Fort Pickens Campground

Star4.31
1.2K reviews
1400 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

3 ft

Price

$20 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

200 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Fort Pickens Campground
$20.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $20-$40 depending on site type (electric, non-electric, group). Entrance fees ($25 per vehicle, $20 per motorcycle, $45 annual pass)...
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Standard Site Fee$40.00
Hookup Site Fee$40.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$26.00
Group Site Fee$30.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
850-934-2622
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What Campers Say

4.31

Recommended

Based on 1.2K reviews

1172 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanrestroomsbeach

"Mixed user reviews range from highly positive experiences praising the location and amenities to critical feedback about maintenance and staff interactions."

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Campground Map

1400 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

Fort Pickens Campground

1400 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561

Driving directionsFrom I-10W: Take Exit 12, head right on I-110 South toward Pensacola Beach, proceed to the toll booth (Sunpass required) on FL Highway 399, turn right onto Fort Pickens Road, continue 3 miles to the park entrance station, then drive an additional 4 miles to the campground registration office. From I-10 East: Exit 31, take State Road 87 south to U.S. 98 in Navarre, travel west on U.S. 98 to Gulf Breeze, turn right onto FL Highway 399, and follow the same path as above.
Access is generally straightforward but includes toll roads (Sunpass required). The roads leading into the campground are paved, and final stretches may have sand accumulation during storms, sometimes resulting in closures.
Nearby places
Gulf Breeze (~10 miles, ~20-minute drive), Downtown Pensacola (~15 miles, ~30-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest grocery and essential supplies are in Gulf Breeze (~10 miles). No camp store available on-site
firewood and ice must be brought in.

Best Time to Camp at Fort Pickens Campground

Experience the best of Florida's Gulf Coast climate throughout the year. Summer months from May through September bring warm, beach-perfect days with temperatures hovering around 84°F and balmy evenings at 77°F – ideal for evening beach walks and stargazing. Winter offers a refreshing coastal retreat from December through February, with pleasant daytime temperatures below 66°F and crisp nights averaging 45°F, perfect for cozy campfires and peaceful morning beach strolls without the summer crowds.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Top 17% in FL

Summer is busy and ideal for beach-goers; warm water and peak beach activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall is quieter but more prone to storms; calmer crowds but weather risk.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers good weather and high visitation; can be windy but generally favorable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Open year-round; winter described as peaceful and ideal for hiking and exploration.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 1st - September 6th (higher demand and consistent fees).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Peak season: March 1st - September 6th.
  • Current Alerts: Storm-related closures and occasional flooding are common during heavy rain events.

About Fort Pickens Campground

Escape to Fort Pickens Campground, where history meets paradise on the stunning shores of Santa Rosa Island. This year-round coastal retreat invites you to wake up to the sound of gentle waves and spend your days exploring pristine white-sand beaches, wandering scenic hiking trails, and discovering the fascinating Fort Pickens historic site. Choose from electric or non-electric campsites nestled among sea oats and coastal vegetation, with modern amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, and thoughtfully designed wheelchair-accessible sites that ensure everyone can experience this slice of Gulf Coast heaven.
Fort Pickens Campground offers a variety of campsite options to cater to different camping preferences. Options include tent-only sites, RV-friendly sites with hookups, and a group site for larger gatherings.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
  • Up to 14 consecutive nights during peak season
  • 42 nights total annually.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Fort Pickens Campground offers a plethora of recreational activities, catering to diverse outdoor interests. "Many visitors come to Fort Pickens to enjoy its scenic location on the beach," while others explore its history and nature trails. Activities include hiking, swimming, biking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and cultural tours.
HikingHiking trails are available throughout the area. "Many hiking trails through the sand dunes provide beautiful views and hours of exploration." Trails include access to the Florida National Scenic Trail and a path to Fort Pickens itself, which is less than a mile away.
FishingFishing is available at a pier near the picnic pavilions. "It can be used by visitors without a Florida fishing license." Some users shared their fishing experiences: "Caught some Spanish Mackerel using a suspended plug off the pier," but others noted crowding.
SwimmingSwimming is popular on the Gulf-side beaches. "The warm ocean waters are great for swimming." User reviews describe "clean, clear surf," and "beautiful uncrowded beaches," adding to the appeal.
BikingBiking trails are considered a highlight. "Bike trails are great," and "Nice biking paths to Fort Pickens and beaches." However, "Bike trails can be challenging due to sand in certain areas."
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to diverse wildlife. "Groves of live oak trees provide shelter for resident and migrating bird populations." User reviews mention spotting bald eagles, armadillos, and dolphins.
Beach activitiesBeach-related activities include sunbathing, swimming, shell-collecting, and enjoying sunsets. "The white sands of Santa Rosa Island are the perfect place for building sandcastles or a long walk."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsStorms may cause flooding and road closures. Wildlife such as raccoons and snakes present minimal danger but require caution.
Active AlertsStorm-related closures and occasional flooding are common during heavy rain events.

Weather at Fort Pickens Campground

Reviews

4.3
1.2K reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Fort Pickens Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mixed user reviews range from highly positive experiences praising the location and amenities to critical feedback about maintenance and staff interactions.
Review Summaries
Based on 1185 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful beaches," "clean restrooms," "friendly staff," "easy access to Gulf-side beaches," "educational fort tours," and "quiet camping environment."
Based on 1185 reviews

Common Concerns

"Bathrooms in poor condition," "camp hosts enforcing rules inconsistently," "tight campsites for larger rigs," and "lack of trash bins at beach entrances."
Based on 1185 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Bring bikes for easy access to trails and forts," "Pack repellents for bugs," "Check site dimensions for rigs," "Arrive early to avoid crowding," and "Explore Fort Pickens early to avoid heat."
Based on 1185 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter is described as peaceful and ideal for exploring and hiking. Spring offers good weather but can be windy. Summer is busy but ideal for beach-goers. Fall is quieter but prone to storms.
Based on 1185 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The proximity to the beach and historical sites made it amazing," "Shower houses need to be updated but remain functional," "Beware of tight spaces for larger RVs," "The Blue Angels practice is a...
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Based on 1185 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

A028 is described as "level and close to beaches." A037 is highlighted for its proximity to hiking trails. Some sites in Loop E had issues with electric hookups, and Loop A is described as quieter...
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Based on 1185 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA sites were noted as insufficient and poorly maintained. "Handicap shower disgusting," and "Electrical box too high for a disabled person to reach."
Based on 1185 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed on beaches, forts, or pavilions, but dog-friendly features in Loop B and trails were appreciated by users. Some noted barking dogs as disruptive.
Based on 1185 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026
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