Frequently Asked Questions about Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach

Question: Who was Gamble Rogers?
Answer: Gamble Rogers was a famous Florida folk musician. Gamble Rogers was born January 31, 1937. Gamble Rogers was a true southern gentleman. Gamble had a medical condition where his spine fused straight and his mobility was lacking. Regardless of his own discomfort he would often go out of his way to help someone in need. Many people often recall how Gamble would make you feel like the one who was famous. This park was one of Gamble’s favorite places to be and when he found a spare moment this is where he and his wife would come. On the fateful day of October 10, 1991, Gamble and his wife were camping at the park and headed out on a four hour bike ride. With the daylight starting to twindle they returned back to their campsite, worn out and looking forward to heading home. A terrible storm was off in the Atlantic. If you recall the movie and book, The Perfect Storm, this was the storm those were about. The ocean was extremely rough and no one should have been out swimming in the rough surf. However, a tourist from Ontario, Canada, had headed out in the rough surf and found himself in trouble. The Canadian’s young daughter ran towards Gamble, desperately asking for someone to assist her father. The tired and achy Gamble, and his unwavering spirit to help, grabbed an air mattress and headed toward the water. Soon after Gamble went into the water, park ranger, Chuck McIntire, arrived on seen and headed into the water. McIntire swam past Gamble Rogers and as he did asked him if he was ok. Gamble nodded and McIntire continued on out to help the struggling swimmer. As McIntire continued outward, a big wave took Roger’ air mattress away. The surf overcame Gamble Rogers and he drowned. Gamble Rogers was a man to be admired. His selfless attitude, spirit for life, and determined attitude helped out musicians such as Jimmy Buffett. There is a memorial plaque honoring Gamble Rogers near the campground in the day use area. For more information please visit www.gamblerogers.com .

Question: Are dogs allowed on the beach?
Answer: Dogs are not allowed on the beach or in park buildings. For your pet’s safety, visitor’s safety and our wildlife safety please keep your pet on a 6 foot or less leash at all times. Pet Policy

Question: Are there any areas set-aside for nude sunbathing?
Answer: Florida State Park beaches are open to the public and accessed through public beach accesses. Florida law does not permit nude sunbathing in public areas.

Question: Do you have camping?
Answer: Absolutely, our park has a 34 site campground located on the primary dune of the beach along the Atlantic Ocean. Please see our Activities Page for more information.

Question: Can I make camping reservations at the park?
Answer: Reservations are made through Reserve America only. Reserve America’s phone number is 1-800-326-3521 and their website is www.ReserveAmerica.com. The park does handle walk in campers wishing to stay in the park on a first come first serve basis.

Question: Do you have grills and picnic tables?
Answer: Yes, the park has a number of picnic pavilions that are available for our guest to use or reserve. Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table. You are also more than welcome to bring your picnic and a blanket and enjoy the day as well!

Question: Do you have a boat ramp or a canoe/kayak launch?
Answer: Yes, the park has a boat ramp/launch for canoes, kayaks, personal watercraft, and boats up to 25 feet

Question: Do you have any trails and, if so, what type?
Answer: We have one hiking trail, ¾ mile, currently in the park. Bikes are not allowed on this nature trail. Visitors can walk or ride their bike through the park utilizing the parks access roads/fire lanes. Caution is advised as you may encounter patches of soft terrain. Feel free to contact the park for upcoming projects or if you have any questions.

Question: Does your park offer any programs?
Answer: The park currently offers a wider variety of Ranger-led programs. The park looks to bring in guest speakers to discuss topics such as right whales, stargazing, and exercise programs. Park programs and special events are listed on the park’s Special Events section of this website. Please contact the park for program listings, times, and to RSVP.

Question: Is the park open on holidays?
Answer: Absolutely, all state parks are open 365 days a year (except leap year, which is 366). Florida State Parks open at 8:00 am and close at sunset.

Question: What kind of wildlife does your park have?
Answer: There is a diverse range of wildlife and plant life in Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. The park has plant communities such as beach dune, coastal scrub, coastal hammock, and salt marsh. These communities host many different species of wildlife from birds like osprey, hawks, owls, herons, egrets, gulls, warblers, woodpeckers, and sapsuckers to other wildlife such as bobcats, alligators, various fish, gopher tortoise, snakes, butterflies, deer, otters, and spiders. For specific questions feel free to call the park.

Question: Do I need a fishing license?
Answer: Recreational fishers do not need a license if they are salt water fishing from land and do not wish to keep any fish. If you are keeping fish, out of state visitor, fishing from a boat, or freshwater fishing you will need a license. For more information please visit MyFWC or call 1-888-FISH FLORIDA (347-4356

Question: Do you have food concessions in your park?
Answer: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area does have a visitor service provider. Currently they do not provide food concessions. They do have a soda vending machine located in the day use picnic pavilion. There are many good restaurants in close proximity to the park and your park receipt is good for admission all day.

Question: What type of volunteer opportunities are there at your park?
Answer: Park volunteers are a vital part of the success of any state park. We are constantly on look out for local volunteers wishing to spend a little time in the park helping out. We also have a campground host volunteer position for our campground. We also are currently working on a project to add two resident volunteer sites inside the park. Volunteers can cover a wide range of activities from assisting in the campgrounds, cleaning the beach, assisting visitors from the ranger station, trail maintenance, assisting with park programs and special events to name a few. The park is working on a lot of unique opportunities and projects. Please contact the park if you are interested in volunteering or visit the Volunteer Page for more information and to apply online.