Free Gulf Islands trails run through Naval Live Oaks, with shaded paths and sound-side picnic tables.
Before you go
- Shaded loop + bug spray
- Sound-side picnic tables
- Carrier over stroller on sandy stretches
What we checked, and when
Read off the venue's own page on 2026-09-02.
There is no entrance fee here. Gulf Islands charges at Fort Pickens, Opal Beach and Johnson Beach, and Naval Live Oaks is not one of them. The south gate on Highway 98 opens at 8 AM and closes at sunset all year, and there is no overnight parking.
Sandy and rooty trails, so a carrier beats a stroller with a toddler.
⚠ The north gate on Highway 98 is closed unless a campground group is using it. Park on the south side.
Where this came from
- NPS Gulf Islands, Naval Live Oaks area, read 09/02/2026: “Operating Hours Automatic gate on Highway 98 south side: 8 a.m. to Sunset (year round). Gate on Highway 98 north side: Closed unless in use by a campground group … Overnight parking is not permitted year-round.”; “There are 7.5 miles of hiking trails including the fully accessible” Brackenridge nature trail.
- NPS Gulf Islands fees, same read: “Fees are required at Fort Pickens Area, Opal Beach Complex Area, and Johnson Beach Area in Florida.” Naval Live Oaks is not among them, and “Children under the age of 16 don't need an entrance pass.”