The Mexico Beach area offers diverse camping spots along Florida's panhandle, ranging from gulf-front sites to wooded inland locations with varying degrees of development. Winter temperatures average 50-65°F, making December through February popular for campers seeking mild weather without summer's humidity. Several camping areas remain in various stages of restoration following Hurricane Michael, with ongoing improvements enhancing facilities throughout the region.
What to do
Beach exploration and fishing: 3 miles: At T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park Campground, visitors access both gulf and bay shores. "Great fishing opportunities" are available, with one visitor noting there are "miles of gorgeous large white sand beaches, clear water, excellent sunsets, decent fishing, bird watching, kyaking and sea turtle conservation."
Wildlife viewing: Daily opportunities: Morning and evening provide optimal wildlife spotting times across the region. "We saw lots of other wildlife around, including deer and rabbits," reports a camper from St. Andrews State Park Campground. At St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, "deer frolic in the ponds at sunset."
Boating and kayaking: Multiple launch points: The calm bay waters offer ideal conditions for beginners. "If you have a boat....take it!!! You can walk from the waves across to the calmer water....short distance," advises a St. Joseph Peninsula State Park visitor. Presnell's Bayside Marina and RV Resort provides "good access for kayaks" according to one camper.
What campers like
Beachfront proximity: Immediate access: Indian Pass Campground receives praise for location, with one camper noting it's a "small wooded campground on the beach" where "the beach is just a few steps away." Another mentions the campground is "right on the water and the fishing is spectacular!"
Clean facilities: Recently rebuilt: Many campgrounds feature post-hurricane renovations. St. Andrews State Park has a "well maintained CG (under construction)" with "park under construction with improvements." A visitor to Port St. Joe RV Resort praised the "very friendly staff and outstanding amenities. Pool, Dog Park, coffee and donuts, huge walk in shower with bench."
Natural setting: Low development: The region maintains natural character despite rebuilding. "It's a very low key campground, tucked away on a dead end road," writes a camper about Indian Pass Campground. Another visitor called the area "the most peaceful place on earth" with an "abundance of places to explore."
What you should know
Hurricane recovery status: Ongoing improvements: Many facilities continue rebuilding. A St. Andrews camper reported, "Great State Park. Under a little construction can't wait to see when completed." At St. Joseph Peninsula, a visitor noted "Florida State Parks did a great job redoing this campground after Hurricane Michael in 2018."
Reservation windows: 6-10 months advance booking: Campsites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. "We book between 6-10 months in advance," shares one St. Andrews State Park visitor. Holidays require even earlier reservations.
Weather considerations: Season selection matters: Summer brings higher temperatures, humidity, and insects. One camper at RV by the Sea advised, "2 warnings the site has no shelter from the wind and a storm could damage your RV which happened to us and bring a good rug for the outside because you'll get sand everywhere."
Forest road conditions: Vehicle requirements: Dirt roads throughout state forests become challenging after rain. Four-wheel drive vehicles provide safer access during wet periods.
Tips for camping with families
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Loop roads: Several campgrounds offer safe biking areas for children. St. Andrews State Park features family-friendly sites where "the kids ride their bikes around the loop." Another family mentioned "the bike ride over to the 'Kiddie Pool' at the jetties" as a "special treat for the kids each year."
Wildlife experiences: Supervised viewing: Multiple camping spots near Mexico Beach, Florida offer wildlife encounters. "A special treat for the kids each year is the white tailed deer walking through the sites," notes a St. Andrews visitor. Indian Pass Campground campers report that "lots of very squirrels... beg for food (so cute)."
Swimming options: Protected areas: For safer swimming with children, seek protected waters. "A small area located inside rock jetties provides the perfect area for amateur and intermediate snorkeling," explains a St. Andrews State Park visitor. "The swimming in the spot by the bay is much calmer."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Size variations: RV site dimensions vary significantly between and within campgrounds. "The sites are all VERY different. Some are tiny, some are huge. Some have waterfront and many don't," cautions a St. Andrews camper. At El Governor Motel & RV Park, RVers note "gravel lots close to your neighbors and a little pricey but you are paying for location."
Utilities and connections: Hidden challenges: Some campgrounds have unusual hookup arrangements. One RV by the Sea visitor warns "the only negative was we had to dig up the sewer connection which is right by the water hookup." Presnell's Bayside Marina features full hookups but "WiFi is very spotty and Verizon is very weak. AT&T phones worked well."
Wind exposure considerations: Positioning matters: Coastal RV sites often lack wind protection. Position RVs with doors away from prevailing winds when possible to minimize sand intrusion and door damage.
