Affordable Lodging on the Florida Panhandle

If you haven't done so already, you need to come over and experience some of Florida's most beautiful beaches along the Panhandle. White sand beaches, emerald waters, great fishing, and all-around great times are what you can expect. Beach towns such as Destin, Pensacola, and Panama City are popular stops. Cape San Blas is another beautiful area you should visit. When you're looking for accommodations, don't let high tourist prices deter you from vacationing here; there are several nice, affordable alternatives to costly hotels and condos. Cottages and RV spots can be rented cheaper than some high rise hotels. In addition, you don't have to pay exorbitant prices for views of the Gulf when the Bay provides wonderful water views at a reduced price as well. Some even let you bring your pets along! Here are a few of those alternative, affordable lodging ideas along the Panhandle.

St Joseph Peninsula State Park

The State Park located at the end of the St Joseph Peninsula, near Cape San Blas and Port St Joe areas, is one of the single most beautiful areas on the Panhandle. For a small fee, you get to enjoy uncrowded Gulf beaches, scalloping and snorkeling from the Bay sides, hiking, biking, boating (the park has a small boat launch), and fishing. St Joseph State Park has 120 campsites with water, electric hookups, and grills. You can bring a pop-up, RV, camper, or tent. There are also a few cabins tucked away along the hills on the Bay side of the park. I do recommend bug spray if you stay here! Every time we go to St Joseph State Park, it is just as beautiful as the first time we ever visited, and it's never crowded. St Joseph State Park makes a perfect getaway location.

The camping fee is $24 a night, and the cabins rent for $100 a night. You can learn more about St Joseph Peninsula State Park at their website.

Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach is another Florida State Park with RV and camping availability. Henderson Beach is much smaller than St Joseph State Park, but it is a nice place nonetheless. It is located right on the beautiful Gulfside in Destin. There are 60 campsites here with electric hookups, water, and bath houses. Henderson Beach State Park is where my family and I prefer to go during the summer when we want to go out on the beach. Why? It's rarely ever crowded like other areas along Destin, and it has bathrooms, picnic pavilions, and showers to use after coming in off the beach.

Camping costs $30 per night. You can read more about Henderson Beach on their website.

Destin Army Recreation Area

Fort Benning's Army Recreation Center in Destin is open to active duty and retired military personnel, their families, and DOD civilians. This center is located on the Choctawhatchee Bay, and it has 46 RV sites, 34 hotel rooms, 20 studios, 14 apartments, 13 2-bedroom villas, and 5 3-bedroom villas. The recreation area is nicely landscaped, has a swimming pool on the bay side, a marina with slips and a boat ramp, jet ski, boat, and kayak rentals, fishing pier, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Your entire family will enjoy this!

Rates for the Army Recreation Area vary from $19 to $105 a night, depending on which accommodations you want. Obviously the campsites are cheapest and the 5-bedroom villas are the most expensive. Visit their website for additional information and photos.