Camping options around Perdido Key provide easy access to Florida's westernmost beaches and inland waterways. The area sits at a modest elevation of 10 feet above sea level and experiences a humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures averaging 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 45°F. Several campgrounds offer pet-friendly accommodations with varying levels of amenities from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups.
What to do
Beach exploration: Johnson Beach within the Gulf Islands National Seashore offers public beach access where dogs can enjoy designated areas. "The beach is very clean. A solid 3 mile round trip walking. Saw some dolphins in the early morning and some rays. Not many people and plenty of space," reports one visitor to Oak Grove Military Pensacola NAS.
Fishing opportunities: Little Lagoon provides excellent fishing access for campers. "The lake is well stocked with big bass," notes a camper at Pandion Ridge Luxury RV Resort. Many campgrounds are located near boat launches, making it convenient to get on the water.
Hiking with pets: Nature trails throughout the area accommodate leashed dogs. A camper at Big Lagoon State Park Campground mentions, "Sandy trails leading through the coastal scrub vegetation and lots of animals to see and hear. The beach is the Intercoastal waterway so there is boat traffic and noise, but it's brackish water and calm compared to the gulf."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Alligator spotting is popular in protected areas. One camper at Gulf State Park Campground shared their experience: "Went hiking along the trails and found 3 baby gators hanging out! Had a few good tent spots and lots of RV spots. Just watch out where you swim!"
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms are consistently mentioned in reviews. "The bathhouse was half renovated so we did have to wait to shower during prime times, but it will be worth it when they are done," notes a visitor to Island Retreat RV Park.
Military history: Naval attractions draw many visitors. "Walking distance to the Pensacola Lighthouse and National Naval Aviation Museum. Dog friendly beach right at the campground," writes a camper about Oak Grove Military Pensacola NAS. The Blue Angels practice sessions are visible from several camping locations.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Gulf Coast experiences seasonal storms that can impact camping plans. "Hurricane Sally messed up our plans but we were so thankful our reservation wasn't cancelled. We were able to fish and enjoy nearby Johnson Beach and had a wonderful time," shares a camper from Big Lagoon State Park Campground.
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. A visitor to Fort Pickens Campground advises, "We prefer to stay in Loop A because there are way fewer sites in that section and you don't get the feeling of being crowded like in Loops B – E. There is also more shade in Loop A which is very welcomed in the summer."
Reservation timing: Most popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially in peak seasons. "Very popular, so plan ahead. Over 400 sites, great amenities, miles of biking and hiking trails," notes a reviewer about Gulf State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Scheduled events at some campgrounds keep children entertained. A visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp Resort shared, "We stayed at Jellystone this past weekend and ended up staying a third night (unplanned). We had a lot of fun. The kids loved all of the Saturday activities. Campsites have a fire pit, so we made s'mores."
First fishing experiences: Stocked ponds provide excellent opportunities for children to catch fish. "This lake is full of bream and each of my kids caught their first fish, definitely a memorable trip," writes a camper about Jellystone Park Camp Resort.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife programs teach children about local ecosystems. One Gulf State Park visitor mentioned, "I loved my stay at Gulf State Park. Keep your eyes peeled for wonderful birds and alligators!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Water pressure varies between campgrounds. A camper at Pandion Ridge notes, "All pedestals are up to date and water pressure is adequate at 45 psi. Cable is digital (60+ channels)."
Site selection considerations: Many RV parks have varied site quality. "The basic pull throughs do not have a fire pit, which sucked because it was chilly at night," mentions a visitor to Gulf Shores-Pensacola West KOA.
Location logistics: Traffic patterns affect ease of access. "There is an entrance and an exit on opposite ends of the park - the exit is a bit tight and my husband was nervous to pull the camper that way. We noticed several people going out the entrance because it's easier," advises an RVer about campground navigation.
