Fort Pickens Campground: The Best of National Seashore Camping

Are you looking to camp just a short walk from white sand beaches at an affordable rate?  Then look no further than Fort Pickens Campground in Gulf Islands National Seashore!

The United States has 10 National Seashores and Gulf Islands is arguably the most beautiful one.  With sugary white sand beaches and plenty to do nearby, you won’t want to miss an opportunity to camp here.    

In this post you’ll find everything you need to know starting with the location, to the cost, to the fees and all the details about the campground.  So let’s jump right in and get you started with some important links!

Important Links

Gulf Islands National Seashore website

Camping Journal – Never Forget Your Camping Trips Details Again!

Fort Pickens Campground – Book Reservations Here

Fort Pickens Campground Map

Know Before You Go

Location

First things first, where is Fort Pickens Campground?  This campground is located within the confines of Gulf Islands National Seashore, near Pensacola Beach, Florida.   

And if you’re anywhere near the gulf coast of Florida, you’ll find this campground is a quick and easy drive!  Just 3.5 hours from Tallahassee, FL, a little over 3 hours from Montgomery, AL, and about 4 hours from New Orleans, LA are what stands between you and an affordable beach getaway.  

Fees

Second thing to know, there is a fee to enter Gulf Islands National Seashore, and unfortunately it’s NOT included in your campground cost.  

To enter the national seashore, you’ll need to buy a Standard Pass.  This pass costs $25 per vehicle and is good for 7 consecutive days.  

However, if you are booked for longer than 7 days, I highly recommend that you buy the Annual Pass which is good for 365 days from your purchase date and costs $45.  

Or, if you are like us and plan to visit several National Parks/Seashores/Battlefields, you will benefit most from the America the Beautiful Pass.  This pass costs $80 and is also good for 365 days from purchase, and it will get you into any of these National areas.  

Know Before You Go

And finally, here are a few more campground things that you should know before you go.

• Check-in is 1pm
• Check out is 11am
• 14 day maximum stay
• DO NOT park with your tires on the grass/sand or this could result in a fine
• Fires must be kept in the provided fire ring
• The area has a manned entry station where you will have to show your pass each day
• For late check-in, you will be provided with a gate code to enter
• You will have to use said gate code for any after hours entry into the campground
• No lights or laundry may be hung on trees
• Pets are allowed, but must be attended
• The campground is open year round
• Reservations can be made 6 months in advance

For all other “Know Before You Go” information, check out this page from the National Parks Service.

Fort Pickens Campground

Alright, now that you have a base layer of information about Fort Pickens Campground, let’s take a deeper look at what you can expect when camping here.

The mix of Florida Pines, wild shrubbery, and lack of buildings in view will allow you to unplug while you camp here.  The campground doesn’t feel like you are mere miles from beach condos and resorts, but you are.  

From the campground you’ll be able to walk to the beach, to the bay, and even to the historic Fort Pickens itself.  You could also drive less than 20 minutes down the island to all the shopping and food you could want!

The electric sites are mostly sunny spots, with little to no tree cover.  While the non-electric sites have a decent amount of tree cover.  There are several bathhouses spread throughout each of the loops.  

Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance, and the electric sites can (and will) sell out.  To give yourself the most amount of sites to choose from, you’ll want to book as close to 6 months in advance as possible. 

Details

• 145 Electric Sites
• Loop A, C and E are Electric Sites
• 42 Non-Electric Sites
• Loop B and D are Non-Electric Sites
• 4 Bathhouses
• 2 Dump Stations
• Dishwashing Station
• Laundry Room
• Tent Section
• Max Length of RV is 42 feet

Non-Electric Sites

The non-electric sites are pretty well spaced throughout Loop B and Loop D.  These loops share a bathhouse with a men’s room, a women’s room and 4 individual showers.

Each site has the standard fire ring, picnic table and a place to set up your tent as well as park your vehicle.  These sites are tent only, can accommodate up to 8 people, and are dog friendly. (Check out the dog friendly beaches list at the bottom of this article!)     

Electric Sites

The electric sites are a little closer together, but they still have the standard picnic table and fire ring.  Each site has water and electric hookups for your rig.  

