Fort Pickens Campground
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Write a Review 1400 Fort Pickens Rd. Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 850-934-2622 Reservations: 877-444-6777 Official WebsiteGPS: 30.318, -87.2557
Overview of Fort Pickens Campground
Park entrance fee is not included in campsite fee. Most sites have height, length, and slide restrictions, please consult the recreation.gov listing for details of each site. Some campsites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 42 ft. max in length.
Last Price Paid: $40
Reported by MPTT on 2/16/2025
Longest RV Reported: 39 feet (Class A)
Reported by davidlgood on 1/4/2018
Number of Sites 220
Pad Type asphalt
Reservations yes
Elevation 0 ft / 0 m
Max Stay 14
Max Length 32 ft
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Fort Pickens Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 850-934-2622
a60dan asked on 3/29/2024
Dog’s aren’t allowed on either beach.
Ours can’t be left alone and we usually switch off with one person waiting ...
Duner733 asked on 12/30/2022
I see they have a dump station. Is there any mobile service that will come in and service the tanks for a fee? We w...
LDoone asked on 8/4/2022
$40 for a site PLUS $25 entrance fee means a 1 night site rental of $65, or did I misunderstand the website?
Zoocosmo asked on 12/26/2021
Are they allowing 41' 5th wheels to be dropped at camp sites? We stayed there last year with our 41' and the same sit...
Erin asked on 12/9/2021
Are there any road closures (Highway 399 or Fort Pickens road for example) that are currently closed? I'm seeing some...
Reviews of Fort Pickens Campground 79 people have reviewed this location.
“40”
Reviewed 2/16/2025
Nightly rate: | $40 |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | 27 |
Over all very clean and low key area. Which is fine by us. Great areas to hike and bike. A big plus was being able to see an active eagle nest. So now for the cons. I would love to see recycling bins. A little more oversight would be lovely. The campsite beside use was a mess, stuff piled everywhere, 2 dogs which were not proper... more
Over all very clean and low key area. Which is fine by us. Great areas to hike and bike. A big plus was being able to see an active eagle nest. So now for the cons. I would love to see recycling bins. A little more oversight would be lovely. The campsite beside use was a mess, stuff piled everywhere, 2 dogs which were not properly cleaned up after and the biggest issue was the constantly dripping grey water( I hope it was grey water). Just nasty.
MPTT would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“This is a Gulf Coast Favorite”
Reviewed 2/7/2025
Nightly rate: | $20 |
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Days stayed: | 7 |
Site Number: | E030 |
RV Length: | 35' (Class A) |
Fort Pickens Campground is located on Santa Rosa Island and is within the Gulf Island National Seashore. Its namesake (Fort Pickens) is just a mile or so further in on SR-399; which is the only road in and only road out. But it’s a very good road and freshly paved and thankfully a little wider than it was 2 years ago when we were her... more
Fort Pickens Campground is located on Santa Rosa Island and is within the Gulf Island National Seashore. Its namesake (Fort Pickens) is just a mile or so further in on SR-399; which is the only road in and only road out. But it’s a very good road and freshly paved and thankfully a little wider than it was 2 years ago when we were here. The speed limit is 25mph which is nice because it forces you to take in the beautiful views. The distance from Pensacola Beach to the campground is 9 miles.
Fort Pickens has established itself as a favorite for us while in the Panhandle; again, this is our second time here and we stay in site E-030. The first time we stayed here was mid-March this time late January. The “E” loop is closest to the bayside of the campground and is just a dune away. The roads are easy to navigate, and all are one-way loops. The sites according to Recreation.gov says the maximum length is 32’ but we easily fit our 35’ “A” in but then had to park over in the overflow which was only 70 or so feet away. If you have something smaller you be able to fit it all in. We also saw a 38’ “A” in the CG too. Distance between sites is sufficient and is grassy with patches of Marsh Pennywort.
Electric was stable and within limits. The water was adequate, we only used it to fill our tank on the way out, but pressure and volume seemed okay. Each site had the customary fire ring and picnic table. The bathhouses (2) are centrally located, but don’t know their condition. The campground has about 5% to 10% shade and would be good for solar if you needed it. I would also think it would be good for you StarLink. T-Mobile didn’t seem to connect well, I could work online, but Verizon seemed to connect up well and ATT was okay as well.
To say the least we really like it here and would come here every time we’re here on the Emerald Coast.
