The Hideaway Retreat

Hands-down, this is one of the best waterfront secluded camping experiences I have ever come across in all of my years of camping and in all of the places I have chosen to pitch a tent (and let’s just say, I’ve had more than my share of open air, starry-night skies to count!). Seriously, this place is breathtaking! From the moment you enter The Hideaway – and trust me, you have to be looking for this place located due south of Highway 98 Or Navarre Parkway – you’ll be whisked away to a magical nature oasis completely shaded by nurturing Magnolia and Oak trees laced with iridescent light bulbs, white pebble pathways that criss-cross throughout the property before delivering you to the main office, which you will easily mistake for a quaint floral boutique in what looks to be a recently restored beach house from the 1920s. The on-site manager, Taylor, was nothing short of incredibly welcoming, extolling Southern hospitality upon us and incredibly excited to show us the entire property, which we took her up on. 

The main attraction here at the pet-friendly Hideaway is the simply sublime aqua green ripples of the Gulf Coast (a.k.a. Redneck Riviera) right here on the Santa Rosa sound that will lure you to take a dip in the beckoning aquamarine salt water or cast a line or two (no pesky fishing license to worry about either) to catch one of the most unique local fish here, Brotula, which I had never heard of before. And while you might be disappointed to discover that the pier that looks like it has just barely survived the last hurricane (Sally) that recently passed through this way is completely inaccessible and what remains looks more like a movie prop from a deserted island that Johnnie Depp might have been stranded on, once more, creating the feel that you have truly arrived at a place somehow lost by time, but preserved for a most amazing experience with the best of what salt water living and white sand beaches have to offer here in the pan handle of Florida. 

As for the campground itself, while the majority of sites, 60 in total, are geared more towards the RV-driving or 5th Wheel-toting crowd, there are tent sites (but only 10 designated locations), and trust me, even for some of the sites that look more 5th wheel friendly, I would have no problem setting up camp, given the spectacular views as well as quick & EZ access to the ocean (but would certainly bring a decent amount of cardboard to place underneath the tent to protect from the jagged rocks and stones that you’ll be sleeping and stepping on). While it is true that some sites offer more privacy than others, you will feel seclusion no matter where you go on this property. 

If you find yourself anywhere between Destin and Pensacola while looking for a place to camp for the night, take my word for it, you won’t find a better spot (and I know, because I looked at about 20 oceanfront spots and checked each one out personally!). Unlike the hustle-and-bustle of a very over-touristy location like Destin or Pensacola, here in Navarre, you will encounter real, authentic ‘Old Florida’ charm where everything slows down and you’ll find fewer amenities, shops and restaurants, but the ones you will find are incredibly special and highly individual. 

Don’t have an RV or even a tent? Not a problem, because the good folks here at The Hideaway will rent you a 1958 Shasta RV (dubbed ‘Shabby Shasta’) that sits right next to the laundry facility and just steps away to the bath houses. Before long, the property will offer up a little blue house for rent with stunning waterfront views of the Gulf. And while the laundry facilities and bath houses (the women’s is recently renovated, while the men’s is still in dire need of updating) are sheltered in old 1930s buildings, once inside, you’ll be greeted by refurbished environs, appliances and fixtures. 

Amenities: 371 feet of private, white powder sand beaches, kayaks and paddleboards available for rent, campground hangout area complete with foosball, ping pong, corn hole, volleyball, tree swings, fire pit with a dozen or so Adirondack chairs encircled around, refurbished bath houses and coin- and credit-card operated laundr-O-mat (there’s even an App you can download that will tell you when your load is done!) with brand new washers and dryers, complimentary high-speed WiFi, cable with 110 channels, designated dump site, reinforced sea wall, 400 foot fishing pier (still WIP), dog beach, as well as full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage). 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) While most campgrounds offer up picnic tables and some form of BBQ grill with each site, I was surprised to discover that The Hideaway doesn’t offer either of these, so if you plan on staying here, give good thought to bringing your own – I always appreciate this tip, because if I really don’t have to take up space by bringing my own BBQ or table, why would I? But here, at least you know before you go; (2) The best RV sites here are, of course, with a stunning oceanfront view (although I have to admit, I found it odd that nearly all of these were vacant when we visited): #12, #15, #16, #25, #26, #36, #37, #44, #45, #46 and #47; (3) For tent campers, try to book one of these 3 spots: TS1, TS2, TS3 – all located right behind the cottage, if not, then try to negotiate your way onto one of the aforementioned RV spots; and (4) When you get tired of trying to figure out that next meal from either your on-board mini-fridge or your Cordova roto-molded cooler, then check out a few of the local eateries, including: Dewey Destin’s for typical seafood, Juana’s Pagodas for some delicious libations with a Tiki Hut vibe or East Bay Crab House for some good down-southern Dungeness crab greatness. 

Happy Camping!

