Fort Pickens (Gulf Islands National Seashore)
add photos$8/car for a seven-day permit into the park, good also for Perdido Key National Seashore and Santa Rosa Day Use Area.
3 Reviews for Fort Pickens (Gulf Islands National Seashore)
1
00 families found this helpful
"mscamper"
It is a shame that there is a lovely place that has gone so far down. We were there in May 2012 and I was shocked at the state of the buildings. I know our country is in trouble with money for things but come on. In the women's shower house in campground A, the showers where so nasty and the faucet would come off in your hand. All 3 showers had duct tape around the faucets as did the toilets. The screens were torn on the windows and the paint was coming off the buildings. The floors where always nasty. We were told that next year there would be NEW buildings. So I guess that means NO maintenance till then? I did report that the shower head was missing and the faucet would come off in your hand and it fell on deaf ears. The men's side had a sidewalk. The women's side you walk through SAND to get to it. Nasty place to go into and out of. All the men said the men's side was not like that. Go figure where the money is being spent. Only one door had a lock on it. They have 3 showers for maybe 100 campers in the A camping area. Again, what a shame that such a lovely place with no funds and a lack of attitude to keep it nice. No enough staff???
Send a Message 
Send a Compliment
It's helpful
0 families found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
Part of the Perdido Key Gulf Islands Seashore system, these extensive fort ruins, circa 1830, add to the attraction of the pristine beachfront.
The park is a definite must-see because of the variety of activities offered within its vast acreage. The drive through the park is sheer entrancement with its other worldly terrain of undulating sand dunes and salt-dwarfed maritime vegetation. Adjuncts to the fort pop up around this corner and that and at beach recreational areas, where you can camp, hike, fish, or bike. The main fort complex occupies the island’s west end with a natural history museum, terrific book and gift shop, fishing pier, and administration buildings.
You can see the fort, which operated during the Civil War (it was held by Yankee troops while Fort Barrancas, across the bay, was occupied by Confederates) and once imprisoned Apache chief Geronimo and his tribe, by a self-guided or guided tour (offered summers at 2:00 p.m. seven days a week, except Christmas Day). As of press time, the park is closed for repair and is open to foot traffic only. Call for information.
'10, '11, '12
1 family found this helpful
"Open for business!"
**This area is open for business! Camping, the fort, etc are open.
Although Ft. Pickens is a wonderful place to take the family, there are many parts of the state park that are still closed due to Hurricane Ivan in 2004. They are currently working on the roads that lead in and out of the park, but at this time the only way in and out of the park is on foot or by water taxi. It can be a bit of a hike. Camping has reopened, is inexpensive and sites are available on a first come, first serve basis. We stayed at the Ft. Pickens campsite for the 2004 Blue Angels beach show. It was nice to just walk out to the water to watch the air show and then have a “home” to go walk back to afterwards!
What's Nearby? Hotels » Activities »
Find Hotels near Fort Pickens (Gulf Islands National Seashore) »
Find Activities near Fort Pickens (Gulf Islands National Seashore) »
Find Restaurants near Fort Pickens (Gulf Islands National Seashore) »
Get the inside scoop from parents who have been there!
