Bald PointState Park - Florida |
Bald Point State Park is ocated south of Ochlockonee Bay, approximately seven miles southeast of Panacea, on St. James Island in Alligator Point, Tallahassee's closest beach off U.S. 98, in Franklin County northwestern Florida. Park was named after Bald Point cape on eastern tip of St. James Island in Ochlockonee Bay.
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Bald Point - Recreation Map
Recreation Map of Bald Point (SP) in Florida. Published by Florida State Parks.
Florida State - Highway Map North 2023
Official Highway Map North of Florida. Published by the Florida Department of Transportation.
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Bald Point - Brochure
Brochure of Bald Point State Park - most picturesque scenic areas along north Florida's gulf coast - in Florida. Published by Florida State Parks.
Florida State Parks - Camping and Cabins Guide 2018. Published by Florida State Parks.
Camping and Cabins Guide brochure.
Bald Point SP
https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/bald-point-state-park
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bald_Point_State_Park
Bald Point State Park is ocated south of Ochlockonee Bay, approximately seven miles southeast of Panacea, on St. James Island in Alligator Point, Tallahassee's closest beach off U.S. 98, in Franklin County northwestern Florida. Park was named after Bald Point cape on eastern tip of St. James Island in Ochlockonee Bay.
BALD POINT
STATE PARK
HISTORY AND NATURE
Located on North Florida’s Gulf Coast where two
bays meet, Bald Point State Park offers exceptional
natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor
recreation.
146 Box Cut Road
Alligator Point, FL 32346
850-349-9146
With evidence of Norwood pottery, the earliest
known pottery in North America, archaeologists
identified human activity at the site 2,500 to
3,500 years before the Spanish arrived. Native
Americans hunted, fished, collected clams
and oysters, and lived in relatively permanent
settlements near the abundant resources of the
coast and forests.
Picturesque natural beauty
along North Florida’s Gulf Coast
Beginning in the mid-1800s, fishermen established
seine yards at Bald Point. Primitive campsites
included racks to hang, dry and repair fishing nets.
In the early 1900s, pitch was harvested from pine
trees to make turpentine. Many “cat-faced” pines
are still visible at the park.
PARK GUIDELINES
Bald Point State Park protects more than 4,800
acres of coastal wilderness dotted with freshwater
ponds and tidal marshes where the Ochlocknee
Bay meets the Apalachee Bay. Tidal marshes are a
valuable nursery for marine life and a rich feeding
ground for land and sea birds.
Alligators also find the marsh a rich source of food,
and sea turtles nest on the beach at Bald Point
from May to October each year. Bald Point’s varied
landscape hosts more than 230 animal species
and 360 species of plants. Seasonal wildflowers
can be seen blooming throughout the park.
BALD POINT
STATE PARK
•
Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
•
An entrance fee is required.
•
All plants, animals and park property are protected.
Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited.
•
Pets are not allowed on the beach. Where allowed,
pets must be kept on a hand-held leash no longer
than six feet and be well-behaved at all times.
•
Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in
designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may
be required. Swim at your own risk. No lifeguard is
on duty.
MORE INFORMATION
•
To learn about becoming a volunteer, visit
FloridaStateParks.org.
•
Florida State Parks are committed to providing
every visitor with equal access to facilities and
programs. Please contact staff at any ranger station
or call 850-349-9146.
Visit us online at
FloridaStateParks.org
Follow us on social media
FloridaStateParks.org
#FLStateParks
Bald Point State Park
EXPERIENCES AND AMENITIES
Ochlockonee Bay
Bald Point State Park offers access to one of North
Florida’s most undeveloped and scenic Gulf Coast
beaches. Swimming, sunbathing and windsurfing
are popular activities on the sandy shores along the
Apalachee Bay coastline.
Fishing
Pier
Directions
Overlook
Three beach access points offer accessible picnic
pavilions along with grills and restrooms. Outdoor
showers are available. A beach wheelchair is
available by reservation.
From Tallahassee, travel
30 miles to Medart on
State Road 363 S./County
Road 61/U.S. Highway 319.
Drive south on U.S. Highway
98 about 11.8 miles from
the 319/98 intersection to
County Road 370; proceed
3.8 miles on County Road
370 to Bald Point Road and
travel 3 miles to the park
entrance.
Western
Mullet
Pond
Double
Pond
ad
int Ro
Sand
Pond
Bridge
o
Bald P
Chaires
Creek
Surrounded by water, the park is a popular spot for
canoeing and kayaking. A canoe/kayak launch on
Tucker Lake allows exploration of the park’s interior.
Anglers can enjoy surf fishing and wading out to
oyster bars, and an accessible fishing pier at
Ochlockonee Bay is a great spot for catching flounder,
redfish, trout and mullet.
Mullet
Pond
Canoe/Kayak
Launch
Little
Tucker
Lake
Bald Point’s biological diversity makes it a popular
destination for nature lovers. Discover the tidal
marsh wildlife – jumping mullet, wading birds and an
occasional alligator basking in the sun.
Tucker
Lake
Inset 1
Hike or bike along 18 miles of nature trails and
see Bald Point’s pine flatwoods and other natural
communities. Wildlife species include crabs, deer,
raccoon, bobcats and coyotes.
Al
lig
Bald Point State Park has a well-deserved reputation
as a top spot on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife
Trail. Fall and winter are the best seasons for birding.
Bald eagles, osprey and migrating falcons are common
sights in season. The park is also a staging point for
migratory butterflies in the fall.
at
or
Apalachee
Bay
Dr
ive
r Drive
Alligato
Gulf of Mexico
Inset 2
Canoe/Kayak Launch
Primitive Camping
Fishing
Restrooms
Hikiing
Outdoor Showers
Parking
Sunbathing
Picnicking
Swimming
Bald
00201_Rev_10.19
ad
t Ro
Poin
Boardwalk
d
Pavilion
Roa
Biking
Inset 2
Inset 1
Inset 1
Poin
t
Paddling
Bald
Beach Access
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.
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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
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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