We all love roasting marshmallows over a campfire—and you can often still do that while cabin camping in Gulf Islands National Seashore. Finding a place to cabin camp in Florida is easier than ever. The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect cabin rental near Gulf Islands National Seashore.
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 Mexico 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. Limited overflow parking is available. 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 any beaches sound and gulf side, ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside facilities.
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. Fishermen will find a pier just a short distance from the picnic pavilions. 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.
The campground is located on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico 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.
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 Mexico and Pensacola Bay.
Cancellation and modification fees are non-refundable.
$20 - $40 / night
Gulf State Park has two miles of beaches, a spacious campground and a brand new Lodge and Conference Center to greet you. Yes, we have gorgeous white sand,surging surf, seagulls and a variety of activities, but there is more than sand and surf to sink your toes into. There is something for everyone inside Gulf State Park Campground. The beach pavilion provides picnic tables as an escape from the beach, the nature center is a great place for the kids to learn, the swimming pool provides refreshment for our guests and the Lake Shelby day use area offers kayaking and canoeing. For a change of pace while visiting check out the fishing and education pier, miles of biking on the Backcountry trail, beautiful flowers in the butterfly garden, and additional education at the learning campus, interpretive center in the near future.
Oak Grove Park is located under the Oaks along the beach off Radford Blvd. You can cool off and swim at the beach nearby. It is within walking distance of the National Museum of Naval Aviation. There are 26 fully equipped cottages and 51 RV sites with full hookups. Reservations are recommended and are taken during office hours. Credit cards accepted.
$24 - $30 / night
$70 - $100 / night
Navarre Beach Camping Resort is Northwest Florida’s “best-kept vacation secret.” With beautiful unspoiled white sandy beaches and emerald-colored water. We are just 45 miles east of Perdido Key between Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach off Hwy 98. Enjoy our private beach on the Santa Rosa Sound or drive to the Gulf Beaches just 5 minutes away. We offer quality RVing at a highly rated 9/10/10 Good Sam park. We feature waterfront sites on Santa Rosa Sound, a pier, heated pool, hot tub, beach, spacious pull-thru sites with patios, 50-amp service, free cable TV, shaded paved roads, sparkling clean restrooms, and limited access gate.
Blue Angel Park is open year-round supporting active duty, retirees, DOD civilians and their family members. BAP offers two RV campgrounds, boat launch ramps, cabins and trailers, primitive campsites, 170 dry storage lots, a 35 acre paintball field, three 18-hole disc golf courses, geocaching, hiking/biking trails, miniature golf, fishing pier, children’s playgrounds, beaches and picnic areas, pavilion rentals, sailing classes, as well as sailboat, paddleboard, kayak rentals. The facility also has a small outpost store that offers a variety of items to include, ice, snacks, sodas and much more. Please see the links on the right side of this page for more information about our amenities and rates. The park has a total of 158 RV spots available with water and electrical hookups. Both campgrounds offer showers, restrooms, pavilions, and playgrounds. Laundry facilities are available for both campgrounds. LP gas fill ups are available at the Outpost Marina.
$7 - $75 / night
Effective July 24, 2024: The campground at Henderson Beach State Park will be closed for approximately six months for a construction project.
Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins.
One responsible person,18orolder,must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-intimeis3p.m.Check-outtimeis1p.m.You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11p.m.to 7a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle.
$30 / night
Scout
Family park with activities for kids on the weekends. Cabins are available for those without an RV or tent. Pool and hot tub. Beautiful pier to fish off of (no license needed) Some sites are uneven but what do you expect when the park is not wall to wall cement? Some sites are shaded by trees. For me, having to level out my trailer is worth what I get in return. Friendly staff.
Guide
Super cool RV park. It has a heated pool and a hot tub. Fantastic playground over sand. A turtle pond, laundry facility, bathhouse and on the beach. We loved it in December. 
Scout
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!!!
Ranger
What we loved about this campground was that everything is so new, all of the RV sites were paved and level, they have a hot tub, four fishing ponds, and are only a few miles from the beach. This was one of our stops on our roadtrip from Dallas to Disney. Read the entire story at ChampagneOnDeck.com
TravelerThis 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
LegendFort Pickins is a large National Park campground on Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida. There are 4 camping loops. Loop D is tents only. The others can accommodate small/medium RVs and travel trailers. There are water and electric hookups snd a dump station in all but D loop. Bathrooms and showers. Every site is just a short walk to the beach. Some sites have shade, bu those on the inside loop do not. Also, because of the trees, there are hight, length, and slideout restrictions on some outside loop on sites. Be sure to check before making reservations. Reservations can be made through the .gov website.
