Family-friendly beach camping near Perdido Key
A nature-filled island where you can see amazing wildlife and beaches without the crowds.
- Perdido Key
Popular camping styles for Perdido Key
Family-friendly beach camping near Perdido Key guide
Overview
Perdido means lost in Spanish—a name which adds to the intrigue of this already mesmerizing camping destination. So what’s worth seeing here, you ask? Consider the white sand dunes and calm Gulf waters, or the vast, wildlife-filled estuaries. You’ll also love that over half of this island is dedicated to state or federal parks, which gives rare access to Florida’s natural flora and fauna. Whether you want to hike, swim, fish, sunbathe or simply explore on your Perdido Key vacation, you’re guaranteed to find what you’re looking for.
Where to go
Perdido Key State Park
One of many unique characteristics of Perdido Key: half of the island is in Alabama, and half is in Florida. On the Florida side, you’ll find Perdido Key State Park, a gorgeous stretch of white sand complete with picnic tables, dunes, picnic pavilion, showers and endangered wildlife. This is home to nesting sea turtles and shorebirds, with a boardwalk for viewing. Perdido Key State Park has primitive campsites as well as RV campsites, so there’s a little bit of something for every type of camper.
Johnson Beach National Seashore
This federally designated area is the perfect place to see nature and enjoy uncrowded beaches. This is part of Gulf Island National Seashore, a 215 square mile stretch between Florida and Mississippi. You’ll enjoy the lifeguards, bathrooms and paddling access in this area, and if you’re interested in hiking, you can enjoy the Discovery Nature Trail. This is a raised boardwalk that winds through many landscapes, including dunes, pine trees and salt marshes. This area does charge an entrance fee, so have a card or cash ready.
Big Lagoon State Park
This state park offers unfettered access to some of Florida’s most beautiful features. You’ll see sand dunes, tidal ecosystems and endless wildlife. There are 75 designated camping sites in Big Lagoon State Park, with fire rings, water hookups and picnic tables. Another adventure activity is the Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, the entrance of which is marked by a half kayak and a weathered log book detailing past adventures. Most importantly, don’t miss the massive raised boardwalk winding through the park, which offers various viewing points.
When to go
The warmest month in Perdido Key is July, with January being the coolest. Since this is a top place to see wildlife, you may want to plan your visit around different hatching or migration patterns. For example, if you want to see sea turtles, they tend to come onto the beach for nesting and hatching between May and August. February and March tend to be the best months for visiting the beach.
