The Hideaway Retreat, Navarre, FL

The Hideaway Retreat, Navarre, FL formerly known as Magnolia Beach Campground is undergoing a face-lift. The tired and tree secluded park experienced benign neglect and the new owners, a year ago, have undertaken an immense task to successfully turn it around. First, always an irritant at our 13’ height and size, we are always alert to trees and shrubs not pruned to height nor pruned back from the roadway. This park features old coastal live oaks gnarled and stunted from years of battering ocean storms. Instead of removing such a beautiful shade canopy they have performed an excellent job of trimming them up and back from the roadway creating an inviting ‘sleepy hollow’ effect as one walks the interior. Upon entering the park the newly laid shell roadway and walkways present a pleasing image of southern estates. Although the roads look tight, in fact once unhooked we had no trouble navigating to our site in a 45’ motorcoach. The small 1930’s office is neat and clean. A few sites back up directly on the white sandy beach below (sites#45,46,47), accessible via footpaths. And of course the Santa Rosa Sound  clear and warm during the summer months is just feet away from your site. 

Navarre offers solitude, running at a slower pace than its famous neighbors Destin, and Fort Walton Beach to the east. However, Navarre is not lacking in activity featuring the Navarre Pier, Navarre Beach Marine Science Center and Sea Turtle Conservation Center. In addition close by are the Gulf Breeze Zoo and Florida Zipline. However the best activity is just relaxing on The Hideaway’s pristine private beach or taking advantage of their paddleboards and kayaks to adventure out into the calm waters of Santa Rosa Sound. The park also allows well behaved dogs on the beach which is a real bonus. 

Unfortunately the old fishing pier took a hit from Ivan in 2004 and was not rebuilt by the previous owners; that is be rectified and plans are underway by the new owners to rebuild. The park itself is well maintained, neatly landscaped with fresh seashell walkways and roads adding to the tropical ambiance. The bathhouse has been refreshed and provides clean, spacious and updated bath and shower facilities. Once ensconced inside the perimeter of The Hideaway the commerce & tourism of Navarre, and Destin surrender to the solitude and beauty of Santa Rosa Sound. 

The FHU hookups are standard and the 50 amp outlet provided our coach with continuous 60 amp service. WiFi provided HD streaming quality of both music and movies at 19.8/3.17 Mbps. We accessed local television stations utilizing our OTA (over the air antenna) and received several HD channels.

The Takeaway: The Hideaway Retreat has been saved from neglect by new owners and continues to improve the guest experience. Compact, but navigable in our 45’ motorcoach, with no obstruction from the live oak tree canopy the bustle of Route 9 and its environs (Navarre, Destin, etc) give way to the tranquility of the park and the beauty of Santa Rosa Sound. There are three sites directly overlooking their private beach. WiFi is robust supporting streaming of music and movies. This newly rejuvenated park deserves kudos for the improvements made to date and is definitely a destination campground.   Go to  www.rickpicks.com for other reviews, critiques and essays with links to area attractions and a more detailed review of this park, etc.