Mid Bay Shores Camp Grounds

Are you an active duty military member, a veteran, a DoD civilian, or a reservist in Florida looking for an incredible, exclusive getaway that combines the beauty of the Gulf Coast with comfortable accommodations and top-notch amenities? Look no further than Mid Bay Shores Camp Grounds in Niceville, Florida. This hidden gem, formerly known as Lake Pippen, is a dedicated recreation area specifically designed to provide a relaxing and enjoyable experience for those who serve or have served our nation, and their families. It offers a unique blend of RV camping and well-appointed bungalows, all set against the stunning backdrop of Choctawhatchee Bay.

Florida is renowned for its diverse natural beauty, from the vibrant Keys to the serene Panhandle beaches. For those within the military community, finding a vacation spot that offers both quality and exclusivity can be a true blessing. Mid Bay Shores Camp Grounds delivers precisely that, providing a tranquil haven where you can unwind, reconnect with family, and enjoy the best of Florida's Emerald Coast without the typical public crowds. It's a place where the dedication to service extends to providing a fantastic recreational experience.

What truly sets Mid Bay Shores apart, and makes it an ideal destination for its eligible guests, is its dual offering of comfortable accommodations. Whether you prefer the classic RV camping experience or the convenience of a fully furnished cabin, Mid Bay Shores has you covered. The park features 26 RV sites with full hook-ups (water, electrical, and sewer), along with six overflow sites offering water and electrical. For those who prefer a more home-like feel, there are 25 newly furnished two-bedroom, one-bath cabins (bungalows) available for rent. These cabins are thoughtfully designed with a large living room, eat-in kitchen, full-size range and refrigerator, dining table, and a queen-size sleeper sofa in the living room. The bedrooms typically feature a queen bed in the main room and a queen and twin bed in the second, ensuring ample sleeping space for families of up to seven people. They also come equipped with central air conditioning/heating and a color television, offering all the comforts of home.

Guest reviews consistently highlight the welcoming atmosphere and the quality of the facilities. One guest noted, "Loved our stay! Some bungalows are pet friendly and some aren’t. They’re decently furnished as far as the kitchen goes. Both sofas (full and single) were pull outs for our unit, don’t know if they’re all like that." This shows a commitment to offering flexible options, including accommodating beloved pets in designated units, which is a huge plus for many families. While one review mentioned a mildew smell in a bungalow, the overall sentiment points to a "great time" and appreciation for the "Simple and sweet. Two room cabins."

Beyond the individual accommodations, the park's setting is a major draw. It boasts "beautiful white sandy shores" directly on Choctawhatchee Bay, providing direct access to water activities like boating, swimming, and simply relaxing by the shore. Many RV sites even face the bay, offering "unobstructed view of the bay" and stunning sunsets. The presence of ample shade from live oaks and Spanish moss adds to the natural beauty and comfort of the sites. The fact that it's "close enough to Destin without being in Destin" is frequently praised, offering easy access to the area's vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment options via the Mid-Bay Bridge, while maintaining a more peaceful and exclusive environment within the campground itself. The clean bathhouses and laundry facilities also receive positive mentions, ensuring essential amenities are well-maintained for all guests.

Mid Bay Shores Camp Grounds is ideally located in Niceville, FL 32578, USA, right on the beautiful white sandy shores of Choctawhatchee Bay. This strategic location in Florida's Panhandle, just before the Mid-Bay Bridge, offers exceptional accessibility while providing a serene retreat. Niceville itself is a charming city known for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to world-class beaches and attractions.

For Floridians, especially those eligible for access, reaching Mid Bay Shores is highly convenient. It's easily accessible via major highways, including State Road 20 and State Road 293 (which leads to the Mid-Bay Bridge). The Mid-Bay Bridge is a direct link between Niceville and the popular tourist hub of Destin, making it incredibly easy to access Destin's renowned beaches, vibrant shopping districts, diverse dining options, and family entertainment facilities. While the bridge is a toll road, the convenience it offers in connecting these two areas is invaluable for guests wanting to explore the wider Emerald Coast.

The campground's direct bayfront access is a significant highlight, offering guests immediate opportunities for water-based recreation right from the property. This eliminates the need for extensive travel to enjoy the pristine waters of the Gulf Coast. Furthermore, being in Niceville means you're close to essential amenities and services, including grocery stores, gas stations, local restaurants, and medical facilities, ensuring all your daily needs are easily met. This perfect balance of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and urban convenience makes Mid Bay Shores an exceptionally appealing destination for those seeking a tranquil yet accessible Florida getaway.

Mid Bay Shores Camp Grounds, as a dedicated recreation area, offers a comprehensive suite of services designed for the comfort and convenience of its eligible guests. These include:

