FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND campground
Pensacola Beach, Florida

FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
201 campsites
Open in maps

201

Total Campsites

Campground

187

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

9

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND

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 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. 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. Charges & Cancellations Cancellation and modification fees are non-refundable.

  • 201 total campsites listed.
  • 187 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • 9 accessible campsites listed.
  • Most common site type: standard electric (144).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND photo 2
FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND photo 3

Our Take

What makes FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND special

Fort Pickens Campground occupies a stunning stretch of Santa Rosa Island within Gulf Islands National Seashore, where sugar-white sand meets the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico near Pensacola, Florida. With 201 sites spanning electric and non-electric options for tents and RVs, this is one of the largest beachside campgrounds in the national park system. The historic Fort Pickens — a massive pre-Civil War brick fortification — is a short bike ride from camp and open for self-guided exploration. Beach access is steps away, and the snorkeling along the jetties at the island''s western tip reveals surprisingly clear water and abundant marine life. Heated showers and flush toilets elevate the comfort level above typical beach camping. Sites sit among low-growing coastal vegetation with modest shade from occasional live oaks. Summer brings warm Gulf water and longer days but also afternoon thunderstorms and high demand — book months ahead. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and excellent fishing from the shore or nearby piers. Sea turtles nest on these beaches in summer, and dolphins are visible offshore year-round.

Campsite Inventory

201 sites to choose from

STANDARD ELECTRIC

144total sites

144

Reservable

6

Accessible

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

29total sites

29

Reservable

1

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

14total sites

0

Reservable

1

Accessible

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC

12total sites

12

Reservable

1

Accessible

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC

1total sites

1

Reservable

0

Accessible

TENT ONLY ELECTRIC

1total sites

1

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

ACCESSIBLE CAMPSITES

Accessible Campsites

ACCESSIBLE PARKING

Accessible Parking

ACCESSIBLE WALKWAYS

Accessible Walkways

Accessibility

Yes

BBQ

Yes

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Single

Check-in time

1:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Check-out time

11:00 AM

Condition Rating

Good

Double Driveway

Yes

Driveway entry

Back-in, N/A

Driveway length (ft)

Yes, 10, 13, 15

Driveway surface

Gravel, Paved

Electricity Hookup

50, 50 amp, 50 amp/20/30/50, 50 amp/50/30/20

FLUSH TOILETS

Flush Toilets

Fire Pit

Yes

GRILLS

Yes

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

850-934-2622

Getting There

Physical Address (NO MAIL SERVICE): 1400 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561 From I10W: 1. At Exit 12, head right on the ramp for I-110 South toward Pensacola Bch / Pensacola; 6.2 mi 2. Take the ramp on the left for FL-30 / E Chase St; 0.6 mi 3.Keep straight to get onto US-98 E Bus / FL-30 / E Chase St; 341 ft 4. Keep straight to get onto US-98 E / FL-30 / E Chase St; 5.5 mi From I-10 East of Navarre to U.S. 98, using State Road 87: 1. Take I-10, Exit 31 (State Road 87) south. 2. Continue to south on State Road 87 to U.S. 98 in Navarre. 3. Travel west on U.S. 98 to Gulf Breeze or Pensacola Beach.  4. Turn right onto FL Highway 399 to Pensacola Beach. A (Sunpass) toll booth is on entering Pensacola Beach. Proceed to first light; turn right onto Fort Pickens Road. It is about 3 miles to the park entrance station where you pay to enter, then go 4 miles to the campground registration office.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND.

How do reservations work for FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND?

Reservation availability for FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND?

FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND currently lists STANDARD ELECTRIC (144), STANDARD NONELECTRIC (29), MANAGEMENT (14), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (12).

Where is FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND located?

FORT PICKENS CAMPGROUND is in Florida near Pensacola Beach. Coordinates: 30.3228, -87.2742.

Keep Exploring

Discover more campgrounds

More campgrounds in Florida