We camped at both Bucanneer and Gulf State in Feb.his year. Cant speak to August conditions though. We loved Gulf State, good trails for hiking and biking, the beach is less than a mile away and is an easy walk. Beautiful sand and well taken care of. The beach at Buccanneer is virtually non existent. You cross the road and there is a seawall directly on the water in most places. There is a small point with a sand beach but it is very small. The water park wasnt open then but does look like it is very nice. All in all we liked Gulf State park far much more than Bucaneer.