Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area

Boondocking at Bayside Campground at Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area located in the wilderness to the west of Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle has just 12 Boondocking spots and a whole lot of wilderness.

Getting to Bayside Campground is going to require you driving off paved highways. The last 4 miles to the campground are on clay surfaces, with a few soft spots along the way, so enjoy the drive but you must stay alert. Stay on the road and do not turn off on any tracks that look iffy. Also, don’t stray into Eglin Air Force Base property either. Staying out is easy, just don’t open any fences, or cross into obviously labeled areas.

Your campsite at Bayside comes complete with a picnic table, and fire ring. Beyond that there are two port – a – potties, one of which is wheelchair accessible, and bear proof trash bins. This a boondocking location so there is no fresh water, sewer, or electricity. You have to bring in everything else with you: Fresh water for drinking, cooking and/or bathing. Be courteous with your generator and be sure to turn it off by 10pm. While I don’t recall it being posted, 10pm is the typical start for quiet hours at all campgrounds we’ve been to. Don’t be a jerk. Cell signal reception on our Verizon MiFi was fair at best, but it allowed us to get all our necessary work done.

The campground is quite literally, on the bay. Camping Spots 1 through 8 are right on the water, and 9 – 12 are just seconds farther away. For the more adventurous there are miles of hiking trails in the area as well. Kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing are also a great option as the beach provides an easy launch platform. Blackwater Bay is huge and there are many inlets to explore that will keep you busy for hours. Fishing is also a great option as the Florida Wildlife Commission works diligently to stock and maintain native fish in the area.