Fort Pickens, Florida

[Dennispel]

Need opionions/pros & cons of big loop vs small loop at Fort Pickens Campground in Florida. 3 kids--boys, 8, 11, 14. Thoughts? Sarah

[cindik]

We stayed in loop A on our first trip to Ft. Pickens. Loved it, the road getting to the campground is so scenic. The Gulf is right there. If you are wanting beach access, A loop is the way to go. The beach is right there just across the campground road. The sites are not as private as I like, but we were there for the beach, and it is beautiful.

[kwells1148]

I just spent the day at Fort Pickens on Saturday 17 Oct with my wife and our 3 yr old grandson. We didn't camp but drove through the loops to check out the park and rode or bikes all over using the bike trails - we only live about 40 miles away. The small loop seems to have more shade and the sites are a little more spread out but it is closer to the ocean beach. The large loop is closer to the beach on the sound and the camp store is right there. Also the large loop is closer to the fort, the museum, and the fishing piers. It is about 8/10 miles on the bike path to the fort and about a mile even to the fishing pier. Depending on the time of year and what the interests each has pros and cons. The beach surf on the sound (north)side will always be calmer but the ocean beach is pristine and beautiful. I don't think you can go wrong with either. Keith

[Andym133]

Loop A is the best for us.

[Dennispel]

Thanks! Its hard to judge the distance to the beach--wasn't sure if the larger loop would make it less likely for us to just ride the bikes to the beach. Either way, I'm sure we'll enjoy it!

[DwnSth]

Ft. Pickens is on our yearly must-do list. We like loop A for beach access but really either loop is nice. Both areas are connected by a short trail. My first experiences camping were here as a kid in our Sears tent camper. Boys will enjoy the fort and large area to explore. Unless something has changed since last April the beach is huge and very private. Each loop has access to both Gulf and bay side. Also, not sure of the status of the Blue Angels, but if they are practicing, it's fun to have a show several mornings a week.

[mleekamp]

We stayed at Ft Pickens for the first time in June this year....will DEFINATELY GO BACK. We stayed in the "big loop" and it was fine...could walk to a small part of the beach and our kids enjoyed it. The smaller loop, loop A, was full at the time we stayed. Loop A looked more private and still had beach access....we would try it if we could.

We did drive a mile or so down the road to the wider, larger portion of the beach...still "private" in that it was not full public (without paying to get tehre).

Honestly, to answer your question, for the area, I did not see a "bad" loop or spot...