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Florida
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Florida State Parks

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USA Parks
Florida
Northwest Region
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
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DR. JULIAN G. BRUCE ST. GEORGE ISLAND STATE PARK
DR. JULIAN G. BRUCE ST. GEORGE ISLAND STATE PARK
1900 E. Gulf Beach Dr.
St. George Island, Florida   32328

Phone: 850-927-2111
Reservations: 800-326-3521
Miles of undeveloped beach with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Apalachicola Bay on the other provide the perfect setting for this park. The park offers ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, boating, hiking, camping, and nature study. Two boat ramps provide access to Apalachicola Bay where anglers can fish for flounder, redfish, sea trout, pompano, whiting, and Spanish mackerel. Few parks offer better opportunities for gulf coast shelling. Shore birds such as the snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer, and willet often nest along the park?s sandy shores and grass flats. The park has six large picnic shelters equipped with grills, tables, and restrooms. The campground features full-facility campsites; a primitive campsite can be accessed by trail or by private boat. Located on St. George Island, 10 miles southeast of Eastpoint, off U.S. 98.
History of the Area
The park was established in 1963. It's named after Dr. Julian G Bruce for his conservation efforts. The area is known for its pristine beaches and diverse wildlife habitats.

In the early years of development, it faced opposition from local residents due to environmental concerns but eventually gained acceptance as a vital ecological reserve.

Over time, facilities were added including campsites and picnic areas while maintaining minimal impact on natural resources.

Today it attracts visitors globally with activities like fishing or bird watching while continuing to serve as an important sanctuary for various species.

Passes
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
Camping
This 1,962 acre barrier island park has 60 campsites with electric and water hookups available for reservation through Reserve America.

Primitive Camping

Primitive camping is available at Gap Point. The primitive camping is only accessible by foot via the 2 ? mile Gap Point Trail or by canoe, kayak or other shallow drafting vessel.

Youth Camping

Youth Group camping is available to organized groups of up to 25 or a minimum of 6 persons. This is a tents only area. Chaperones must be provided for youth groups and must remain with the group at all times. Restrooms, cold water showers, picnic tables and a campfire circle are available. Reservations for the Youth Camp may be made up to 11 months in advance by contacting the park office at (850) 927-2111.
Swimming
Swimming and sunbathing are popular activities on the white sandy beaches and clear Gulf waters. NO LIFEGUARDS ARE PROVIDED.
Beaches
The park offers 9 miles of some of the most pristine beaches along the Gulf coast of Florida. Visitors can access 4 miles of beach along the parks main drive. The last 5 miles to the East Pass is accessible only by foot or special permit for four wheel drive vehicles.
Boating
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 ? miles from the entrance station. Both ramps are restricted to small craft less than 24? in length with shallow draft. Knowledge of local conditions is required for safe boating in the area.

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.
Fishing
Surf and bay fishing may yield catches of flounder, redfish, sea trout, pompano, whiting or sometimes Spanish mackerel. A saltwater fishing license is required in Florida.


Location
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is

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.
Trails
Nature Trails

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.
Bicycling
Bicycling is a popular activity in this Florida gem, with nine miles of paved road available for riders. However, be aware that these roads are shared with vehicles so caution should always be exercised. There's also an off-road trail option which offers more secluded biking experiences but it can get sandy and challenging at times.

For those without their own bikes, rentals are offered within the park premises on a first-come-first-serve basis. Be sure to bring your helmet as safety regulations require all cyclists under 16 years old to wear one while riding.

Remember though: wildlife encounters may occur during rides - stay alert! Also note that after heavy rains some trails might become impassable due to flooding or debris blockage.

Lastly, don't forget sunscreen and plenty of water; heat exhaustion can sneak up quickly when you're having fun exploring nature by bike.

Birding
The park offers a variety of birding options, including spotting migratory birds and shorebirds. It's part of the Great Florida Birding Trail with diverse habitats attracting different species. Visitors can see ospreys, bald eagles, peregrine falcons among others during fall migration season.


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Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Sweet Magnolia Inn - Saint Marks, FL
BBs / Inns
Our historic inn is located in historic Saint Marks, one of the oldest settlements in North America. First settled in 1527, Saint Marks is a historic little city at the confluence of the Wakulla and St. Marks Rivers. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge, it is located just 20 miles south of Tallahassee.
40.4 miles from park*
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Directions
Directions from Tallahassee, Florida:

- Start on Monroe St heading south.
- Merge onto FL-363 S via the ramp to Crawfordville.
- Continue straight for about 20 miles.

From Apalachicola, Florida:

- Begin by going east on US Highway 98 E/US Hwy 319 N toward Avenue D.
- After approximately ten miles turn left onto County Rd 300/Carrabelle Beach Dr/W Gulf Beach Dr.

To reach the park entrance:

- Drive along W Gulf Beach Dr until you see signs indicating a right turn into Julian G Bruce State Park.

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Florida
23

Florida State Parks

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