Visitor’s Guide to St. George Island State Park

 

Things to Do in St. George Island State Park

1. Relax on the Beach

The park has miles of unspoiled, white-sand beaches, making it one of the best spots on the Forgotten Coast for sunbathing, shelling, or just unwinding. The crowds are minimal compared to other Florida beaches, so you can claim a quiet spot and enjoy the sound of the waves.

2. Go for a Swim

The Gulf waters here are crystal-clear and perfect for swimming. Just be sure to check the beach flag system at the entrance for water conditions, as the Gulf can have strong currents at times.

3. Fishing Paradise

Anglers love St. George Island State Park! Whether you’re fishing from the beach or launching a boat from the small bay-side ramp, you can reel in redfish, flounder, pompano, and even sharks. Don’t forget to grab a Florida fishing license if you’re planning to cast a line.

4. Hiking and Nature Trails

The park offers two hiking trails for those looking to explore beyond the beach:

• Gap Point Trail (5 miles roundtrip) – A scenic trek through pine forests and salt marshes, with killer views of Apalachicola Bay.

• The Dune Nature Trail (½ mile loop) – A short and easy walk through sand dunes and coastal scrub, great for spotting birds and other wildlife.

5. Birdwatching & Wildlife Spotting

St. George Island State Park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, so expect to see herons, osprey, bald eagles, and even rare red-cockaded woodpeckers. If you're lucky, you might also spot deer, ghost crabs, dolphins, or even sea turtles during nesting season (May–October).

6. Paddling Adventures

If you’re into kayaking or paddleboarding, Apalachicola Bay is the perfect spot. The calm waters are home to all kinds of marine life, and you’ll get a unique view of the island’s untouched beauty. You can bring your own gear or rent kayaks from local shops on the island.

7. Camping Under the Stars

For a true outdoor adventure, spend the night at one of the park’s 60 campsites. They come with water, electricity, picnic tables, and grills, plus restrooms with hot showers nearby. If you’re up for an even wilder experience, there are primitive camping sites accessible only by kayak or hiking.

When to Visit

• Best Time: Spring and fall offer perfect weather, fewer bugs, and smaller crowds.
• Summer: Hot, but great for swimming. Just be prepared for pop-up thunderstorms.
• Winter: Quiet and peaceful, with cool temps and excellent birdwatching. We were there in January and it was cloudy and windy but not too cold to enjoy.

Tips for Visiting St. George Island State Park

• Bring plenty of sunscreen, bug spray, and water. Florida’s sun is no joke!

• Watch for wildlife. This is a natural habitat—respect the animals and keep your distance.

• Pack out what you pack in. Keep the beaches clean and pristine.

• Check the tide and weather before heading out. Especially if you plan to kayak or fish.

Getting to St. George Island State Park

St. George Island is a barrier island off the coast of Apalachicola, Florida. To get there:

• From Tallahassee: About a 2-hour drive via US-319 S and US-98 E.

• From Panama City: Around 2.5 hours east on US-98.

• From Apalachicola: Just a 30-minute drive over the St. George Island Bridge.

Once on the island, the park is located at the far east end, away from the busier parts of St. George Island, making it feel like a true escape.

Admission Fee

• $6 per vehicle (two to eight people).
• $4 single-occupant vehicle.
• $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Boat Launch and Entrance Fees

• $8 for one person with a boat.
• $10 for two to eight people with a boat.
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Camping Fee

• $24 per night plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RV, cabin, bungalow, boat and yurt units. Utility fee includes water, electricity and sewer. Utility fee does not apply to tent camping.