• RV Sites with Full Hookups: The park provides 26 RV spaces equipped with water, electrical (30 and 50 amp), and sewer hookups. There are also 6 overflow sites with water and electrical only.
• Fully Furnished Bungalows/Cabins: 25 newly furnished two-bedroom, one-bath cabins are available for rent, offering a more traditional lodging experience with full kitchens, living areas, and multiple sleeping arrangements.
• Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Select bungalows are pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their beloved animals (fees and restrictions may apply, pets are generally not permitted inside non-pet-friendly cabins or on the beach).
• Clean Bathhouses: Well-maintained and clean restroom and shower facilities are available for RV and tent campers.
• Laundry Facilities: On-site laundry room provides convenience for longer stays.
• Fitness Center: A dedicated fitness center is available for guests to maintain their workout routines.
• Picnic Tables and Barbecue Grills: Each RV site and cabin typically has access to outdoor picnic tables and barbecue grills for al fresco dining.
• Beach Access: Direct access to the beautiful white sandy shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.
• Wi-Fi and TV: Bungalows are equipped with color televisions. While full park Wi-Fi coverage isn't guaranteed, a fitness building with Wi-Fi is noted, suggesting connectivity options.
• On-Site Office/Management: Responsive and helpful staff are available during operating hours to assist guests with inquiries and needs.
• Kayaking/Boating Access: Given its bayfront location, it's implied or directly possible to enjoy kayaking and other water activities. A boat ramp within the campground is also noted by guests.
• DVDs on Loan: The office offers free DVDs on loan for guest entertainment.

Mid Bay Shores Camp Grounds offers a variety of appealing features that make it a highly desirable destination for its eligible guests:

• Exclusive Access: Primarily open to active duty military, National Guard, Reservists, Retired military, 100% DAV, and DoD Civilians, ensuring a community of like-minded individuals.
• Bayfront Location with Stunning Views: Situated directly on Choctawhatchee Bay, many sites and cabins offer beautiful, unobstructed views of the water and picturesque sunsets.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: Guests can choose between spacious RV sites with full hookups and comfortable, fully furnished two-bedroom bungalows, catering to different preferences and needs.
• Pet-Friendly Options: Designated bungalows and RV sites welcome pets, allowing families to bring their furry companions on vacation.
• Convenient Proximity to Destin: Located just before the Mid-Bay Bridge, providing easy and quick access to Destin's world-class beaches, dining, shopping, and entertainment, while offering a quieter retreat.
• Recreational Amenities: Includes a playground for children, a fitness center, and direct beach access for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities.
• Shady and Scenic Sites: Many RV sites are nestled under live oaks with Spanish moss, providing natural shade and a charming, rustic Florida feel.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Reviewers frequently praise the cleanliness of the bathhouses and laundry room.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Guests consistently commend the staff for their responsiveness and welcoming demeanor.

As Mid Bay Shores Camp Grounds is a recreation area operated by Maxwell AFB Outdoor Recreation, its pricing and availability are typically structured as a benefit for eligible personnel rather than through traditional public promotions. However, guests should be aware of the following regarding rates and potential savings:

• Structured Rates: Cabin prices vary based on rank, type of rental, and season (or holiday). RV site rates are also fixed, with different prices for full hookup, water/electric, and no hookup sites.
• Stay Limits: There are stay limits for RV sites (e.g., 30 days maximum for full hookup sites, 2 weeks for water/electric and dry sites), which encourage availability for a broader range of guests.
• Group Rentals: Eligible military members can typically rent up to two cabins at a time, facilitating larger family or friend gatherings.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on current rates, booking procedures, and any specific seasonal considerations, eligible individuals should directly contact the Mid Bay Shores office. Since it's a military-exclusive facility, there aren't widely advertised public promotions in the traditional sense, but the value comes from the subsidized rates and dedicated amenities for the military community.

For eligible guests interested in booking a stay at Mid Bay Shores Camp Grounds or for any inquiries, please use the following contact details:

• Address: Niceville, FL 32578, USA (Note: Specific street address within Niceville is not publicly detailed for this military recreation area, but its location is understood to be within the Niceville area before the Mid-Bay Bridge).
• Reservations and Park Phone: (850) 897-2411
• General Inquiries/Maxwell AFB Outdoor Recreation Phone: (334) 953-3509
• Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, seven days a week (office closed on Federal Holidays).
• Check-In: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Check-Out: 11:00 AM

It's always recommended to call ahead for current availability and to confirm eligibility requirements.

For eligible Floridians within the active duty military, retired military, National Guard, Reservist, 100% DAV, and DoD civilian community, Mid Bay Shores Camp Grounds offers an unparalleled and highly suitable camping and vacation experience. Its exclusivity means you're joining a community that shares similar experiences and values, fostering a comfortable and respectful environment for relaxation and recreation. The location in Niceville, directly on Choctawhatchee Bay, provides breathtaking natural beauty and direct access to water activities that are central to the Florida lifestyle.

The variety of accommodations, from full hookup RV sites to fully furnished bungalows, caters to diverse preferences, ensuring that whether you prefer traditional camping or a more luxurious "glamping" experience, your needs are met. This flexibility is particularly valuable for Florida families, allowing them to choose the perfect setup for their getaway. The ability to bring pets to designated units further enhances its family-friendly appeal, ensuring no one gets left behind.

Beyond the accommodations, the convenience of Mid Bay Shores cannot be overstated. Its proximity to Destin via the Mid-Bay Bridge means that world-class beaches, dining, shopping, and entertainment are just a short drive away, allowing for easy day trips to explore the vibrant Emerald Coast. Yet, within the campground, you maintain a sense of peace and tranquility, away from the constant hustle and bustle, enabling true relaxation and appreciation of nature, including incredible bay views and shady sites.

In essence, Mid Bay Shores Camp Grounds is more than just a place to stay; it's a dedicated recreational haven that honors and serves the military community in Florida. It provides a unique blend of natural beauty, modern amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal, exclusive retreat for those who have contributed so much to our nation. For eligible Floridians, it's a gem that offers incredible value and unforgettable vacation experiences right in our own beautiful state.