Best Campgrounds near Port St. Joe, FL
Port St. Joe, Florida features several established campgrounds along the coastal areas of the Forgotten Coast region. T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park Campground offers tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping accommodations on a narrow peninsula with Gulf of Mexico and St. Joseph Bay access. Indian Pass Campground and Presnell's Bayside Marina and RV Resort provide additional options for waterfront camping experiences. Most facilities support both tent and RV camping, with several parks including cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.
Campground access around Port St. Joe varies seasonally, with hurricane impacts historically affecting availability. Many facilities require advance reservations, particularly for waterfront sites and during scallop season (July-September). "This park had smaller sites that were close together; however, the thick vegetation between sites gave each one a very private feel," noted one visitor about St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Several campgrounds in the area experienced significant damage from Hurricane Michael in 2018, with some facilities still in recovery phases. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with afternoon thunderstorms, while winters remain mild and comfortable for camping with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing.
The white sand beaches and dual water access (Gulf and Bay) represent key highlights mentioned consistently in camper reviews. A recent review emphasized that St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offers "snorkeling for scallops, swimming, bike riding, nature, and secluded areas." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, armadillos, various bird species, and marine life such as rays and sea turtles. Several developed campgrounds provide full hookups for RVs with 30/50 amp service, while maintaining natural settings with shade and vegetation barriers between sites. Beach access points vary by location, with some requiring short walks over dunes. Visitors frequently mention stunning sunsets over the Gulf as a significant highlight of camping in this coastal region. Biting insects can be problematic during warmer months, particularly at dawn and dusk.