Florida / Escambia County / Gulf Islands National Seashore

Fort Pickens Campground

Open — Open year-round with reservations available through Recreation.gov. Restroom renovation project is underway with E loop facilities currently closed; B/D loop renovations are complete and A, C, and E loop restrooms remain available. Project expected to complete spring 2026. Limited to 14 consecutive nights.

About

Fort Pickens Campground is situated on Santa Rosa Island, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida. As one of the busiest campgrounds in the National Park System, it attracts visitors year-round with its stunning location between the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. The campground offers 200 sites, including both electric and non-electric options, with 188 reservable sites available through Recreation.gov. Each campsite includes a fire pit, picnic table, and paved parking pad. The campground provides heated showers, flush toilets, a dump station, and laundry facilities. Many sites have restrictions due to low limbs or bushes, so campers should verify their RV or trailer will fit. The maximum RV length is 42 feet, and limited overflow parking is available. Campers are limited to 14 consecutive days. The white sand beaches of Santa Rosa Island are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, and building sandcastles. A fishing pier is located near the picnic pavilions and can be used without a Florida fishing license. Hiking trails wind through sand dunes and coastal vegetation, including a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail. Historic Fort Pickens, built in 1834 and one of four Southern forts never occupied by Confederates during the Civil War, is just 1 mile from the campground. The area is also home to groves of live oak trees providing habitat for resident and migrating birds. An entrance fee of $25 is required separately for access to the Fort Pickens area of the National Seashore, valid for seven consecutive days.

Directions

From I-10: Take Exit 12 for I-110 South, exit 1B Gregory Street East, merge onto 30 E Chase Street, turn left onto Bayfront Parkway/US-98 East, merge onto Highway 399 to beaches, cross toll bridge ($1.00), turn right onto Fort Pickens Road. Continue approximately 3 miles to the park entrance station, then 4 miles to the campground registration office at 1400 Fort Pickens Road.

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