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Established Camping

Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Beginning September 15, 2025, Gulf Islands National Seashore will launch a project to renovate restroom facilities in the Fort Pickens Campground. The project will start with the restroom in the B/D Loops.To minimize disruption to visitors, only one restroom facility will be closed at a time throughout the project.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Fort Pickens Campground, near Pensacola Beach, Florida, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. With its close proximity to stunning white sand beaches and clear waters, it’s a prime location for beach lovers and history buffs alike.

The campground offers a range of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, and even cabins for those who prefer a bit more comfort. Visitors often highlight the friendly staff and the well-maintained facilities, including picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings. One camper noted, “The campground is crowded and lacks privacy, but we are only here to sleep!”

For adventure seekers, the area is rich with activities. You can explore the historic Fort Pickens, take in the breathtaking views, or enjoy the nearby trails for biking and hiking. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Blue Angels practicing overhead, adding a unique thrill to your stay.

While some sites may feel a bit close together, the vibrant atmosphere and the natural beauty surrounding Fort Pickens make it a memorable destination. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer escape, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained and relaxed.

Fee Info

Cancellation and modification fees are non-refundable.

Reservation Info

Fort Pickens Campground facility is open during the following season(s):

-September 03, 2019 – December 31, 2019 (Non-Peak Season)

-January 01, 2020 – February 29, 2020 (Non-Peak Season)

-March 01, 2020 – September 07, 2020 (Peak Season)

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Location

Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in Florida

Detail location of campground

Directions

Physical Address (NO MAIL SERVICE): 1400 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 From I10W: 1. At Exit 12, head right on the ramp for I-110 South toward Pensacola Bch / Pensacola; 6.2 mi 2. Take the ramp on the left for FL-30 / E Chase St; 0.6 mi 3.Keep straight to get onto US-98 E Bus / FL-30 / E Chase St; 341 ft 4. Keep straight to get onto US-98 E / FL-30 / E Chase St; 5.5 mi From I-10 East of Navarre to U.S. 98, using State Road 87: 1. Take I-10, Exit 31 (State Road 87) south. 2. Continue to south on State Road 87 to U.S. 98 in Navarre. 3. Travel west on U.S. 98 to Gulf Breeze or Pensacola Beach. 4. Turn right onto FL Highway 399 to Pensacola Beach. A (Sunpass)\_\_toll booth is on entering Pensacola Beach. Proceed to first light; turn right onto Fort Pickens Road. It is about 3 miles to the park entrance station where you pay to enter, then go 4 miles to the campground registration office.

Address

1400 FORT PICKENS ROAD
Pensacola beach, FL 32561

Coordinates

30.3227778 N
87.2741667 W

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    Sites accessible by watercraft.

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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4.5

out of 5

98 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 30, 2025

Secluded location

Great RV park on a nature preserve that is fairly isolated, and the beaches are gorgeous and pretty empty.

SiteE08
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed May. 2, 2025

One of my best stays.

Lovely quiet camp ground, with white sand beaches on bay and ocean sides. Blue Angles provide air show around noon a few days a week.

SiteE24
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed May. 1, 2025

Amazing Campground right by the beach

The location is everything with this one. Right by the beach, the florida trail is right there for hiking. Lots of biking trails. The sites are not very private or shaded, but that worked in my favor because I needed to charge with solar panels. I had Verizon and was able to work with my hotspot, although for zoom calls I drove closer to town for optimal signal. The fort is really nice for a day trip. My only real complaint were the showers. They were very dirty and the water was scorching hot, like burn my skin type of hot. But overall great experience.

SiteD12, D1, D2
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Alexandra E., May 1, 2025
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Alexandra E., May 1, 2025
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Alexandra E., May 1, 2025
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Apr. 12, 2025

One of our faves

We love this campground. We stayed here a few years ago and were happy to have the opportunity to come back. It’s pricey at $40/night, but you’re so close to the pristine water and beaches (sadly, no dogs allowed on beaches). Don’t forget that this is a National Seashore and you’ll need to pay the $25/car entry fee to get in (or get the annual pass). There are several loops here. A is off by itself and has a more crowded feel to it, the sites are closer together and there are a lot more trees. The other loops are all together in one big group. C and E are more open, no division between sites. D is tents only (and$26/night). I don’t know about B or if there is a B. There’s also group camping. 

The tent/RV sites are 50/30 amp power and water, and there’s a dump station in A loop and in the C/D/E loop. We ended up using the dump in A loop because the C/D/E loop dump has you going in backwards and then to get out you have to go all the way back through the campground. This would be a good dump to use on the way in, but not on the way out. OK cell service for ATT and Verizon.

