Four friends and I took a road trip for spring break and our first stop was the Fort Pickens Campground. We got there after dark but the campsite was easy to find. There were two bathrooms that were not a far walk from our site. The campsites were only a short drive from the beach and we made a pit stop there on our way out. Great place.
The location of the campground is great with awesome sounds and sights nearby. The campground itself was completely full and felt like we were packed in like sardines with many of the other campers not respecting our campground site or park rules in general. I saw numerous people strolling across other people's campsites along with ours. People also did not use appropriate firewood and collected it from the park(which they got talked to by the Park Rangers). Once everyone’s excitement settled down at night about 10:30 pm you could hear the sound of the waves crashing from the Gulf of Mexico and the bay. This made for an easy night sleep. We would recommend staying at this campground as the location had great history and things to do from touring Fort Pickens, walking the beach, fishing or taking a stroll on the Florida Trail.
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We tent camped at Ft Pickens for the first time. For $26 a night, you can't beat beach access, good tent sites, walking to historical areas and endless activities. The armadillos and ospreys were an exciting addition to our camping area, and the restroom facilities were decent.
The only downside is lack of supplies,ice,food nearby and it's a drive to get to any convenience store or restaurant. But when you watch the sun go down, and it's just your family, a few ghost crabs and the historic lighthouse behind you- all that is forgotten.
Stayed here for two weeks. Conveniently located to many great restaurants. Nice beaches. Quite relaxing place to stay. Would definitely stay here again.
What's not to like about this campground? Nothing that I could find. Ample space to maneuver my camper in to my site, level ground, plenty of space between sites so you're not hearing your neighbors but close enough to make friends. The waves from the Gulf can be heard as well as the "bugle" calls from NAS Pensacola across the sound. The site (E20) has both 30/50 amp electric and water hookups. Bathhouse was clean with adjoining single, private showers close by each site. Nearby trails either lead you to the Gulf beach or along the sound side where the Pensacola lighthouse can be seen. Both tent and campers are allowed. No Wi-Fi and my phone signal (Verizon) was intermittent with 2-3 bars.
Got here late in the afternoon after the campground reservation checkstation closed, so I found a host and made sure I could claim an empty site. All was good, so I found an empty site and paid up in the morning. I ended up in Loop D at site D26. All of the tent sites are in Loops B and D, and the RV sites are in Loops A, C, and E. It was really nice to have so much separation between the tents and RVs. My site was out in the open in the middle of the loop, not ideal. The better sites are on the outside edge of the loops as they back to shrubs and trees. The bathhouse was nice, modern, and clean (though the one in Loop C is even better as I think it is newer).
There is a good trail to the beach across the road (about a 1/4 mile), and a really nice trail that leads all the way to the fort (about a mile away). The trail that goes to the fort is part of the Florida Trail, a 1,500 mile long trail from the panhandle to the tip of the peninsula. Definitely spend some time touring the fort! There is a pretty good self guided tour and there is a nice museum and gift shop. And it is fun to watch the fishermen and scuba divers on the seawall and on the piers.
Nice camping, wonderful Seashore, and awesome historic site.
This campground was beautiful! Lots of natural elements and wildlife. Plan ahead, they book up very fast especially for the summer months. We stayed in loop A. It was very sandy and had a lot of trees yet we weren't really shaded ever. Plenty of space but not all spots are easy to maneuver in to. Bring bug spray and sun screen. The beach is about a quarter of a mile walk each way but beautiful especially in the evening for sunset. If you like history the Fort Pickens site is worth it. Also, you can see the Blue Angels fly for free from the bay side of Fort Pickens but of it's something you really want to see I would suggest making the trip to the museum on the main land. Bring singles as there is a toll bridge.
We were excited to be able to grab a couple nights stay here and we were not disappointed. By far probably my family's favorite camp site ever and we've been to a lot. Pretty much right on the beach (white sand)! Not far from the forts and they are really awesome to go explore! Very private and away from any city lights and noise. Look ahead to book your spot, not a lot of sites with shade and it is nice to have. You will not be disappointed if you stay here!
Amazingly beautiful campground. Not much to do other than walk across the road to the Gulf of Mexico!!!!! Clean bathrooms
Never had a problem here and always very relaxing! The sites are spacious and unique. Close to water and there is parking for company. Personnel are always very nice and the camp shop is very convenient!
