Little Talbot Island State Park, a Florida State Park near Amelia Island, Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Bea, Ponte Vedra Beac

USA

Florida

Little Talbot Island State Park

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State Park Link:
Little Talbot Island State Park

Nearby Parks:
Big Talbot Island State Park
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
Fort George Island Cultural State Park
Pumpkin Hill Creek Preserve State Park
George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier State Park
Amelia Island State Park
Fort Caroline National Memorial Park
Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park
Fort Clinch State Park

State Park Contact Information:
	Little Talbot Island State Park 12157 Heckscher Drive Jacksonville, Florida 32226 Phone: 904-251-2320 Reservations: 800-326-3521
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State Park Overview:

With more than five miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches, Little Talbot Island is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Maritime forests, desert?like dunes, and undisturbed salt marshes on the western side of the island allow hours of nature study and relaxation. The diverse habitats in the park host a wealth of wildlife. River otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats, and a variety of native and migrating birds can be seen here.

Anglers find excellent fishing in the surf and tidal streams. Bluefish, striped bass, redfish, flounder, mullet, and sheepshead are common catches. Other popular activities are hiking, swimming, canoeing, and surfing. The park has a full?facility campground, as well as a youth/group tent campground. Beachside picnic pavilions are available for visitors to the park.

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Nature of the Area:

Because 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!

Reviews By Park Visitors:

visitor rating:

(5 votes) |Post Your Own Review

(name not given) 14-Aug-2008

soak up he rays

Enjoy the quiet beauty of one of the the most beautiful places on earth.

Written by tommy t 29-Aug-2008

great park rangers

(name not given) 15-Sep-2008

Great place

A quiet place to enjoy the water and nature.

(name not given) 24-Oct-2008

Excellent park, Excellent Location

Most private campground in greater Jacksonville. Fantastic fishing. Best beach north of Anastasia. Also visit Big Talbot Island and Ft. George Island.

Written by FloridaCamper 26-Dec-2008

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.

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 amphitheater, 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).

RV Camping

The 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.

The North bath house has a handicap toilet, sink, and shower in Men's room and in Women's room. The South bath house has a handicap toilet, sink, and shower in Men's room and in Women's room.

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.

Picnicking:

Thirteen pavilions, that can be reserved, are available in the picnic areas.

Boating:

Canoeing & Kayaking

Long 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).

Swimming:

Little 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.

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 Atlantic Ocean provides excellent wave conditions year-round for those who want to "catch a wave". Surfing is very popular, especially towards the northern part of Little Talbot Island.

The beach is easily accessible with plenty of parking, dune walkovers, and bathhouses.

Fishing and Hunting:

With 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."

History of the Area:

Little Talbot Island was acquired by the state in 1951 and opened as a park in 1952. The island was named by English General James Oglethorpe for Lord Baron Talbot. The island has witnessed many periods of human occupation and continuous change due to natural forces. As a barrier island, Little Talbot?s only static aspect is its dynamic nature.

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