Oak Grove Park and Cottages

We liked Oak Grove. In winters past, while staying at Blue Angel Campground, we had gone on base and driven through Oak Grove and didn't think too much of it BUT this time we stayed there because we had to wait about 10 days before we could get in to Blue Angel. We really enjoyed the park. So, our initial drive-thrus didn't really give us a good idea of the park. We had site 30, which is the first one at the entrance and directly across the street from the air strip where the Blue Angels practice. It was, in our opinion, the best site at the campground. For 4 or 5 days of the 10 day stay we got to sit outside on our patio and watch the Blue Angels practice and that was a real bonus! On the backside of the park is the beach. There are several sites that back up to the trees separating the park from the beach. The roads in the park are gravel and it is mostly tree covered. The sites are concrete and 40' long so there is plenty of room for RV and truck. Our water heater went out while there and we had to use the shower facilities, which were clean - certainly not new - but clean and large. The laundry facility has front load washers and huge dryers. Utilities worked fine and the park is maintained nicely. The wifi offered is gowifi (the navy's wifi) and it worked fine. We got good Verizon cell service as well. I can't comment on the feeling too close or not because we were on an end site with our social side facing the open area but it didn't seem too crowded. Overall we were very pleased and would absolutely stay there again.

The last 2 reviews are giving out wrong information. The nearest commissary is not at Whiting Field in Milton. It is not on NAS Pensacola but at Corry Station. It is located about 3 miles from the main gate of NAS Pensacola and not that hard to find. Go out the main gate and make a left turn onto US-98 and the next street is Corry Station. I also don't understand the parking lot congestion there either. We've been going there for the last 5 years and haven't seen the parking problems.

I wish we had booked several days here on on trip to New Orleans! Our site was #49 and the beach was just 2 min walk away! Level site, good power/water/sewer and cell service. The office staff and camp host were very helpful and friendly. We will try to stay here longer next year, I just didn't realize this RV campground was so nice. A bit of a drive off of I10, but well worth the drive and just follow the directions to the Naval Air Museum, too easy! We camped here in a 30' Class C motorhome.

This was our first trip to a military RV park. We recently have taken up camping again after many years of considering a cruise ship the best type of camping. I was totally shocked and thrilled about the entire trip. We arrived and the Camp Host was right there explaining the layout and giving us guidance on making our trip more enjoyable. We will never go on a cruise again. Restrooms were very clean; property was extremely clean and everyone we met were friendly. I felt like on was at home on my porch. Despite the reviews that I read prior to going, our Wi-Fi worked great. The Yurt building was really unexpected, and welcomed. I could picture myself going back many times. Thank you Camp Host for making our stay the best.

Although the sites are small, with some care they can be negotiated. Some of the office staff act as though they would rather be somewhere else, but if you are nice you can find out what you need. Facilities are spotless. There are nice walking trails and great restaurants in Pensacola. Check Joe Patti's for fresh seafood for cooking.

Over priced mediocre. Sites are small and close together. You need to get a key from the office to use the laundry facilities. Location is great and base has everything you would need for an extended stay. Record keeping and reservation system outdated. Kept with pencil and paper, in this day and age?!?! Space we were assigned was occupied so we were assigned another space. Tried to extend a couple of days but was told the park was full even though there were over ten sites empty when we left. I am not sure the left hand knows what the right is doing.

First off, WOW! It is more expensive at $23 a night, and the beach "front" ones are a little higher. We stayed in site 45 and had a view of the water for a good chunk of the trip. Tip: Call and request a particular site. They do come and empty the dumpster in the 6:00am hour on Monday morning, so be prepared for a big ka-boom! We are already up, so no problem for us. The kids were disappointed that they were unable to have s'mores (no open fires except in the tent area), and my husband wanted to follow the rules and not use the tent area for a fire. Bathhouse was outstanding! We did not use the wi-fi or laundry. The kids and the husband watched some TV, but I didn't. Apparently, there are a TON of channels, and that is a nice perk. The location is good to the beach, the museum, and the shoppette. You will have to drive 15 minutes-ish to the Navy Shopping Mall at Corry Station to use the NEX or Commissary. There is a NEX on station, but it is apparel/gifts only. The Starbucks on station is only open M-F 9-3, but the one in the NEX has more extended hours for coffee connoisseurs. The kids did like to get their hot chocolate at the one on the beach at 7:00 when the breeze was blowing and you were right on the water! :-) The museum is excellent, but allow at least 2 days to see everything. We only allowed one and didn't get to see Hangar One. Also, the 11am Trolley Tour is the only one where you get to see the restoration hangar (due to the noise). Get your FREE tickets at 9:00 when you get to the museum at opening. They go fast! Also, don't waste time watching the IMAX movie, especially if you can buy it in the gift shop (a mistake we made!). We really recommend going to see the Blue Angels on Wednesday morning, but don't even think of getting a seat after 7:45am. They sign autographs in the atrium after the Wednesday show, but better hurry because they only stay for so long. The museum is busiest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays due to the Blue Angel practice, so plan another day if possible. We thought the sites were adequate for our 27' bumper pull but probably tight if you're longer than that and you have to park next to your rig. LOVED the concrete patio and main roads being asphalt. Nice for kids on bikes and scooters. The camp host probably thinks I do nothing but yell at my kids (seemed to be right when he'd be going by LOL) but boy is he helpful! His duty hours are over at 9pm, FYI, but he helped us back in our rig at 8:45. Great guy! This is by far a campground that gets great reviews from anyone we talk to. Quite a few regulars, come to find out! Call ASAP when you are allowed to make reservations. It was full while we were there and I called 4 months in advance. Enjoy NAS Pensacola-- we sure did!

