Best Campgrounds near Mexico Beach, FL
The Florida Panhandle coastline near Mexico Beach features a mix of beachfront and inland camping options, with several notable locations recovering from Hurricane Michael's 2018 impact. T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, approximately 20 miles south of Mexico Beach, offers highly-rated camping with newly rebuilt facilities, screened cabins, and both gulf and bay access. Closer to town, El Governor Motel & RV Park provides direct beach access with full hookup sites, while nearby Port St. Joe hosts several RV resorts with varying amenities. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Tate's Hell State Forest maintains individual dispersed sites accessed via dirt roads throughout the forest.
Campground reservations often require booking months in advance, particularly for waterfront state park sites which fill quickly during peak seasons. As one camper noted, "We were there over Thanksgiving and the location with the sunset and views was worth the slightly higher cost." Hurricane recovery continues to affect some facilities, with visitors reporting "brand new facilities, excellent camping pads, and good beach access" at St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Forest roads throughout the region can become challenging after rain, with reviewers cautioning, "I would not chance the forest roads in a sedan. You might be okay if it stays dry but if it rains you will not be in good shape." Summer brings higher temperatures and humidity, making winter and spring the preferred camping seasons.
Beach proximity drives campground popularity throughout the region, with many campers prioritizing ocean views despite closer site spacing. Indian Pass Campground receives praise for being "steps away from the beach" with "extremely dog friendly" policies. Several campgrounds feature boat launches, fishing docks, and kayak access points. Wildlife encounters are common, with campers reporting deer, armadillos, and occasional alligators in wetland areas. The region maintains what one long-time visitor described as an "old Florida feel" with "stunning sunsets and wilderness all around." Most developed campgrounds provide full hookups, while state forests offer more secluded, primitive experiences with basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables.
