Trash left behind at the Perdido Key primitive camping area in Gulf Islands National Seashore/NPS

In response to numerous complaints about public nudity and indecent behavior that has damaged natural resources, Gulf Islands National Seashore has suspended primitive camping at the Perdido Key Area in Florida while the park develops a plan to address these concerns.

“Unfortunately, the irresponsible actions of some park users has negatively affected the visitor experience at the Perdido Key camping area and has placed a heavy burden on the natural resources there,” Superintendent Dan Brown said in a release. “It is our responsibility as the stewards of this land to prevent further damage and develop a plan to improve the visitor experience.”

Over the past several years, Gulf Islands has seen “a significant increase” in damage caused by “irresponsible” campers who have who violated or ignored federal laws and park regulations at Perdido Key.

During the closure, the park says it will work with backcountry camping experts throughout the National Park Service and the country to develop a management plan for the area. The park intends to complete and implement this plan “as soon as possible,” and public comments will be accepted once a draft is released.

The park’s developed campgrounds are not impacted by the suspension at Perdido Key. Additionally, primitive camping is still available on the park’s Mississippi islands, including Petit Bois, West Petit Bois (Sand), Horn, and East Ship Islands, as well as the Park Service-owned portion of Cat Island. Campers should visit www.nps.gov/guis/planyourvisit/primitive-camping.htm for information and regulations.