Camping near Gulf Islands National Seashore

Gulf Islands National Seashore is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Gulf Islands National Seashore, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Gulf Islands National Seashore camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Gulf Islands National Seashore (147)

    1. Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    99 Reviews
    Gulf Breeze, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 934-2622

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Located on the barrier island of Gulf Island National Sea Shore. Bordered on the south by the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and on the north by Pensacola Bay. Best of both worlds!!!"

    "Fort Pickins is a large National Park campground on Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida. There are 4 camping loops. Loop D is tents only."

    2. Big Lagoon State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Perdido Key, FL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 492-1595

    $20 / night

    "Located only a short 10 minute drive from Pensacola, Florida this is a great state park!"

    "Bathhouses clean and close to most campsites. Plenty of walking trails. Love the Bird tower and kayak launch. Sandbar near launch to hangout when paddling."

    3. Pensacola Beach RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Pensacola Beach, FL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 932-4670

    $70 - $100 / night

    "We have visited many places in Florida and many beaches, but since we loved this place without words, I want to visit it again"

    "This resort is the perfect location to visit Pensacola Beach. Lots of tourist things to do: playing in the sand, eating in every restaurant imaginable, fishing, recreation, etc.

    Close to Ft."

    4. Avalon Landing RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Bagdad, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 995-5898

    "Pelicans always roosting near bridge were fun to watch. Owners are delightful. Park along busy highway, so some traffic noise, but not bad."

    "Breathtaking views and we were able to fish behind our camper. You're so close to all the "action" without hearing or having to be part of it."

    5. Military Park Pensacola Naval Air Station Oak Grove Park and Cottages

    11 Reviews
    Perdido Key, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 452-2535

    $24 - $30 / night

    "I love to run and the path through the campground leads to the sea wall. The campground is walking distance to the lighthouse and a short drive to the museum on base."

    "We checked in at the little campground(CG) office at the entrance then backed in to site 25 with FHUs. We couldn’t find the cable connection so checked with the office."

    6. Gulf State Park Campground

    102 Reviews
    Orange Beach, AL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 948-7275

    "Spacious sites, some with foliage, some with Lake or canal views. Grills but no fire pits. Right now there's a shortage of usable bath houses because of hurricane damage repairs in progress."

    "Spacious sites, some with foliage, some with Lake or canal views. Grills but no fire pits. There are a few community pits."

    7. Emerald Beach RV Park

    16 Reviews
    Navarre, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 939-3431

    "Super nice place always so clean nice concrete pads quiet lots of things close by to do had teenage boys they loved it there they could either go to the pool or down to the beach we loved it so much we"

    "This campground is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of what is Navarre and surrounding communities."

    8. Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA

    20 Reviews
    Lillian, AL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (251) 961-1717

    "We loved walking to the waterfront. My son enjoyed the basketball court. My kids loved the pool. It was quiet at night."

    "Guy next to us threatened to beat his dog with a pipe at like 2am. A truck, big diesel started at 5 and ran for 30 minutes. People walking all hours of the night. Dogs barking continuously."

    9. Santa Rosa RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Navarre, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 936-4791

    $62 - $126 / night

    "Showers/ bathroom, pool area, fenced pet area, gas fire pit lit at night to meet and greet if you want, access to the small beach and water. Shops near by for anything you want or need."

    "This campground is super clean and conveniently located. We loved the waterfront site……however you have to book well in advance. We were close to several great restaurants and shops."

    10. The Hideaway Retreat

    21 Reviews
    Navarre, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 939-2717

    $89 / night

    "From the moment you enter The Hideaway – and trust me, you have to be looking for this place located due south of Highway 98 Or Navarre Parkway – you’ll be whisked away to a magical nature oasis completely"

    "We have a 44 ft toy hauler and stayed in a watefront site just steps away from a very small private beach. If you want a bi ocean beach this isn't it."