  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Laura M., April 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Laura M., April 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Laura M., April 12, 2025
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Mar. 3, 2025

Great Area Adequate Campsite

The Gulf Island area is spectacular. The campground is typical for a state park, but it is clean and people are very respectful. My site was pretty out in the open but some sites had beautiful shade. The beach access for your site is a bit of a walk but I would come back here in a heartbeat!

SiteLoop D Site 15
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Sep. 12, 2024

Fort Pickens, the good, bad, and ugly

Really nice place to camp for folks who enjoy access to an uncrowded beach. There's a 25$ entrance fee(one time fee for campers)at the gate coming into the Gulf Islands area so not many folks who just want to go to the beach. The sites aren't spectacular(not a lot of shade)but they do have the basics 30/50 Amp service at many sites (campground D is tent/popup specific). Clean bathhouses and well maintained grounds. This was our 1st time visiting in the middle of summer (who knew FL is hot and humid in July) we enjoyed the trip but in the future will make spring and fall for our target dates. Access to beautiful beaches and the sound are minutes away. Fees were 40$ a night at the time of our visit.

SiteC 31
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Tom , September 12, 2024
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Tom , September 12, 2024
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Tom , September 12, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 30, 2024

Campin near the beach

Perfect for anyone wanting to have a nice quiet stay near the beach. Can get pretty packed during the busy season though

Sited29
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2024

Nice Location w Some Nice sites

Fort Pickens CG: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

Overall Rating: 3.5. Most of the campsites do not offer much privacy. Bathrooms and showers look to be poorly cleaned. Price 2023: $ 20 w interagency pass Security: Gate w code. Usage during visit: 90% over the weekend. Site Privacy: Open sites Site Spacing: Close Site surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: Not bad Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: There can be a little traffic for bayside beach access. Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes. There is one in A Loop . There is also one at the entrance to B,C,D,E Loops Potable Water Available: At sites Bathroom: Flush toilets. Unfortunately, the men’s bathrooms have very small seats. Bathrooms seem sanitary, but there is a lot of grime.
Showers: Private. Not all doors lock. They need to be more thoroughly clean.
Cell Service (AT&T): 1-2 bas. Setting: Open surrounded by dense forest and saw grass prairie.
Recent Weather: Cloudy and dreary w a front moving in.
Host: Yes Rig Size: Large rigs Sites: In my opinion A Loop is the best of loops. It is smaller and sits by itself. Outside sites which have a little extra to offer: C35,C39,C45,A4,A27,A29,A30,A34,A37, Nicer inside sites: E 14, E 13, E11 E9, E7,
C24, C 22, C 21 , C20, A 24, A26,

SiteC 31
Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Jan. 6, 2024

Nice Park

Level pavement sites. Stayed in C loop. Site are well spaced. Water and electricity at site. Dump station at entrance.

SiteC034
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by James P., January 6, 2024
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by James P., January 6, 2024
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by James P., January 6, 2024
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2023

History, Nature, Beautiful Beaches

I loved this place. The fort is so cool and the history of this place is fascinating. I like the campground, clean bathhouses, nice beaches and trails. The sites are a little bit close but not uncommon for national parks. Some are very short so check to make sure you are going to fit. They closely monitor the campsites to make sure that you are not extended past your site.

Would definitely recommend and come back.

Site26
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Cheri H., July 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Cheri H., July 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Cheri H., July 7, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2023

Watch the Blue Angels!

Nice campground in a beautiful area on the Gulf Coast. However, if you don’t like the sound of fighter jets then this may not be for you as the campground is directly across from the Naval Air Station at Pensacola. The Blue Angels practice there most Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the air show season. This is a good spot to base out of to explore Pensacola Beach, Ft Pickens. Beautiful sand beaches. Showers, laundry, fire rings, tables, and trees for shade in the heat of the day.

SiteD-03
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by James N., July 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by James N., July 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by James N., July 1, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 14, 2023

June 2024

Camp ground In between Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. White sand and clear waters. Had a blast! Blue Angels, dolphins, hermit crabs!

Sitesite 16
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Shirley B., June 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Shirley B., June 14, 2023
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Shirley B., June 14, 2023
  • (11) View All
Reviewed May. 30, 2023

Camping at the beach!

Our first time camping at the beach and it was amazing! The campground is crowded and lacks privacy, but we are only here to sleep!

The camp hosts we out working all day and greeted us at both campsites we stayed at (had to move one night to extend our stay).

The bathrooms stayed clean the whole time we were there. There is also a dish washing sink at the bathhouse.

I loved being able to ride my bike via the FCT to get to different beaches or to ride around the Fort extremely early in the morning. So peaceful!

SiteE61
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Shana D., May 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Shana D., May 30, 2023
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Shana D., May 30, 2023
  • (14) View All
Reviewed May. 18, 2023

Good spot close to beaches

Clean sites, good bathrooms and hot showers. Nothing fancy here but it’s a solid campground. Dog friendly in the campground and on the trails/walkways, just not on the beach. Camp staff were friendly and helpful at check in.

SiteD5
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by kristen A., May 18, 2023
Reviewed Feb. 24, 2023

Beautiful

We enjoyed our stay at Ft Pickens campground very much. Everything was well maintained and clean. There are walking trails you can access at the campground. The Pensacola Bay is on one side and the Gulf of Mexico is on the other. We went in December- a few days were cool and cloudy, and a few days were sunny and warm. The campground did close due to a flood warning, so we had to leave a day early. The attendants went site to site to make everyone aware. Make sure you have what you need, the nearest store is 12-15 miles away. We also toured the Fort while we were there.

SiteE51
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Crystal H., February 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Crystal H., February 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Crystal H., February 24, 2023
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2023

Fabulous and so close to the beach!

We love the Fort Pickens A campground. It’s really hard to get a site so plan at least 6 months to get a site. We’ve been here in June and Dec but, Feb - March is the best time.

The laundry room is small and only has 2 washers and dryers so come prepared.

The beach is a quick walk and the trails are great for walking and biking.

SiteA12
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Joy W., February 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Joy W., February 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Joy W., February 23, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2023

Fort Pickens

Friendly staff. Walking trail is great. There are historical sites to climb and explore with a building with educational information and a gift shop within the old fort.

SiteC004
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Dana B., February 8, 2023
Reviewed Jan. 21, 2023

Fort Pickens Campground

Fairly quiet campground with shower and laundry facilities. Spaces are spread out in most cases.

SiteD5
Month of VisitJanuary
Reviewed Jan. 10, 2023

What an experience!

A wonderful park. Nice and quiet and plenty of exploring! The beach was on both sides as you drive in. The spots were definitely smaller than most other campsites I have seen. They do have struck policies on making sure your rig, vehicle and or boat all fit into the space provided. We booked through recreation.gov.

It was a great experience and I recommend exploring the fort. It’s all self exploration and it’s interesting to see how life and battles were back then.

Sitec008
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Kenz P., January 10, 2023
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Kenz P., January 10, 2023
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2022

Hidden Gem

We love Fort Pickens! We’ve been here several times and enjoy the hiking trail to the fort and the beach is a short walk from campground A. The campground is well kept and host are always close.

Downside is campsites in A are tight and there isn’t much privacy.

The dump sites was closed during 3-4 days of freezing temps and apparently A campground had issues and remained closed for extended days. Campground visitors had to travel to the other campground for dumping.

We’ve stayed several times in Feb, June and Dec.

SiteA campground sites 30, 22, 12
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Joy W., December 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Joy W., December 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Joy W., December 27, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2022

Our favorite so far

Campground not too private but dead quiet despite being full. Clean restrooms and showers with good water pressure and nice laundry facilities. Stayed 6 days and wish it could have been more. Interesting history, amazing wildlife, great fishing, pristine beaches. Friendly people. Really felt like we were on vacation!

SiteA11
Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2022

Gulf Coast Paradise

This is located in the Gulf Islands National Sea Shore. It is on Santa Rosa Barrier Island just off the coast at Pensacola FL. They have left it as natural as possible. Paved roads and level paved sites. Water and electricity. Easy walk to the Gulf of Mexico or the bay. Park is exceptionally clean and well cared for. You will have to plan ahead to stay here it is always full

SiteA34
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by John N., October 28, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2022

Great place to camp

For campers that like things closer to basic camping in unspoiled nature, this is great place to camp. The rates are great especially for national park pass holders. Loved $20 a night at discount. It has nice bath houses and most sites with electric and water. Also laundry available and dish washing station. There are also primitive tent sites available. Short walk to bay or ocean. Easy drive to Ft Pickens and numerous battery sites for site seeing. Easy drive over to Pensacola Beach when you wish to go for dining or shopping or other activities. We love it. Highly recommend for campers who wish to get away from high priced resort camping.

SiteE18
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Thunderroad 5., September 29, 2022
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Thunderroad 5., September 29, 2022
Reviewed May. 26, 2022

Awesome campground

So many things to do here. You have several historic Forts to explore. A discovery center to learn the history of the island and the wildlife. A bookstore with wifi. Beaches to swim . Pier fishing and land fishing. Many trails to ride your bike or walk. And a gated group tent camping as well as tent camping in campground. And the Blue Angels practice and fly right over the campground and forts.

