St Joseph Peninsula Campground

The Great Outdoors

Search for an RV in Gulf County, and you'll be one step closer to a vacation that will make you the envy of your friends and neighbors (especially when they see the pictures with your RV rental in the foreground). Slightly inland from Apalachicola Bay and near the towns of Eastpoint and Apalachicola, Box-R Wildlife Management Area is a combination of tidal marshes, floodplain swamps, hammocks, and pine uplands where you can hunt or enjoy hiking and mountain biking on the park's extensive road network. The area has two rivers passing through it, the Apalachicola and Jackson, which you can go canoeing or kayaking on, or you can fish in the rivers or from their riverbanks. It's a multi-use park, and some timber cultivation is practiced, thinning out and reforesting the tree stands as needed; the forest is a habitat for deer, turkey, quail, and other small game.Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area has miles upon miles of dirt roads where you can go hiking or mountain biking for an hour or two, or an entire day if you choose. The Apalachicola River passes through and is an opportunity for you to enjoy canoeing or kayaking while you take in the unparalleled scenery that includes several hundred native bird species that call the area home, or the deer and small game that are attracted by the human-made food plots created especially for them (hunting is allowed, with the proper licenses). There are marshes and floodplain forests connected to the river that house a variety of fish species which you can attempt to catch. Park your rental RV nearby, and you can take your catch from the river straight to the fridge until it's time to start thinking about dinner.Tate's Hell State Forest is a mixture of wet prairie, wet flatwoods, swamp, and bottomland forest that is much more attractive to the eye than its name might imply. This former pine timber production site has numerous roads allowing public access and the opportunity to view rare plant and wildlife species like bald eagles, Florida black bears, and gopher tortoises, just to name a few. Fishing is allowed with the appropriate licenses; you can enjoy boating, kayaking, or canoeing the rivers and streams, or picnic in the park's day-use areas (there are many to choose from).

Exploring The Area

As the day winds to a close, you'll want to think about dining options and urban attractions you can take in. Port St. Joe has an interesting history that is reflected in its architecture, two examples of this being a Catholic church and two lighthouses. There is also the Constitutional Convention Museum State Park where you can take a relaxing stroll while enjoying the sights. If you're not sure what you'd like to see, head for the Gulf County Florida Welcome Center, where knowledgeable staff will be more than happy to makes suggestions and provide you with up-to-date information. The town's food scene is inexpensive to moderately priced, so eating out here won't break the bank even with the kids in tow. There are cafes and pizzerias, Italian, Mexican, and Caribbean venues, and much more; however, this is seafood country, and you really shouldn't miss it. One of the seafood eateries is strictly outdoor seating in a laid-back atmosphere, serving up Low Country Boil style food.Mexico Beach is a small community with a friendly atmosphere where you can sun worship on the beach while watching dolphins play just offshore. There are a number of charter tours you can enjoy, or you can pick shells while strolling along the beach for take-home souvenirs, and stay for dinner at one of the town's many restaurants.