Gulf Coast Jam

Lovers of fresh, open air and country music can pack up the RV to combine both into one experience over three glorious days at the Gulf Coast Jam in Panama City, Florida.

Event information

If you are looking for heartfelt testimonies, stories of life experiences, romance in song, and unchained melodies, drive your RV to Panama City Beach, Florida for a weekend of all things country. Listen to mega-hits from mega-stars along with being introduced to up and comers in the country music world.

Sweet sounds will fill the air as talented country artists do what they excel in–charming audiences and encouraging people to be their best. And what better venue than a family-friendly park? Get the family ready for a long weekend of music and togetherness at the Gulf Coast Jam. The natural terrain of sand and grass makes for easy-on-the-feet maneuvering around the venue, and allowances for re-entry will enable you to take the kids to the park when they want a change of scenery.

Over 70,000 music fans are expected to attend the event. It is one you won’t want to miss. Start prepping the RV for the ultimate road trip to one of Florida’s premier vacation destinations. Roll up the sleeping bags, stock the fridge, and pack your biggest Stetson!

Tickets

Early purchase of tickets is substantially less expensive than buying them at the gate. Military tickets (which include access to the Military Appreciation Tent - bring Military ID) start around $110 and cover the three-day festival. General Admission is in the range of $120, and VIP tickets (which give perks like priority shuttle boarding) cost about $450. Other options are the Golden Circle, Side Stage, and Skybox Table with prices ranging from $600 to $1200 per person. Children under the age of six are free. To see which festival experience fits you best, visit Gulf Coast Jam online.

Explore Gulf Coast Jam RV Rentals


Transportation

Driving

The Panama City Beach Parkway will get you there! Set your coordinates and head out for a weekend of the best in country music entertainment. Traffic may be busy due to other music fans with the same idea but if you have time, take a drive along the coast to view the beautiful beaches before heading to the park. Gulf Coast Jam is a huge event, and you can’t miss it as you approach. Florida 511 resources can help you stay up to date with road and weather conditions in the area.

Parking areas

Festival staff can guide you to the parking area; tickets to park your vehicle must be bought well in advance as they typically sell out. Options are Platinum Three-Day Parking with a guaranteed space close to the main gates and the General Three-Day Parking pass, which also offers a guaranteed spot, is a bit further away. Purchase early! RVers with larger rigs may have an easier time setting up camp nearby and taking a tow vehicle or public transportation to the events.

Public Transportation

Check out the intercity Greyhound bus system to learn your way around this picturesque area. That way, you can visit some of the exciting sights of the city! The Bay Town Trolley also has a convenient schedule and stops include the Panama City Beach area.

Where to stay

Onsite

Gulf Coast Jam does not have the facilities for overnight camping. RV rigs big and small will find the accommodation that suits their size and specs within close proximity to the festival, making it easy to listen to the music till the very end of the evening. Panama City RV parks offer respite and amenities within 20 minutes to an hour's drive from the concert grounds.

Nearby

Whether you prefer a paved spot to set up your RV or like to see the beach right across from your parked home on wheels, Panama City and its surrounding beach communities, offer lovers of the outdoors campgrounds with full hookups, showers, laundry facilities, swimming pools, golfing, fishing and more!

The amenities of many of the locations are unique, allowing for modern comforts while sleeping under the stars. Grayton Beach State Park offers a place to camp near the water and accepts rigs up to 40'. Up for a cavern venture on your RV trip to Florida? If I-10 is near your route, consider Florida Caverns State Park as a camping spot near Gulf Coast Jam.

Getting around

Gulf Coast Jam allows the concert-goer to bring the family along knowing that their comforts will be met. Strollers are permitted, as are collapsible wagons. Leave the other modes of travel at home, though and instead, put on your most comfortable shoes for walking and dancing. Cowboy boots look nice at a venue such as this, but unless they are ultra-soft, you may have to bring a change of footwear.

What to pack

Clothing

Festival apparel should be light and airy, as it is generally pleasant and warm in late August and early September in Panama City, Florida. Buy each member of the family a lightweight Stetson so that they can attend Gulf Coast Jam in style! Bring along an extra cap in case your head gets hot and sweaty. A light cover-up is always a wise choice to shield the shoulders and chest from the sun.

Gear

You can bring foldable chairs to the festival, along with blankets and towels as comfy seating alternatives. A clear bag policy with measurement allowances of as required ensures the safety of attendees and also helps to streamline the screening process as guests enter the main gates. Each guest can bring in one clear bag to carry cameras, binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen, cell phones, empty drink bottles, and diapering equipment for the little ones. A fanny pack or clutch purse is also allowed but will be subject to search.

Health & Safety

Keep every member of the family well hydrated with either water or a cold refreshment from a vendor. Enjoy a shady spot now and then; you may not realize that you are becoming overheated. The Gulf breeze may cool you off, but the effects of the sun can still be strong. Apply and re-apply your sunscreen often.

Where to eat

Cooking

Marshmallows, campfire mac and cheese, vegetarian chili, sweet and savory popcorn–the list of campfire, one-skillet meals is endless! Stock up on briquets for the grill and kindling for the fire, and you will easily satisfy the hearty appetites of your crew. There is nothing quite like cooking and eating outside when camping in an RV.

Restaurants

Being in a beachy area, restaurants close to Gulf Coast Jam often give diners the chance to continue the outdoor eating vibe enjoyed back at camp. Set your gaze on the waves and savor the flavors of the south. Fans of seafood, burgers, shrimp, and steak will have many choices for dining out in between campsite meals. The servings are usually plentiful, and you can bring leftovers back to the RV for a fireside late night snack!

Vendors

Gulf Coast seafood, crisp fries, pizza, hotdogs, vegetarian delights and favorites for all will be available throughout the festival grounds. ATMs are onsite in case you would like extra cash to purchase merchandise and t-shirts. Promote the hard-working local eateries and artisans who come to the festival to keep concert-goers well fed and happy!

Safety

Security

Your Gulf Coast Jam wristband will be mailed to you prior to the event and must be worn all weekend as it will be scanned each day. Do not remove the wristband; if you do, you will need to buy a new ticket to return to the venue. The festival permits re-entry, but only with an intact wristband that has not been tampered with in any manner. Remember to have your belongings in clear plastic, PVC, or vinyl bag so that security can check items efficiently and safely.

Weather

Panama City Beach is famous for its beautiful weather, and the area sees over 300 sunny days per year. The day and evening temperatures are typically forecasted as warm in the spring, summer, and fall. Wintertime is a pleasant season to spend time here as well! Gulf Coast Jam is typically a late August event, making for a wonderful time to enjoy a country music festival.

Medical

Festival volunteers can direct you to medical aid if needed. Personnel with golf carts can assist those with accessibility difficulties, offering you a ride to the stage from the gate area. If you have medically-required items to bring into the festival, alert volunteers so that your items can be screened in a specialized manner.