This was my third trip to Pickens and it was amazing as always.
*The camping store is closed until they can find someone to run it. Wood and ice can be bought at the Tom Thumb just outside the park or at Walmart/Publix in Gulf Breeze.
*Battery Cooper Rd was closed so those two batteries are inaccessible.
*Loops B/D no longer have electric or dedicated water (there is a water spigot every few sites). Tent sites D24, D25, B6 have the best shade and space.
*We stayed at A15 (right next to walking trail entrance) and my best friend on A14. Other good shaded sites on this loop are A4 (grass not level enough for tents), A6, A12, A19, A21, A24, A26, A35 (next to dumpsters though), A36 (okay but not great).
*You can no longer hang anything from trees or power poles (hammocks, clotheslines etc). You also cannot having a shower looking tent (we have one for a changing tent only—no toilet or shower—and they made us take it down). Max two tents or camper and one tent per site (awnings/pop up shelter over picnic table don’t count towards the two).
*I didn’t peek into the restrooms in loops B-E. A-loop restrooms were a little dated but clean and functional. The laundry/dish washing station was stellar.
*There are dump stations (one in loop A and one for B-E) but no sewer hook ups per site.
*The price for getting into Gulf Island National Seashore is now $20 and it’s a 7 day pass.
*The campground now gives out two slips at check-in. One is for your car and one is to keep with you after 8pm so you don’t get kicked out of the area after dark.
Everyone was very nice and helpful.
This was my third trip to Pickens and it was amazing as always.
*The camping store is closed until they can find someone to run it. Wood and ice can be bought at the Tom Thumb just outside the park or at Walmart/Publix in Gulf Breeze.
*Battery Cooper Rd was closed so those two batteries are inaccessible.
*Loops B/D no longer have electric or dedicated water (there is a water spigot every few sites). Tent sites D24, D25, B6 have the best shade and space.
*We stayed at A15 (right next to walking trail entrance) and my best friend on A14. Other good shaded sites on this loop are A4 (grass not level enough for tents), A6, A12, A19, A21, A24, A26, A35 (next to dumpsters though), A36 (okay but not great).
*You can no longer hang anything from trees or power poles (hammocks, clotheslines etc). You also cannot having a shower looking tent (we have one for a changing tent only—no toilet or shower—and they made us take it down). Max two tents or camper and one tent per site (awnings/pop up shelter over picnic table don’t count towards the two).
*I didn’t peek into the restrooms in loops B-E. A-loop restrooms were a little dated but clean and functional. The laundry/dish washing station was stellar.
*The price for getting into Gulf Island National Seashore is now $20 and it’s a 7 day pass.
*The campground now gives out two slips at check-in. One is for your car and one is to keep with you after 8pm so you don’t get kicked out of the area after dark.
Everyone was very nice and helpful.
My husband and I tent camped at fort Pickens campground in February, 2019. We were able to use our senior national park pass to get in for free and a discount on our site. This is a busy park due to beaches and the actual old fort Pickens buildings, but the campsites were fairly peaceful. We were less than a 10 minute walk from the beach and walked about 30 minutes to the old fort. The showers were separate from the bathrooms and what you might expect for a beach, the water was nice and hot. There is supposed to be a store, but it was closed when we were there. There is a book store in the old fort. The beach and water were just beautiful.
Gorgeous white sand beaches a short walk from the campground. Clean, great hot showers, level asphalt pads, water and electric, dump station on site. Campground IS dog friendly, although the beach is Not dog friendly. There’s a very small dog beach area (on leash only), a short drive away at Pensacola-west Beach ( clearly marked for dogs).
We went tent camping for two nights with our pups at Fort Pickens and we really did enjoy it. The campground was nice and clean. They had nice showers and potties as well. The showers in the RV section have better shower heads btw. The beaches are gorgeous! A tip for travelers with pets, FL does not allow dogs on their beaches accept in specific "dog park" locations. Our dogs are not.. eh, normal .. so we ended up driving down to a private beach so they could enjoy the ocean. There is a lot of night life but We decided to skip that this trip. We enjoyed the beaches in the park at night and i highly recommend it! All in all we enjoyed our trip but we probably won't be back to Fort Pickens campground. The sites are very close together and we had a very nosey and drunk neighbor who really wanted to chat. We camp to get away from people, just saying. We were also bothered by RV and truck lights shining directly into our tent both nights from people driving through the campground. Not the best but we enjoyed camping at the beach.
