RE: Fort Pickens

[Nash]

 
Any information about this campground?  We will be camping with a 16 year old boy, 10 year old girl and two dogs.

[slowpez]

 Nash
Where is Fort Pickens?

[kminton]

 Nash
Doug/Giffster posted in the campground reviews awhile back about his trip there.  I think this is the link (if not look back 180 days and it should be there).
 
 
 http://www.popuptimes.com/members/tm.asp?m=2677&p=1&tmode=1
 
 Kerri

[Giffster]

 Nash
As Kerri posted, that is my " review"  of Ft Pickens.  I ve been there 4 times now.  If you have any direct questions about the cg or the area, ask away.  I live 1 hour away from the place and know alot about this area.  
 
 Cheers

[Shutterbug]

 Nash
We stayed there once and loved it.  The site was large and near a nice hiking trail.  We were also within walking distance to the beach.  The beach was so nice becuase there were no buildings in site, just white sand, fresh air and sea breeze.  We also toured the fort and found it to be very interesting.  Highly recommend a visit.

[scliq]

We are going here for 4 nights ending Easter Day. We can hardly wait!!
Is there any shade in the campground ? We plan to do one day trip to New Orleans from here. Can you tell me how far that is ?? It looked about 3 hours or so.

Thanks !

Take Care,
Lisa

[Sltrawick]

Fort Pickens is on Pensacola Beach.  Just take the bridge over that says "Pensacola Beach" (it's a toll bridge) and then turn to the right.  You'll go down for a couple of miles and it's at the end of the island.

 
There isn't much shade as the lots are pretty well open. Since you are at the end of the island, there isn't really alot for teenagers to do but bike ride and go to the beach.  
 
You can go into Pensacola and visit the Naval museum or you can stay at the campground and take a tour of the fort.  They used to have candelight tours of the fort at night, I don't know whether or not they still do.

[Unregistered]

Fort Pickens is inside Gulf Islands National Sea Shore on Santa Rosa Island.  From Pensacola, take Pensacola Bay Bridge to Gulf Breeze. Continue onto Pensacola Beach Rd to Pensacola Beach.  Once you are over the toll bridge, take the first right onto Fort Pickens Rd.  Follow this road for several miles and you will run into Gulf Island National Seashore.

We love Fort Pickens!  We have visited in the spring, summer and even in December and each time it is wonderful...although holidays are usually crowded.  We prefer weekdays to weekends.  The park is quieter and less crowded.  The beaches are beautiful...no hotels, houses or the typical "tourist" attractions. You have Pensacola Bay on one side of the park and the Gulf of Mexico on the other side of the park.  Both of these are within walking distance.  There are parking areas on the gulf side for cars and bikes. There are also hiking trails, a museam and a fort to explore.  For shopping and entertainment, you can drive back into Pensacola Beach.  They have a nice board walk with dining and shopping.  Be sure to check out Flounders!  Also,try Peg Leg Pete's on Fort Pickens Road.  Both of these restaurants are very good!

The campground at Fort Pickens is nice.  They designate specific sites for pop up campers.  These sites are usually the ones with the most shade.  The trees on the island are low to the ground.  Larger RV's can't park beneath them.  The sites with the most tree cover are usually assigned to tents.

The closest grocery store to Fort Pickens, that we have found, is in Gulf Breeze.  They have a Winn Dixie and a Super Walmart.  We find it better to stop on the way out to the island for groceries.  That way you don't have to drive back into town right away...you can enjoy that beautiful beach!!!!  There is a store at the camp ground.  They have ice, milk, etc., but I don't suggest relying on them for your groceries.  There is also a small laudrey at the store...I emphasize small!

We have two boys, 12 & 13, and they love Fort Pickens.  There are alot of kids.  Most bring their bikes and the older kids cruise around the park getting to know each other.  One note, the park rangers request lights for the bikes after dark.

For a relaxing vacation, unspoiled beaches, and family fun...Fort Pickens is our number one pick!  Here is a link to Fort Pickens web site.  They have a screen saver you can download with photos of the park.  //www.pbrla.com/ftpickens_main.html