Fort Pickens Campground Review

We've camped at Fort Pickens during the end of February and the beginning of March for the last three years. The temperature has been in the high 60s and low 70s most days we stayed that time of year. We prefer sitting at the beach, biking, and hiking in those temperatures.

Fort Pickens National Park is a true gem of the Gulf Coast. With miles of white sandy beaches and plenty of natural beauty, it's no surprise that many people come to the park to enjoy its many amenities. I recently had the pleasure of spending two weeks at Fort Pickens again this year, which was a memorable experience.

We stayed in section E of the Fort Pickens Campgrounds. The campground is close to the beach, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

The campsites are well-maintained and offer plenty of space for tents or RVs. It is an excellent base for exploring the park and the surrounding areas.

While at Fort Pickens, we hiked the many trails that wind through the park. The trails are well-marked and provide an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with the park's natural beauty.

We rode our electric bikes on the Florida National Scenic Trail, which starts at Fort Pickens and runs to the southern terminus 1,300 miles away at Big Cypress NationalnPreserve. It was a great way to see the park and get some exercise at the same time.

Of course, we toured the fort at Fort Pickens. The fort is well-preserved and provides an exciting glimpse into the area's history. We enjoyed walking through the different rooms and seeing the many canons used to defend the fort during the Civil War.

The fort was built in 1834 and played an essential role in the American Civil War. It was in use during both World Wars. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the fort and explore its various rooms, passageways, and gun emplacements. You can download the NSP app on your phone and play audio about the history at specific locations inside Fort Pickens.

We also visited the Discovery Center at Fort Pickens, which houses a collection of artifacts, including Civil War-era uniforms, weapons, and tools. It also exhibits the fort's history and the area's natural environment. You can uncover its vast miles of sandy quartz beaches that house diverse habitats for plants and animals in beach, dune, and forest areas. Immerse yourself in the rich history of coastal defense in the United States by visiting the historic forts and buildings that narrate their stories.

We enjoyed walking and sitting by all the beaches at Fort Pickens. We went to Langdon Beach, located on the Gulf of Mexico side of the park. This beach is known for its stunning white sand and crystal-clear water. It's a great place to swim, sunbathe, relax, and enjoy the views. Plenty of activities are available on this beach, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. We visited Jetty beach and the other beaches on the Pensacola Bay side of the park. These beaches offer a more secluded and quiet experience and are a great place to watch the sunset. Jetty Beach is also home to the park's fishing pier, which offers an excellent spot for fishing or enjoying the views.

Our time at Fort Pickens National Park was truly memorable. The campground was a great place to stay, and we enjoyed exploring the park's many trails and riding our bikes on the Florida Trail. Touring the fort and visiting Point Beach and the Jetty were also highlights of our trip. If you're looking for a great vacation or snowbird spot on the Gulf Coast, Fort Pickens National Park should be on your list!