Beaches

The park offers nine (9) miles of some of the most pristine beaches along the Gulf coast of Florida. Visitors can access four (4) miles of beach along the park's main drive. The last five (5) miles to the East Pass are accessible only by foot or special permit for four wheel drive vehicles. In 2011, the beach was ranked #6 on the list of Top 10 Beaches in America by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, AKA Dr. Beach.

Boat Ramp

There are two natural, not paved or maintained, ramps for boat access to Apalachicola Bay. One ramp is located at the Youth Camp area and the other is 2 ½ miles from the entrance station. Both ramps are restricted to small craft less than 24ft. in length with shallow draft. Knowledge of local conditions is required for safe boating in the area.

Boat Launch & Entrance Fees:

$8.00 for one person with a boat.

$10.00 for 2 - 8 people with a boat.

Boating

Canoeing and kayaking are favorite activities around the park. Both can be rented on the Island; call the park for more information. Small offshore boats are used around the island for fishing. Keep in mind that the bay is very shallow.

Camping, Full Facility

This 1,962-acre barrier island park has 60 campsites with electricity, water hookups and a dump station nearby. Six sites have concrete pads and walkways. The campground is located behind historic dunes in the pine forest. 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 linear nature trails that meander 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.

Maximum RV length = 43 ft.

Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book Online or call (800) 326-3521 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.) or TDD (888) 433-0287.

Camping, Primitive

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 site accommodates 12 people. Campers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. There are no restrooms, fresh water, shower or other amenities at the primitive camp. Pets are not permitted. Arrangements to camp in the primitive camp site must be made in advance through the park office at (850) 927-2111.

Camping, Youth

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 Camp. Pets are not permitted at the Youth 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.

Canoe/Kayak Launch

Two natural ramps provide access to the bay for canoes and kayaks.

Canoeing & Kayaking

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

Fishing

Surf and bay fishing may yield catches of flounder, redfish, sea trout, pompano, whiting or sometimes Spanish mackerel. A fishing license may be required.

Geo-Seeking

Geocaches are hidden in the park. Please check geocaching.com for the most current up-to-date information.

Hiking/Nature Trail

The 2.5 mile trail to Gap Point begins in the campground and meanders through the pine flatwood forest to the bay. East Slough Trail can be accessed in the campground or at the East Slough Beach access area. The 1 mile long East Slough trail features boardwalks, resting benches and information on the resources.

Picnic Pavilion

There are three covered picnic pavilions at each beach use area. Each pavilion has 10 picnic tables and at least three pedestal grills for charcoal cooking. Pavilion rentals are available by calling the Ranger Station.

Picnicking

The park offers 6 large shelters on the beach equipped with restrooms and showers. 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.

Playground

There is a playground at the family campground, available to all visitors.

Recycling

There are recycling baskets for aluminum cans and plastics at the boat ramps and beach use areas. There is a large recycling container in the campground to recycle cardboard or paper, glass, and plastics. There is also a recycling basket in the campground to recycle small propane cylinders.

Shelling

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

Showers, Day Visitors

The park offers cold-water showers at the two main beach access areas.

Swimming

Swimming and sunbathing are popular activities on the white sandy beaches and in the clear Gulf waters. NO LIFEGUARDS ARE PROVIDED.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is possible at this park