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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

BEACHES
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.

Fort George Inlet parking area has 1 handicap port-o-let.

ADA restrooms are also available at the Ranger Station (1 restroom with handicap toilet and sink) and the Administrative Office (1 restroom with handicap toilet, sink, and shower).

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).

CANOEING
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.

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).

FISHING
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."

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

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.

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.

Guided Segway Trips. Looking for a unique and exhilarating experience? Explore the beauty of these barrier islands as never before?on SegwaysR. EcoMotion Tours is one of Talbot Islands State Parks? visitors service providers operating on Little Talbot Island and nearby Fort George Island. EcoMotion Tours uses Segway transporters to provide an enjoyable and modern way of touring. Segways are two-wheeled, battery-powered devices that respond to the way you lean. These eco-friendly transporters are quiet and easy on the trails, providing a wonderful way to explore nature without disturbing its inhabitants. You?ll be equipped with a wireless headset so our guides can point out the fascinating plant and animal life along the trails.

Ecomotion Tours provides helmets, orientation and training to ensure everyone has a relaxed and safe experience. No experience is necessary, but there is a minimum age requirement (13 years old) and a weight requirement (between 100-250lbs). Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All guided trips include instruction, interpretation, bottled water, and a snack.

The tour on Little Talbot Island is a 5-mile trip through a mature maritime forest that leads to the beach. You?ll enjoy watching the true beauty of a coastal hammock unfold as your cross-terrain Segway transports you along this amazing island trail. This trip departs from the north parking lot of Little Talbot Island and will last about 2.5 hours.

There are two tour options available for Fort George Island. The morning tour is nearly four miles long and travels through the island?s maritime forest and visits Kingsley Plantation. The afternoon tour is approximately an hour long and omits the Kingsley segment. Fort George tours depart from the Ribault Club. On these tours you?ll hear the storied history of the island and see up close the unique flora indigenous to this habitat.

NATURE PROGRAMS
Interpretive 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

PETS
Well-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.

Pet Camping

Pet 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.

DIRECTIONS
Take I?95 to Heckscher Drive (Milepost Exit 358A ? Old Exit 124A) and then travel east for 17 miles.