For emergencies dial 9-1-1
Camping
I want to reserve a campsite, should I call the park?
No. Campsite reservations can only be made by calling 1-877-444-6777 or visiting www.recreation.gov.
Are there backcountry camping opportunities in the park?
Yes! Backcountry camping is a great way to experience Gulf Islands National Seashore, visit our Backcountry Camping page to learn more. A permit is required to camp on the wilderness islands for groups 10 or more on Horn and Petit Bois in Mississippi.
What time is check-in and checkout?
Check-in is at 1 p.m. no earlier. This provides staff time to inspect 200+ campsites between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Checkout is 11 a.m. Late checkouts are subject to an extra night fee.
Where do I find information about the campgrounds?
Here is need-to-know information about the campground.
Who do I contact after hours for questions at the campground?
Visit a host site for questions or concerns after hours.
Where is lost and found?
Lost and Found is located at each campground office, Fort Pickens campground office, and Davis Bayou.
What do I do if I show up after the gate is closed to check in or enter?
Each reservation confirmation email is accompanied by an entrance gate code. If the office is closed, visit a campground host to check in or check in the next day.
Do I have to pay an extra fee for camping?
The only additional fees required for camping are entrance fees at Fort Pickens Campground or water. All programs are free.
Do you have any group or youth campgrounds?
Yes, we have one youth campground in Florida at Naval Live Oaks Area. To reserve email Guis_Information@nps.gov.
Where do I take shelter for tornado or weather events in the campgrounds?
Unless advised to evacuate, in the event of a tornado or lightning storm, visitors should take shelter in the campground restrooms.
Rules & Regulations
Where can I find out about the park's rules and regulations?
The park's superintendent's compendium and a list of rules and regulations can be found by visiting our Laws & Policies page.
Is there roadside parking in the park?
No, the only parking available is in marked parking lots.
Can I collect driftwood from the park?
No, the only items that can be taken out of the park are seashells. Wood is considered an important part of habitat preservation.
May I collect sea shells?
You may collect unoccupied sea shells from the national seashore that do not have living creatures in them.
May I use my metal detector in the park?
No. The use of a metal detector, digging, and removing historic objects of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the park.
May I use a drone in the park?
No. The use of drones of any kind is prohibited in all areas of the park.
Can my pet visit the national seashore?
Pets are welcome on park trails, multi-use paths, and park roads, but must be on a leash less than six feet in length. Pets are not allowed in the water or on the beaches. For restricted areas of the park, please visit our Pets page for more information.
Are there clothing-optional areas at the national seashore?
No, there are no areas set aside for clothing-optional recreation within Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Where can I fish?
A fishing license is required in all areas of the park except the Fort Pickens Fishing Pier. For rules visit our compendium page. For fishing information visit the fishing page.
Fees & Passes
Where can I purchase my entrance fees or Interagency Passes?
The Fort Pickens, Opal Beach, and Perdido Key Entrance Stations are open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Do Educational Institutions have to pay entrance fees during field trips?
Please visit our Educational Programs page for more information on Educational Fee Waivers.
How can I reserve a pavilion?
To reserve a pavilion or for cost visit the permits page.
What do I need to have a religious ceremony or wedding in the park?
A special use permit is required for all events or gatherings of more than 50 people. To rent a pavilion visitors must obtain a permit and place a reservation. Additional permits may be required depending on the event. For questions visit our permits page.
How do I apply for a commercial use authorization?
To apply for a commercial use authorization (CUA) visit the CUA page or email guis_cua@nps.gov.
Other Information
How do I contact the park?
If you cannot find what you're looking for or need more information, visit our Contact Us page.
Where can I find the park hours?
For park hours go to plan your visit and select an area.
Does the park have a gift shop?
Yes, the only park store is located in Fort Pickens. It is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where can I get a park brochure?
Park brochures are available at the visitor centers, Fort Pickens, Fort Massachusetts, or the campground offices. Digital versions are located here.
Where can I find a map of the park?
For maps of all the areas of the park click here. There is also a map located in our park brochure.
Where can I find information on the accessible areas of the park?
There are multiple accessible areas in the seashore. To learn more visit this page.
How do I find out the beach conditions for the day or rip current status?
Rip current flags are located at each entrance station and lifeguard shack. However, all visitors should check before visiting the National Weather Service page. To learn about beach safety and rip currents click here.
Do you have a map of the trails?
For hiking information visit our hiking page. For information about the Florida National Scenic Trail visit the US Forest Service page.
Where can I get my passport stamped?
Passport stamps are available at the park store in Fort Pickens's entrance in Florida and the Davis Bayou Visitor Center in Mississippi.
How do I find information about the National Park Service app?
The mobile app has maps, programs, self-guided tours, hours, parking information, and more. You can download it here.
Does your park have a junior ranger program?
Yes, we have a junior ranger program. The booklets can be downloaded here or picked up at the park. The junior ranger badge can only be received in person.
How do I get to Ship Island?
Weather permitting you can take a passenger ferry to Ship Island or a personal vessel during the open season. Learn more by visiting www.msshipisland.com.
How do I ride a ferry to Fort Pickens?
For information about the ferry service in Pensacola Bay visit Pensacola Bay City Ferry page.
How do I get to the other Mississippi Islands part of Gulf Islands National Seashore?All islands are accessible by private boat. Visit our Getting Around the park page for available transport to the islands.
What events or programs are happening in the park?
Visit our calendar page for all information regarding upcoming events and programs. Ranger programs are updated monthly.
How do I know what is closed?
Temporary road and facility closures are posted on our Temporary Closures page or our Facebook page. Campground closures are located on www.recreation.gov.
How do I volunteer at the national seashore?
Visit our Volunteer page to learn more about how you can volunteer with us. Additionally, all volunteer positions are posted on www.volunteer.gov.
What do I do if I've found a hazardous or injured animal?
Please visit our Wildlife Reporting page for information on what to do if you come across hazardous or injured wildlife. Also you can call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’sWildlife Alert 24-hour Hotline at 1-888-404- 3922; In Mississippi call 1-228-669-2737;
