Fort Pickens Campground sits on a peninsula with water on both sides, located at the western tip of Santa Rosa Island. The campground features 180 sites across five separate loops with varying levels of shade and proximity to bathroom facilities. Temperatures range from the mid-40s in winter to upper-90s in summer, with high humidity throughout most of the year. Glamping near Pensacola Beach offers convenient access to both the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay.
What to do
Hiking trails: The Florida National Scenic Trail runs through Fort Pickens Campground, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing. "We had a lot of fun walking along the beaches and swimming. We would go down every Christmas and take pictures of the us on the white sand beaches for the family living in the north!" writes Paul G.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple waterfront access points at Avalon Landing RV Park allow for convenient fishing. "We were able to fish behind our camper. You're so close to all the 'action' without hearing or having to be part of it," notes Bobbie S.
Water activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding and boating options abound throughout the area. "We did some paddle-boarding and walked trails. There is so much more we want to do, like play volleyball, mini golf, go kayaking, and ride bikes," reports Jaimee D. about Blue Angel Park.
Military history: The National Naval Aviation Museum is located nearby and offers free admission. "Venturing into Pensacola you will find the Naval Aviation Museum (which is free), the Pensacola Lighthouse, a minor league baseball team, and other interesting historic sites and attractions," according to Nancy W.
What campers like
Fishing access: Blue Angel Park provides convenient waterfront fishing spots directly from the campground. "My daughter even caught her first big ole catfish right off the boat launch! Hope you enjoy as much as we did!" shares Paul G.
Privacy levels: Campgrounds offer varying degrees of privacy depending on your preferences. "Kinda don't want to share this hidden gem. This by far is the best camping destination ever. Super private, security is tight so you feel safe. Ocean is crystal clear," writes Monica S. about Fort Pickens.
Natural wildlife viewing: Keep an eye out for local wildlife throughout the camping areas. "There is so much wildlife.. deer and we heard a coyote howl at night," mentions Jaimee D. about her stay at Blue Angel Park.
Clean facilities: Many campers note the cleanliness of bathhouses and shower facilities. "Bathrooms were updated and clean. Campground not near the park restaurants. Would be a long walk to get to them," notes marilyn G. about her experience at Gulf State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal weather challenges: Summer brings intense heat and humidity while winter nights can be quite cool. "We were 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," explains Nancy W.
Insect precautions: Fire ants are common in many campgrounds and can cause painful stings. "Beware of the ants!!!!!! The whole campground is infested with stinging ants. There are ant piles all over the campsites. I was stung really bad after accidentally getting near an ant hill," warns marilyn G. about Gulf State Park.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "This is a busy park due to beaches and the actual old fort Pickens buildings, but the campsites were fairly peaceful," notes Deborah C.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience highway noise that may affect your stay. "It's loud by the highway. You can't enjoy your camping on half of the campground. So, if you are one to stay in your camper after playing all day, this park is for you," writes rani D. about Splash RV Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Splash RV Resort & Waterpark offers extensive water recreation options. "There are a lot of activities planned for the kids...the lazy river and waterslides were her favorite. We especially liked the armband so the kids were able to purchase food, drinks, game tokens for the arcade," shares L&A C.
Kid-friendly entertainment: Many parks offer organized activities specifically for children. "Kids love the splash pad. Big sites. Food trucks. Site store. Boat ramps. Nice pool. Access to the beach. And between gulf shores and orange beach. Conveniently located to everything," explains Matthew M. about Gulf State Park.
Safety precautions: Some areas require extra vigilance with children. "We were heavily warned about not letting kids be out unsupervised even to walk the dog," mentions Lauren M. from her stay at Avalon Landing RV Park.
First-time camping spots: Several locations are well-suited for families new to camping. "We had a blast taking our kids for the first time camping. This is a great place to go if you do have kids," writes Rachel M. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose your site carefully based on shade and location within the campground. "I would recommend looking at the map online, before booking, to make sure you choose the right spot for your RV as some are closer together than others," advises L&A C.
Hookup locations: Some sites have unusual utility placement that can affect your setup. "When we pulled into our assigned spot the water and electricity hookups were oddly placed. The outside edge spots seem to be more permanent long term people and the inner ones more short term," notes Carrie about Jellystone Park.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for potentially uneven sites at some locations. "The site itself was level however there was a bit of an incline to get into it which my hitch took a big chunk of concrete out of," warns Theresa H. about her stay at Splash RV Resort.
Supply planning: Stock up on groceries before arrival as some campgrounds are far from stores. "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," recommends Nancy W.
