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.
