Facility Details - FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND, FL

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 enjoy the seashore for its great recreational activities, historic sites and unique white sand beaches.

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.

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 large campground is open for reservations year-round. It contains 180 family sites with electric and water hookups. A group site with water hookup is also available. Amenities include flush toilets, showers, drinking water and a dump station. There are no boat ramps in the Fort Pickens area.

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.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Beach Access Biking Birding Boating Campfire Rings Cultural Activities Drinking Water Dump Station Educational Programs Emergency Services Firewood Vendor Fishing Pier	Flush Toilets Gift Shop Hiking Historic Sites Host Lifeguards Parking Area Picnic Shelters Scuba Diving Showers Snorkeling Swimming

Know Before You Go

Gates close at sunset; registered campers arriving after sunset, call (850) 934-2622 by 5 p.m. for gate code; non-registered campers must arrive prior to sunset
Fort Pickens Road is subject to flooding; please call 850-934-2656 for information on road conditions prior to arrival
The Gulf Island National Seashore charges an entrance fee of $8/private vehicle, good for seven days; fee is not included in the cost of your reservation
If arriving more than 24 hours after the start of your reservation, call (850) 934-2622 or your reservation will be cancelled and a $20 no-show fee plus the cost of the first night's stay will be charged
Pets are not allowed on beaches or inside structures
Hot tubs and other non-camping equipment is not allowed
Campers can stay a maximum of 14 nights from March 1 through Labor Day, and no more than 14 consecutive nights at any time of the year. A minimum two-night absence is required between camping stays and the stay limits apply to all occupants.
Campers are limited to 42 nights in a calendar year.
For more information, visit the Gulf Islands National Seashore website

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
30.31972, -87.27028
30°19'11"N, 87°16'13"W

From I-10, take I-110 S to Pensacola. Take U.S. Highway 98S/FL Highway 30 over Pensacola Bay to Gulf Breeze. Follow 98 through Gulf Breeze, turn right onto FL Highway 399 to Pensacola Beach. Pay $1/vehicle at toll booth entering Pensacola Beach, then turn right at the traffic light onto Fort Pickens Road. It is about 3 miles to the park entrance station, then 4 miles to the campground registration office.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND
1400 Ft. Pickens Road
Gulf Breeze FL 32561

Phone Number:

Information: (850)934-2622
; 850-934-2600 (general park information); 850-677-1089 (recorded information on facilities/programs); 850-934-2621 (campground information)

FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND, FL