Bill n' Luann would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“A Good Campground On A Fabulous Location ”
Reviewed 1/14/2025
Days stayed: | 9 |
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Site Number: | 31 |
The scenery begins in Pensacola with the bridge to Gulf Breeze. Then, take a right where the sign says ‘take a right!’ To Pensacola Beach. It keeps getting better. Campground Loop A is highlighted with Sand Live Oaks with some pine trees; the rest of the loops are more wide open and feature pines. History abounds here - and make sure y... more
The scenery begins in Pensacola with the bridge to Gulf Breeze. Then, take a right where the sign says ‘take a right!’ To Pensacola Beach. It keeps getting better. Campground Loop A is highlighted with Sand Live Oaks with some pine trees; the rest of the loops are more wide open and feature pines. History abounds here - and make sure you visit the museums in the area - Naval Aviation on NAS Pensacola; Air Force Armaments on Eglin AFB, and the Pensacola History Museum, hosted by the University of West Florida in Pensacola’s once-City Hall (built 1907).
The trails on Fort Pickens are great. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is dog-tolerant, and they are adamant that beaches are *no* dogs allowed.
The restaurants on Pensacola were great, and all served way too much. If you order an appetizer, wait until after you see/eat it before ordering an entree - you-ve hereby been warned!
TwoPuttTommy would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Last time camping here”
Reviewed 9/24/2024
Nightly rate: | $40 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | C46 |
RV Length: | 27' (Travel Trailer) |
Third time they have closed this year. I understand they need to close due to bad weather but this is silly. I guess it's "out of an abundance of caution" We're being kicked out on Tuesday, the forecast is for seas of 1 foot. The forecast for Wednesday is seas 1 to 2 feet. Thursday is 4 to 6 feet. Absolutely ridiculous. This will be ... more
Third time they have closed this year. I understand they need to close due to bad weather but this is silly. I guess it's "out of an abundance of caution"
We're being kicked out on Tuesday, the forecast is for seas of 1 foot. The forecast for Wednesday is seas 1 to 2 feet. Thursday is 4 to 6 feet. Absolutely ridiculous. This will be my last trip here.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great bike trails and white sand”
Reviewed 6/7/2024
Nightly rate: | $20 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | E-34 |
RV Length: | 19' (Travel Trailer) |
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is worth driving through. Driving west from off I-10 we decided to veer south on Hwy 87 for Navarre and cross over to the seashore. The remaining thirty-five miles or so north to Fort Pickens Campground took every bit of an hour as the speed limit is generally only 25 MPH. There are no tolls and actua... more
The Gulf Islands National Seashore is worth driving through. Driving west from off I-10 we decided to veer south on Hwy 87 for Navarre and cross over to the seashore. The remaining thirty-five miles or so north to Fort Pickens Campground took every bit of an hour as the speed limit is generally only 25 MPH. There are no tolls and actually very few automobiles along this beautiful stretch of road. Upon arrival at the campground we realized there would be no check-in required. Our reservation was clipped to the board on site which made it easy and no waiting in line. Our site E34 was one of only a very few available back when we made our reservation in March. No trees, no shade. Hot as hell. But the site sits right across from a nature trail to the intercoastal and just a few steps to another trail taking you back to the A Loop and one of the boardwalks to the beach. There are many trails to choose from and they all seem to be hard-packed for riding bicycles. Plus there is plenty of shade. Across from our site is a trail that takes you to the bayside and reportedly has a great view of both the sunrise and sunset.
The shower rooms are a bit dated, but serviceable and free. There is water and electricity at our site. We did need two 30-amp cords to reach the power further back on our lot. The pavement was pretty level and tow vehicles typically have to park across the street as there is generally only room for a trailer or RV. Luckily, in our case, the Warlock could fit on the slab along with our 19’ Oliver. In this case, bigger is certainly not better. The dump station has only one serviceable tank and you are forced to enter the opposite way and then required to circle back through the campground to exit on to your next destination. Not so hot.
Several times we rode our bikes on the wooded trail north of the campground that led out to the old fort. The ruins are quite remarkable and its history was both interesting and disturbing. Slaves constructed the fort and their owners received the payment for their services. American Indians such as the Apache were held prisoners here too and were also forced into hard labor with the great Geronimo being one of the Apache captives. Disheartening to say the least.