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Recent Reviews near Gulf Islands National Seashore

842 Reviews of 147 Gulf Islands National Seashore Campgrounds


  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Nice beaches but campground pretty packed

    First off, we stayed in space number E 24 and I want to caution that there is a tree over hanging the site that if you have more than 11 feet height in your RV you need to hug the driver side of the site or you’ll hit the tree. Site was nice and level. Short quarter mile hike over to the beach. Hike out to Fort Pickens was a nice trail, and the fort itself was pretty cool. We did not visit the bathrooms/showers so can’t comment on those. I would say 80 to 90% of the campsites are probably in the sun. Very few actually have trees with shade. It does cost an extra $25 or America the beautiful pass to get into the Fort Pickens national Park. We did visit the aviation museum over on the airbase which was fascinating and it was free.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Blackwater River State Park Campground

    Beautiful area right next to the river

    The main reason I did not get this campground five stars, which really isn’t their fault, but there’s quite a bit of air traffic noise with helicopters and planes flying overhead. I think there is an airport nearby. The campground itself is very well-maintained with nice level pads and full hook ups. Caution, if you’re coming from the east on 90 Google maps will have you turn at Cooper Lane. Continue on 90 until you get to Deaton Bridge Road. The other way will take you meandering through about 10 miles of small back roads and Deaton Bridge Road is only about 4 miles from the campground. Showers were nice and great hiking trails in the area.

  • M
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Fort Walton Beach RV Park

    great stay!

    such a great spot! The park is clean (i think new), well taken care of, and close to everything .... beaches, restaurants, and stores (but still at a great rate). The sites were easy to pull into (thank goodness, sometimes that is a challenge) and had everything we needed. The staff was friendly and hospitable. It’s a nice, quiet place to relax... park is safe feeling. Good stay overall, would come back

  • Jordan W.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Fort Walton Beach RV Park

    Clean Park, Good Size

    This park was perfect for us, and in a great location. We were able to save money but still enjoy the awesome costal town. There is great stufff all around, and we felt very safe in the park.

    It was clean, the grass looked wonderful, the pad were wide, the picnic pads were great and we had so much fun!

  • B
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Fort Walton Beach RV Park

    Brand New RV Park!

    This RV Park was beautiful, beand new, well maintained and in a great location. We enjoyed our stay here and plan to be back next year. The community center had laundry and the wifi was fast. The picnic table was sturdy and I liked the pavered sites, it felt very clean and elevated!

  • E
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Alabama Coast Campground

    Very nice spot!

    Extremely scenic and friendly staff. Great playground, 2 dog parks. Would stay again!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Island Retreat RV Park

    Change of Scenery

    Camping down in Florida earlier in week decided to go to Gulf Shores for a change of scenery. Nice RV park. Staff are great. Most sites are full sun. Great central location to the beach (bike ride or drive). Bike and walking path. It’s off the main tourist area so it’s nice and quiet. MO’s Landing is right across the street so you can put a boat in or you paddleboard/kayak and tool around Little Lagoon. The only reason for not a 5 star is a lot of the sites do not have the patio area right off the center of the trailer where you normally would hang out. Ours had 3 ft of concrete then drop off to sandy ground. Still a really nice RV park.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Pensacola Beach RV Resort

    Perfection!

    I'd give it 10 stars if I could! The parking spots are pristine, the showers clean, the tiki bar on the sound beach was incredible, with lots of chairs & bean bags to laze around in... The pool is beautiful & super clean, with lights all around & a fountain!