It was a good place
Have stayed at Ft. Pickens campground on several occasions. Always one of my favorites. The beauty of the white sand beach is hard to beat. Having the option of swimming in the bay side if the Gulf side is too rough is a plus. Bring bug spray!! If it is rainy season, your spot may be under water. Had our last trip postponed by a day and our reserved spot changed due to water. Camp store was closed this last trip.
Beautiful place to visit. Natural vegitation and dune system.
We had a wonderful time tent camping. Great campsites and facilities with hot showers. Everything was kept very clean. Relaxing and friendly atmosphere.
The park is absolutely gorgeous! I highly recommend checking out the beach at night. It's breath taking! We stayed for two nights in a tent. We brought our 2 dogs with us as well thinking there would be a bit more seclusion, unfortunately Fort Pickens is not as pet friendly as we thought. There are no dog beaches within the park, no dogs on the trail, no dogs at the fort or pier. A bummer but not a huge deal. There are dog beaches about 5 mins outside the park. We were supposed to be on a tent only loop but the camping area is so small that you might as well be right next to a r/v. We where also backed up right next to other tent sites. Luckily the sites were a little wet so they were empty. The space proved to be difficult when the R/Vers walked their dogs. Our sheppard didnt care for that. We also had head lights shining in our tent several times both nights. There are showers and potties on both sides of the camping area. FYI The side near the R/Vs is much nicer with actual shower heads. All in all, it's not terrible, but I would prefer more space and privacy. It's lacking a certain feel that tent campers like us are looking for.
historical fort with a ton to do. fishing, swimming, camping, boating and beautiful beaches. wonderful place to see and experience.
Cozy campground suitable for RV's and primitive campers alike. Located on the barrier island of Gulf Island National Sea Shore. Bordered on the south by the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico and on the north by Pensacola Bay. Best of both worlds!!!
We’ve only been here once but had an awesome experience. The sites were very nice and the staff wonderful. Great little place to bring kids. Close access to the beach. We also loved that there were more primitive camping than RV and Campers. We can’t wait to go back.
Campsites are close together but the beaches are nice and quiet. The historic fort provides an interesting educational experience... however, there are ants EVERYwhere.
Great spot to hang out for a few days. The campground is close to the beautiful beach and provides good access to the historical sites and trails. The campground was busy so make to reserve a spot in advance.
This might be my favorite place to camp in all of florida. The campgrounds are clean , quiet and steps from the beach. Great hot showers that are cleaned daily. A visit to the fort is a must. We moved from campsite to campsite to extend our stay. No bugs and always a breeze.
Well taken care of sites,and facilities. Beautiful beaches, bird sanctuary, and National Park. A must in the spring time!!
it’s a blast every time we go with family and good friends. we go for the Fourth of July and it’s fun. we go to the Fort and the beach. We also go out to eat as well.
We loved Fort Pickens for many reasons...BEACH...BEACH...BEACH! Not only that but there is an amazing Fort to explore!
Picture your campsite nestled among live oaks draped with Spanish moss...a short hike and you are either at the beach or at the Fort!
A few of the campsites were not ideal...our tent site had some type of water facility next to it. The sites are close together with little privacy. That being said...the campground is all together beautiful and we enjoyed our camping experience.
Our campground was across the street from a lovely boardwalk that takes you right to a beautiful sugar white beach that goes on for miles and miles with no restaurants, condos, etc. Just nature at its best!
The Fort is so cool and the park offers tours and there is also a great gift shop. You can also explore the bay near the fort and beach comb along the shore.
We were surprised to find that the beginning (or end) of the Florida Trail is near the Fort. We rode our bikes several miles on the trail.
The bathroom facilities at the park were fine and we had a nice campfire.
This is a AWESOME campsite for all ages...and especially for kids...so much to explore and learn. If you have kids, encourage them to join the Jr. Ranger Program and they will get a cool pin made from wood (they will need to fill out a booklet that is very informative).
We have camped here twice and totally plan to camp here in the future!