Sitec28
Month of VisitMay
  • Blue Angels practice
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Dru O., May 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Dru O., May 26, 2022
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 20, 2022

Best of Beach Worlds!

Nice to sleep when you can slightly hear the waves. Great facilities. Explore the Fort. Hang out at the beach. Kiting is great because it is not as crowded. Known for best shark fishing in the pass.

SiteD020
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Penny A., May 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Penny A., May 20, 2022
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Penny A., May 20, 2022
  • (5) View All
Reviewed May. 12, 2022

All about the beach

We were here 1/27/22 - 2/2/22 for stop 2 on our 3 month winter escape The campsites themselves are quite close together and not much for vegetation between them. Excellent clean bathrooms and locking individual shower rooms. Several little trails for dog walking. Good recycling set up. Lots of wildlife and easy walking access to miles of gorgeous beaches IMO sites # 29-30 -31 would be great. We will definitely be back. Also we were able to make a reservation in 10/21 for this time in late January with no problem

Site42C
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Cathy J., May 12, 2022
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Cathy J., May 12, 2022
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Cathy J., May 12, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Mar. 9, 2022

Nice place

We have a 44ft Roadwarror Toyhauler and the campground was designed years ago so its tight and spots are small we were in #C46 and had to park our 3500 Ram in overflow parking. Its beautiful on the white sand beach 🏖

SiteC46
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Mar. 2, 2022

One Of Our Favorite Campgrounds

This campground is on a national seashore, which means you either need a national parks pass to get in, or you'll need to pay the entrance fee (in addition to the campground fee). We paid $40/night but seniors get half off.

Water and power at sites, dump station with non potable water for sewer needs.

We rode our bikes to the fort one day, very interesting place.

The beaches were so nice and warm and the sand was so soft and white when we were there in December. Not too buggy at all, and there are resident armadillos that roam around the campground, so cute.

Free hot showers.

No privacy between sites at all, luckily we didn't have neighbors on both sides otherwise we would have felt really cramped as the sites are pretty close together.

There are different loops, and one dedicated for tents only.

Recycling bins on site. There's also a take a book / leave a book at the ranger station where you check in.

Really cool nice mellow campground, very peaceful.

SiteE24
Month of VisitDecember
  • tent loop to the left in this video
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore by Laura M., March 2, 2022
  • armadillo!
    Play button icon
  • (10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fort Pickens Campground suitable for RVs?

Yes, Fort Pickens Campground is well-suited for RVs with designated RV sites that include water and electrical hookups. The campground has recently separated tent sites from RV sites for better accommodation. While the navigation around sites is generally easy, be aware that some interior areas may become mushy after heavy rainfall. The campground offers convenient facilities including shower units and a dishwashing station. There isn't abundant shade, so prepare accordingly when setting up your RV area.

How do I make reservations at Fort Pickens Campground?

Reservations for Fort Pickens Campground can be made through Recreation.gov. This national seashore campground is popular, so it's advisable to book several months in advance, especially during peak seasons. The campground offers both RV and tent sites, with some sites being designated specifically for each. You'll need to create an account on Recreation.gov, select your dates and preferred site type, and complete the payment process to secure your reservation.

Where is Fort Pickens Campground located in Pensacola, Florida?

Fort Pickens Campground is situated on a beautiful barrier island peninsula in Gulf Islands National Seashore, just minutes from central Pensacola. The campground enjoys a unique position between the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay (also called Escambia Bay), offering access to both bodies of water. This location provides campers with stunning beaches, historic fort exploration opportunities, and abundant wildlife viewing. The somewhat secluded setting allows visitors to enjoy natural beach experiences without the crowds typically found in more touristy areas of Pensacola.

What are the prices and fees for camping at Fort Pickens?

Fort Pickens Campground requires both an entrance fee to the Gulf Islands National Seashore and camping fees. Regular campers should consider purchasing an annual pass for better value. Camping fees vary by site type, with RV sites (including water and electric hookups) priced differently than tent-only sites (which no longer have utilities). Additional fees may apply for extra vehicles. For the most current pricing information, check with the National Park Service website or contact the campground directly.

Which are the best campsites at Fort Pickens Campground?

The best sites at Fort Pickens depend on your preferences. Loop E features smaller, shorter sites that may not be ideal for larger setups. Some interior sites are prone to flooding during heavy rainfall, so selecting sites on higher ground is advisable if rain is in the forecast. For more privacy and natural surroundings, look for sites along the perimeter of the loops. Given the limited shade throughout the campground, sites with even partial tree coverage are particularly desirable. Each loop offers different proximity to amenities like bathhouses and beach access paths.