If you are interested in camping at Gulf Islands National Seashore at the Fort Pickens Campground, this article is just for you! Tucked behind the sand dunes of Pensacola Bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, Fort Pickens Campground makes for a delightful island escape on a visit to Florida.
Be sure to consider the weather.When we visited, it was really windy, and the Gulf had red flag warnings, so we didn’t get in the water. Be flexible and agile with your stay.
Be sure to plan ahead in case of road closures. The Park’s Weather Hotline is (850) 934-2656.Also, consider hurricane season when planning holidays or road trips along the Gulf of Mexico.
Campers can also hike along the boardwalk to the Gulf side of the island within a short walk (depending on where your campsite is).Visitors can also 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.