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Welcome to Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, this windswept park is named for Florida folk singer Gamble Rogers and railroad entrepreneur Henry Flagler. The beach is the most popular feature at this park, where visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, or beachcombing. The daily low tide is an ideal time to observe shore birds feeding in tidal ponds; summer months bring sea turtles that lay their eggs in the golden-brown sand. On the Intracoastal Waterway side of the park, picnic pavilions provide a shady place to enjoy a meal. A nature trail winds through a shady coastal forest of scrub oaks and saw palmetto. Boaters and canoeists can launch from a boat ramp on the Intracoastal Waterway. The park's full-facility campground overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is just a short walk along a boardwalk from the beach. Located in Flagler Beach off Highway A1A.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach, please call 386-517-2086.

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Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

From I-95: Whether you are traveling north or south on I-95, take exit 284 (State Road 100). Turn east onto State Road 100 and travel approximately 3 miles till you reach A1A (and the ocean). At the light turn right (south) and travel approximately another 3 miles. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be on the left.

From Daytona: Take A1A north to approximately 1 mile north of the Flagler/Volusia County line (approximately 18 miles)The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your left and our day use beach facilities will be to your right.

From Ormond Beach: Take West Granada (40) east, across the Halifax River, to A1A. Turn left (north) on A1A and travel approximately 11 miles (1 mile north of the Flagler/Volusia County line). The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your left and our day use beach facilities will be to your right.

From Palm Coast: Take Palm Coast Parkway east across the Intercoastal Waterway (toll bridge) to A1A. Turn left (south) on A1A and travel approximately 11 miles. The park is located on A1A. The Ranger Station will be on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be to your left.
Avoid the toll: Take Palm Coast parkway east to Colbert Lane. Turn right (south) on Colbert Lane and travel approximately 7 miles to SR 100. Turn left (east) on SR 100 and travel approximately 1.5 miles to A1A. Turn right on A1A and travel about 3 miles. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive to your right and our day use beach facilities will be to your left.

From St. Augustine: Take A1A south for approximately 32 miles to SR 100. Continue straight through the light and travel approximately another 3 miles to the park. The Ranger Station will be located on the drive on your right and our day use beach facilities will be located on your left.


Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$5.00 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

$4.00 per boat.

Camping Fee:

$28.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity.

Picnic Pavilion Rental Fees:

$30.00 per day, plus tax.

Activities at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach

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Beaches

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation area boasts about ½ mile stretch of stunning beach. We invite you to come relax and enjoy the beautiful ambiance of the blue ocean, white foam, and orange sand. Visitors can access our beach via several boardwalks including an ADA accessible ramp to the beach. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, sand sculpting, shelling, swimming, surfing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. No matter what your fancy is, you will enjoy spending the day on the beach of Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area!

We have a beach wheelchair available upon request.

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Bicycling

We welcome you to ride through our park. Enjoy the serenity of the intercoastal waterway. Feel free to ride through the back of the park, however, some areas are softer surfaces so caution is advised. A sidewalk following the side of A1A is also a highly used bike path. This sidewalk runs the length of Flagler Beach and runs down to Ormond. Many bicyclists use our park as a nice place to catch their breath, take a break, and get some fresh air. Please don't hesitate to contact our park or stop by and inquire about our future projects that may be of interest to you.

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Boat Ramp

A boat ramp is located in our park on the east end of the boat channel leading out to the intercoastal waterway. This boat ramp will safely accommodate canoes, kayaks, personal watercraft, and boats up to 25 feet.

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Boating

Boating is a popular activity at the park. Many visitors enjoy boating for recreation or for fishing as our park gives you access to the intercoastal waterway

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Campfire Circles

Each of our 34 sites in the campground has a campfire ring. Each of our pavilions in the park has a grill as well.

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Camping

Our 34 site campground has water and electrical hookups on each site. There is centrally located dump station. The campground has a full service bathhouse. Trash dumpsters are also provided. Our campground has a several ADA accessible camp sites and the restroom facilities are accessible and have ADA restrooms and showers. We have a beach wheelchair available upon request.

The park also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged 4 to 9. Share stories with your child to help explain the sights and sounds they may encounter at the park. Add to your child's experience in the Real Florida with a lending library treat! Ask to check out a book at the Ranger Station.

Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance by calling Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521 (or TDD 1-888-433-0287). You can also make reservations online at ReserveAmerica.com. Site cost is $25.30 per night. (Rates are subject change without notice).

Visit Reserve America's website to Reserve your Cabin or Campsite

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Canoeing

Canoeing & KayakingMany people enjoy canoeing and kayaking in and out of the park’s boat basin and mosquito ditches along the sides of the intercoastal waterway.

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Facilities

There are several restroom facilities in our park. In our campground we have a full-service bathhouse with ADA shower and restroom facilities, and outdoor showers as well. Our Day Use bathroom contains restrooms, outdoor showers, and a picnic pavilion. Our park has a handful of picnic pavilions available for our visitors needs when it comes to family reunions, family picnics, or a nice get together with friends. Please contact the park to reserve one today. We are currently working on projects to enhance your comfort and activities in our park. We are making every effort to make all of our park as accessible as possible. Feel free to contact us for more information.

Official Universal Symbol of Accessibility

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Fishing

A variety of fish inhabit the waters in and near our park. Test the limits of your skill, knowledge, and patience. Enjoy competing with the egrets and herons as they stalk the shorelines. Stop by the ranger station for more information on fishing, fishing regulations, tides, bait stores, and licenses.


Do you need a Fishing License?
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Guided Tours

The park staff an visitor service provider offer a wide variety of programs and activities that are sure to entice the adventurous side of you. Join us for programs that will immerse you into the “wildside” of the park. Other programs will help you lead a more healthier lifestyle. While other programs still are to inform you how to safely accomplish things. Inspire your imagination by joining us for an upcoming program. Contact the park today for more information on upcoming programs, events, and projects.

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Interpretive Exhibit

The park has many interpretive exhibits and signs throughout the park. There are five interpretive kiosk panels and a commemorative plaque to Gamble Rogers in the Day Use area. Our campground has a information kiosk on the full facility bathhouse. Our ranger station contains many interpretive exhibits and the park itself has many interpretive signs and several kiosk panels as well.

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Nature Trails

Joe Kenner Nature Trail is ¾ mile hiking trail through a coastal hammock towards the intercoastal waterway. The trail has several benches and interpretive signs. This is a great opportunity for exercise and wildlife viewing. This trail is a little rugged. We recommend comfortable but sturdy shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, and something to drink.

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Pavilion

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area rents it’s pavilions for many different occasions including receptions, reunions, company picnics, parties, neighborhood cookouts, and special events. Each pavilion has a stand-up grill, picnic tables, and water. For more information please contact the park at (386) 517-2086.

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Pet Camping

Pet camping is available at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. Pets must be confined or 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 are observed from 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and must properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Our park does provide a pet waste station and walking area in the campground. Florida law requires that all 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. Pets are not permitted in any park building or on the beach. 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.

Visit Reserve America's website to Reserve your Cabin or Campsite

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Pets

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. 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. Pets are not allowed in any park building or on the beach. Failure to adhere to these rules may result in the visitor being asked to leave the park.

Official Universal Symbol of Accessibility

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Picnic Areas

Several picnic areas are located throughout the park. The park has several picnic pavilions and other picnic tables are spread out along the waters’ edge. Each pavilion has picnic tables, a stand-up grill, and water. Each camping site has a picnic table as well. There are also plenty of gentle and flat terrain for visitors to have a picnic on a blanket

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RV Camping

Our campsites range in size from 20 feet to 47 feet. ADA accessible sites are available. All sites have water, electricity (20,30, or 50 amps offered at each site), a picnic table, and a fire ring. ADA accessible sites also have stand-up grills. A communal dump station is free for our park campers. We have a beach wheelchair available upon request. The park also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged 4 to 9. Share stories with your child to help explain the sights and sounds they may encounter at the park. Add to your child’s experience in the Real Florida with a lending library treat! Ask to check out a book at the Ranger Station. Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance by calling Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521 (or TDD 1-888-433-0287). You can also make reservations online at ReserveAmerica.com. Site cost is $25.30 per night. (Rates are subject change without notice).

Official Universal Symbol of Accessibility

Visit Reserve America's website to Reserve your Cabin or Campsite

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Showers

Outdoor showers are available at the bathhouses in the Day Use area as well as the campground. Hot and cold indoor showers are provided for our campers inside the campground.

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Snorkeling

One way to enjoy our beach is to snorkel the shallow water. Exploring this critical habitat will open your eyes to exciting creatures, neat shells, and perhaps a valuable treasure. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area offers about 1/2 mile of beach for you to explore. You never know what you may find in the hidden shallows of the Florida Coast.

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Surfing

A popular past time in Flagler Beach, surfing is fun and exciting way to pass your time. Feel free to test your skills in the waves and swells of the Atlantic Ocean. There is no lifeguard on duty, however, the beach is patrolled regularly by our park staff. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area offers about ½ mile of beach to lay out, paddle out, and test your limits. Come out and ride some waves today!

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Swimming

Swimming is always a popular activity for those interested in exercise, cooling off, or having fun. The park has about ½ mile of beach for visitors to play on. There is no lifeguard on duty, however, the beach is patrolled regularly by our park staff.

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Wildlife Viewing

Birding
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is located on the East Section of The Great Florida Birding Trail. Our park plays host to many different species of birds. Many shorebirds, such as laughing gulls, ringbilled gulls, least terns, and royal terns, to name a few, are found resting on our beach and feeding in the tides. Water birds like the great blue heron, tricolor heron, great egret, and yellow-crowned night heron stalk the shallows of the salt marsh and intercoastal waterway. Osprey can be seen high above the water perched on platforms or in trees feeding on a freshly caught mullet. The interior of the park plays host to different kinds of warblers, cardinals, robins, sapsuckers, and woodpeckers, to name a few. If you enjoy birding you will find Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area a place to stop by and spend the day. How many can you find?

Wildlife Viewing Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area plays host to an extremely wide variety of wildlife and plantlife. Our park plays host to many different birds. This park is located on the east section of The Great Florida Birding Trail. During late spring, summer, and early fall many sea turtles crawl up on the park’s beach to lay their eggs. The beach calls many interesting creatures home such as shore birds, crabs, and fish. Right whales can be found hanging out offshore during winter months. During the warmer months manatees and dolphins can be seen frolicking in the ocean or in the intercoastal waterway. Wildlife such as butterflies, otters, bobcats, deer, owls, gopher tortoise, snakes, and alligators are all possibilities when you on your own adventure in the Real Florida!

Special Events for Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach


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.

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach History

History of Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, consisting of approximately 145 acres, was acquired by the State of Florida on October 4, 1954. This park fits snug between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway. However, the park has plenty of history well before the Florida Park Service came into play.

In 1869, a "House of Refuge" was established on the beachside of what is now Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. This "House of Refuge" was established to help shipwreck survivors. In the mid 1880’s this "House of Refuge" began serving as a U.S. Life Saving Service Station. Between this time and WWII, the U.S. Coast Guard took control of this station and used it as a base of operation. During World War II, due to the threat of German submarines, the establishment was utilized as an Air Warning Site manned by the U.S. Army Corps, Jacksonville.

Shortly after World War II ended the site was abandoned and the State of Florida obtained the title of the property from the United States of America, on October 4, 1954. On January 23, 1968, the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, conveyed management authority of Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach to the Division of Recreation and Parks.

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach Volunteer Information


Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail.

Visit the Main Volunteer page for information on volunteering in Florida State Parks

Visit the Main Volunteer page at http://www.floridastateparks.org/volunteers/default.cfm for more detailed Information


Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach

3100 South A1A
Flagler Beach, Florida 32136
Phone: 386-517-2086
Fax: Contact Park for Number

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