Beach Camping on Perdido Key

We had such a good time at last year's overnight trip, I thought I would organize another one. Perdido Key is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park. Click on the link on the webpage for a map of Perdido Key. Located off Florida Rte. 292 off Johnson Beach Blvd., a few miles from the Alabama/ Florida state line. We will be camping in the primitive camping area behind Rosamond Johnson Beach (which has lifeguards, bathrooms and showers). There is a road where we can park our cars and a dropoff point for our gear, but we must hike in with our stuff. Firewood tends to be scarce; I recommend bringing a log or two for the fire. Also, we need to bring drinking water to the site. I will be bringing some food to share and I would like to coordinate so we don't bring 5 bottles of ketchup :-) Gate is open from 8:00 Am until sunset. If you come after dark we can meet you at the gate. Fees: $8.00 per car and possibly a nightowl permit $30.00(I will get back to you on this- one time we paid it and one time it was waived). The Leonid Meteor Showerwill be taking place overnight during our trip for those who enjoy stargazing. I saw 3 shooting stars last year! Last year we saw dolphins in the lagoon. Water Temperature might be warm for some mid afternoon swimming. Last year we slept underneath the stars but I will still bring a tent. Kayaks and canoes welcome. Directions: from New Orleans. Perdido Key is about 3-1/2 hours from Uptown. Take I-10 east towars Slidell. Cross over the Mississippi state line and the Alabama state line (approx. 190 miles) and exit 7A Florida rte. 297 south / Pine Forest Road (towards Pensacola N.A.S) Turn Right at Fl rte. 297 / South Pine Forest Road for 2-1/2 miles. Turn right at North Blue Angel Parkway / Fl rte. 173 South for about 10.3 miles Turn Right at rte. 292 West / Sorrento Road for 6-1/2 miles. Turn Left on Johnson Beach Blvd.