Main Page - Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park

A cloudy blue sky overlooks a wooden boardwalk surrounded by water

Manager's Message

To our many visitors who enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful landscape we thank you for your patience and understanding when we temporarily close the facilities while conducting prescribed fire resource management activities. These closures are temporary and infrequent because these activities are reliant on strict weather patterns. And while we realize this may occasionally inconvenience some visitors, it is a necessity. Wildland fire is one component of a healthy ecosystem and prescription fire allows us to accomplish many goals. Along with reducing the risk of uncontrollable wild fire, prescription burning reduces invasive exotic plants and revitalizes native species which are fire dependent. Frequent visitors who hike through the recently burned areas will enjoy watching our native plants reemerge in these areas.

Nearby Big Lagoon State Park offers campsites for those interested in camping and Perdido Key State Park is a beach-lovers paradise; both just a short drive away!

- David Colbert, Park Manager

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).