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.

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.

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.

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.

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!