Welcome to the Fort Pickens Area of Gulf Island National Seashore, a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and outdoor adventurers. Located in the beautiful Pensacola Beach, Florida, this unique campground and tourist attraction offers a blend of rich history, stunning natural beauty, and modern conveniences.
Fort Pickens, a historic military fort, is the centerpiece of this area. Visitors can explore the fort through guided tours with a park ranger or opt for a self-guided tour using informative booklets. The fort's fascinating history and architecture provide a glimpse into the past, making it a memorable experience for all ages. Be sure to bring plenty of water, as the Florida sun can be intense.
The campground at Fort Pickens is well-equipped with essential amenities, including showers, restrooms, dumpsters, and full hookups for RVs. Scenic trails lead to historic sites, white sand beaches, and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you're hiking, biking, or simply relaxing by the beach, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Conveniently located near restaurants and stores, Fort Pickens offers the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. It's an ideal spot for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature and history.
Here’s what visitors are saying about Fort Pickens:
Onsite services
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV water hookup
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Tent sites
Camping fee
Credit cards
Debit cards
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
This was on our list of top 5 things to see/do while in Pensacola. I can say we were pleasantly surprised and enjoyed soaking up the history while walking through the fort. There are guided tours with a ranger or you can grab a booklet and do a self guided tour. It gets hot so I would recommend bringing some cold water with you. This is a must stop when visiting the area. Just imagine being stationed here with no a/c, simply amazing how folks were able to adapt.
Awesome campground with showers,restrooms,dumpsters and all hookups if needed. Trails leading to all the historic sites on the island and to white sand beaches and a short drive to restaurants and stores.
This is a must-see if you are in the pensacola area! The fort is in pretty good shape and takes a little time to explore everything. It's full of historical placards that give you a perspective back in time from the soldiers to the enslaved prisoners. Also, the beaches in the park are the best beaches in the area, no buildings, no high-rise hotels, no rental chairs taking up the entire beach. Don't get me wrong by noon it's lined with people, but not everywhere. I was able to get some good shots without people or things in them. If you are into history, 10 out of 10 recommend visiting. Unfortunately, if you have difficulty walking on uneven surfaces or steep steps, there will be places you'll have difficulty with. Outside the fort is sidewalk, and inside the fort is brick.
Second time at the campgrounds. Will keep coming back. Nice and quiet. The beach areas are clean. Some have restrooms some don't. Went to the Pointe had the whole beach to ourselves. The fort is interesting to visit. Getting a yearly pass to the park
We are local to the Florida/Alabama Gulf Coast! Visiting the Fort and the park is always a treat. It’s a great place to watch the Blue Angels practice as well. If you like to camp I highly recommend their campgrounds, but check vehicle height restrictions prior to booking. We treasure this beautiful sanctuary and it is a must see for anyone that can make the trip! We buy a Gulf Islands Park annual pass and use it to visit several other areas, including Johnson’s Beach.