Park Summary for Print - St. Andrews State Park

Sea oats frame the sandy beach next to the rock jetties.

Welcome to St. Andrews State Park

Well known for its sugar white sands and emerald green waters, this former military reservation has over one-and-a-half miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp provide ample fishing opportunities for anglers. Two nature trails wind through a rich diversity of coastal plant communities - a splendid opportunity for bird-watching. Those wanting to relax can sunbathe on the beach or enjoy a leisurely lunch under the shade of a picnic pavilion. Full-facility campsites, as well as primitive youth group camping, make this park a popular overnight destination. A concession offers snacks, souvenirs, and fishing amenities. Shell Island Boat Tours are available during the spring and summer. Located three miles east of Panama City Beach, off State Road 392 (Thomas Drive).

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Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about St. Andrews State Park, please call (850) 233-5140.

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Get more information on making a reservation.

Hours of Operation

8:00 AM to sunset

Driving Directions

From Hwy 98 turn South on to Hwy 3031 (Thomas Drive) and follow it straight to Hwy 392 and turn left to enter into the gates of St. Andrews State Park. St. Andrews State Park is located approximately 3 miles east of Hwy 392.

Park Fees

Admission Fee--$5.00 per vehicle
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, extra Passengers, Passengers in vehicles with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit--Admission Fee $1.00
Camping Fee
All Year $24.00 plus tax

Activities at St. Andrews State Park

	Beaches The beach consists of two and a half miles of beautiful white sand with several location from which to swim or play. There are two different parking areas in which to access the beach areas.
	Bicycling A popular past time at the park, take a leisurely ride on the park’s 2 mile paved road. For your safety, remember persons under the age of 16 years are required by law to wear a properly fitting bike helmet. To preserve the natural areas of the park, bicycles are limited to roadways and are not permitted on footpaths, boardwalks or the trail that leads to the beach.
	Boat Ramp The parks boat ramp consists of a double-sided concrete launch that will accommodate the smallest to the largest of water craft.
	Boat Tours Shuttle boat tours are offered to go from the mainland of the park to Shell Island in spring and summer. Visitors may wish to sun or walk along the shore of this pristine barrier island. Tickets are available at the park concession.
	Boating Boating opportunities are unlimited at St. Andrews with immediate access to the Gulf of Mexico or even Shell Island.
	Campfire Circle Every Friday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day please join a Ranger at the campfire circle as they offer a very informational program on either park history or wildlife.
	Canoeing & Kayaking Canoes and Kayaks are available via the parks camp store located just up from the boat ramp are during the summer season. Opportunities are unlimited from just paddling around Grand Lagoon or across the boat channel to Shell Island.
	Concession/Restaurant There are three stores on the park that are open during the summer season (March to Labor Day). These stores offers snacks, souvenirs, bait, fishing licenses, limited grocery items, and rental of chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear, canoes, and kayaks. At this time there is no restaurant available.
	Facilities The park offers three stores, eight pavilions, four bathhouses, as well as a visitor center for information.
	Fishing Fishing opportunities include deep-sea jetty and surf fishing. Two fishing piers and jetties provide excellent vantage points year-round. Catches include Spanish mackerel, red fish, flounder, sea trout, bonito, cobia, dolphin and bluefish. A boat ramp is located on the Grand Lagoon near the fishing pier. A concession offers snacks, souvenirs, bait, fishing licenses, limited grocery items and rental of chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear, canoes, and kayaks. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Full Facility Camping The 1,260 acre coastal park with its 700-acre pristine barrier Shell Island has 176 campsites with electric and water hookups available for reservation through Reserve America.
	Group Camping Group camping is available in the park primitive camping area for scouts, church groups, and other small non-profit organized groups. This area is available by reservation through the park at 850-233-5140.
	Hiking/Nature Trails There are two trails in the park to choice from, Heron Pond, and Gator Lake trails. The Heron Pond Trail takes you one a hike through the flatwood pine forest, and by the Turpentine Still. The trail at Gator Lake takes you on a scenic view of Gator Lake.
	Pavilion There are eight pavilions on the park available for first come first serve. All pavilions have picnic tables and concrete pads.
	Pet Camping Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.
	Pets All pets must be on a 6-foot leash and well behaved at all times. Pets may not be left unattended. Pets that are noisy, vicious, dangerous, or intimidating to other persons, or damage park resources, will be asked to leave the park with their owners. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all droppings in trash receptacles. You may walk your pet in the picnic areas, along the bike trails, and hiking trails. Pets are not allowed on the beach, wetlands, or playground. Guide and Service animals are excluded from the above restrictions.
	Picnic Areas There are three picnic areas in the park, Jetties use area, Gulf Pier use area, and at the boat basin. The only picnic area that has grills is the boat basin.
	Playground There are two playground within the park, boat basin, and the camping area. Both playgrounds have state of the art equipment and bench’s to sit on.
	Primitive Camping Primitive area is available for scouts, church groups, and other small non-profit organized groups. This area is available by reservation through the park at 850-233-5140. No pets are allowing in this area.
	RV Camping The park has a total of 176 campsites available for reserving through Reserve America at 1800-326-3521, or www.reserveamerica.com. All sites include grills, electric, and running water.
	Scuba This activity is an adventure in either swimming area. The extensive shoreline and rock jetties offer excellent opportunities to study marine life. Equipment is available for rent at any of the concession stores on the property or bring your own.
	Showers There are four bathhouses located in the campground area for registered campers use while they stay at the park. Shower facilities for day visitors are located at each of the day use parking areas for their convenience after a long day at the beach.
	Snorkeling This activity is an adventure in either swimming area. The extensive shoreline and rock jetties offer excellent opportunities to study marine life. Equipment is available for rent at any of the concession stores on the property or bring your own.
	Surfing Good Surfing!
	Swimming This activity is one of the most popular things to do while at St. Andrews, with over 1 mile and a half of beautiful white sandy beaches to swim from. The park not only offers beach access from the mainland, but also offers daily trips to Shell Island where a visitor can enjoy the beach as well. However, trips to Shell Island are limited to seasonal dates only which are from March till Labor Day weekend.
	Visitor Center Located behind the camp-store, contains several different brochures of information to help our day visitors enjoy their stay at the park. Also, available inside the center is a restroom facility.
	Wildlife Viewing The Gator Lake Trail and Overlook provide visitors with a beautiful vantage point for spotting alligators and a variety of waterfowl, wading birds and other small animal. At Button Bush Marsh Overlook, a host of birds can be viewed. Herons and ibis feed along the fertile marsh edge as a variety of waterfowl swim and feed in the depths. Through out the interior of the park you will see raccoon, and white tail deer.
	Youth Camping Youth camping is available in the park primitive camping area for scouts, church groups, and other small non-profit organized groups. This area is available by reservation through the park at 850-233-5140.

