Bald Point

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. 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