Fort Pickens

Summary

Fort Pickens Campground is situated on the Gulf Islands National Seashore south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida, and is home to emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes, and historical landscapes. It offers 137 family sites with electricity, 40 non-electric tent sites and more, as well as a pier, hiking trails, and access to Historic Fort Pickens. Visitors can explore the beautiful white sands of Santa Rosa Island and nearby attractions such as the Pensacola Naval Air Station and Naval Aviation Museum.

Overview

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. 

Recreation

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.

Facilities

This campground is open for reservations year-round. It contains 137 family sites with electricity (30 & 50 amp) and water hookups, as well as 40 non-electric tent sites, one non-electric tent only group site with water hookup is also available. Fort Pickens also has 6 wheelchair accessible sites with electricity and 2 wheelchair accessible sites without electricity. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. There are no boat ramps in the Fort Pickens area. All Fort Pickens campsites are available to book up to 6 months in advance with 24 hour booking window. Please inquire before arrival as same day availability is rare. Fort Pickens does not have a wait list or call back system if CG is full. Please feel free to bring your own firewood as the Park doesn't have any to sell.

Natural Features

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.

Nearby Attractions

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.