Q: I'm looking for some family camping spots, preferably state parks. There looks to be a couple good ones along the northwest coast. Which ones actually have campsites along the coast or are close enough to see the Gulf? Thank you! -- Ray, Chicago

A: Florida state parks are indeed good for family camping, Ray. And in the Florida Panhandle, there are several state parks where you can camp near the beach.

I'd first recommend St. Andrews State Recreation Area, known by some as "the most beautiful beach in the world." That really speaks for itself.

The next place I'd suggest is St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. Unlike St. Andrews, which is in Panama City, St. Joe is in a less-populated area. Plus, this park is twice as big, and it's surrounded by the Gulf, being a peninsula itself. (How's that -- a peninsula on the Florida peninsula?!)

Here are some other good places to camp near the beach in northwestern Florida:

• Big Lagoon SRA
• Grayton Beach SRA
• St. George Island SP

You also might want to consider camping at Gulf Islands National Seashore, in the Fort Pickens area, which is actually not far from Big Lagoon SRA (and which is not as far from your I-65 as the other parks!).

Read the current Q&A

Do you have a question? Contact the editor.