Florida gas prices tend to track close to the national average, and you'll find competitive prices at the Wawa, Murphy USA, and Sam's Club stations along US-98 and FL-77. For a 4-night trip with 300 miles of driving in a Class C, budget roughly $120 to $180 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up before turning onto Thomas Drive or Front Beach Road where prices climb in tourist zones.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Pretty Bayou?
Book early for peak season, but you can be more flexible off-season. St. Andrews State Park, the most popular campground near Pretty Bayou, opens reservations 11 months in advance through the Florida State Parks reservation system, and prime summer and Spring Break weekends sell out within hours of release. For private parks like Panama City Beach RV Resort and Pineglen RV Park, aim for 2 to 3 months ahead in summer and 2 to 4 weeks ahead in winter. Pro tip: midweek arrivals (Sunday through Wednesday) are easier to score, and a family RV trip from Pretty Bayou planned around those nights almost always finds availability.
floridastateparks.org/learn/reservationsWhat are the local driving conditions like around Pretty Bayou?
Pretty Bayou driving is relaxed and RV-friendly for the most part. The terrain is flat, roads are wide, and US-98, Beck Avenue, and FL-77 are the main arteries handling RV traffic with ease. Watch for two things: the Hathaway Bridge (a 3.5-mile crossing into Panama City Beach with strong crosswinds on breezy days), and Spring Break season (early March to mid-April) when Thomas Drive and Front Beach Road get jammed with traffic. Summer afternoon thunderstorms can also drop visibility fast, so plan driving for mornings. Pro tip: when staying in Pretty Bayou, use 23rd Street and Highway 77 to skip the beach-side congestion entirely.
fl511.com/What amenities and hookups can I expect at campgrounds near Pretty Bayou?
You will find excellent infrastructure for RV camping in Pretty Bayou. Most local private parks, including Panama City Beach RV Resort and Pineglen RV Park, offer full hookups (50/30-amp electric, fresh water, and sewer at each site), Wi-Fi, laundry, bathhouses, and on-site dump stations. St. Andrews State Park provides water and electric at every RV site with a centralized dump station. To top off fresh water mid-trip, most parks let day-users fill for a small fee. Pro tip: pack a water-pressure regulator, since Panhandle municipal water pressure can run high and damage RV plumbing.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/st-andrews-state-parkWhat is inside a typical RV rental in Pretty Bayou?
You will be pleasantly surprised by how well-equipped these rigs are. A typical RV rental in Pretty Bayou comes ready for the road with sleeping for 2 to 8 (queen or king beds, convertible dinettes, and bunks in larger rigs), a full kitchen with a fridge/freezer, propane stove, microwave, and basic cookware, plus a private bathroom with shower and toilet. Most include roof-mounted air conditioning (a Florida must), heat, and a TV, with many hosts offering Wi-Fi hotspots or onboard generators as add-ons. Seatbelts vary per rig, so check the Sleeps and Seatbelts numbers on each listing. Pro tip: in summer, prioritize listings with dual AC units, you will thank yourself by 3 p.m. on a 92-degree day.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pretty%20Bayou%2C%20FloridaWhat add-ons and options should I consider when I rent an RV in Pretty Bayou?
Hosts in Pretty Bayou offer useful add-ons that make trip planning easier. Popular extras include delivery and setup (typically $1 to $4 per mile), generator use ($3 to $5 per hour after a free allowance), linens and kitchen kits ($25 to $75 flat), beach chairs and umbrellas, bikes, and kayaks. Pickup and drop-off are usually at the host's location or an agreed meeting point, and many hosts will meet you at St. Andrews State Park or your chosen campground for an extra fee. Each listing also displays its mileage policy clearly: some offer unlimited miles, others include 100 to 150 miles per day with an overage rate. Pick what you need and skip what you do not.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pretty%20Bayou%2C%20FloridaHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and secure. When you book a campervan or motorhome rental in Pretty Bayou on RVezy, you pay through the platform with a credit or debit card, never directly to the host, and your funds are protected until your trip begins. A refundable security deposit is held separately from the booking payment before pickup, and the amount is set by the host based on the rig's value. It is released back to you after drop-off, assuming the RV is returned in the same condition. To avoid surprise charges, take date-stamped photos at pickup and drop-off, return the rig clean with tanks per the host's instructions, and refuel to the same level.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksHow do I handle Florida's summer heat and hurricane season in an RV?
With a little planning, summer in Pretty Bayou is fantastic. Daytime highs in July and August hover near 90 F with high humidity, so look for RVs with dual roof air conditioners and plan to drive in the morning when temperatures are cooler and traffic is lighter. Hooking up to a 50-amp full-service site keeps AC running comfortably all day. During Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 to November 30), monitor the National Hurricane Center forecast and Florida Division of Emergency Management updates before and during your trip. If a named storm tracks toward the Panhandle, contact your host and RVezy support early to discuss rebooking or cancellation options. Pro tip: keep a full fuel tank during storm watches so you can move inland quickly if needed.
nhc.noaa.gov/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Pensacola, FLTallahassee, FLMobile, ALMontgomery, ALHurlburt Field, FLOrange Beach, ALLynn Haven, FLNavarre, FLBon Secour, ALStapleton, ALDaphne, ALCedar Grove, FLFoley, ALTillmans Corner, ALPort St. Joe, FLGonzalez, FLDestin, FLSpanish Fort, ALBemiss, GALillian, ALPace, FLValparaiso, FLShalimar, FLPaxton, FL