Avalon

Avalon SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/avalon-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalon_State_Park Avalon State Park is located on North Hutchinson Island, 4 miles north of Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, along A1A in Florida. The park is open between 8 a.m. and sundown every day of the year (including holidays). Avalon has more than a mile of increasingly rare undeveloped beachfront. The park provides habitat for many species of wildlife. Threatened and endangered sea turtles such as the loggerhead, Atlantic green and leatherback nest on the beach during the spring and summer. Dune crossovers protect the fragile dune ecosystem. The park is ideal for swimmers, snorkelers, anglers and sunbathers for beach recreation. Swimmers and snorkelers are advised to be cautious of underwater obstacles left behind by amphibious warfare exercises during World War II. Visitors can enjoy a meal at sheltered picnic tables overlooking the beach.

History Nature During World War II, the United States Navy began using this site as a top-secret training ground for their underwater demolition team called ‘Frogmen.’ In 1943, beach obstacles were placed in the off-shore water. Frogmen would dive to locate these hazards as an exercise they would later use in the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Swimmers, snorkelers and surfers should be cautious of submerged concrete and steel hazards along the Atlantic shoreline. This land became Avalon State Park in 1987. With more than 650 acres, the park stretches from the Atlantic Ocean, across the beach dunes, through the maritime hammock, to the mangrove forests along the Indian River Lagoon. The park is the largest stand of undeveloped maritime hammock on North Hutchinson Island. The mangroves provide an important habitat for fish, invertebrates, and a variety of bird species including the roseate spoonbill, wood stork, black skimmer, terns and egrets. West Indian manatees are sometimes seen near the shore in the Indian River Lagoon. Today, the park provides habitat for many species of wildlife. Threatened and endangered sea turtles, like the loggerhead, Atlantic green and leatherback, nest on the beach during the spring and summer. Gopher tortoises, marsh rabbits and bobcats call the park home. Florida State Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks Avalon State Park c/o Fort Pierce Inlet State Park 905 Shorewinds Dr. Ft. Pierce, FL 34949 (772) 468-3985 FloridaStateParks.org Southeast Florida Avalon State Park Where History Meets the Sea Park Guidelines • Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. • An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees may apply. • The collection, destruction or disturbance of plants, animals or park property is prohibited. • Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and well behaved at all times. • Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. Snorkelers and scuba divers should always use Diver-Down flags when in the water. • Become a volunteer. Inquire at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park. • Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station. Alternate format available upon request at any Florida state park. FLORIDA State Parks Created on 11/14 SM National Gold Medal Winner Florida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner” Real Fun in SM Welcome to Avalon State Park, with more than a mile of undeveloped beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean, Avalon is perfect for fishing, sunbathing, wildlife viewing and enjoying Florida’s beaches by land or water. The park provides habitat for threatened and endangered sea turtles that nest on the beach during the spring and summer. Avalon is also home to the threatened prickly pear cactus, a favorite food of the gopher tortoise; endangered beach star and West Indian manatee along with many species of special concern including the roseate spoonbill, American oystercatcher, brown pelican and little blue heron. Avalon State Park offers a firm, sandy beach with a beautiful view of Florida’s coastline. Take a leisurely stroll to find seashells in a variety of shapes and colors. Relax in the sun, or surf the incoming tide. Anglers may look for bluefish, snook, pompano and red or black drums throughout the seasons. N Beaches W Bird-watching S Fishing Hiking Atlantic Ocean Parking Picnicking Restrooms Four picnic pavilions with grills are available for family gatherings. Bird-watching along the coastal hammock trail on the west side of A1A is popular. Native trees such as gumbo limbo, red bay, live oak and mangrove attract many species of wading birds. One small parking area, with dune crossovers, has been established on the narrow strip of land between the highway and the dunes. E Indian River Directions Avalon State Park is located on State Road A1A in St. Lucie County about four miles north of Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, or nine miles south of Vero Beach via Highway A1A and the North Causeway. Observation Platform 

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c