Fort Pickens Campground Review at Gulf Islands National Seashore

Last Updated: Jan 9, 2024|Ashlee Fechino|

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Gulf Islands National Seashore is a fantastic place to camp in Florida. If you are interested in camping at Fort Pickens, this article is for you. Tucked behind the sand dunes of Pensacola Bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, the campground is wonderful.

We have visited the island on two separate occasions — here’s our honest Fort Pickens Campground review.

Where Is the Fort Pickens Campground?

Views of the Gulf Islands Fort Pickens area — The Gulf Islands Fort Pickens campground and beach area.

Gulf Islands National Seashore is a National Park Service site located near Pensacola, Florida, along the white sand beaches of Santa Rosa Island. It is located roughly 30 minutes from downtown Pensacola.

The park protects roughly 26 miles of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico and almost 28 miles of shoreline along the bay.

Things To Do Nearby

View of Fort Pickens Beach — Fort Pickens Beach

Within the national seashore, Fort Pickens Campground is known for its beautiful and well-managed campsites and amenities catering to recreational activities such as camping, fishing, swimming, and hiking. It is within driving and walking distance of the Fort Pickens historic fort.

Fort Pickens Campground Details

The Gulf Islands National Seashore Fort Pickens Campground is a tent, van, motorhome, camper, and RV-friendly.

Reservations: Camping on the Gulf is prime real estate – you’ll want to reserve your trip months in advance.
Campsites: Designated campsites
Water/Electric Hookup: Available
Sewer: Dump Station Available
Restrooms: Yes, with running water, hot showers, and flushing toilets
Cell reception: Good enough to send texts, call, and email
Laundry Room: No
Campfires allowed: Yes
Pets: Yes, pet friendly

How To Make Reservations

fort-pickens-campground-florida — View of Camp Area E

Reserve a campsite at recreation.gov. We like using the app. Make a reservation for the campground before you show up because there might not be a spot available.

Once you show up at the park, check-in at the Visitor Center (little wood house). A park employee will check you in. Then you can head to your reserved campsite.

Fort Pickens Campground Review

What We Love: The hiking trails are nice, it is quiet, and the beach crowds aren’t bad. The biggest highlight is that you are within walking distance of the most beautiful beaches.

The historic fort is interesting to explore. And, depending on when you visit, you might be able to see the Navy’s Blue Angels practice as they fly over the bay.

hiking-trails-at-fort-pickens-campground — Hiking trail from the campground

Things To Consider: Consider the weather. The first time we stayed on the island, it was insanely windy. The Gulf had red flag warnings, so we didn’t get in the water. The second time we visited, the weather was absolutely perfect — sunny and no wind.

Be sure to plan ahead in case of road closures. The Park’s Weather Hotline is (850) 934-2656.

Be mindful of hurricane season (June through November) when planning holidays or road trips along the Gulf of Mexico.

Other Questions You May Have While Planning

How far is the beach from Fort Pickens Campground?

Pensacola Bay: is literally steps away on the other side of the sand dunes near Camp Areas B, C, D, and E.

Beaches on the Gulf Side: Campers can hike along the boardwalk to the Gulf side of the island within a short walk (depending on where your campsite is). The entire island has beach access areas.

Langdon Beach (Gulf Side): You can ride a bike, drive, or walk to the beach to swim and hang out at Langdon Beach on the island’s southern side facing the Gulf of Mexico.

It is kind of a far walk if you’re taking beach gear to Langdon Beach – I wouldn’t walk there from the campground. Langdon Beach is about 1.3 miles (one-way) from the Fort Pickens camping area. This is roughly a 5-minute drive.

Stay on the trails: Visitors must stay on designated trails and shouldn’t cut across the dunes. This is to protect nesting shorebirds and the dune ecosystem.

Can you see the ocean from the Fort Pickens Campground?

There are no direct ocean views from the campground (at least when we stayed at Camp Area E and drove around). The sand dunes block the view. However, you can see Pensacola Bay easily if you hike the trails from the campground.

Visitors can also clearly see the Gulf of Mexico hiking the trails and driving along Fort Pickens Road. The views are incredible.

Are the campsites shaded?

Only a few campsites are shaded. Most are not.

camping-at-fort-pickens-campground-florida — Camp Area E with some shade

Are campsites close together?

Yes, actually. The campsites are close together.

There are RVs, motorhomes, and pop-up campers in Camp Areas B, C, D, and E.

Is there a tent-only camp area?

Yes, there is a tent-only camping area at Fort Pickens.

Does Fort Pickens Campground have showers?

Yes, the campground has hot showers, flushing toilets, and running water. The bathrooms are very basic and get the job done.

Trip Tip: Be sure to look for the little green tree frogs outside of the bathrooms. They are so cute.

Are pets allowed?

Yes, pets are allowed at the Fort Pickens Campground. However, they are required to be on a leash. Dogs are allowed on all the trails (but not the beaches).

fort-pickens-campground-gulf-islands-national-seashore-trail-to-bay — Hiking trail from the campground to Pensacola Bay

Is there cell phone reception?

Yes, we could easily call, send texts, and check email. However, streaming was a little slow for working online.

Is there an entrance fee for Fort Pickens?

Yes, there is an entrance fee to enter the park. The campground reservation does not cover the entrance fee to explore the island and see the inside of the fort.

Cost to enter the park: $25 for the week, or an annual National Park Pass accepted.
Camping: $26/night (standard nonelectric) or $40/night (standard electric)

Make sure the road is open

Due to the nature of Gulf Coast storms and how low-lying the barrier islands are, always check with the Fort Pickens Area National Park Service before planning a trip to be sure the campground is open.

When we visited in May 2021, the road actually flooded, and the island was closed temporarily. Make sure you have enough food and water when camping here in case the road closes for a day or two.

What else is there to do while camping here?

If you are looking for fun activities to do while visiting, you’ll love these popular articles:

Where can I camp if there are no spots available here?

If you have trouble finding a campsite, consider checking out Big Lagoon State Park near Perdido Key. It is about 30 minutes west of Pensacola.

From Big Lagoon State Park, you are about a 10-minute drive from the Gulf Islands National Seashore Perdido Key (link to watch our YouTube video) area or an hour’s drive from Fort Pickens.

Are there other places to camp in the Gulf Islands?

Yes, Davis Bayou Campground in Mississippi. Davis Bayou is located roughly two hours west of Pensacola.

Boat-in camping is also allowed on the islands.

Final Thoughts

The Fort Pickens camping area offers affordable camping facilities close to white sandy beaches for active people who enjoy outdoor activities.

It is a beautiful place to enjoy Florida’s famous Emerald Coast and the Pensacola area.

Safe travels.

Ashlee & Pablo

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