Newport Campground

We stayed just one night at Newport Park. The campground had only a few occupants so the adequately spaced sites felt even roomier.

The resident camp host was very nice. Note: only cash or checks are accepted, so plan accordingly. Site prices vary based on amenities (FHU, W/E only, primitive). We had originally booked a W/E site, but the camp host upgraded us to FHU at no additional charge as the campground was nearly empty and site #13 was easier for us to get into. We loved that the site was a pull in so we faced the forest instead of the campground.

Roads and sites are sandy gravel. There is a restroom/shower house which was reasonably clean. We made a run to Tallahassee (about 20 miles away) so did not get a chance to explore the park. There is also a boat ramp to access the St. Marks River just before you enter the campground.

We had 2 bars of Verizon 4G unboosted.

This campground was right on our route so it was very convenient for an overnight, and the price was right. $11 for a primitive site. It is right on the highway so there is definitely road noise. We were here on a weekend night so it was full, but campers were generally respectful. The sites are packed pretty close together so not a lot of privacy when the campground is full. The bathrooms are old but clean and have showers. There is a short boardwalk that leads to the St. Marks River, and a boat ramp so you could easily put in a canoe or kayak here. Camp host was friendly and helpful.

The proximity to the OUTSTANDING St Marks NWR make for a great experience.

Fine place for a night stopover. Arrived in the afternoon, camp host was out so we picked a spot, which was fine and we paid when be showed up a bit later. Most people there were full time, including some of the tent campers, and their area looked pretty rough, like a mini homeless tent city. Still, it was a quiet park and did what we needed for a night, at an excellent price too.

Sites did not have much privacy, and there was some noise from the road. Neither would stop us from returning.

This is an awesome spot for full timers, anyone who needs an overnight or two, or folks looking for a very quiet getaway for some reading. This campground is simple, with basic amenities, and nothing in particular to do in the immediate vicinity. We stopped in for a quick overnight, and ended up staying 3 nights, mostly because people are quiet and respectful at night, and we slept great. Perfect spot for cleaning our rig, doing a bit of maintenance, and regrouping. St. Mark's Wildlife Refuge is a few miles down the road, and is an easy drive or bike ride. The full hook up sites are close together or out in the open, but all the primitive sites are remarkably wooded and private. Some primitive sites have electric, some don't. There's a full time (very friendly) caretaker for check in, and the park and facilities are very well maintained. The bar across the river offers free live music Sundays from 3-6.

We stayed here for the night on our way from Tampa to Destin. Clean and small park with nice bathrooms and showers, well cleaned.

This was my first time camping at a state/county park so I really didn’t know what to expect. Let’s start with the pros;

Pros
-Nice shaded sites with lots of room.
-Close to boat ramp for Saint Marks River.
-Platform/dock for fishing. If you like mullet, this is the place.
-Close to the Saint Marks Lighthouse.
-Very quiet and peaceful.
-The bar/restaurant across the bridge looks like a dive but the food is great and they have some awesome priced daily specials. Live music on Sundays.

Cons
-There was trash everywhere. A used tampon applicator was lying in the road the entire time I was there. The camp host cut the grass and used a blower but did nothing but blow the applicator further down the road. An empty can of beans sat on top of a grill the entire time I was there, at a vacant site and the trash at the fishing platform was over flowing.
-The bathroom trash was overflowing when I got there but was emptied the next day. The bathrooms were disgusting and were not cleaned the entire time I was there. If you use the showers, shower shoes are a must.
-Most fire rings were full of ashes and some with trash.
-All the full hookups were taken by people who appeared to be using the entire 180 days and maybe more 🤔
-I didn’t see the host until later in the second day and he seemed non-existent for the most part. He was nowhere to be found when I arrived and no note informing arriving campers as to his whereabouts or when to expect him back.

Overall, if you are looking for a quick stop this is not a bad option but it does have its flaws. It has a few full hookups and w/e and then the rest are primitive sites. Space is limited for big rigs. Each site has a picnic table, grill and fire ring. I would stay again if passing through but probably not for an extended stay.

If you are looking for a quick stop, this is an option but it does have its issues. It has a few full hookups and then the rest are primitive sites. This is a small county campground so space is limited for big rigs.
The plus is that it is directly across from the road to St Marks Wildlife Refuge and lighthouse.

No Vacancy sign displayed continuously. Park open to public for free day use, picnic tables, electric, restrooms. Showers for registered campers. I drove my SUV camper into the park to read the signs and check it out. Very friendly camp host walked up to me after a few minutes, and I explained that I needed a place to dry camp. Full hookup $27; water & electric only, $22; electric only (primitive), $11. Hard-packed dirt or grass. Wooded natural setting. Got a semi-secluded shady primitive site with big trees and woods behind me. Plenty of room for 2 cars and a big tent. Parked my vehicle between my and neighbor’s site, so had great privacy. Mostly quiet, but an occasional truck on the highway is loud. Bathhouse is rustic, like at youth summer camp. Boardwalk to the river overlook. Wash station for fish and dishwashing. Dumpster near wash station very stinky! Fire pit and picnic table at every site. About 30 sites. Driveway a little tight for big rigs. Adjacent boat ramp open 24 hours, so perhaps a quiet vehicle could park overnight undetected.

I’m writing this before visiting the St. Mark’s Wildlife Refuge just across the road. This was a perfectly good, clean, safe overnight on our way home. Nearly all RVs. They have 180 day limit so some may stay and work from here? Had hook ups in #20. Very close to Coastal Hwy that had big rigs driving by with their noise. Camp host was very nice and accommodating to our late arrival.