Fort Pickens, FL

Electra glide · 11-08-2016, 05:28 PM

Who has stayed at this campground? I am looking to find a spot that is close to the Gulf, within easy walking distance for my kids. I have 40 feet of camper and slides on each side. If you stayed in a spot there what number and did you like it? What was the view like? I'm hoping to get a spot for July 4th 2017, roughly 7-9 days.

Teamfour · 11-08-2016, 08:02 PM

We love Fort Pickens. Been many times when we lived in Louisiana. A few things to know: there are very few trees and the heat is brutal for the a/c in July and August. There is nothing nearby - you have to drive about 7-8 miles to get to shops and restaurants - speed limit is 35 mph due to wildlife protection and is strictly enforced.

Having said that, it is still worth camping there. The fort is cool and Santa Rosa beach is one of the best in the world. Not kidding.

40 ft with slides on both sides is pushing it but there are sites that would work. Look on their reservation site - there used to be photos of each site. 7-9 days is pretty long to stay there since the sun will take its toll on you.

Electra glide · 11-08-2016, 09:16 PM

We love the sun and heat. Can't wait to leave Iowa winters. When we go camp long term like that with all the kids we don't go away from the campground much. We use fans and the AC as needed. We will be on the beach pretty much non stop so the heat is not a big deal. I want the kids to be able to go right to the beach whenever they want to.
I used satellite view on google Maps and looked like there were plenty of trails to both side of the peninsula.

Electra glide · 01-10-2017, 09:39 AM

Just an update. I got my trip booked and a site reserved. I didn't get the loop I wanted but it's close enough. We can pretty much walk to the beach and the bath houses are fairly close. Google satellite really help me pick as spot out. While down there we will drive over to Destin and visit a few other campgrounds for future reference.

Wandering · 01-10-2017, 11:56 PM

It's a great campground, we stayed there for spring break a few times. If your lucky the Blue Angels will be practicing. Check schedule on line but worth visiting the museum even if they are not flying.

Electra glide · 01-11-2017, 08:07 AM

We are staying there July 1st-8th so hopefully they will be flying.

How was the walk to the beach from there? Decent place for getting in the water? First time going to Florida so hopefully this all works out. My kids are ages 10-21 and all we want is sand, sun, and water.

Wandering · 01-11-2017, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electra glide

We are staying there July 1st-8th so hopefully they will be flying.

How was the walk to the beach from there? Decent place for getting in the water? First time going to Florida so hopefully this all works out. My kids are ages 10-21 and all we want is sand, sun, and water.

It's a great beach! And Not a bad walk from any loop. Allot of folks use a little wagon to carry beach supplies. We rode our bikes. There are multiple beaches in the park. Some mornings we drove the MH to the beach and stayed there all day! Not as easy with a fiver. My profile pick is Ft Pickens!

Depending which loop and where, the bay front beach may be a shorter walk.

Forester 2451s

Electra glide · 01-11-2017, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wandering

It's a great beach! And Not a bad walk from any loop. Allot of folks use a little wagon to carry beach supplies. We rode our bikes. There are multiple beaches in the park. Some mornings we drove the MH to the beach and stayed there all day! Not as easy with a fiver. My profile pick is Ft Pickens!

Depending which loop and where, the bay front beach may be a shorter walk.

Forester 2451s

Awesome! Maybe we will snag a little wagon. When we hit the beach we plan on being there a long time and we were trying figure out coolers. A wagon might be the ticket. I probably won't bring bikes since there will be 7 of us. I am hoping to pick up some beach umbrellas as well.

The bay front loop was full already from people reserving the week before. I stayed up new years Eve to make sure I booked the spot I wanted but apparently the website doesn't really work till like 9am cmt. So I booked my second choice site in loop C.

sugar · 02-03-2017, 08:53 PM

Just got home from Fort Pickens, stayed in C6.
C has 2 bath houses to choose from both close and convenient.
Walk to gulf beach is easy, about 200 yards through the parking entry (conveniently pass 2 dumpsters on the way) then cross the road (4th of July week will probably be the highest traffic of the year) then follow boardwalk to the beach about 200 yards across the dunes.
The beach is excellent and will be less busy than beaches cars can access.

CampingGator · 02-03-2017, 09:15 PM

I'm not sure what the heat and humidity are like in Iowa, but don't under estimate it here in Florida. Sun screen, long sleeved swim shirts, hats, and beach umbrellas or other shade is essential. The water and sand reflect the sun and you will burn even in the shade. Water for staying hydrated is also important. Your A/C may not cool like you expect, depending on how many units you have. I'm not saying you won't have fun, but the sun and sand will wear you out! Have fun and keep everyone safe.