Sites vary in length, so be sure to do your research to ensure that your rig and your tow vehicle will fit.  If your vehicle doesn’t fit, there is an overflow parking area, but it is NOT guaranteed and you will be better off choosing a larger site if possible.

Most of these sites are full sun and offer little-to-no shade from the Florida sun.  As far as walkability to the bathhouses, you’ll easily be able to walk to a bathhouse within 2-3 minutes just about anywhere your site is.  

Price Comparison

**Disclaimer: Campsite prices can vary and change over time and over holiday weekends.  These were the prices as of January 2024. 

Non-Electric Sites

• $26 per night
• $182 per week

Electric Sites

• $40 per night
• $280 per week

Again, these prices can (and probably will) change, but this will give you an idea of the cost for camping in Fort Pickens Campground.  

Our Camping Experiences (yes, plural)

We have camped at Fort Pickens Campground 3 different times and have enjoyed our stay each and every time!  Enough so that we keep coming back.  We have tent camped here as well as camped here in our 25 foot travel trailer.  

For our 2 week stay, we camped in site #C-001 (Easily remember all the important camping details with this awesome Camping Journal!) and loved being on the end. These sites are paved and flat, even if this one didn’t quite have enough room for our truck.

The location of this campground truly can’t be beat!  You can walk to the white sand beaches right from the campground and you can walk to the historic Fort Pickens.  And in driving distance you have shopping and restaurants and even 2 dog beaches.

Each site has a decent amount of space in between them so you have a little “yard” for sitting outside and enjoying a fire.  

The largest drawback for us is the showers.  This might sound entitled, but they could use some serious upgrading.  The water pressure is terrible and we had to try several different showers to find one that got warm. 

But if less than great showers doesn’t bother you this campground is incredible!   And while I’m sure there would be quite an argument over this, you’ll love the close proximity to one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Florida!

Hiking Options 

When you think of Florida, you might think of beaches, alligators, and flat…but you probably won’t think of hiking.  However, there is one trail that runs nearly the entire height and panhandle of Florida!  This trail is called the Florida National Scenic Trail (or the Florida Trail) and is currently 1,500 miles long.  

Why are you reading about this?  Because a section of this trail runs right through the Fort Pickens Campground!  Yes, the famous Florida Trail runs just behind A Loop, and it runs right through the middle of the rest of the campground.  If you get a chance, you can take this trail all the way down to Fort Pickens and back for a 3 mile round trip hike.  

There are 3 other trails that you’ll have easy access to from the campground.  The Black Bird Marsh Trail is about a half mile and right behind A Loop.  The Fort Pickens Bay Trail is also less than half a mile and starts right from Loop E.  Finally, there is the boardwalk trail to and from the beach called the Fort Pickens Dune Trail which can be accessed at the front of the campground.

So while there isn’t world-class hiking here, there are several trails to walk and explore right from the Fort Pickens Campground!

Eating Out

If you are here because of the affordability, but still want to eat out because you’re on vacation, Pensacola Beach is going to be the place for you!  Just a 20 minute drive from the campground is this busy area filled with shopping and restaurants.  

If you are looking for a place to get a fun and unique drink, you’ll want to swing by Bamboo Willies for fun drinks and a great view of the bay!  If you’d rather sit down for a full dinner, you’ll love all the delicious options at Red Fish Blue Fish.  

Dog Beaches

One final note is that dogs are not allowed on the beaches within the confines of the National Seashore.  If you are going to be camping with your furry friend, this is a bit of a bummer.  BUT there are 2 dog beaches right in Pensacola Beach and our dog loved being able to swim and play in the water.

There is the Pensacola Dog Beach West (which is closer to the campground) and there is the Pensacola Dog Beach (further up the island).  Just remember to clean up after your little friend and to be conscious of other dogs and their owners.  

Conclusion

Fort Pickens Campground is a hidden gem within the Florida side of Gulf Islands National Seashore.  This affordable campground gives you access to beautiful beaches, a piece of history in Fort Pickens itself, and is just 20 minutes away from all the shopping and restaurants you could ever want.

Usually a vacation to a white sand beach requires a lot of money, or a passport!  But if you have a tent or a camper, Fort Pickens Campground is the perfect getaway for those wanting access to a beautiful beach.  

As always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to averagewildexperience@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to answer any questions.

-Happy Camping!