TravelerWe have stayed at this camping resort 3 years in a row. The bathrooms were always well maintained. The staff were friendly and helpful. They took pride in maintaining a clean and quiet campground. Unfortunately campers used the sand down by the Sound as an ash tray when there were places to put their smelly cigarettes out right there. And the staff could not keep up with the many families that often chose to let their young children in the hot tub even though there was a sign. We will return to enjoy Navarre Beach and all the great natural attractions
ScoutFirst you will check in at the front office, where you will be greeted by a very kind lady. They are very knowledgeable about the area and when you are done checking in a man on a cart will escort you to your campsite. We tent camped but we had a nice shady spot on a comfortable raised sand bed. This campground has it's own sweet little beach and pier. Also has a small hot tub and a 4 foot deep heated pool. It is also a mile away from the public beach across the Santa rosa sound. Dont forget to stop at Tommy's Sno Balls we went there every day and tried a different flavor snow cone every time.
GuideWe had a good time camping here. The beach was beautiful. We did see a lot of jellyfish in the water so be aware of that. We even caught one in a fishing net. The week we were there they had a different activity for the kids each day. They had painting sand dollars, bubba the alligator show, face painting and even an Easter egg hunt. They have 2 pools one is covered and heated with a hot tub. They have basketball courts, corn hole, a playground even pool tables. The staff is super helpful helping you to park because the spaces are tight. We also rented a cart buggy to haul our stuff to and from the beach for $5 a day and it came in handy taking laundry to the laundry area. The restrooms were very clean and they have individual shower rooms that have a toilet and sink too. We enjoyed ourselves and will be back here to beautiful Destin.
LegendThis 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.
LegendThis 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.
LegendCampground Review:
Fort Pickens Campground sits on a peninsula of sandy land that lies between the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay so you know this place is bound to be beautiful. The campground is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore and has gorgeous white sandy beaches. There are lots of things to keep you busy in this park besides sitting on the beach or playing in the clear blue water. There are plenty of hiking/mountain biking trails which are part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The shallow waters in the bay are great for surf fishing and kayaking and there are many access points. The park has a nice museum that describes the history of the fort and impacts of hurricanes (especially Ivan which destroyed the area). Ranger-led tours occur during the year and are very fun and informative. We went on a full moon night hike where the ranger talk focused on astrology and how moon phases impact some animals. Many parts of the fort and old batteries are open and available for exploring. Climbing on top of some of these areas offers spectacular views of the bay and gulf.
The campground is separated into two sections that make up five loops containing 180 sites. Campsites have paved driveways and grassy/sandy patios with 50/30/20 amp electric and water (but no sewer). There are picnic tables and fire pits at each site. Bathroom/shower buildings are scattered throughout the loops and were cleaned daily by volunteers. These buildings are heated which was much appreciated during the cold weather we experienced when camped here. Reservations can be made online (and should be made early if you plan on coming during the busy spring and summer seasons). It is best to check the park’s website before your visit because sometimes they have to close the road to the campground due to sand and water on the roads. We prefer to stay in Loop A because there are way fewer sites in that section and you don’t get the feeling of being crowded like in Loops B – E. There is also more shade in Loop A which is very welcomed in the summer. The campground is about 10 miles from the nearest convenient store or restaurant so it is best to stock up on groceries before you come. There is a camp store that has a wide selection of food items, souvenirs, baits, and beach supplies.
Campsites are a short ¼ mile from the gorgeous beaches. Just before entering the park is a great seafood restaurant called Peg Leg Pete’s. Venturing into Pensacola you will find an amazing seafood market called Joe Patti’s, the Pensacola Bay Brewery, and the Naval Aviation Museum (which is free), the Pensacola Lighthouse, a minor league baseball team, and other interesting historic sites and attractions. If you are there at a time when the Navy’s Blue Angels are flying, you will see them directly overhead and it’s a great sight to see.
