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Looking for a relaxing destination for beachside camping in Florida? The only Panhandle county that offers a westward-facing sunset, Gulf County features a variety of waterside camping options to take in the views.
A laid-back Florida destination with a low-rise vibe, Gulf County is known as a place where unplugging and recharging go together. It’s the place to go in the Florida Panhandle when you want to really get away and reconnect – perfect for a beachside camping trip.
Just two hours southwest of Tallahassee and an hour east of Panama City Beach, Gulf County is a quiet retreat on the Florida Gulf Coast perfect for nature lovers and those looking for opportunities to reconnect with each other and recharge on the water.
Gulf County is a welcoming coastal Florida destination featuring accessible camping options and pet-friendly beaches and restaurants. The sustainable practices it upholds, like the Leave No Trace ordinance on all beaches, help to maintain the resources and the character of this special Gulf Coast destination for beachside camping in Florida.
Where to Go Camping in Gulf County, Florida
From campgrounds by the beach and waterfront campsites to a bayfront full-service RV park and marina, Gulf County camping options offer variety and flexibility. Recent updates and additions to facilities give visitors even more options to enjoy Florida camping adventures their way in Gulf County.
Beachside Camping in Florida: St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
At T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, 20 miles of pristine beaches, dunes and marshes stretch between the waters of the Gulf of Mexico to one side and St. Joseph Bay to the other. This is the prime location for beachside camping in Florida for those who love to get immersed in a natural setting and enjoy hiking, paddling, fishing and more.
Shady Pines campground features 36 standard campsites and 10 tent-only sites. All sites have electricity and water, a picnic table, an in-ground grill and a fire ring. Site options include paved surfaces and accessible picnic tables and grills, screened platforms with power and a ceiling fan. Pets are not allowed on these two sites. Two new bathhouses provide showers and restrooms. There are also 14 primitive sites in the park’s Wilderness Preserve, which can be reached by hiking trail or kayak.
Accessible Beachside Camping in Florida: Gulf County’s Rish Park
William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area, known locally as Rish Park, is a beautiful and accessible spot for beachside camping in Florida. The park recently added two family-style cabins designed to offer accessible camping for people with disabilities, and their families and their caregivers. The two-bedroom cabins sleep up to five people and feature a living room and dining area and kitchen. Two accessible restrooms have zero-entry showers. The cabin is surrounded by a boardwalk.
Beautiful white-sand beaches and blue Gulf waters are the centerpiece of this 100-acre park. An accessible recreation area includes a day use park, boardwalk and an Olympic-size pool with chair lift and wheelchair ramp. Beach wheelchairs, motorized beach wheelchairs, boardwalk scooters and water wheelchairs are also available for park guests.
Camp at a Top Sunset Spot in Gulf County: Presnell’s Bayside Marina & RV Resort
One of Gulf County’s most popular camping spots, Presnell’s Bayside Marina & RV Resort is also a top spot to enjoy sunsets on St. Joe Bay. Located on the calm bay waters, Presnell’s offers paddleboard, kayak and boat rentals. There is also a swimming pool, clubhouse, ship’s store, boat ramp and marina onsite.
This iconic Gulf County campground now has 110 sites, including 64 new full-service sites with 30- and 50-amp service, full sewer hookups and Wi-Fi. For those without an RV, cottage and park model rentals are also available on site.
Waterfront Sites for Beachside Camping in Florida: Indian Pass Campground
Another beautiful spot for camping by the beach in Florida, Indian Pass Campground sits near the western end of Apalachicola Bay and has a character all its own. Sites shaded by native trees, waterfront sites with amazing views and remote tent sites are all a part of the mix at this Gulf County campground. There are restrooms, showers, laundry and a general store onsite. The bayfront campground offers local beach access to a pet-friendly beach and a nearby county boat ramp.
Dead Lakes Camping in Gulf County
Just a short drive inland, Dead Lakes RV Campground offers visitors the opportunity to experience a different yet equally inviting aspect of Gulf County. The Dead Lakes area encompasses 6,700 acres of unspoiled beauty amid the waters of the Chipola River, ancient cypress trees and stands of fertile Tupelo trees. Access to fishing, kayaking and hiking make this a favorite outdoor adventure spot for some, while others just want to bask in the calm of the remote location.
This Dead Lakes campground includes full-hookup sites with picnic tables and a designated tent area for groups. The property includes a family and pet-friendly playground with picnic pavilions, and general store with WIFI, showers and restrooms and boat ramp. There are also nearby kayak rentals and eco-tours.
Can You Camp on the Beach in Gulf County?
Overnight beach camping is allowed on Gulf County’s public beaches, with some restrictions. Be sure to check out the area’s Leave No Trace information for regulations and best practices.
Things to Do While on a Gulf County Beachside Camping Trip
With its 244 miles of shoreline, from Gulf beaches to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Dead Lakes, Gulf County is popular for paddling, fishing, shelling and snorkeling adventures.
Downtown Port St. Joe is known for the Cape San Blas Lighthouse and also for its quaint shopping district along Reid Avenue.
Gulf seafood is the highlight at Gulf County restaurants. The region is also known for its famously sweet Tupelo honey. Try it in your morning cup of coffee while beachside camping in Florida.
Outdoor Adventure Options in Gulf County to Enhance Your Beachside Camping
Explore Port St. Joe’s waterways on a guided inshore fishing charter, learning about the Florida Panhandle’s ecosystem and wildlife along the way.
For a customized family boating adventure in Gulf County, check out About Fun Charters, which offers snorkeling adventures and boat tours led by a marine biologist.
Want to paddle or pedal? Take a guided kayak trip on St. Joe Bay or rent bikes from Happy Ours Kayak & Bike Outpost in Cape San Blas.
For eco-adventures on the Dead Lakes, check out Off the Map Expeditions in Wewahitchka.
More Adventures and Weekend Getaways in Florida
Looking for more adventures and weekend getaway destinations in Florida? Check out our Florida adventure guides including an Old Florida getaway guide to Wakulla Springs and a romantic getaway guide to St. Augustine.
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