Electra glide · 02-04-2017, 10:48 AM

Yeah we know enough and have been to beaches enough to take care. We will be prepared. All good info though as we prepare for this trip. All of us are excited for this summer trip. We are hoping to find a few shade umbrellas for the beach or borrow a pop up shade tent.

We will be in Site C039

Electra glide · 06-22-2017, 10:41 AM

Saturday we start loading up and arranging the camper for this trip. I have already fixed a few issue with my hauler.
Happi Jac bed was weld reinforced because the cushions were pushing thru. They use cheap vinyl straps as the back support in them.
TV in garage was pulling off the wall because they didn't hit all studs or plate when they mounted it. I made a nice plate that went from glass sliding wall to side door and made sure I hit all studs to support the tv.
The storage drawer under the top bunk the bottom keeps falling out. My fix didn't entirely work so I have to figure something out. I used more staples but that wasn't enough.
We are bring some plastic shelf units with us so the kids and try and be organized in the garage. It probably won't work but have to at least make an attempt.
We bought a shade sport umbrella for the beach.
A new cooler with larger wheels since our last one fell apart.
A collapsible wagon to help haul stuff to beach every day.
We took out all the sleeping bags and have sheets since we know it will be hot.
I got a nice cot since all the kids (5) may not want to share the bunk beds. We do not allow anyone to sleep on the couch in living room.
Filled up propane in case we need to ease up on electric usage. Don't want to trip any breakers trying to run air but we really should be okay.

I checked the tires and found one ha two small bulges in it. I am going to remove the spare and have it installed on that wheel and I am trying to locate a SAILUN here in town to put back as a spare. I plan to replace all the tires next year and do not want oput just any old spare on and throw money away. I have read a lot of positive reports about SAILUN.

Mountndream · 06-22-2017, 10:53 AM

would an easy up canopy work as well as a beach umbrella? With your full crew of 7 may give you some of the room you need

Electra glide · 06-22-2017, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountndream

would an easy up canopy work as well as a beach umbrella? With your full crew of 7 may give you some of the room you need

We wanted something that was light and easy to carry. We saw a lot of them at the soccer games up here and they seemed to do what we wanted. There will have to be kids taking turns but they can figure it out. Ages 10-21 they might learn quick...

Mountndream · 06-22-2017, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electra glide

We wanted something that was light and easy to carry. We saw a lot of them at the soccer games up here and they seemed to do what we wanted. There will have to be kids taking turns but they can figure it out. Ages 10-21 they might learn quick...

I think you and Lisa are looking at this wrong, its not a bunch of kids you have to take things for, you have pack mules of various load capacity.

enjoy your trip and see you in October

Electra glide · 06-22-2017, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountndream

I think you and Lisa are looking at this wrong, its not a bunch of kids you have to take things for, you have pack mules of various load capacity.

enjoy your trip and see you in October

Hey I like that thinking!

l001952119 · 06-22-2017, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Electra glide

Saturday we start loading up and arranging the camper for this trip. I have already fixed a few issue with my hauler.
Happi Jac bed was weld reinforced because the cushions were pushing thru. They use cheap vinyl straps as the back support in them.
TV in garage was pulling off the wall because they didn't hit all studs or plate when they mounted it. I made a nice plate that went from glass sliding wall to side door and made sure I hit all studs to support the tv.
The storage drawer under the top bunk the bottom keeps falling out. My fix didn't entirely work so I have to figure something out. I used more staples but that wasn't enough.
We are bring some plastic shelf units with us so the kids and try and be organized in the garage. It probably won't work but have to at least make an attempt.
We bought a shade sport umbrella for the beach.
A new cooler with larger wheels since our last one fell apart.
A collapsible wagon to help haul stuff to beach every day.
We took out all the sleeping bags and have sheets since we know it will be hot.
I got a nice cot since all the kids (5) may not want to share the bunk beds. We do not allow anyone to sleep on the couch in living room.
Filled up propane in case we need to ease up on electric usage. Don't want to trip any breakers trying to run air but we really should be okay.

I checked the tires and found one ha two small bulges in it. I am going to remove the spare and have it installed on that wheel and I am trying to locate a SAILUN here in town to put back as a spare. I plan to replace all the tires next year and do not want oput just any old spare on and throw money away. I have read a lot of positive reports about SAILUN.

I "presume" you have recently viewed the weather report? A hurricane is in progress and has hit Fort Pickens and surrounding areas! Telephone the park, after the hurricane leaves and determine if they will be open/closed.

Electra glide · 06-22-2017, 04:59 PM

Don't watch tv much and missed this storm. I am signed up to that areas Twitter and will see what happens.

Hurricane Cindy might be a problem. The area we are going to is closed until at least June 25th. We are heading down June 30th...Guess we will just keep an eye out.

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