Fort Pickens

Address:	1400 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561, USA
Phone:	+1 850-934-2600
Site:	nps.gov
Rating:	4.8
Working:	8:30AM–7PM 8:30AM–7PM 8:30AM–7PM 8:30AM–7PM 8:30AM–7PM 8:30AM–7PM 8:30AM–7PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Aaron Baca

If youre a fan of history, warfare or UrbEx, this is an incredible site to visit. The park allows access to a truly surprising amount of the fort. This is both a plus and a minus, since the main beneficiaries need to be sure-footed and constantly aware of their surroundings. There are plenty of places where one could trip and face-plant, fire ants aplenty and stairs built with uncomfortable proportions. BUT, if you are sure-footed and aware of your surroundings, the place is an exquisite mix of military architecture, technology and ingenious problem-solving just waiting to be found if you have the eye for it. Though I am no photographer, I can imagine that the stately dank and crumbling brick structures would make for some incredible photos. Getting away from the older catacombs and gun emplacements and into the Victorian-era reinforced concrete structures, youll find less dramatic character, but it is all still beautiful in a purpose-built way. If you love exploring ruins without the typical hand-holding, this is pure heaven.

Adam N

I stay at the campground here about every year. Always a great experience! Ive tent camped and in camper and its always great. It does get HOT here so keep that in mind when your packing for a summer trip. The showers and bathrooms are kept in good shape and only improvement that I would recommend would be to have hookups for the camper waste water on all the lots but thats just a small thing to me. The fort is great to walk around in, Im the type that can do that sort of the every year and not get tired of it. The guns and all the other fortifications are cool as well. The beaches here are great most of the time and you can find yourself on your own private beach with no one in sight which I love!! Just all in all a relaxful place to go and find your own peace and quiet on the beach. Sunsets are beautiful here and I love the morning walks on the beach. I have walked a couple hours around the tip of this island from the gulf to the bay and not see a single soul.

Gina Hawkins

There are so many reasons why my husband and I love this national park! It has the best beaches in Florida--pristine white sand dunes and emerald waters. We tent camped for 3 nights on the C-loop. The site was tranquil, the bathrooms and shower rooms were exceptionally clean, and we could quickly walk to the gorgeous beach from our site. The park rangers run a tight ship, and we appreciated their professionalism and knowledge. Fort Pickens is an interesting and scenic place to tour, worthy of a day trip for those guests not spending the night. The bird watching is amazing! Just be careful with your food as the birds will open bags of potato chips or bread on your picnic table when youre not looking. If this is a destination for you, do yourself a favor and take the long way in down as much of Santa Rosa Island as you can. Its slow going but the views are amazing.

Debbie L

This is a wonderful campground. The sites are small though. The surrounds is amazing. Your just a short walk to the sugar sand beach. To buy ice, you have to drive into town, which is about 10 miles. There is a Publix and Walmart right when you come off the bridge. There are stores and restaurants as well. The beach has a "dog beach" off of Ft. Pickens. There are tolls (it was $3.75) for getting on the bridge and going out to the island. There is an entrance fee for going into the National Park to see Fort Pickens or to go to the campground. (I dont remember how much it was, I have a pass.) This campground is quiet and peaceful. The bathrooms are clean and the campground is well maintained. You would have to ask about flooding and evacuation if you have bad weather coming when you stay there.

troy carman

My stay june21-28 2013 was not what i expected. Upon arrival I was not given rules of campground when I checked in. Campground looked as it has not been mowed in 2 weeks. Camping spots would not hold campers and their personal vehicles. Bath houses need work --must be why they are building a new one??????????? Ranger closed main gate in front of me at 7:25pm on 25th??????---making me and line of cars to back up and use secondary gate. Rest of week main gate closed at dusk like sign states. So called campground host seemed more interested in harrassing campers rather than being a host. Also host was breaking rules that he was trying to enforce on rest of campers. The only thing I can say is beach was great and fort pickens fort was great.

Brittani Barbo

I started coming here as a toddler and have always been fascinated by the enormous fort and its history. It had been 25 years but I this year I took my 5 yr old and she loved it as well. The place is full of history and stories of the past and tales of ghostly sightings. The staff is very friendly and helpful. You have the option to do a self guided tour with either a brochure or an app. Or there are set times for a tour guide to take you through. It is a lot of walking and summer in Florida is HOT so wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. I suggest reading up on the history before you go. Also, in the gift shop there is a book of the ghost stories related to the fort. Its been a good read.

tyler gibson

I was visiting the area and looking for a place to do some photography. I read a post on Reddit that suggested Fort Pickens. I have to say this place did not disappoint. The fort was in great shape and had some great views. I shot the sunset at the fort and then made my way to the beach after dark for some long exposure shots. There was a little bit of light pollution form the city but not too much. The beach looked like it would be a fun place to camp also. If your in the area I would check it out.

Ryan S

Beautiful Gulf beaches, sand dunes, intracoastal, Pensacola pass, Fort, picnic areas, etc. Whether you plan on swimming or just walking around, theres a lot to see here. Only criticism I have is the general store near the campground was closed in the middle of July, despite NPS website mentioning it! To leave the park from the far end, find a place to get a snack (closest is Tom Thumb gas station), and come back in to the far end of the park is about a 45-minute round trip drive.

Anna Cary

Historical military fort from the Civil War era. Its located on the tip of Santa Rosa Island. You can take a self guided tour or there is guided ones with very knowledgeable park rangers. Unfortunately, the interior is not wheel chair accessible, but the open air parade grounds are. The fort is free but there is a fee going into the Gulf Island National Seashore area. A must see for tourists and locals alike. Check thier website for date to the "Candle light" tour.

Mandy Bee

Beautiful historic place, great place to visit with children or without, we went to a special candle visual, the staff were knowledgeable and gave interesting history and information about the fort and were willing to answer any questions, was amazing to see them in replica uniforms of the 1800s. The prison and whole fort was really interesting beautiful views and scenery well worth a visit would recommend visiting and especially on late night special days