How Do You Enjoy Gulf Island National Seashore?
Straddling the Florida panhandle and stretching to lower Mississippi, Gulf Islands National Seashore contains more than 135,000 acres of beaches, bayous, barrier islands, forts and other historic sites. There is plenty to explore here, either by yourself or on a guided tour, and the variety of things to see and do makes this park a great destination for the whole family. Decide when to go. High season is summer, with most visitors arriving May through July. The park, including the campgrounds, is open all year, however, so you may choose to go earlier or later in the year. Choose your lodging. There are only two campgrounds in the park, one in Florida and one in Mississippi, and they fill up fast in summer. Access the online U.S. National Parks Reservation Service (reservations.nps.gov) to make a reservation. You can also choose lodging in a nearby town. Pay your day-use fee at the gate ($8 per vehicle) and then stop in at a visitor center for information, maps and trail guides before