Our National Forest geezer pass provided free access into the park and also reduced our nightly rate in half down to $20 which was quite agreeable. There are no restaurants, food trucks, or grocery stores anywhere in the campground’s vicinity so bring what you need. The trips back and forth to commercial centers would certainly be disagreeable and time-consuming. Our comestibles for a three night stay would be manageable with what we had already on board. Definitely a four-star campground that a food truck or two on site would bring up to a five.
Nomad Reign RV would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“excellent place”
Reviewed 4/20/2024
Nightly rate: | $20 |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | C013 |
RV Length: | 23' (Travel Trailer) |
hard to give a place like this anything but 5 stars. quiet, clean, bathrooms are ok, lots of great trails for walking, hiking and biking, and the beach is second to none.
Steve would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice, quiet, isolated feeling ”
Reviewed 4/13/2024
Nightly rate: | $60 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 16 |
RV Length: | 27' (Fifth Wheel) |
Originally reserved a site in Loop A, but after reading the description of the driveway going through A with low branches of 12 ft, I canceled and reserved in Loop C instead. Booked C016 and even though the site description indicated height restriction of 12 ft, and narrow on one side, I decided to take the chance. Glad I did. Our f... more
Originally reserved a site in Loop A, but after reading the description of the driveway going through A with low branches of 12 ft, I canceled and reserved in Loop C instead. Booked C016 and even though the site description indicated height restriction of 12 ft, and narrow on one side, I decided to take the chance. Glad I did. Our fifth wheel is 27' 8" long and 12'6" high. Pulling it with a F250. We just barely fit length and height. with inches to spare.
Note: I did try calling the campground and left a message. No one ever called me back.
Beautiful campground. Some trees. Many shorter sites. I felt quite lucky to get our site!
Water and electric hookup. Bring an extension for your electric, it's pretty far back there. Read the site descriptions!
We walked the trail to Fort Pickens. About 1 mile. Very much worth the visit. There's a boardwalk to the beach across from the campground entrance. The beach is beautiful and mostly deserted in April.
Internet pokey. 5G 2 bars. TV air antenna channels were ok. The usual ME-TV and local news kind of stuff.
Grab groceries, gas, etc before trekking out here. The speed limit is 25 or 35 and it's a long, slow drive to the closest town.
They will evacuate the campground if there's a chance of flooding. Have a Plan B. They had evacuated it 2 days before our arrival.
Room4Two would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Location!!”
Reviewed 3/8/2024
Nightly rate: | $40 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 4 |
Stay here for the location. Beautiful beaches! Campground lacks privacy but you’re close to the beach!!
Teenyhouse would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“We rate this Park three stars because we got evacuated one day In to our trip.”
Reviewed 2/4/2024
Nightly rate: | $40 |
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Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | 30 |
First long trip with the Pup to Pensacola Beach, Florida. Beautiful park and Beach. Woke up on the first day to a beautiful sun rise on the beach, did a little fishing, checked out the Fort, went into town for a little shopping and lunch….. Well after a great first day we came back to our camper just before dinner to find a evacuati... more
First long trip with the Pup to Pensacola Beach, Florida. Beautiful park and Beach. Woke up on the first day to a beautiful sun rise on the beach, did a little fishing, checked out the Fort, went into town for a little shopping and lunch…..
Well after a great first day we came back to our camper just before dinner to find a evacuation notice of the FT Pickens Park. Due to high winds and seas expected Saturday afternoon the park has a mandatory evacuation by 11 am. Well we broke camp camp last night and moved to a site two hours back towards home.
For anyone interested in camping at Fort Pickens in Pensacola Beach FL you should know the park will evacuate you if weather is bad which causes the entrance roads to flood.
We had heard of this happening when tropical storm and such rolls in but it happens anytime the seas are high enough to breech the the park roads. What a disappointment.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful area with less tourists than Pensacola”
Reviewed 1/2/2024
Nightly rate: | $26 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | D10 |
RV Length: | 20' (Class B) |
We stayed in loop D with no hookups. Short parking areas, but some space between sites. Bathroom and showers were ok, but not super clean. Easy walk to the beach. Nice trails and fort to tour. Lots of campfires, some music and generators. A nice relaxing 3 days.
WanderingWakes.Net would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Barratt
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Amenities
Hookups
- 50 Amp
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- water
- dry camping
- Partial Hookups
Recreation
- fishing
- picnic area
- recreation trail
- swimming beach
- water access
Site Amenities
- big rig
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- dump station
- general store
- laundry
- recycle
- restrooms: flush
- showers
- trash
- water available
Discount Clubs
- Senior Discounts
Pets
- pets
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