Guide to Gulf Islands National Seashore

Camping near Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the beaches: The area is known for its stunning beaches. Campers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. One reviewer mentioned, “Campers get free parking at several beaches in the Park, which we utilized (beach was pretty quiet in the morning)” at Gulf State Park Campground.
  • Bike trails: There are amazing biking trails around the campgrounds. A visitor noted, “The biking trails were amazing, very wide, with a good amount of shade” while staying at Gulf State Park Campground.
  • Nature activities: Many campgrounds have nature centers and playgrounds. One camper shared, “There is also a very awesome nature center, several playgrounds, pickleball courts, a boat ramp, and free bicycle rentals!” at Gulf State Park Campground.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review stated, “Clean restrooms and nice clean showers, nice big pool, beach nearby” at Gulf State Park Campground.
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the campground staff. One camper said, “The staff at Fort Pickens Campground are friendly and attentive,” highlighting the welcoming atmosphere at Fort Pickens Campground.
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having enough space at their sites. A review noted, “The actual campsites and facilities are nice. Individual campsites are spacious and level” at Gulf State Park Campground.

What you should know:

  • Busy seasons: The campgrounds can get crowded during peak times. One camper mentioned, “We did make the mistake of coming here during one of the busiest weeks of July” at Gulf State Park Campground.
  • Limited trash disposal: Some campgrounds have limited trash disposal options. A visitor noted, “There is a lack of places to throw trash and the dumpsters are all the way back at the front of the park” at Gulf State Park Campground.
  • Noise levels: Depending on your site, noise can be an issue. One camper said, “There can be a little traffic for bayside beach access” at Fort Pickens Campground.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the right site: Look for sites that offer privacy and space for kids to play. A camper advised, “The sites are TINY...but it would have been nice to have a little space to hang out at our site” at Magnolia Beach Campground.
  • Plan activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. One review mentioned, “The campground has a playground area lighted with a box of sand toys” at Navarre Beach Camping Resort.
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy. A camper noted, “They serve food, ice cream, and drinks” at Navarre Beach Camping Resort.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some sites can be tight, so check the dimensions before booking. A reviewer mentioned, “The sites are pretty tight” at Emerald Beach RV Park.
  • Use your cell service: Wi-Fi can be spotty, so rely on your mobile data. One camper said, “The wifi is terrible. Have to use my cell service to access the internet” at Island Retreat RV Park.
  • Explore local eateries: Don’t miss out on local food options. A visitor shared, “We tried out Windjammers by the pier. Awesome food, great views” at Magnolia Beach Campground.

Camping near Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you’re with family or just looking for a peaceful getaway, there’s something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are provided at Fort Pickens campground in Gulf Islands National Seashore?

Fort Pickens campground provides water and electric hookups in loops A, B, and C, with a dump station available for RV campers. The campground features level paved sites and paved roads throughout, making navigation easy. Bathroom facilities with showers are available in all camping loops. While the campground store has been temporarily closed, supplies like firewood and ice can be purchased at nearby locations including Tom Thumb just outside the park or at retailers in Gulf Breeze. The campground's location offers easy walking access to both the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. The park is exceptionally clean and well-maintained, with staff working to preserve the natural environment.

What camping options are available at Gulf Islands National Seashore?

Gulf Islands National Seashore offers camping primarily at Fort Pickens Campground, located on Santa Rosa Barrier Island near Pensacola. The campground features four distinct loops with varying accommodations. Loops A, B, and C accommodate RVs and travel trailers with water and electric hookups, while Loop D is designated for tent camping only. The campground is situated in a natural setting between the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay, providing easy access to both bodies of water. Fort Pickens offers a true barrier island camping experience with paved roads and level sites while maintaining the natural coastal environment.

How does Gulf Islands National Seashore camping compare to other Gulf Coast camping options?

Gulf Islands National Seashore camping offers a more natural, preserved coastal experience compared to other Gulf Coast options. While Camp On The Gulf provides more resort-style amenities with some sites directly on the beach with sugar-white sand, and Big Lagoon State Park Campground offers a different waterfront experience. For those seeking primitive experiences, Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping provides completely undeveloped sites requiring campers to bring all necessary supplies. Gulf Islands stands out for its balance of natural preservation with basic amenities, historical features, and dual-water access to both the Gulf and bay waters.