Gulf Islands National Seashore dominates the coastal landscape near Bagdad, Florida, with its white sandy beaches and shallow waterways. Located in the Florida Panhandle, the area sits at a low elevation of around 10 feet above sea level with a subtropical climate that enables year-round camping. Most glamping sites in the region remain accessible during winter months when temperatures rarely drop below 40°F.
What to Do
**Water adventures: Try tubing or canoeing at Adventures Unlimited, where guests can enjoy paddling the clear waters of Blackwater River. "Went here often for fishing with the kids! Had a great time walking the beaches and swimming," shares a visitor at Fort Pickens Campground.
**Beach exploration: Visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore beaches within 20-30 minutes of most campsites. "Kinda don't want to share this hidden gem. This by far is the best camping destination ever. Ocean is crystal clear," notes a camper at Fort Pickens.
**Historic sites: Explore Fort Pickens itself, a 19th-century military structure. "Ranger-led tours occur during the year and are very fun and informative. We went on a full moon night hike where the ranger talk focused on astrology and how moon phases impact some animals," explains a reviewer.
**Wildlife watching: Look for local species like osprey, dolphins, and even alligators in nearby waters. "The waterfront location creates perfect opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and watching local wildlife," according to regular visitors at Gulf State Park Campground.
What Campers Like
**Private beaches: Many sites offer direct water access away from crowded public beaches. "Kinda don't want to share this hidden gem. Super private, security is tight so you feel safe," says a camper at Fort Pickens National Park.
**Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and amenities enhance the glamping experience near Bagdad. "Bathroom/shower buildings are scattered throughout the loops and were cleaned daily by volunteers. These buildings are heated which was much appreciated during the cold weather," notes a Fort Pickens visitor.
**Family-friendly activities: Splash RV Resort & Waterpark offers water recreation options beyond beach access. "The pools, lazy river and water slides were open. The staff was super nice, and the grounds are beautiful kept," reports a satisfied guest.
**Variety of accommodation types: From canvas glamping tents to yurts and customized wagons. "Bring your own camper or rent a cabin or even a customized Conestoga Wagon. Spacing between sites is great compared to other RV parks," notes a visitor at Splash RV Resort.
What You Should Know
**Seasonal crowds: Prime beaches get very busy during summer months. "If you don't mind walking it's worth it to avoid the crowds," advises a Fort Pickens camper.
**Wildlife considerations: Be prepared for local fauna. "Watch for sharks in Summer. The Osprey are everywhere. Great views sunsets, dolphins turtles shells! Sand spurs are on all the trails so be careful and bring your flops. Also bring the bug spray for sure!" warns a visitor at Navarre Beach Camping Resort.
**Distance to services: Some glamping sites near Bagdad are remote. "The campground is about 10 miles from the nearest convenient store or restaurant so it is best to stock up on groceries before you come," notes a Fort Pickens reviewer.
**Reservation timing: Book well in advance for peak periods. "Reservations can be made online (and should be made early if you plan on coming during the busy spring and summer seasons)," advises a camper.
Tips for Camping with Families
**Water activities: Milton-Gulf Pines KOA offers dedicated children's areas. "We enjoyed our stay here and will be back for future Florida stays. Great staff. Pool was nice! Great little putt putt area for kids," shares a visitor.
**Glamping with amenities: Look for sites with modern comforts. "We especially liked the armband so the kids were able to purchase food, drinks, game tokens for the arcade, which was great on the day that it rained the karaoke was also a lot of fun, and the foam party was a blast to watch," reports a family at Splash RV Resort.
**Educational opportunities: Many sites offer learning experiences. "The park has a nice museum that describes the history of the fort and impacts of hurricanes (especially Ivan which destroyed the area)," notes a Fort Pickens visitor.
Tips from RVers
**Site selection: Choose your spot carefully at Avalon Landing RV Park. "Spots were gravel with nice paved patios. Small laundry area with clean machines. Unisex baths were clean. People were fishing right off the bridge that separates the two parts of the campground," explains an RVer.
**Set-up assistance: Many parks offer help with parking. "The staff was so helpful. We were taken to our site and we were guided as we backed up our RV," shares an Avalon Landing visitor.
**Hookup quality: Full-service sites are standard at most locations. "Flat concrete spots with picnic tables. Laundry service. Full hookups. 20 min drive to the beach and had a blast," reports a camper at Avalon Landing.
