- U.S. Military Recreation Facilities
- Florida
- Destin Army Infantry Center Recreation Area
Destin Army Infantry Center Recreation Area
Featured
227969 1 33 2 193
Location
Installation
Fort Benning, Destin, FL
GPS Coordinates
30.4107, -86.4986
Directions
Directions
From US-98 turn north on Benning Drive and go to the end. Turn left onto Calhoun Ave. Campground is immediately on the right. If coming from the North, DO NOT follow your GPS. There's a new approach to the bridge that isn't in the GPS yet. The toll bridge is $3 for one vehicle (2 axles) and $3 more for each additional axle.
Contact Information
Phone Number
(850) 837-6423
Mailing Address
Destin Army Recreation Area, 557 Calhoun Ave., Destin, FL 32541-5000
Campground Information
Authorized Users
Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, 0-100% DAV, Purple Heart Recipients, Former POW, Veteran Caregivers, DoD Civilians, Sponsored Guests. Read this Article on Authorized Users
Season
All year
Reservations
Accepted 1 year in advance.
Internet Access
Limited free WiFi available.
Mail Forwarding
Must use Destin general delivery.
Pet Information
RV area is pet friendly. There are limited pet cabins, please ensure while making reservations you specify if a pet cabin is required.
Campground Information
RV sites stay limit is 30-day stay limit, then out for 30 days in the summer (Mar 1 - Sep 31). 90-day stay limit in the winter (Oct 1 - Feb 28). Lodging stay limit is 7-day stay limit (Mar 1 - Sep 31). 30-day stay limit in the winter (Oct 1 - Feb 28). Lodging prices are dependent on rank and the season (winter is the lowest rates). RV Site prices vary on size of RV (and site). Sites are very close together and road is narrow. Big rigs will fit, but MUST use extreme caution.
Big Rig Friendly?
Facilities
Charter boat, Entertainment room.
Amenities
- Dump, Sewer
- Water
- Electric
- Laundry
- Showers
- Playground
- Picinic Area
- Beach
- Fishing
- Boating, Boat Rentals
- Boat Ramp
- Swimming
Site Information
Type of site | Spaces | Hook-ups | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
RV Site | 46 | W/30,50A/S/CATV/Tele | $30 - $65 | N/A | N/A |
Hotel Room | 34 | Full | $48 - $100 | N/A | N/A |
Studio Rooms | 20 | Full | $36 - $127 | N/A | N/A |
1 Bdrm Suite | ? | Full | $48 - $145 | N/A | N/A |
2 Bdrm Villa | 13 | Full | $60 - $165 | N/A | N/A |
3 Bdrm Villa | 5 | Full | $72 - $180 | N/A | N/A |
Other Information
Firearms Policy
Keep firearms in your personal vehicle.
DoD Interactive Comment Evaluation
The Department of Defense (DoD) Interactive Customer Evaluation (ICE) system is a web-based tool that collects feedback on services provided by various organizations throughout the Department of Defense (DoD). Click the ICE logo to submit your evaluation on this campground directly to the responsible department.
Weather Information
The Destin Recreation Area's 15 1/2 acres of land located on the shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay provide active duty and retired military personnel, their families, and DA civilians many ways to unwind and enjoy a tropical vacation just 220 miles south of Fort Benning. The recreation area is located only a short drive from Florida's breathtaking beaches and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Map
User reviews
101 reviews
Overall rating
4.4
Location
4.7(101)
Cleanliness/Hospitality
4.4(101)
Amenities/Facilities
4.3(101)
Value
4.5(101)
Overall Experience
4.4(101)
27 -30 Jun 2022
Overall rating
3.3
Location
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
3.0
Amenities/Facilities
3.0
Value
4.0
Overall Experience
3.0
Some room between spaces, but not a lot. Small pool and splash pool, but no beach. You are however, close to Eglin beach area. Very understaffed. If you arrive on Monday's you are not allowed to check-in till after 2pm, due to their landscaping contract. Was a little disappointed by that rule, got here at about 12:30 had to go find a Wal-Mart to park in and wait till the 2pm time, then got to my spot and the grass and weeds had not been mowed or weedeated. But if you want to be in Destin with the blue water and white sands great place to be. Marina only open Thursday thru Sunday.