Great place to visit and tour the emerald coast. First, the directions and gps coordinates are spot on. Follow them. Second, do not come in the main gate unless you have to, there are checkpoints that will be tough to navigate with your rig. The park it self is dated, but maintained, as most military parks seem to be. Cement pad for the rig, gravel roads. Sand, pine and some grass. Roads were easy to navigate. Each site had a picnic table. Most spots had plenty of room, though you can be close to your neighbors. It is very site specific. Good utilities. We had weak but usable Verizon coverage. The WiFi was good and strong, with enough band width to stream if it is a rainy day. Not all sites have an open view for satellite so be sure and ask when you reserve. Wayne, the campground host was very nice, friendly and helpful. Bathrooms were clean. Nice laundry with 6 washers and 4 big dryers. There is a community building with a bring your own happy hour. The winter snow birds and staff put on some potluck events if you are looking to socialize. There are trails to the beach, which is private, quiet an nice. Wonderful sunsets. Be sure and visit the lighthouse and aviation museum. The NEX and commisary are off base, Wayne gave us a map and directions, good place to stay.

FYI: We were told by CG office staff that there is NO WEEKLY RATE, only daily or monthly rates and that this has been so for a few years, so the rate info above is not completely correct. We have a regular RV site (not waterfront) and it is $23 a day. Also, effective Sep 20, 2016 you cannot reserve a site by calling the phone number listed above. ALL reservations must now be made through 1-877-628-9233 or www.dodlodging.net. If you are trying to reserve a site the same day as arrival, they will transfer you back to the CG office (but won't give you the direct number). Make sure you have the agent stay on the line until the transfer goes through however, as we were hung up on twice before it worked. Now for our review: This is our first visit to this particular campground in our RV and we are pleased so far. The office staff and the camp host are pleasant and helpful. The sites are close, but not overly so, and we had no problem parking our 34' motorhome and our toad on our site. The pads are large concrete pads and we have full hookups. The WiFi works well, the digital cable is also great. The laundry room has many front-load washers and dryers and is very clean, as is the bathroom. There aren't a lot of activities on base compared to some other CGs used by snowbirds (like Key West, for example) but there is a very nice theater just a few miles drive or bicycle ride away, and there is the Navy Aviation Museum and Pensacola Light house within walking distance. There is a also a nice paved bike and walking trail right at the CG entrance, and non-paved hiking or walking trails all around. And of course, the beach is within a short walking distance of the CG, with some sites having a bit of a view of the water. The beach is beautiful, with white sands and clear water. No swimming is allowed right off the CG area, but you can swim further down the beach within walking distance. We saw a 3-4 ft shark as well as moon and pink meanie jellyfish in ankle deep water, so be aware and watch where you step if you stroll barefoot in the water. All in all, a great place to relax!

We stayed here 3 nights and have one major warning for anyone using GPS to get to the campground. In a word, DON'T. Use the directions listed on this site or in the book. We were coming from the east and GPS took us all over the place. We'd have been much better off taking Exit 7 (Blue Angel Parkway, although it isn't listed as such on the signs) which takes you right to the gate you want. Also,unless you get very lucky, you can forget about getting a satellite signal. There is cable TV available, but if you are used to using a DVR to record programs, you'll really miss your dish. Right now the beach is closed due to the oil spill--you can see small tar balls in the water. (Our rating does NOT reflect this as it's beyond the park's control, obviously.) Power was weak, even though the park was only about half full. This is a nice park, but it's 18 miles from the Interstate, so maybe not the best for an overnight. However, the camp host was pleasant as was the MWR staff. However, there is no information provided about the area, not even a base map, which would have been nice. We didn't use the Exchange or Commissary, so can't comment. Luckily we didn't need to use the laundry because it could have been a real hassle.

The only negative comment I have about our stay at Oak Grove Park is we should have stayed longer. We loved it! The park nestles in the shade of many trees with large open sites for hookups. The showers,and the bathrooms were kept spotless. In fact it seems that someone was always picking up, raking, and tidying up around there all the time. It's a short walk to the beach which was for the most part during our stay, almost totally deserted. The "Amazing" Museum of Naval Aviation is within walking distance from the camp (for someone who doesn't mind a little exercise). This museum is entirely inside an environmental facility that begs description (you simply must see and experience it)and admission is free. There are well groomed walking/jogging trails that run for miles right in the park. You must travel about 15 minutes to get to the commissary and exchange at Cory Station, but those facilities are more than adequate for anything a camper would need and more. There is a food mall just down the road from the park where you can buy several types of fast foods and eat in a pleasant atmosphere. Right down the road is the Old Fort Barrancas maintained just as it was during the 1800's. This is also the home of the Blue Angels and a free performance can be watched from bleachers with an ongoing narration of all the manuvers. All and all a wonderful experience and a must to return to.