We have enjoyed our stay here and love how it is mostly quiet. We also loved the pooch beach. One complaint is the Wi-Fi is not great.

Wonderful campsite. I love the vibe and scenery. Everything here is top notch with GREAT employees and customer service on a Saturday. Nice little access to the water with private sand. Paddle boards available to rent. The only thing I would say is that you can’t have your own fire. That was a bit unfortunate. However, there is a nice community area with cornhole, ping pong, etc with a laundromat and huge fire pit. Will return here soon!

Really cute campground with cafe lights in trees over community game area and around other trees, farmhouse style office, and lots of tree coverage. Which is nice, but it would also be nice if they trimmed the low branches from the road ways for larger rigs.

The sites are TINY. We spent most of our time at the beach area, but it would have been nice to have a little space to hangout at our site. We could barley all fit with our slides out.

The beach is great though. Perfect for our little kids bc the water is shallow.

Big bummer that you can’t have your own fire. That’s something that we really like about camping, so that was a disappointment. They do offer a community fire pit, which can be nice and friendly if you want to do that.

Great park, next to the sound. A must to visit. We tried out Windjammers by the pier. Awesome food, great views. Even had a shop.

The sunset alone is worth the visit. Nice and shady, beach area is beautiful

This is such a unique park on the Emerald Coast. It isn't like any of the "parking lot" parks you see where rvs are stacked like cords of wood. This used to be called "Magnolia Beach" before it came under new ownership, and the magnificent, big magnolias provide perfect shade. It truly has a shabby-chic vibe throughout. The biggest selling points are the central location and the private beach on the sound. Be sure to reserve a site AWAY from the highway and its noise.

Peaceful and pretty campground. Small which makes it even more special with the unique camp sites winding around the magnolia trees. It is on the Sound in Navarre FL. Dogs are allowed on their private beach, and can go swimming. Call ahead to make sure your RV size (height as well) will fit the site you want to reserve.

We stayed two nights. This place is a little gem. Very private, decorated adorably. Grounds very clean, staff very helpful. We have a 44 ft toy hauler and stayed in a watefront site just steps away from a very small private beach. If you want a bi ocean beach this isn't it. Laundry room nice, bathrooms not so much, definitely need to trim trees for the bigger rigs.

Tiny but beautiful and very well maintained. Staff super nice and helpful and accommodating. Beautiful waterfront property with private sand and beach area for to relax and kids to play. Will for sure stay again when in the area.

this lovely little campground is a work in progress. They are diligently working on beach repairs from Hurricane Sally. Just in the week we were there, they had almost finished rebuilding the sea wall and back filling sand. its a quiet resort with shade trees and gravel/sand sites. It is a little tight, but you arent packed in like sardines as one reviewer stated. The staff were very nice. Two friendly kitties wander the campground. It is next to a busy road and you have a little buffer with a fence and trees, but still noisy. The beach is narrow, but perfect for little kids and enough room for chairs. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Games in play area, need equipment so you can play. I suggest having guests check out the equipment for use so nothing goes missing.

The Hideaway Retreat is a quirky little place tucked between the Santa Rosa Sound and Navarre Hwy. I can’t say it was a horrible stay - there are some nice features: you are pretty much right on the water and the depth and calmness are perfect for younger children and parents who want to semi-chill on the beach without too much worry. The beach has some storm damage that needs to be repaired but it’s ok. Definitely not the white pristine sand like further down at the pier. You can’t have a campfire at your site but there is a charming “community “ fire pit available, with cornhole and some other games surrounding it (my grandson loved this feature). You can rent kayaks and paddle boards at the campground ($35/half day) which we did and enjoyed. Some of the negatives: if you are tent camping DO NOT let the put you in a site near the highway - the car noise is VERY loud & you will not sleep (I ended up sleeping in my minivan and then moved sites the next day). This site was also right next to the dumpster, which was overflow and very smelly. The sites closer to the beach are much nicer and quieter. The sites are VERY small - you are packed in like sardines - do not expect any privacy whatsoever. The bathrooms are pretty run down and not restocked frequently- plan to bring your own TP. There is a laundry facility on site that I did use ($2.25/load). Not sure if I would stay here again - definitely only if I had a spot close to the beach.

Beautiful spot! I really can’t stress how beautiful the hide away retreat is. And over the top nice staff! The only thing is the sites kind of crisscross each other and you might end up face to face with other campers. Or you might end up parallel with the road.

Website misrepresents by showing pictures taken before storms. Pier & Beach washed-out (20 ft drop to water). Very narrow sites. Ours (#4) had only plugs for 50amp & 20, so had to use adapter. Sewer, water & electric were all at front of site, so had to pull into access road to dump. Reception was chaotic & staff was stressed. IMO not worth $25 per night much less $75!

