We stayed at Ft. Pickens with our Grand children for the 4th of July weekend and Blue Angels weekend (July 8-9). My wife is a native of the area and since moving 20 years ago we visit every now and then. This is our first camping trip in a travel trailer.

The good:
Loop A is by far the best loop. It is smaller, closer to the beach and has more shaded campsites. The beach is, as it has always been, beautiful! This area is particularly nice as there are no crowds, and the people that are there are well behaved. Each campsite has an asphalt slab that accomodates vitually any rig with plenty of space for your stuff, it doesn't feel too crowded even though the campground was completely full. There is a campstore that has all the essentials, but beware the prices are really high. The fort is about 1 mile and has guided and self guided tours. Although we just walked around for awhile as we've been there before, it is a very interesting place and well worth 3-4 hours. There are additional batteries scattered around the fort that are well worth a look.

The Bad:
The bathrooms and showers leave a lot to be desired. They are small, there is no fan or supplies, so you need to bring hand soap and towel. The shower facility is seperated from the toilet, so you must shower in one room and then shave etc. in another.
We usually stay at state parks, which allow you to enter the park without paying the entrance fee while camping, not here. It's $8.00 per vehicle, although it is a one week pass. We left and returned on the evening prior to our leaving, and they still charged the $8.00. They make very sure that you understand the rules and seem to enforce them. There is a $280 fine for exceeding the 20mph speed limit and they are quick to remind you of it.

If you go:
Make sure that you visit the Naval Aviation Museum and Fort Barrancas.
Pegleg Pete's is a good place to eat, but there will be a wait, although never as long as they quote you, downstairs has less of a wait, but it is very loud when the band plays. Hemmingways is a very good and relatively inexpensive place to eat at the boardwalk. Although we didn't go, The Grand Marlin gets good reviews and the menu looks good. Take a trip over the bridge to McGuires Irish pub for the best steaks and burgers around. Be aware that the portions are HUGE, they have a great Sunday Brunch. Visit the boardwalk for the standard beachy shops and have a Bushwacker at Capt'n fun or walk across the street for the original at the Sandshaker (a local dive). The campground is about 7 mile from Pensacola Beach proper, but the speed limit is max 35, min. 20 it takes awhile to get there. There is a $1.00 toll to get onto the beach.

Overall, this is great place to go and some of the most beautiful beaches you'll ever see!

My husband and myself stayed here for one night in a pop-up camper. We had a wonderful stay. The campground & restrooms are very clean. If you forgot anything there is shopping close by. Peg Leg Pete's restaurant is a must. Food is excellant and the service great. But, PLEASE don't go to the Dock Restuaurant right on the water. The food is TERRIBLE!!!! The fort is worth touring. The beach is BEAUTIFUL & a short distance from the campground. We would definitely go back again if we are ever in the area.

hi we just got back from our vacation we spent a week at the fort pickens camp ground this is the best vacation we ever had the showes and rest rooms were always clean the people who work there are always friendly the beaches are the best on the gulf coast . you can still see damage from the storms, but this place is still a great place to vist oh don`t forget to do the tour at the fort u will enjoy that to we have been going to the gulf for years but this place is the best the beenis family from tn.

We have been visiting this area for about 30 years. The hurricane devastation can still be seen in the wooded areas, tree trunks without any branches. Kinda sad, but the area is still alive with wildlife, if you are patient , and have a good eye. The road along the beach is still as beautiful as ever, tho prone to flooding during bad weather, since it is at sea level. Fort Pickens is a great place to visit for kids (and adults) of all ages. The tours are quite informative.