Product Review:
I tested the Renogy E. Lumen Solar Powered Flashlight out at Fort Pickens which can get pretty dark at night. The campground is far removed from any city lights as it is 10 miles out of town on a skinny peninsula of land and this item came in handy walking around the campground at night and in the early morning.
This is a super bright LED solar powered rechargeable flashlight that has a ton of features packed into this light device. There are five light settings on this flashlight – the 3-Watt LED headlight has a high beam, low beam, and strobe and if you hold down the on/off button it cycles over to a 2-Watt LED side white light which can be set on high or low. There is also a red strobe side light with two settings but both are strobes. It would be nice if there was a solid red light feature. The headlight is powerful providing light up to 200 meters away. While the flashlight can be charged by solar it also has a USB charging option. Here are some more of the features of this flashlight that is compact and also functions as a multi-tool:
The light does come with an instruction manual but the print is very small and I had trouble reading it even with reading glasses on. This flashlight retails for around $25 and I think it is well worth the price. The fact that it is solar (and has a USB charging port) means no more having to buy batteries. I also like the USB port which will charge small electronic devices like phones and tablets. This would make a great gift for anyone who likes to camp or just needs a really good flashlight around their house or in their car.
Click here for my video review.
Guide
There's absolutely everything you need right here! Took our kids and pups here often! They have tent spots, cabins, rv spots, sail boat rentals, paint ball, frisbee golf, and anything else you could want! Easy to reserve a space and plenty to do all around this place. Absolutely loved it while we were there and we'll always miss the beautiful views of the water. My daughter even caught her first big ole catfish right off the boat launch! Hope you enjoy as much as we did!
Traveler
This establishment has it all! Bring your own camper or rent a cabin or even a customized Conestoga Wagon. Spacing between sites is great compared to other RV parks. Fun for the whole family. Entertainment, pools, water slides and a lazy river. The staff is awesome. polite, friendly and accommodating. Still some construction going on but all major attractions and accommodations are available.
We live here locally and its great to have this place so close allowing us to save on the crazy gas prices for the holiday weekends or short distance getaway
Highly recommended!!!
Ranger
Awesome state park with incredible facilities. We had reserved a campsite for our camper van, with my elderly parents renting a cabin at lakeside eagle cabins (also part of state park). It wasn’t a feasible option to walk between the two on a regular basis, so we ended up staying with them in their cabin so we could be together. It was phenomenal. New, modern, three bedroom cabin with awesome screen porch. Campground was clean and nice too. Good hiking trails in the park. We would return!
Traveler
10-Stars⭐️ We came down from North Georgia, to put a contract on a home in Brewton, AL nearby and found this lovely cabin on working Goat, Chicken, Tortoise, etc& Tree farm on AirBNB.:-) Merle& Russ treated us like family, and have stayed friends ever since❣️ They stocked the cabin with all kinds of extra touches& even left us some wine to enjoy after our long trip. Peaceful and tranquil out there. Great hosts and special friends❣️ P.S. We joyfully bought our home there, and even came back to stay at the cabin when we closed on the home and during the moving in process. We moved my precious Momma, Connie, in with us and Mom was able to stay at the cabin that week till we got unpacked& her bedroom/bath suite all ready for her. She fell in love with the tranquility there, too. Merle& Russ checked on her like she was their own Mother, Lordy- we could not have asked for any more special care!! Thank you both!! Love, Donna, Artie and Connie🌅
Scout
We had a great vacation at this cabin. It was full of supplies and goodies. Bed is and pillows were super comfortable. Cabin is beautiful decorated with lights and candles. The property is very peaceful, full of trees and plants. There were recliners and seats throughout the place for us to relax. We enjoyed the nature and birdwatching the most. Bathroom was impeccable clean at all times. The owner is very friendly and accommodating. He gave us our privacy and was available at all times when we needed him. I will 1000% recommend this place and will for sure be coming back.
Ranger
Roomy clean and very pretty area. Lots of amenities! Quiet and things for the kids too. Cabins and tent camping plus pull thrus.
GuideIt was a nice stay in a 2 bedroom. Cabin, they were running a promotion. The maintenance people were great to work with on any issues and needs.
Traveler
Great place. Has laundry, showers. Pool and table tennis in same room as laundry. Snack machine. Cabins. Unfortunately we arrived late and left early so we didn't get to use all the facilities. Wifi was pretty good.