September 2021
Overall rating
5.0
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
My first visit to Destin, FL and to the Army Recreational RV park. Both experiences were exceptional. The RV park is on par with any commercial park and full service with the added bonus of security. I highly recommend this RV park and we will be returning in 2022 about the same time if possible.
March 2020
Overall rating
5.0
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
NOTE: Per a 16 July 2020 DOD Memo from SecDef Mark Esper, no political flags or signage is allowed on military installations, whether in housing, barracks or famcamps (all common access areas and public areas).
December 2020 update
Overall rating
4.3
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
4.0
Overall Experience
4.0
The rv site rates have been going up here the last few years. Now the rate is $30 to $55 a night depending on site and a max stay of 60 days.
1 -5 Aug 2020
Overall rating
4.9
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
The spaces were very tight and the road was narrow because of the vehicles park on sites. The rules stating 1 vehicle per site was mostly ignored. The posted speed limit of 5 mph was also mostly ignored. The cable and WiFi was excellent. I was never kicked off the internet for the duration of our stay. We made use of the dock to view beautiful sunsets over the water. Did not use the laundry or bath house. Overall a pleasant visit. Would go back.
July 7-14 2020
Overall rating
4.6
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
4.0
If you overlook how tight the spaces are and realize that it is not really for a camping experience but is for a place to have access to the beach, then this is a great place. We loved the fact that you can rent boats and equipment right here on the facility. Then there’s the fact that the Elgin AFB Beach Park is only a couple of miles away and is a private beach for military ID card holders that is right on the gulf. The reason for the overall 4 rating is because of the stickers. Two years ago we were camping at Tyndall AFB and decided to make a day trip to Destin. While we were here we checked out the Destin Army Recreation Area and were very impressed. The area between each site had lush grass and everything was very well maintained. So for this trip to the beach we decided to stay here. We were very surprised to find out the grass was gone and now it is all weeds, sand, and stickers, and that is all throughout the entire establishment. So anywhere you walk your dog they get stickers in their paws plus you track them into your camper for them to get imbedded in the carpet only to be found with bare feet. While we were here they did have a company that had started laying new sod in some of the biggest areas so maybe they will get it back to the status it was two years ago. If there was still nice grass this place would be a 5 star for me, yeah the sites are tight but it is all about location, location, location. ? While you are here be sure to make a trip to Fort Pickens which is a civil war fort on the outer island down by Pensacola Beach, well worth the drive.
20-25 Jan 2020
Overall rating
3.9
Location
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
3.0
Value
4.0
Overall Experience
4.0
Tight tight spots. Cleaning solution used in the bathroom could be used to decontaminate military equipment and then poison the crew. It was very clean however. Staff was very nice. Pool was fun. Halfhitch Tackle is roughly a mile away and worth a stop for gear. Probably won’t stay again if other nearby locations are available, just too tight for the family.
Spring 2018
Overall rating
5.0
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
We really enjoyed our stay here! All the staff was friendly and nice helped us with fishing and made us feel welcome. Its a beautiful resort and mostly big motor homes are here. Close to everything in Destin fishing charter boats right at the Resort. Rooms and little cottages to rent as well. It is a little pricey but its the experience. The spots are small in the campground but there are plenty of fun things to do in the area. The bathrooms were clean and nice and there was a key card to unlock. Very nice and friendly staff. Would love to go again. : )
April 18-May 9, 2019
Overall rating
5.0
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
Just spent 3 weeks here. The campground was in great shape, folks working on the whole place most of the time. We have never had such a great experience staying the campground. The yards between sites were kept cut. Jessica in the office & others were very kind & helpful. Cable & WiFi worked great. No complaints. Dewey Destin on the Bay is always a favorite place to eat.
