Laws & Policies

Park specific rules & regulations

Superintendent's Compendium.

 

Pet Rules

 

Emergencies - If you have an emergency while visiting the national seashore please call 911.

 

Visitors should be familiar with these park rules and regulations. For a comprehensive list, visit the Superintendent's Compendium, a list of rules and regulations specific to Gulf Islands set by the superintendent and park leadership team.

Gulf Islands National Seashore Regulations:

1. All general laws regarding the National Park Service authority are found in Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations.

2. Glass containers are not allowed on park beaches or barrier islands this includes holding glass containers in the water close to the shoreline.

3. Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft (drone) from or on the lands and waters of the national seashore is prohibited.

4. Visitors should obey the park speed limits and seatbelt laws. Violators subjects to fines.

5. Fireworks are prohibited.

6. Federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in Gulf Islands National Seashore. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. Federal law prohibits firearms in certain facilities in the park. "Federal facilities" are defined as a building or part thereof owned or leased by the Federal Government, where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties," this includes but is not limited to administrative buildings, visitor centers, and within walled forts including open grounds within.

7. Pets are not allowed on beaches sound and gulf side, ferries, piers, Mississippi islands, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside facilities. In designated areas owners are responsible for picking up and disposing of feces. For more information on pets in the seashore, visit our pets page.

8. The use of Personal Watercraft is based on location.

9. Fishing limits are based on state laws, more information can be found on our fishing page.

10. Metal detectors are prohibited in the park.

11. Plants and animals are protected within the national seashore.

12. Fires are allowed only in designated areas. Campfires are prohibited on all Gulf Islands National Seashore beaches including Florida: Perdido Key except for ½ mile east of the turnaround to the Pensacola Pass, Fort Pickens, Santa Rosa, Naval Live Oaks and Okaloosa areas; Mississippi: sound side and Gulf of Mexico side at Ship Island. Campers must bring their own firewood to use and take any unused firewood with them when they leave.

13. All litter must be removed from the national seashore. Visitor should practice Leave No Trace and Pack It In, Pack It Out principles.

14. Drink responsibly and follow all state laws on alcohol consumption.

15. Combustion engines are phoibited in Spanish Cove and the unnamed coves near Langley and Red Fish Points on the north shore of Perdido Key to help protect seagrass beds.

16. There are no clothing optional areas within the national seashore, rangers will enforce regulations regarding public nudity.