Activities at Little Talbot Island State Park
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BeachesLittle Talbot Island offers four and half miles of beautiful beaches. With two parking areas and 5 boardwalks, access to the beach is easy. Three bathhouses and outdoor showers are also provided for your beach enjoyment.
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Bicycling
Bicycling can be enjoyed throughout the park, whether you prefer to stay on the paved two and a half mile Park Drive, or ride along the hard packed sand of the beach. A limited number of bicycles are available for rent at the Ranger Station.
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Canoeing & KayakingLong Island Outfitters is Talbot Islands State Park's canoe and kayak visitor service provider located on AIA between Little Talbot and Big Talbot Islands. The service is operated by Kayak Amelia and offers everything from basic rentals to special focus guided trips. The facility provides local information including maps, safety information, and possible routes. Inside the concession, you'll find snacks and drinks, restrooms, and souvenirs. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, or if you have your own, there is access to a hand launch ramp. Kayak Amelia offers guided paddles including; birding paddles, tai-chi paddles, sunset and full-moon paddles, and special focus paddles. All guided trips include instruction, snack, and interpretation. For those bringing their own kayaks or canoes the fees for using the hand-launch at Long Island Outfitters is $1.00 per person. Long Island Outfitters is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm throughout the year, however it is closed on Wednesdays December through February. For additional information contact Kayak Amelia at 904-251-0016 or the Ranger Station at Little Talbot Island State Park (904-251-2320). |
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FishingWith literally miles of beach, Little Talbot is a surf fishing paradise. The list of species caught from this beach is long. Check with the ranger at the gate or strike up a conversation with one of the regulars; either should know what is biting and where. The coastal salt marsh on the "back" side of the island offers superb light tackle angling. From tailing redfish to bottom hugging flounder, ambushing trout to hard pulling black drum, you are sure to find something to "stretch your string." Do you need a Fishing License?
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Full Facility Camping
Camping is offered on the western side of Little Talbot Island along Myrtle Creek, approximately a quarter of a mile from the beach. Our campground has 40 campsites, each with water, electricity, an in-ground fire ring, and a picnic table. Most of the sites are nicely shaded by huge moss-draped Live Oak trees. There are two full-facility bath houses, a dump station, a launch area for small boats, a nature trail, and a nice playground. Bicycles can be rented at the Ranger station. Camping Fees Reservations are accepted up to one year in advance by calling 1-866 I CAMP FL (1-866-422-6735) or 1-800-326-3521. Pets are also allowed in the campground, free of charge, however they are not allowed on the beach at any time. A camping deposit via a major credit card, check, or cash is required. The campground on Little Talbot Island is situated on the west Side of A1A, directly across the road from the main entrance of Little Talbot Island State Park. All forty sites are located in a shady hammock area with live oak trees and dense palmetto growth. The majority of sites provide some shade for cool relief from the sunshine. All of the sites have a water tap with potable water and the option of 15 and 30 amp electrical service hook-up. A dump station is located near the entrance. Two bath-houses provide flush toilets and hot water showers. Myrtle Creek, a scenic tidal estuary, skirts along the western portion of the campground past our small amphitheatre, dock, and boat ramp for small non-motorized boats. A playground is situated near the center of the campground for the younger visitors. Beach access is on the east side of A1A, about a 10-minute walk (or 5 minute bike ride) from the campsites. While camping at Little Talbot Island, make sure to take advantage of the beach, hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities, weekend interpretive programs, or visit one of our park concessions (Long Island Outfitters operated by Kayak Amelia, Kelly Seahorse Ranch and Nassau Sound Bait and Tackle Shop).
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Group CampingA primitive camping area is available to groups and organizations. Water, picnic tables, a fire ring, and a porta-toilet are available for this area. Reservations for the group camping area should be made through the Ranger Station at Little Talbot Island State Park 904-251-2320. |
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Interpretive Ranger ProgramsInterpretive Ranger Programs are offered at the Talbot Islands State Parks most weekends. The topics and locations of programs vary. Please call the Ranger Station at Little Talbot Island State Park (904-251-2320) for program information |
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Nature Trails
Little Talbot offers the opportunity of sampling a complete cross section of a coastal barrier island. Exposing a variety of the island's wildlife, the Nature Trail is anchored at one corner of the campground and provides a comfortable walk of approximately one mile. The Hiking Trail winds four miles through five distinct natural communities, including maritime hammock, beach dune, and depression marsh and finishes its last mile and a quarter with a breathtaking stroll on the sandy beach. If you choose to hike the trails, always check in at the ranger station and remember your water, sunscreen, and insect repellant. |
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Pet CampingPets 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. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. 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. 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. |
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Pet CampingPet camping is available in our campground. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Pets must be confined, leashed, or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes must be hand-held and may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well-behaved at all times and must be confined in the owner's camping unit during designated quiet hours (11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.). Unconfined pets must be leashed and cannot be left unattended for more than thirty minutes. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets considered a nuisance are not allowed to remain in the park. |
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PetsWell-behaved dogs are welcome at Little Talbot Island State Park on our hiking trails, pavilions, paved park roads, parking lots, multi-use trails, and campground. They must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times and can not be left unattended for more than a half-hour. Dogs are not permitted on beaches, shorelines or beach boardwalks. |
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PicnickingThirteen pavilions, that can be reserved, are available in the picnic areas. |
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RV'sThe Campground on Little Talbot Island serves as the camping facility for Amelia Island, Big Talbot Island, and Little Talbot Island, and Fort George Island State Parks. Of the forty sites, there are about 12 sites that can accommodate RV type campers, depending on the size of the camping rig. Each site is equipped with electrical hookups (20 and 30 AMP), potable water, an in-ground fire ring, and a picnic table. The dump station is located by the campground gate.
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SurfingThe north beach area of Little Talbot offers one of the best surfing beaches in northeast Florida. While there are 5 miles of beach on Little Talbot Island, the northern section of the beach offers the best surf, with plenty of space to catch your own wave. Please be aware of other swimmers and always use caution while enjoying the ocean. |
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Swimming
Swimming is permitted in the areas accessed from the north beach parking lot only. Please use caution at all times, as there are no lifeguards on duty. Swimming is discouraged at the southern end of the island due to dangerous currents. The beach is easily accessible with plenty of parking, dune walkovers, and bathhouses. |
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Wildlife ViewingBecause Little Talbot is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands, it provides many different natural habitats. These diverse habitats make for a wealth of wildlife within the park. Gopher tortoise and snakes can be seen throughout the park. The shoreline provides ample opportunity to view shorebirds, and the backside of the island is a haven for wading birds. Follow the Little Talbot Hiking Trail over a cross section of ecosystems, and you may be surprised at what you find! |












