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 for Mexico Beach campgrounds.
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. Mexico Beach camping offers exceptional Gulf Coast experiences with beachfront campsites that provide easy access to fishing, swimming, and stunning sunsets. The Mexico Beach area campsites are particularly known for their coastal location, where campers can enjoy both pristine beaches and natural Florida habitats in one trip. 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.
$24 - $100 / night
"A beach within a short walk, palm trees,clean bathrooms, wildlife, sunsets………… And the Florida State Parks system is contactable and friendly!!!"
"One of the BEST Florida parks!"
$28 / night
"A little less “outdoor feeling” than other Florida state parks but very comfortable. The park itself is great with an amazing beach."
"Clean and peaceful and beautiful walking trails and easy access to the beach. Beautiful sunsets on the beach."
$45 - $69 / night
"Pros: Right on the water, 1 minute walk to the beach."
"It’s a bit crowded but there’s plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs being that it’s steps away from the beach."
$69 / night
"Nice spot in Mexico Beach literally across the road from the beach. We were a little concerned as our lot backed up to the road and there was no security we could see."
"You can walk across the street to the beach. The sunsets are beautiful! The bath house and laundry room is always spotless."
$77 - $495 / night
"We walked to the beach and let Boomer play off leash with other dogs."
$58 - $78 / night
$60 - $70 / night
"This recommendation is based on our site location which was oceanfront. "
"Right next to your neighbors - but that’s just utilizing real estate. It’s going to be that way in Fl."
$58 - $78 / night
"Pool, Dog Park, coffee and donuts, huge walk in shower with bench. Very handicap accessible facility."
"It's close to Tyndall AFB and the Tyndall marina (requires a drive, not directly connected) where you can rent kayaks, canoes, pontoon boats, jet skis, bikes, and more (again, call ahead to verify availability"
"Its conveniently located near the base and also near the bay for fishing and other fun water recreational activities."
ScoutNice primitive sites with picnic table, grill and fire ring. Very secluded, campsites miles apart. Listed on some sites as free, actual cost is $15.90 and you must call, reserve and pay by card. Part of "Tates Hell" state Forest.
TravelerEveryone was so welcoming. The park was very clean. We walked to the beach and let Boomer play off leash with other dogs. When we got back there was a hose to rinse off with and we found that several people we’d met at the beach were also staying there 💗 LOVED IT 😍
TravelerI like the very clean bathroom and hot water. I had trouble solar charging because of all the trees. Non electric site. Small lake, not good for fishing. The current host Dale was very pleasant.
GuideOlder RVs and mobile homes permanently parked nearby. The night we stayed was quiet.
GuideTucked away in the National Forest, you turn on a forest service road to find this spot. Drive on a solid 3.5 mile dirt road. Meaning, it’s quite flat with some bumps but easily done.
The locals come daily to hunt during season and likely fish otherwise, but keep to themselves.
There is a dumpster (so it is fairly clean but not everyone picks up). And a porta potty for use.
I was here 5 nights in my Skoolie, no one bothered me. I saw a forest service ranger but they didn’t stop & a crew came to collect the trash that over spilled the dumpster.
No AT&T service. But you can squeeze Starlink in the right spot to work remotely and take a video call with minimal interference. It got me through just fine.
There are a million stars on a clear night. A few spots people have done fires but no pits.
I would stay here again.
RangerWell maintained, friendly people. View of the high rise skyline across not my favorite. Great bike paths and beach.
LegendA few minutes from the main road you'll find an old camping area with at least 3 pulloff van size spaces and at least 4 decent size camping spots. It is in an area of woods with a dense undergrowth and is near a the tip of Hitchcock Lake which is really just a finger off of the Ochlockonee River. We were just passing through and didn't end up staying. The only camper in there had a maybe been here for awhile vibe.
Check it out in our 360° Video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTRANR2PraU
ScoutVery beautiful here. If you want to walk your dog on the beach, just travel out of the park about 5 miles. St. George allows dogs to walk on the beach on the leash of course.
LegendI was back at Carrabelle Beach RV Resort for 2 months at the end of 2025. It is a great location on the forgotten coast of Florida. The campground is great, right across from the beach. Clean, well maintained and a great staff. So much to do in the area. Many state parks close by. Carrabelle is a quaint, quiet peaceful community. If you want peace and quiet and access to the old Florida vibe, this a great place to spent time.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds located in Mexico Beach, Florida?
Mexico Beach offers several campground options in and around the area. El Governor Motel & RV Park is located directly in Mexico Beach across the road from the beach, offering convenient beach access with 24/7 gate access. The gravel lots are close to neighbors but provide a prime location for beach activities. For those willing to venture slightly outside Mexico Beach, Water's Edge RV Park is conveniently positioned near a 9-mile bike path, boat launches to St. Joseph's and Apalachicola Bays, and is a short drive to the beaches of Cape San Blas, Port St. Joe, and Apalachicola.
What RV parks and resorts are available in Mexico Beach, FL?
Presnell's Bayside Marina and RV Resort offers oceanfront sites with stunning sunset views, particularly worth the slightly higher cost for premium waterfront locations. The resort is especially beautiful during holiday seasons like Thanksgiving. Another option in the area is Indian Pass Campground, which is right on the water with just a one-minute walk to the beach. It offers clean bathrooms and showers in a quiet, remote area that's less crowded than surrounding areas, while still being close to Cape San Blas and Port St. Joe for additional exploration opportunities. Both parks provide convenient access to the region's beautiful beaches and coastal attractions.
Are there state parks with camping near Mexico Beach, Florida?
While there are no state parks directly in Mexico Beach, several excellent options are within driving distance. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground offers beautiful white sand beaches and is a popular choice for campers visiting the region. Another option is T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park Campground, which provides camping opportunities along the stunning Gulf Coast. For a more forested experience, Point Washington State Forest offers primitive camping at its Eastern Lake Campgrounds, which require reservations through the ReserveAmerica system and can be accessed via forest roads from U.S. Highway 98.
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