Mar 9-16, 2018
Overall rating
4.2
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
2.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
4.0
This is the second year we have spent spring break here at the RV park. The people staying there are so friendly. We just love the location. The one thing that was lacking this year was the cleanliness. The bathrooms were not cleaned until our 5th day there. That was after I complained. There was a mold growing on the showers. The toilet paper was out and there were no paper towels. The staff was not friendly and seemed shocked when I told them. Even after someone cleaned it, the showers were still gross. The staff at times were kinda of rude as well. We will still go back because we like the price and enjoy the location.
25-28 Feb 2018
Overall rating
4.0
Location
4.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
4.0
Value
3.0
Overall Experience
4.0
We called about a week in advance and was able to get a four-day reservation in one of the new pull-through sites. We paid $30 per night for full hook ups, including 50 amp electric, sewer, water. We also had cable TV and very, very good WiFi service. We have a 36' Class A and dinghy toad and still had plenty of room in our pull-through site. The spaces are very tight; but, in the four days we were there, we felt like part of the family. Many campers had over-wintered; long-term stays are permitted in the campground and other housing areas. The campground has one large dumpster to deposit trash and one "dog station". There were plenty more of these stations around the entire Recreation Area but only one in the campground. For the limited number of camping spaces, one would seem to be enough but was constantly out of bags. The campground has pull-through and back-in sites. Check in was a breeze. Very friendly staff and very professional. This facility has a small conference/gathering area with restrooms and vending. It also has hotel rooms, villas, marina rentals, fishing options, a heated pool, and kid's splash park. Eglin AFB is close by. Several days we saw a variety of military exercises in the sky and could hear a few as well. I had a scheduled conference call one day and was able to conduct it in the conference/gathering room. The WiFi worked great and I was able to conference without potential noise pollution from Eglin. The bay is beautiful but there is no beach access at the Recreation Area. A Great Blue Heron named "Otis", according to the long-term residents, makes frequent appearances! Also, we saw plenty of brown pelicans. Very beautiful. Location: 4/5 because of its proximity to attractions in Destin and being near Eglin AFB for Commissary or other needs. Cleanliness/Hospitality: 5/5 no issues. The entire Recreation Area was very clean and very well maintained. Amenities/Facilities: 4/5 because although this is a great Recreation Area, it is small and is NOT contained within a military base. When you leave, you are immediately immersed in Destin homes and communities. It's a matter of personal preference. Value: 3/5 because $30/night is the most we have paid thus far at a military campground. Overall Experience: 4/5 because every campground could use some improvements. The rental prices are a bit high and tours/excursions rates are very high as well. We think both of these could be lowered to better support military families.
May 9, 2017
Overall rating
4.2
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
2.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
4.0
We enjoyed our stay. The only thing was the upkeep of the camping area as far as the grounds are concerned..the weeds needed cutting around the sites.. sand spurs where growing in this stuff and then your pets get these things in thier hair. The staff at check in on Saturday thru Wedesday not very friendly..but the staff that came in the Thursday thru Saturday were Great and very helpful. Over all its a nice place to camp...just need a few tweaks...
May 16-20, 2017
Overall rating
5.0
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
This place is awesome! Didn't think anyone in the office was rude--perhaps just busy. Being able to mke a reservation for our stay in the RV park was an assuring bonus. We had Enterprise pick us up for a rental car, the beaches are not that far, and the dining opportunities in the area are fabulous--we had a blast; so, we'll definitely be going back :-)
2016
Overall rating
2.9
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
1.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
3.0
Overall Experience
2.0
THIS FACILITY IS BEAUTIFUL AND CHILD FRIENDLY. THE WOMEN IN THE OFFICE A DIFFERENT STORY. SOME OF THE MOST RUDE PEOPLE I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED AT A FACILITY. IT WAS NOTHING LIKE WE HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED. OBVIOUS FIRST TIME VISITORS ARE NOT WELCOME.
