Best Campgrounds near Jay, FL

Camping near Jay, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Explore the beaches: Many campers love the easy access to stunning beaches. For instance, at Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore, one reviewer mentioned, "Perfect for anyone wanting to have a nice quiet stay near the beach."
• Bike trails: If you enjoy biking, check out the trails at Gulf State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "The biking trails were amazing, very wide, with a good amount of shade."
• Fishing and kayaking: At Blackwater River State Park Campground, you can enjoy swimming and tubing in the river. One camper shared, "The river has soft sandy bends, perfect for swimming."

What campers like

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Henderson Beach State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms are clean. The campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring."
• Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Meaher State Park Campground said, "Awesome state park! Plenty of room between spaces which are staggered so you aren’t looking out your door at another trailer."
• Friendly staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. At Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Campground, one reviewer noted, "The staff are all very kind and friendly."

What you should know

• Busy seasons: Some campgrounds can get crowded during peak times. A visitor at Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA mentioned, "It rained nearly the entire time, but the owners kept us up to date via text on serious weather conditions."
• Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A camper at Big Lagoon State Park Campground pointed out, "There is a lack of places to throw trash and the dumpsters are all the way back at the front of the park."
• Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Blackwater River State Park Campground warned, "I had a problem with raccoons every single night as soon as it got dark."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Henderson Beach State Park Campground, a reviewer said, "We were greeted by cheerful workers who took great care of us."
• Plan for shade: Many sites can get hot, so pick spots with trees. A visitor at Gulf State Park Campground noted, "It was a pull-through spot with a good amount of morning and late afternoon shade."
• Pack games and activities: Bring along games for downtime. One camper at The Hideaway Retreat mentioned, "There’s a community area with foosball, ping pong, and volleyball."

Tips from RVers

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA said, "Our site was small and kind of on top of others, but it was nice."
• Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. At Meaher State Park Campground, a camper noted, "Utilities: 20/30/50A electric in the middle."
• Plan for road noise: Some campgrounds are near busy roads. A visitor at Blakeley State Park Campground mentioned, "The only downside I could find was I10 is close enough to be heard."

Camping around Jay, Florida, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.