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Fort Pickens Campground

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RV camping has been a popular way for people to travel and explore for many years. Recently, this style of traveling has become even more popular as people increasingly wish to get out an explore. Florida is a popular destination for thousands of people every year. There are literally hundreds of campgrounds located throughout the state.

Camping at Fort Pickens Campground

One popular campground in Florida is the Fort Pickens Campground which sits only about 1/2 mile away from the historic Fort. This campground has over 200 developed campsites and many of the sites include hookups for water and electricity. Some of the campsites are designed for tent camping only. The other campsites are developed to accommodate either tent camping or RV camping. The campground includes five separate loops. Each of these loops contains restroom facilities, showers, laundry, grills or fire pits, beach access, hiking trail access, and picnic tables. One loop is designated specifically for tent camping only. There is also a loop that is designated for small recreational vehicles, such as pickup truck campers and Class B vehicles, and tent camping. There is also a designated group camp site that can accommodate up to forty people and is for tent camping only. Reservations are required for all campsites.

Travelers to the Fort Pickens Campground can find many exciting things to see and do while vacationing. The campground offers access to the beach and to the Blackbird Marsh trail. There are also several other beaches in the local area to explore. These beaches include the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pensacola Beach, Langdon Beach, and Gulf Islands. The local Wildlife Sanctuary and Naval Live Oaks Reservation also provide opportunities to explore the local natural area.

History of Fort Pickens

The Pensacola Bay was considered one of the most important ports for European powers in the early 1800’s due to its excellent anchorage and protection for ships. Fort Pickens, one of the largest brick forts in the US, was built to defend the Pensacola Bay and Navy Yard and Depot from foreign attacks. It was completed in 1834 and was one of the few forts in the South that remained in Union hands throughout the Civil War. It remained in use until 1947.

Fort Pickens located within Gulf Islands National Seashore on Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola, Florida. Fort Pickens has been protecting Pensacola Bay since the 1800’s.

Fun Stops Nearby

There are also many other exciting things to do near the Fort Pickens Campground and surrounding area. Pensacola is home to several museums such as the Museum of Industry and Pensacola Museum of Art. The Veterans Memorial Park, Fort Pickens, Barrancas National Cemetery, and Fort George are great places to explore and learn about the history and heroes of our nation. The area is also home to many historical buildings that portray the beautiful architecture of the area. Some of the most popular buildings to enjoy include St. Joseph’s Church, Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, Marzoni House, Clara Barkley Dorr House, and Lavalle House.

The area is also well known for its many restaurants and shops to patronize. Due to the location and proximity of the Gulf, seafood restaurants are in abundance. Peg Leg Pete’s, Red Fish Blue Fish, Joe Patti’s Seafood, and Flounder’s Chowder House are among the many seafood dining establishments. For individuals who do not enjoy seafood, The Water Pig BBQ and McGuire’s Irish Pub and Brewery are great alternatives. There are also burger joints, pizza places, and many other dining establishments to choose from.

RV camping is popular year round on the Florida coastline. The summer months, however, are the busiest. Reservations for camping sites should be made well in advance. This will help ensure a spot at your desired campground. It will also help to ensure that you get the best spot available for your party’s needs. For more information, please the Fort Pickens Campground webpage with the National Park Service or call 850.934.2622. To reserve a site, call 877.444.6777 or visit the Fort Pickens Campground reservation page on recreation.gov.

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