Mar 20, 2017
Overall rating
5.0
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
Great campground! The grounds and facilities are well maintained. There is so much for children to do including the splash pad, pool, and two playgrounds. There is a fishing pier and affordable boat rentals as well. RV sites are pretty close but we were able to get our 36 ft RV in with no problem. One thing I noticed was how kind and respectful everyone is here. There are many retirees who are just the sweetest and a lot of children, all of whom have been respectful and kind towards adults, the facilities and each other. You are a short 3 minute drive from the main drag. Henderson State Park is about 5 minutes away once you hit the main drag and it is beautiful, much prettier beach than the packed beach and brown water we saw over by the Boardwalk/Gulfarium area. This is definitely an amazing value, we plan to come back for sure!
Sep-Oct 2016
Overall rating
4.5
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
4.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
4.0
just returned from a week here and had a great visit to the park and the area!! we did make reservations and also called ahead when we were to arrive one day earlier and had no problem getting in, not that i should have considering there were a dozen open spots... as for the spots they are right next to each other all in a row around a circle, i had no problems backing in, but if you have a 40footer or bigger and they assign you a space that has someone in front of you, your backing skills need to be up to par?? there is plenty to see and do in town and and everything you need, there is a pool and kids play areas and marina and laundry on the grounds so no worries there, my only complaint is that the grass around the rv sites had a lot of stickers in it and the dogs have issues with that :( the other grass areas away from there were ok?? we would stay here again but there are other parks in the area and we might try one of them next time just to go somewhere new? if anyone has any questions about the area just send me a msg and i would be happy to answer, happy camping!!
April 2016
Overall rating
5.0
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
5.0
Value
5.0
Overall Experience
5.0
Very happy with our experience at the Destin Army Infantry RV Park. it's a small park, and parking bigger RVs can be tricky but quite doable. The park is maintained beautifully, it's clean and quiet. There is a great children's play area, and a nice pool. the park is situated on the bay but it's not a swim area. There is a nice fishing pier and charter fishing boat trips are available. Cable and WiFi both great. In fact, the WiFi is much better than most I've encountered in RV parks elsewhere. We really enjoyed this RV park and thank the Army for doing such a great job staffing and maintaining it. We'll be back!
Feb/Mar 2016
Overall rating
4.7
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
5.0
Amenities/Facilities
4.0
Value
4.0
Overall Experience
5.0
We didn’t use the toll bridge indicated in the directions, but came down Rt 133 from I-10, a 4-lane road with non-toll bridge, which I would recommend using instead unless you are coming from the west. Access to the CG is very straightforward. There is a lot to do and see within a few miles either direction from the CG. The CG was very clean as were the restrooms & laundry. Ice was $1.50 a bag in the small shop, but there are a Walmart & Publix within a mile or so of the CG if you don’t want to go the 15 miles to Eglin. Wi-Fi was great and much easier to use than the Navy Go Wi-Fi. Cable was good. We didn’t experience any concern about ‘tightness’ in the sites themselves, but more from the campers. They park their trucks partway on the road, which is only single-lane pavement, making it narrow and limiting room to swing around into sites. The sites are concrete pads, but ours had settled somewhat into a lean and we had to block up to get level. Pool and marina looked nice, but were all closed for the season. We stayed in a motorhome.
December 2015
Overall rating
3.0
Location
5.0
Cleanliness/Hospitality
2.0
Amenities/Facilities
2.0
Value
3.0
Overall Experience
3.0
We stayed in one of the studio apts. The furniture was totally uncomfortable and stained. The TV was mounted too high on the wall. Why have a stove with an oven when there isn't enough counter space. The refrigerator was dirty, rust on the door and a thick piece of ice in the freezer. Also the oven itself had dried oven cleaner all over the interior. We did get this cleaned by a very polite worker. There needs to be a table of some kind in the bathroom for supplies and more towel racks. The ice machine in the laundry room was inop most of the time and we reported it. When we took walks on the grassy areas, we stepped in piles of dog waste. I actually saw people out there letting their dog go on the ground and walk away. I must say the staff was very professional and the cleaners were very polite and helpful.
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