This is considered "Boutique Camping". There are no rows of concrete pads with bare land. No swimming pool full of drunk adults or loud kids. There are beautiful spanish oak trees around the property and feels very cozy, almost like a community. The ONLY bad thing I can say about this place is that the water went out multiple times in the on-site toilets/showers. But I've been back since then and didn't have that problem again.

Our disappointment is mostly with the cost and lack of concern by management. ! When I called to reserve I was reassured my upgraded waterfront cost of $95 (total actually was $134) a night would be "great". When we checked in we were asked to pay a pet fee...this was news.. never mentioned prior or on the website.. it was only $5 so I paid it. Also not mentioned and should be is the space was super tight and the neighbors sewer line was right by our picnic table. The two next spaces... same cost are spacious and well laid out.. SAME COST? Not really fair. Luckily we only stayed in what felt like an ally, including the smell of urine for 2 days. I hate confrontation but I put on my big girl pants and whet to the office to discuss our uncomfortable assigned space. Night before we left the other guests shared we we not the first to have this experience. Hope these new owners can get it together and speak with action and not just a meaningless "sorry". Minor things...the beach shore is very eroded and marked off with ugly cones and caution tape, bathhouse while a very cutesy remodel, was totally filthy. Hubby said mens was very old and also filthy...takes a lot for him to say that.
On a positive, our dog had a great time running along the clean beach without a leash.

We really felt taken...hope you don't

There were some positives and some negatives for this campground. The area is beautiful and the deck overlooking the ocean is perfect for sunsets. The trees interwoven between campsites were picturesque, and the beach is small but very dog friendly- your dog can run off-leash and swim if you so desire. The common area, which has been mentioned and pictured in other reviews, was very nice to have for extra things to do and to meet other campers. Laundry is $4.50/load. Our spot(#1) was in the overflow parking lot next to the restrooms. We had barely any space for ourselves and we were told someone would be put in the spot beside us ONE night(we were amazed a spot even existed beside our tiny space) and that ended up being 5 nights of our week stay. There are some spots that are decent in the campgrounds, but they should not have added these two spots in the overflow parking- just not worth the price. The pier advertised is destroyed from the hurricane last year and repairs have not begun on it nor the sea wall, which does take away from the beach experience. If we hadn’t been stuck with spot#1, this would be a 4 star review. Also, not their fault but just a note- be aware that FL98 is an incredibly dangerous highway and driving in/out of the campgrounds with or without a trailer is horrendous. We saw several bad accidents every single day.

As others have noted, the new owner is doing all she can to make this a go-to place. The campground is old-fashioned in lots of ways (limited number of sites, central community area, LOTS of lovely old trees). The little park in the center has games and a firepit and is lit up at night for folks to gather, and they do; families play foosball and ping pong while others sit by the fire. Very dog-friendly. Grounds and facilities are clean and well-maintained despite hurricane damage. If problems come up, management’s commitment is to find workable solutions. We’d come back.

Must stay.... great ppl, great views... great

The staff are super friendly and helpful. The private beach area is nice. It is on the sound so the sand is not white like on the gulf and the water is more shallow and calm. It is a great family place, lots of kids around. Cell coverage was excellent on T-Mobile. There’s a convenient store located directly across the highway if any last minute items are needed and there’s also all major grocery and department stores nearby. The sites have a lot of magnolia and oak trees and there’s gravel throughout. They also offer kayaks and paddle boards for use as well as WiFi and a few classic games like cornhole and volleyball. There’s a lot of trees, make sure you’re an expert if hauling a trailer or driving a large RV because space is tight and the tree canopies are low. Also make sure you explain exactly the dimensions as so they may place you best based on size. The road noise from Hwy 98 can be bothersome at times, not too quite there.

This campground on Route 98 just east of Navarre Beach was renamed to The Hideaway Camping Retreat with new owners about 8 months ago. It was obvious that Jeanie the owner takes pride in the campground as she showed me around. Numerous improvements have already been made and there are more plans for the future. One planned improvement is to build decks on the four premium waterfront sites (#37, 45, 46, and 47). 

The bathhouse is very clean and nicely decorated, unique to campgrounds I have seen. There are a community fire pit, hammocks and a small beach that allows pets. Also a very nice laundry room– I wouldn’t mind doing my laundry there! 

What sets this campground apart is the numerous trees on the property. I visited on a cool, cloudy day in February, but I imagine the shade from the trees would be very welcome in the summer. Also, unlike many other RV parks, the sites are not lined up in a row like dominoes. Some sites have more separation than others.

Rates, while a bit pricey, are not out of line for Florida RV parks. Rates are based on the type of site and season and range from $45 for a tent site in fall/winter to $125 for a premium waterfront site on a holiday for spring/summer (March 1-September 15). 

Note that it could be challenging to find as the traffic can be fierce on 98 and the sign is small but I guess that’s what makes it a hideaway!