Special Events for St. Andrews State Park

COASTAL CLEANUP
Date: Saturday, September 20th from 8:00AM until 11:00 AM
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s St. Andrews State Park along with the Friends of St Andrews State Park, Inc., are hosting the Coastal Cleanup.

The Coastal Cleanup will take part on the mainland beach and Shell Island on Saturday, September 20, 2008. All bags will be supplied at the park by the Friends of St Andrews.
Fees: Park entrance fee waived for participants
Contact: (850)233-5164 Debra L. Walker
NAVY COPPER COLLAR 5K RUN
Date: Saturday, Sept 13th from 6:30am to 11:00am
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection's St. Andrews State Park along with the The Friends of St. Andrews State Park, Inc. are hosting the Navy Copper Collar 5K Run. The mission of the Copper Collar is to promote physical fitness and competition within the civilian and military communities.
Fees: Park entrance fee is waived for participants.
Contact: (850)233-5141
IRONMAN TRIATHLON
Date: Saturday, November 1st from 8:00 AM to 12:00 noon
Description: The Department of Environmental Protectiion's St. Andrews State Park along with the Friends of St. Andrews State Park, Inc. are hosting the Ironman Triathlon. The running portion of the Ironman Triathlon will be held within the main boundaries of the park on November 1st. The occasion marks the 10th year that this event has been held in the park.
Fees: Entrance fee waived for participants
Contact: (850 233-5146 Debra L. Walker

St. Andrews State Park Ranger Programs

Frequently Asked Questions about St. Andrews State Park

Question: Is there a boat launch fee?
Answer: Yes - $8.00

Question: Are there fishing piers in the park?
Answer: Yes there is a gulf pier, a bay pier and rock jetty.

Question: Are fishing license required?
Answer: All out of state fishermen need a Florida license.

Question: Is there a fee for fishing?
Answer: No.

Question: What is the park entrance fee?
Answer: $5.00 per car up to eight people
$3.00 per car single occupant
$1.00 per bike or walk in

Question: Are reservations available?
Answer: Yes, up to eleven months in advance.

Question: What does it cost to camp?
Answer: $24 per night all-year-around

St. Andrews State Park History

The park opened in 1951 and now consists of more than 1,260 acres. During World War II, it was part of St. Andrews Military Reservation. Circular cannon platforms are still in place on the beach near the jetties. One of them is a favorite observation point for guests as they enjoy the beautiful sunsets and watch the boats pass by.

An authentically reconstructed "Cracker" Turpentine still and turn of the century saw mill are located in the park near Grand Lagoon. charts and diagrams interpret the use and mechanisms of the still. Living history demonstrations are offered quarterly.