The Swamp House Marina already offers a wet slip, 24/7 boat launch, a view of the Escambia River and an on-site seafood restaurant to boaters.
Now its owner, Dustin Reeves, plans to expand the approximately 15-acre site by opening an RV park between March and April 1 alongside a few more changes.
Reeves plans for the new site to have a dog park, 28 spots for RVs with full hookups – including extra parking for the existing restaurant and marina – and an 800-square-foot bathhouse located on the site.
Their on-site sister business, DeLuna’s Hideout Oyster Bar & Grill, will be replaced soon too after Reeves finalized an agreement with The Fishing Hole for them to operate in the space instead beginning Feb. 1. The Fishing Hole has two restaurants in our area already, one in Milton and another in Pensacola.
“We’re just trying to offer something on this side of town,” Reeves said. “I’m an avid boater growing up on the Gulf Coast … I have (my) boat here, now I get to have my RV here and I’m also a lover of the Gulf Coast’s seafood. So it’s kind of an all-in-one scenario for me, it just kind of worked all together.”
An extra eight RV spots are planned after the park opens up, but Reeves is still working with the county to get them approved for development. Once it’s open the site will be available to the public, not just RV customers.
One row for long-term tenants will be available at the RV park, but a majority of the spots are intended for shorter stays. The longer stays can go up to a year, according to Reeves.
Reeves is a born-and-raised Pensacola native and a realtor aside from owning the Swamp House.
Reeves said he’d like the site to be seen as a family-friendly destination for both locals and out-of-town visitors.
“I would love to have a place for somebody to come enjoy live music, good seafood, a spot to (bring) their families for a weekend. Just another option besides Pensacola Beach,” he said. “It’s just a little bit further to get to Pensacola Beach for some people and we do have great seafood on this side of town, versus having to fight the parking issues and beach traffic.”
He’s been trying to develop this RV park for four years and his proposal was approved by Escambia County’s Development Review Committee in March 2023.
