Experiences & Amenities

The park has 4 miles of paved road along the main park drive and a 5-mile stabilized road that leads to the east end of the island.

There are also 3.5 miles of nature trails for bike riding. There is a bicycle path outside of the park that leads to the center of the island.

• Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists under the age of 16.

St. George Island State Park has many different bird-watching opportunities. Almost 300 species of birds have been documented here. 

While brown pelicans and gulls are commonly seen on the beach; other species including some that are endangered or threatened may also be seen. Species include terns, plovers, herons, black skimmers, sandpipers, red knots and ruddy turnstones.

On the bayside of the park, osprey, bald eagles, American oystercatchers and egret are frequently seen.

The park is a major area associated with the spring and fall migration of neotropical birds and raptors, including hawks, falcons, tanagers, grosbeaks, warblers and buntings. Popular areas for birding include the observation platform overlooking the relic dune ecosystem, the main park drive with views into the coastal grasslands, and the group camp area near the maritime hammock.

Small offshore boats are used around the island for fishing. Keep in mind that the bay can be very shallow, and oyster bars and grass flats could pose a hazard.

This 1,962-acre barrier island park has 60 campsites with electricity, water hookups and a dump station that is nearby. Six sites have concrete pads and walkways.

The campground is located behind historic dunes in the pine flatwoods. Although there are no ocean or gulf views, the campsites are only a quarter-mile from the beach and the gulf. There are two restrooms with hot showers, a playground, and a linear nature trail that meanders from the campground through the pine forests and coastal scrub.

• Pets are welcome but must be kept on a six-foot leash controlled by the pet's owner. Pets are not allowed on the beach or in any facilities. 

There are six concrete campsites with connecting sidewalks to the restroom facilities.

• Hammock camping opportunities are available in every campsite.
• Maximum RV length = 43 ft.
• Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

Primitive carry-in, carry-out camping at Gap Point is accessible only by foot, via the 2.5-mile Gap Point Trail, or by canoe, kayak or other shallow drafting vessel. The two sites accommodate 12 people each.

• Campers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• There are no restrooms, fresh water, shower or other amenities at the primitive campsites. 
• Arrangements to camp in the primitive campsites must be made in advance through the park office at 850-927-2111. Hammock camping is allowed in the #2 primitive campsite. 
• The appropriate trees are marked with green paint blazes.

Youth/group tent camping is available for organized groups up to 25 or a minimum of six people. Chaperones must remain with the group at all times. Restrooms, cold water showers, picnic tables and a campfire circle are available at the youth/group camp.  

Reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance of arrival for juvenile groups and up to 30 days in advance of arrival for adult groups. Juvenile group requests will not bump a prior adult group reservation made within the 30-day window.

• For reservations, please call the park at 850-927-2111. 

A short sidewalk from the parking lot leads to a raised and flat tent camping surface and a park-style grill. There is a grassy field and campfire circle to accommodate up to 25 campers at a time. Hammock camping is allowed in the youth/group camping area. 

• The appropriate trees are marked with green paint blazes.

Surf and bay fishing can yield catches of flounder, redfish, sea trout, pompano, whiting or sometimes Spanish mackerel.

• All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

Geocaches are hidden in the park. Please check Geocaching.com for the most current information.

• Operation Recreation GeoTour

The 2.5-mile trail to Gap Point begins in the campground and meanders through the pine flatwood forest to the bay. The East Slough Overlook Trail can be accessed half-mile down the trail from the campground or at the East Slough Beach Use Area.

The 1-mile-long East Slough Overlook Trail features boardwalks, resting benches and information on the resources. Trailhead kiosks contain flyers about the current trail conditions. The trails were evaluated using the Universal Trail Assessment Program.

Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities on the bay. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the ranger station.

The park offers six large shelters on the beach, with restrooms and showers nearby. Each shelter has grills for cooking and several picnic tables for visitors. These shelters can also be reserved. Call the park for more information.

• Consumption of alcohol beverages is prohibited in the pavilions or on the beach.

St. George Island State Park’s beach is a great spot to look for shells.

Enjoy the wonderful stargazing opportunities with the darkest skies for miles around. An observation platform provides the perfect perch for night visitors to see stars, planets and other celestial bodies. The Gulf of Mexico provides 180 degrees of no light pollution and the closest metropolitan areas are over 70 miles away. These conditions allow stargazers to see the Milky Way and some of the fainter constellations.

Swimming and sunbathing are popular activities on the white sandy beaches and in the clear gulf waters. 

• Please use caution as lifeguards are not provided.