Gulf Islands National Seashore - Frequently Asked Questions (U.S. National Park Service)

A female ranger stands in front of beach users at the Naval Live Oaks Area.

nps photo

Rangers can provide answers to Seashore questions.

1. When will the Fort Pickens Road Reopen?

The Seashore intends to rebuild the Fort Pickens Road once the funding, design and compliance approvals are met. Emergency road funding will be made available through the Federal Highway Administration and design and construction by the Florida Department of Transportation. Weather, mainly tropical weather, will affect construction but the Seashore expects road work to begin in the fall of 2008 and reopening late spring of 2009. Currently visitors can hike, bike, or boat to historic Fort Pickens. Sections of the Fort Pickens Area, are closed because of hurricane damage.

2. When will the Fort Pickens Campground reopen?

Loop A of the Fort Pickens Campground is reopened to hikers, bikers, and boaters.

3. When will the J. Earle Bowden Way (State Road 399) on Santa Rosa Island reopen?

Emergency road funding will be made through the Federal Highway Administrations and design and construction by the Federal Department of Transportation (FDOT). Work on the road should begin in October 2007 with tentative reopening date in April 2008.

4. What is the status of Mississippi District after Hurricane Katrina hit the area in August 2005?

All areas of the District, including the barrier islands and Davis Bayou, are opened to the public. The Davis Bayou Campground is open.

5. Does the passenger ferry operate to West Ship Island in Mississippi from Gulfport?

Yes. Weather permitting and the passenger ferry operates daily from March through the end of October.

6. Will the shade shelters, snack bar, and bathhouse be rebuilt at West Ship Island?

The Seashore intends to rebuild the structures on West Ship Island that were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina when funding is secured and compliance is completed.

7. Are personal watercraft (PWC) allowed to operate in the Seashore?

Restrictions apply when operating Personal Watercraft (PWC) within the Seashore. For visitor safety, resource protection, and wilderness protection, certain areas of the Seashore are closed to PWC operation. Know the rules and regulations before you go.