GuideThis park has something for everyone. Up top away from the beach the level sites have plenty of shade. Beachfront sites are tight but you have the ocean at your doorstep. Campgulf has several cabin and glamping options to give the non-camper plenty of options.
TravelerIt's a really great campground, the sites are nice and so are the cabins. It's very close to town and really close to Walmart, for those that prefer to be close to civilization. It's a great way to go to the beach and not spend a lot of money on accommodations.
Scout
If your looking for a quick over night stop this is it. Stayed for Father's Day weekend and was not impressed for what I have seen from other KOA's. Getting set up was a pain because the escort took me the wrong way and ended up facing the wrong way. Had drive around the park again which has some tight turns for campers over 30 feet. Reservation was for a 30 amp hookup but the site only had a 50. They did loan me a step up adapter which was nice. If you can get the site's closer to the entrance those are the good ones with more room but no shade. Sites are cramped here in some spots. There was a couple activities going on each night. There are a lot of cabins to rent here and they do have premium sites with decks. Being on the water is not a true statement if you have an rv or travel trailer. There are a couple of cabins and some tent camping only. Will not make a second trip.
LegendNice campground, gravel site with small pad with picnic table and fire ring. FHU, and plenty of activities and amenities for our granddaughter. Playground, mini golf, large outdoor Connect Four game. Nice dog park, camp store and pool, but too cold to swim. Didn’t use facilities, but looked clean. Tents and cabins in backside of the park. I would reserve there if possible some interstate noise upfront. Staff friendly and took us to our site. Love the bike trails nearby.
RangerWe had an awesome time at Camping on the Gulf (Camp Gulf). My husband and I took our 4 kids and they loved it there. They can’t stop talking about it and are ready to go back. The campground is right on the Gulf of Mexico with some sites right on the sand. We were in a pull through and it was a bit tight and small, but really that was my only complaint with the campground. The sites in the back of the park were roomier and had some shade, which I think made up for them not being as close to the ocean. The bath houses were awesome! They had individual bathrooms with a toilet, sink and fully tiled shower with glass enclosure. These were by far the best bathhouses I have ever seen. There is a large laundry in the middle of the campground and it was very clean with a huge table for folding clothes on and large rolling carts to put your laundry in when you take them out of the washer or dryer. There were also 2 pools, one of which was heated. This was great because it was still pretty cold at the beginning of April. There is a large water slide beside the main pool. They also had lots of activities for the kids. My kids made lots of friends and really hated to have to leave. In addition to campsites they also have glamping tents which looked really neat and cabins/tiny houses for rent. Additionally they offered golf cart rentals and had a food truck located inside that park. We ordered nachos from it one night and they were great.
ScoutWe spent the weekend at the Lodge (incredible, by the way, and commendable for being so sustainable!) and was so impressed by the entire park. Lots of trails, lakes, and ocean front beaches. In a red state where environmentalist practices can be hard to come by, the park does an excellent job of keeping nature in tact. The lodge is great, but there are water front cabins and cottages, back country platform tents, car-accessible tent spots and RV spots. Definitely bring bikes and kayaks...and bug spray. Pro tip: you don’t have to be a guest of the Lodge to use their pool, beachfront or restaurants!
Traveler
Bluff Springs Campground is a non-profit privately owned and operated campground. While it has not been operational since the pandemic the grounds have been maintained by a manager, grounds keeper and maintenance.
The more than 500 acres provides a secluded peaceful place to unplug from the fast-paced world and reconnect with nature. There are two man-made lakes one of which can be used as a swimming area. However, a certified lifeguard must be present during the use of the lake. There's cabins, dorm rooms as well as classroom availability.
I was fortunate to spend two weekends earlier this year. I enjoyed both visits tremendously as the manager and staff were excellent. From the food prepared to anticipating needs of campers. I look forward to my next event.
If you are planning an event for your group. I would encourage you to consider Bluff Springs Campground, McDavid, Florida. You will be glad you did.
Photos posted in this review are not to be downloaded or reproduced without my expressed consent as they are my intellectual and creative property. Thank you.
V.H. Bryant
Cabin camping near Gulf Islands National Seashore offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for families and nature lovers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Gulf Islands National Seashore is Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore with a 4.6-star rating from 95 reviews.
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