Fort Pickens National Park Review

Camping and Visiting Fort Pickens & Gulf Islands National Seashore Park – Pensacola Beach, Florida

Top 10 things to do at Fort Pickens Gulf Islands Park & Campground?

  • Go beach combing, swimming, and sunbathing on sparsely populated white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Tour the historic Fort Pickens and Island Gun Batteries and learn about the military history of the Fort and of Santa Rosa Island.
  • Hike the several hiking and nature trails in the park.
  • Bird-Watching. Over 280 species of birds have been identified on the gulf barrier islands.
  • Visit the Gulf Islands Discovery Center to explore exhibits on the natural environment, wildlife, and history of the Fort Pickens Area.
  • Bike the roads in the park and bike the 6 mile road between the park and the fun things to do in Pensacola Beach.
  • Camping in a tent or RV in one of the full-service campsites or in a group the more rustic backcountry sites. (See our Fort Pickens Campground Review here)
  • Like Fishing? Fort Pickens does have a fishing pier that extends out into Pensacola Bay.
  • If staying in the campground, enjoy numerous attractions in the nearby vacation community of Pensacola Beach and the larger city of Pensacola across the bay from the park. At the end of this article are several links to interesting things to see and do in the area.
  • Watch the famed Blue Angels Flight team from the Fort Pickens Pier


Slide Show Top Fort Pickens Attractions

  • Historic Fort Pickens
    The 1834 historical fort is the main visitor attraction for non-campers. The Fort along with the island's numerous gun batteries has an interesting military history from before the civil war through World War II.
  • Fort Pickens Campground
    The popular campground at Fort Pickens will accommodate larger RVs as well as smaller units and tents
  • Fort Pickens Gulf Beach
    The uncrowded pristine beaches at Fort Pickens are among Floridas top rated.
  • Fort Pickens Hiking Trails
    Hiking/biking Trail from the Fort to the Campground
  • Biking at Fort Pickens
    Bikes are useful for riding from the campground to one of the beaches within the park as well as on the hiking/biking trails in the park. Also useful to ride the 6 miles into the town of Pensacola Beach (speed limit on the park road is 25 mph and is not heavily traveled)

Pensacola Beach Santa Rosa Island
If you like the excitement of ocean resort towns, Pensacola Beach is less than
15 minutes from the Fort Pickens campground

Driving Directions to Fort Pickens Historical Site from Pensacola, Florida

To get to Fort Pickens from Pensacola on the mainland, you have to take the bridge across the bay to Gulf Breeze and then take another bridge to Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island.

Touring Historic Fort Pickens

Historic Fort Pickens
The 1834 historical fort is the main visitor attraction for non-campers.
The Fort along with the island’s numerous gun batteries
has an interesting military history from before the civil war through World War II.

History buffs, particularly those interested in US military history from the War of 1812 to World War II, will also enjoy the experience of touring the old Fort Pickens and several gun batteries that exist throughout the park. Fort Pickens also has an interesting museum, featuring interactive exhibits on the natural and historic features of the Gulf Islands National Lakeshore.

The restored 1834 Fort and the assortment of many shoreline battery units added to the complex in World War II are one of the major attractions of the park. Go here to learn about the fascinating military history of this fort and its companion Fort Barrancas which is situated across the bay.


Fort Pickens Campground

Located on the remote western end of the island, Fort Pickens Recreation Area & Campground is the largest unit of the Gulf Island National Seashore. It is a great spot for people who enjoy sun and surf, relaxing by the ocean or walking the beach in an uncrowded, natural setting. The Fort Pickens campground is set about a half mile east of the old fort, nestled between the remains of several of the coastal artillery gun batteries that were constructed during World War II. It offers over 200 sites, with about 170 with utilities for RVs.

See our Review & more information on Camping at Fort Pickens here

fort pickens map
Fort Pickens map (from Google Maps)

Alternative Campground. Times when we’ve not been able to get into the park due no sites available, we often have been able to find a spot at Big Lagoon State Park at the western end of Pensacola.

Fort Pickens Park Hiking Trails

There are hiking trails from the campground to the Fort Pickens restoration and museum, from the campground to the sand beaches facing the gulf, to the beaches on Pensacola Bay, between the two major camping areas, to some of the World War II Gun Battery encampments, and to picnic pavilions in the park. And there are several miles of sand beach to hike!

fort pickens hiking trails
hiking from the campground to the old Fort

Fort Pickens Discovery Center

The Fort Pickens museum offers exhibits on the Gulf Islands eco system and the natural environment, wildlife, and history of the Fort Pickens Area.

fort pickens discovery center
Gulf Islands Seashore Museum on the grounds of the Fort Pickens encampment


Biking around Fort Pickens

Fort Pickens is a great spot for biking if you are camping at one of the Fort Pickens Campgrounds. The sand hiking trails are generally firm enough to bike on and the extensive network of roads within the park have low speed limits and are lightly traveled. Some of the beach recreation areas are far enough away from the campground that you’d want to either drive or bike to them.

When we stay at the campground, we usually make at least one bike trip into Pensacola Beach to browse around town or get a bite to eat at one of the top Pensacola Beach seafood restaurants

Biking at Fort Pickens
Bikes are useful for riding from the campground to one of the beaches within the park as well as on the hiking/biking trails in the park. Also useful to ride the 6 miles into the town of Pensacola Beach (speed limit on the park road is 25 mph and is not heavily traveled)

Fort Pickens & Gulf Island National Seashore Links:

Other Top Attractions in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach

Cedar Keys Florida – Top Things to See and Do

cedar key florida gulf beach town

The fun island community of Cedar Key (see our first article here) is to date our favorite Florida Gulf Coast Beach town. It is what a friend termed what “Key Largo” used to be. An artsy, fun place that has some neat restaurants and attractions . . . but remains very accessible. You can find … Read more

Duluth Bentleyville Christmas Lights

Bentleyville Christmas Lights

How to See Bentleyville Tour of Lights Opening before Thanksgiving, the Bentleyville Tour of Lights is a huge Christmas Lights Holiday Village constructed in Duluth’s Bayfront Park out of wire and about 5 million lights. It is America’s Largest Free Walk-Through Holiday Lights Display. A fun visit for kids, young and old (including seniors ) … Read more

Chiefland Florida Visitor Attractions

manatee springs state park

The Chiefland Chamber of Commerce (https://www.chieflandchamber.com/) calls Chiefland the “Gem of the Suwannee Valley.” It is a city of about 2000 residents, with a few thousand more in the Greater Chiefland area. As stated in the Chamber of Commerce website, people in and around Chiefland enjoy the best of two different worlds. It offers the … Read more

Cedar Key, Florida Fun Gulf Beach Town

Cedar Key Beach

Looking for an Affordable Vacation Beach Town?

Whether RVing or Vacationing, are you looking to escape to get away from the madness of South Florida? Consider Scenic Cedar Key. It is a slow-pace Gulf Beach Town Gem along the Hidden Coast, with lots of fun and interesting things to do and places to see. Read On.


> > > Discounts on Lodging in or near Cedar Key


Cedar Key Voted Top Ten Small Town Culture & Affordable Gulf Vacation Beach Town

Located on what is known as Florida’s Hidden Gulf Coast, the island city of Cedar Key has managed to retain its small town feel while providing a very hospitable vacation experience for visitors. USA Today ranks it in the best Top Ten Small Town culture scenes, # 6 in the nation and #1 in Florida. And UpGradedPoints rates Cedar Keys as the USA least expensive Vacation Beach Town.

Cedar Key has lots of neat shops and galleries, some great restaurants serving up some great seafood, top notch kayaking and paddle-boarding, island tours boat trips, charter fishing, sunning and swimming at the spacious Cedar Key Beach & city park, some interesting hiking trails, and just plain fun hanging out in a friendly island community.

Cedar Key Florida Waterfront Restaurants
The restaurants and shops along Dock Street hangout over the water.

RVers Note: There are several RV campgrounds in and near Cedar Key and several choices in nearby Chiefland, Florida. We profile these camping options lower down this page, with descriptions and links.


Top Things to Do and See in Cedar Key, Florida

Cedar Key Florida Welcome Center
Stop at the Welcome Center for info on neat things to see and do.

See our list of Top 10 Things to Do, Places to see in Cedar Key, Florida

Kayaks, Swimming, Sunbathing, Picnicing at the City Beach and Park

cedar key public beach
Picnic, Swim or just relax and enjoy the breezes and sunshine at the city Beach and Park.

There is a decent city swimming and sunbathing beach adjacent to the city park that has picnic tables, a playground area, a pavilion, and a bath house. Nearby, within walking distance of the beach are several good restaurants and raw bars offering fresh seafood, some of which is locally caught.

Cedar Key Florida Beach & Kayaking
Kayaks are popular because the many bays and channels among the islands provide protection from big waves.

Cedar Key Dining and Entertaining

cedar key dockside restaurants
Many of the top restaurants and bars are located along dock street.

Most of the bars, restaurants, and boutiques are located along Dock Street which runs down the center of a narrow hook-shaped peninsula that juts out into the Gulf and Suwanee Sound. The buildings on the Gulf side of the street are built on stilts and actually sit out in the water.

See our reviews of Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in Cedar Key

Walking Around Downtown Cedar Key

Cedar Key Florida Artists Gallery
Cedar Key has its share of artists and artisans, including some with a sense of humor.

Cedar Key Emporium
Humorous artistic touches all around town
Cedar Key Cottages
One of several “unique” cottages in Cedar Key
Cedar Key Florida Gift Shops Boutiques
Wouldn’t be a beach community without some gift shops and boutiques.

Away from downtown, there are some interesting walks along the Cemetery Point Trail and the Trestle Nature Trail (see them here)

While the town of Cedar Key is situated on about 6 islands, the Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge that surrounds the town of Cedar Key has thirteen named islands, plus perhaps hundred more islands too small to have a name encircle the town. The many islands of the Cedar Keys Wildlife Refuge provide great shelter for kayaking and canoeing and also a chance to see dolphins, birds, and other wildlife or do some fishing.

Cedar Key Fishing Pier
Cedar Key’s Fishing Pier, Swimming Beach of Atsena Otie Key in the background

The Island Tours Boat Rides offers an interesting narrated tour of a few of the islands in the Keys. Seeing some dolphins is just about a guarantee as they seem to be attracted to the boat, as if they were hired performers!

Island Tour Boat Ride
Watching the Dolphins perform on the Island Tour Boat.

See our list of Top 10 Things to Do, Places to see in Cedar Key, Florida

Lodging in Cedar Keys

The town has a very hospitable beach resort community that is more laid-back and has far less commercial glitz than you’d find in Destin or Panama City Beach. There’s no high-rise resort buildings or huge apartment complexes. There are a few medium-size ocean-side condos and hotels, but a good deal of the lodging for visitors is provided in quaint cottages and mom & pop style motels.

Camping, Campgrounds, RV Parks Cedar Key, Florida

There are three private RV parks/campgrounds located within Cedar Key or within 5 miles of the center of town. As you might expect, you pay a premium to be located in or close to town. We drove through two of these three parks and found the sites too cramped together for our tastes.

Our favorite Cedar Keys RV Campground is a few miles out of town at the North end of the Keys Wildlife Refuge, Shell Mound County Park. The park offers both RV and Tent Camping and the nearby nature trails provide some interesting hiking and bird-watching.

**Shell Mound County Park Campground (see our review and article)

The nearby Cedar Keys Nature area offers a boardwalk, a fishing pier and a canoe/kayak landing. We camped at the County RV park and found the camp hosts very friendly and helpful. The RV sites offer water and electricity; the bath houses have running water and showers; and the campsite fees were quite reasonable. The campground is first come, first served – no reservations.

Can’t Find Campground Vacancies in or near Cedar Keys?

If you are willing to drive about 30 miles, there are several good RV camping options in Chiefland (see our reviews). One that we like is Manatee Springs State Park. The state park offers very nice RV sites, good spacing, nice shading, 8 miles of hiking trails, kayaking, biking, and swimming/snorkeling in the spring pool. And the rates are quite a bit less than the private parks nearer to town.

Another decent RV campground for visiting Cedar Keys area is Strawberry Fields RV Campground

Beside being able to get a reasonable campsite somewhat near Cedar Key, another reason we like to RV camp in Chiefland is the Chiefland Golf Course, only about a mile from Manatee Springs. We found it a nicely, maintained 18 hole golf course, with a friendly staff, and modestly priced green fees. It is also a very walk-able course.

More Places to Visit and Things to around Cedar Keys:

Have you been to Cedar Key Florida? If so tell us how you liked it in the comments below.

Your Scenic Travel Guide: Ross Reinhold

Pensacola Beach Florida

Pensacola Beach by Red Fish Blue Fish Restaurant

Visitor Attractions Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island Pensacola Beach is a beach community located near the western end of  Santa Rosa Island, a thirty mile long, narrow barrier island strip of dunes and grass lands that protects Pensacola Florida from the hurricanes and storms that roll across the Gulf of Mexico. To the east … Read more

Dauphin Island Golf Course | Dauphin Island, Alabama

Dauphin Island Golf Course

Is the Dauphin Island Golf Course Open? Also see our article on things to see and do on Dauphin Island 2024 Isle Dauphine Golf Course Update The Dauphin Island golf course was originally part of the Isle Dauphine Club. Constructed in 1957 as an effort by local boosters to make the island a “Modern Vacation … Read more

Best USA-Canadian Compact Motorhomes

Best Class C Motorhome Reviews – USA & Canadian Models

winnebago rialta
Winnebago Rialta Class C Motorhome

See our top RV Show 2025 Schedule

We have just posted a 2023 Update to our Best Compact Motorhomes – so check it out for the latest recommendations.

However if you are in market for a pre-owned compact motorhome, the following reviews can be helpful. PS. Two of the units we previously liked are no longer being produced.

In an earlier post (top compact European motorhomes – see article) I discussed some criteria my wife and I have should we elect to replace our aging Winnebago Rialta motorhome. Class C Motorhomes made in the USA and Canada lack many of the features we now enjoy. On the other hand several European motor home manufacturers offer a number of compact full-featured motorhomes (see our article) that we would consider as viable replacements.

In this article I review the Best USA/Canadian motorhomes that come the closest to having the features that made the Rialta so desirable to many RV buyers who want a compact but full-featured motor home.

These Rialta features are:

  • Low profile, aerodynamic and attractive body style
  • Short length (21 feet) enables parking in a conventional automobile parking space
  • Driving and maneuvering it is as easy as a pickup truck
  • Doubles as a deluxe passenger van with seating for up to 5 passengers
  • Large coach windows, with natural light lending an open feeling to the interior
  • Large rear-facing picture window with view from the driver’s seat
  • Good gas mileage: 17 – 19 highway
  • Has the same coach accessories/conveniences of much bigger units.

Here’s our reviews of best small class C motorhomes under 25 feet.

Editor Note: Since the original publication of this article, some models have been discontinued. However for those looking for a Good Used Compact Motorhomes, these are some good choices.

–List Prices in the article are from a few years ago – –

Winnebago Trend


Winnebago Trend


At 24′ 4″ long the Trend is close to being too long for ease of parking and fitting into compact campsites. The 23L floorplan is the most viable for us. It has a defined bedroom with a 49″ wide bed that can remain made-up and a dinette seating that will handle 3 people (maybe a 4th in a pinch). It has seat belts for five people. So two positive gains over the Rialta: the daily bed making chores will be reduced and the Dodge Promaster Chassis and engine which will be easier to find good service than we now experience. Negatives are: 1) we lose some gas mileage 2) we lose our beautiful expansive rear picture window 3) less natural interior light, 4) the truncated corner bed is slightly smaller than a conventional double bed, 5) somewhat boxy appearance, and 6) the list price is above $100,000 (but you should be able to find one for under $85,000).

PS The Trend was later replaced by the Winnebago Fuse, which uses a Ford Transit chassis.



Looking for a Roomy but compact Travel Trailer?
See our article on the Airstream Bambi and other top rated compact travel trailers


Thor Compass

Thor Compass Motorhome

Pictured at the top of this page, at 23′ 6″ long the Thor Compass fits within our specs for maximum length. The 23TK model has a comfortable 4 person dinette and a dedicated bedroom with a 49″ wide corner bed setup similar to the Winnebago Trend. (The 23TB model gives you a flip-up queen size bed but the dining area becomes only a two person pedestal table (which I find too small) in front of a couch.) It has a large European style “garage” external storage compartment which I like. The chassis and engine are Ford Transit which should give even better service options than the Dodge Promaster. The Ford is also a diesel which should offer a bit more miles per gallon than the Dodge gas engine. Negative: List price is above 100,000 but you may be able to find one for around $75,000.

For 2020-22 The Compass has been upgraded (see article) with many nice features.

GulfStream BT Cruiser

GulfStream BT Cruiser


At 24′ 5″ long the model 5245 pushes our limit on vehicle length. Likewise at 10′ 6″ high it is on upper end. But it has a separate queen bed and a four person dinette, and overall an attractive floor plan and amenities. Its Ford E350 Engine and Chassis will be easy to service. It doesn’t have the more aerodynamic and newer Ford Trend chassis and I’d expect less MPG than the Trend chassis but the E350 is well established and easy to service. It’s retail price is under $100,000 and I’ve seen advertised prices under $80,000. A decent value.

Leisure Travel Wonder

Leisure Travel Wonder

The Leisure Travel Wonder has a low profile, sleek appearance. It is just under 10 feet high but is 24′ 9″ long, barely under our 25 feet maximum. It is very spacious with lots of storage inside and out. The kitchen is well laid out with good counter space and the bath has a separate roomy shower. Roomy exterior storage space will easily hold our two golf bags. The murphy bed model is a unique feature. It allows you to keep a made up bed, yet not have the bed taking up all that useable floor space during the day. A skylight and larger windows give it an airy feeling inside. Besides it being a little on the long side, the only downside feature is the dining area is limited to two persons. This also limits it seating for day travel to 4 persons. It’s built on a Ford Transit Chassis with a 3.2 liter Turbo Diesel. List price is above $100,000 ($108 to 115K) but you may be able to find a deal for under $100,000.

Phoenix Cruiser

Phoenix Cruiser


The Phoenix 2100 is the most compact full-featured Canadian or American-made Class C we’ve found. In terms of providing useable space and conveniences in a modest-size footprint it is the most space efficient USA motorhome we’ve come across. It’s a compact 21′ 7″ long and under 10′ in height including the AC unit. It has a four person dinette and a full dry bath with a separate shower. Adequate size kitchen with a counter top extension. The slide-out contains a full-size walk around bed that in the daytime folds up into a sofa.

The Phoenix provides seat belts and seating for 6 people so it works as Van alternative for comfortable day trips. In comparison to the Rialta, we’d lose our nice big rear picture window and quite a bit in MPG. I’m also unsure about exterior storage; a must-have for us is the ability to carry two golf bags. The Chassis is the Ford E350 with the 6.8 Liter V-10 gas engine (gas mpg?). Comes factory direct with a nice selection of premium convenience options for under $100,000.

Phoenix Cruiser 2100
The 2100 offers a lot of features in a small space

Pleasure-Way Plateau . . . really Sharp, but expensive, compact Class C RV

PleasureWay Plateau

After I wrote this original version of this article I saw a video of the Pleasure-Way Plateau XLTS (see my review) and saw some nice features that would challenge the top Compact Class Cs featured in this post. Except that MSRP is $145,000 plus! But if you’ve got the cash and desire a full-featured compact Class C, it might be the unit for you.

Another new 2018 compact motorhome I am anxious to see up close is the North American Hymer Aktiv 2.0. It is a Class B, but from the pictures I’ve seen it seems more spacious and airy inside than the usual Class B. See our report here on Best Class B RVs or Van Campers

Concluding Remarks. The Phoenix Cruiser and the Thor Compass come closer than other US-Canadian RV makers to the European standard of right-sizing RVs, but not good enough in our opinion. Guess we’ll have to wait for the US-Canadian RV market to change before we can seriously consider replacing our Rialta. We are looking for a model under 23 feet, under $100,000 price, external storage for at least two golf bags, with all the usual RV accessories and comforts, and most of the the criteria we listed at the beginning of this article as plus-features of the Rialta. Know of any model that comes close? Write me in the comments.

See our Update of Best Compact Motorhomes

More Motorhome Reviews: 

MotorHome Manufacturer Links:


RV Traveling & Camping

Cedar Key a hidden gem of the Gulf Coast. See our article on camping, hiking, and interesting things to see and do in and around this unique Florida Gulf Coast community.

More RVing Resources

See our calendar of Best RV Shows for 2024

See our recommended RV & Scenic Travel Guides.

What are your favorite compact Class C motorhomes? Let me know in the comments below.

Your Travel Guide: Ross Reinhold

Best RV Shows 2024

Chicago RV and Camper Show 2017

(Go here for our 2025 Largest RV Show Calendar, with dates and links The Top Ten Biggest & Best RV Shows for 2024 in US and Canada Two of the biggest RV Shows for 2024 occur early in the year: the Florida RV Super Show occurring JANUARY 17-21 2024 in Tampa, Florida and the Quartzsite … Read more

Dauphin Island Alabama

dauphin island water tower

Dauphin Island, a worthy detour from the main Mississippi-Alabama Gulf Coast Scenic Drive (Hwy 90). Take a detour off the main highway to experience the unique, low key, friendly community of Dauphin Island. No Casinos, No high-rise hotels, very light traffic, but lots of interesting places to visit and things to do for anyone who … Read more

Dauphin Island-Fort Morgan Ferry

mobile bay ferry to dauphin island

Traveling the Gulf Scenic Drive from Gulf Shores to Dauphin Island Alabama Traveling West of Pensacola along the Gulf Scenic Drive you drive through the resort communities of Perdido Key, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores. But after Gulf Shores the highway leaves the gulf to go North along Mobile Bay to Mobile, Alabama. If your … Read more

Reviewing the Airstream Bambi and its competitors

airstream bambi travel trailer

Is Airstream the Best Compact Tow Behind RV? What else comes close? The Airstream Travel Trailer is the benchmark in quality and luxury among RV campers. But before you buy there are 7 other brands and models you should consider before buying an Airstream. In this article, I review the 20 foot Airstream Bambi and … Read more

Gravity Hill Shullsburg, Wisconsin

Mysteriously Coasting Uphill on Gravity Hill

About a mile south of historic Shullsburg, Wisconsin is an interesting and fun phenomenon that must be seen and experienced to believe. Some would say there are mystic forces involved. Others will go with the scientific explanation that it is a trick of perception – your eyes deceive you, what you “see” is not “what you get.”

Driving South of Shullsburg on County Road U there is a point in the road where you are going downhill. However if you stop your vehicle at a certain point and put your transmission in neutral, take your foot off the brake, you will find yourself coasting backwards uphill!

See our video of this amazing experience.



How to get to Gravity Hill.

In downtown Shullsburg go to the intersection of Water Street and Judgement Street. Turn south on Judgement Street and take it out of town (where it is now known as County U).

Once clearly out of town, look for a paved road on your left (Rennick Road). Continue past that intersection about 600 feet and look for a GH and a line painted on the road. That is where you stop to try your coasting uphill experiment. Put your flashers on and beware of oncoming traffic.

Map of Gravity HIll, Shullsburg, WI
Click on the map for directions to Gravity HIll

Visiting Historic Shullsburg

If prior to your Gravity Hill experience you haven’t stopped and spent time in Shullsburg, do it. Things to do include: visiting the Shullsburg Creamery Cheese Shop, stopping in some interesting shops and boutiques, browse antique and collectable items, dine at some neat pubs and restaurants, visit the mining museum, and do a walking tour around town looking at the historic buildings that have been restored.

After our Gravity Hill experience, we stopped in Kingsley Crossing where Jo and the girls got some ice cream cones.

Kingsley Crossing Shullsburg, WI
Ice Cream at Kingsley Crossing
Keena about to enjoy a “Superman” flavor ice cream cone.

Driftless Area Travel Map & Article Directory

Cheese Country Scenic Drive Map with notes on cheese factories, golf courses, RV camping, and other attractions.
Article Directory & Map Cheese Country Scenic Drive with notes on cheese factories, golf courses, RV camping, and interesting towns and other attractions.