Established Camping
Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore
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.
Description
National Park Service
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Overview
Fort Pickens Campground is situated on Santa Rosa Island, a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Visitors are drawn to the Gulf of America for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with us today! Each camp site offers a fire pit, picnic table, and a paved pad to park on. There are heated showers and flush toilets. We offer electric and non-electric sites. Many of our sites have restrictions from low limbs or bushes so be sure you will fit. PETS ARE NOT! ALLOWED ON ANY BEACHES (SOUND SIDE BEACHES OR GULF SIDE BEACHES) WITHIN THE GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE. Limited overflow parking is available but not guaranteed. Choose a site that will accommodate all of your equipment. Campers may not stay in the campground more than 14 consecutive days. This policy is strictly enforced. Entrance fees are required for the Fort Pickens area and are good for seven consecutive days from purchase. Pets are NOT allowed on ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside any of the facilities. Cancellation fees and Modification fees are non-refundable. ANY CUTTING OF TREES, LIMBS, OR BRANCHES WILL RESUALT IN A FINE AND A NON-REFUNDABLE CANCELATION OF ALL RESERVATIONS. PETS ARE NOT! ALLOWED ON ANY BEACHES (SOUND SIDE BEACHES OR GULF SIDE BEACHES) WITHIN THE GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE.
Recreation
Many visitors young and old come to Fort Pickens to enjoy its scenic location on the beach. The white sands of Santa Rosa Island are the perfect place for a long walk or an afternoon of building sandcastles. The warm ocean waters are great for swimming and snorkeling.You will find a fishing pier just a short distance from the Fort. It can be used by visitors without a Florida fishing license. Many hiking trails through the sand dunes provide beautiful views and hours of exploration. Historic Fort Pickens, a pentagonal fort built to defend Pensacola Bay in 1834, is just 1 mile from the campground. The structure was fortified after the War of 1812 and was one of four forts in the South never occupied by Confederates during the Civil War. PETS ARE NOT! ALLOWED ON ANY BEACHES (SOUND SIDE BEACHES OR GULF SIDE BEACHES) WITHIN THE GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE. Pets are NOT allowed on ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside any of the facilities.
Facilities
This campground is open for reservations year-round. It contains 137 family sites with electricity (20, 30 & 50 amp) and water hookups, as well as 40 non-electric tent sites, one non-electric tent only group site with water hookup is also available. Fort Pickens also has 6 wheelchair accessible sites with electricity and 2 wheelchair accessible sites without electricity. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. There are no boat ramps in the Fort Pickens area. All Fort Pickens campsites are available to book up to 6 months in advance with 24 hour booking window. Fort Pickens does not have a wait list. You can set up alerts with your rec.gov account to be notified when a site opens.__Please feel free to bring your own firewood as the Park doesn't have any to sell. PETS ARE NOT! ALLOWED ON ANY BEACHES (SOUND SIDE BEACHES OR GULF SIDE BEACHES) WITHIN THE GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE. Pets are NOT allowed on ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside any of the facilities.
Natural Features
The campground is located on a barrier island between the Gulf of America and Pensacola Bay. Groves of live oak trees are scattered across the island, providing shelter for resident and migrating bird populations, as well as shade for park visitors. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to sparkling blue waters, white beaches and coastal marshes. However, more than 80% of the national park is underwater, as it's a vital protective habitat to marine life. PETS ARE NOT! ALLOWED ON ANY BEACHES (SOUND SIDE BEACHES OR GULF SIDE BEACHES) WITHIN THE GULF ISLANDS NATIONAL SEASHORE. Pets are NOT allowed on ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside any of the facilities.
Nearby Attractions
The campground is a short distance from restaurants and beach nightlife, downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Naval Air Station and Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse and other historic sites. Campsites are within 1/4 mile of the beaches of the Emerald Coast of the Gulf of America and Pensacola Bay.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellation and modification fees are non-refundable.
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)
Location
Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in Florida
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiPoor
- VerizonGood
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
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
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly