Park Summary for Print - Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

Welcome to Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

The preserve is home to four species of endangered pitcher plants, as well as other rare and endangered plant species. The rare, carnivorous white–top pitcher plant is unique to the Gulf Coast and found only between the Apalachicola and Mississippi rivers. Almost 100 other rare plants and animals depend on the wet prairie habitat, including the alligator snapping turtle, sweet pitcher plant, and Chapman´s butterwort. A boardwalk offers visitors a view of the wild and beautiful Tarkiln Bayou. Visitors can enjoy a picnic and then take a hike on the nature trails to observe the rare plants and animals. For a more adventurous outing, visitors can take a day–hike across the park to the Perdido River. Located in Escambia County about 1.5 miles south of the intersection of U.S. 98 and State Road 293.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park, please call (850) 492–1595.

Hours of Operation

The park is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, everyday of the year.

Driving Directions

The entrance to the park is located 10 miles southwest of Pensacola on CR 293 approximately 2 miles south of US 98 and 7 miles north of SR 292A (Gulf Beach Highway).

Park Fees

Admission Fee:

$3.00 per vehicle. Please use the honor box to pay fees. Correct change is required. Limit 8 people per vehicle.

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

Activities at Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

Nature Trails

Hiking trails are available

Picnic Areas

Picnic tables are available

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is possible at this park

Special Events for Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

There are no events listed at this time. Please call our park for more details on possible future events.

Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park History

The original 900 acres of the park was acquired in 1998. Since that time there has been an ongoing active acquisition program. The boardwalk to the bayou was built in 2002 and there is currently a project to build a trail from the parking lot to the boardwalk that will be ADA accessible.