Big Talbot Island State Park

Key Highlights

• ✓Boneyard Beach features spectacular driftwood, creating unique visual landscapes.
• ✓Black Rock Beach boasts bright white, silky soft sand, and fascinating tide pools.
• ✓Black Rock Trail is an easy, mostly packed sand path, approximately 1/2 mile to the beach and 1 mile round trip.
• ✓A paved path runs alongside the road, ideal for biking.
• ✓Beaches and trails are described as beautiful and stunning, providing great photo opportunities.

Standout Features

• ⭐Spectacular and beautiful driftwood on the beaches, ideal for unique photo opportunities.
• ⭐Bright white and silky soft sand at Black Rock Beach.
• ⭐Tide pools at Black Rock Beach, great for discovery.
• ⭐A dedicated paved path for biking.
• ⭐Unusual and stunning beach landscapes.

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • Picnic at one of the pavilions overlooking the water.
• • Alcoholic beverage consumption is allowed only in specifically designated areas such as concessionaire-operated restaurants/lodges, reserved overnight accommodations, or reserved covered picnic pavilions/dining halls/recreation halls where serving alcohol is noted in the rental contract.
• • Consumption of alcohol is not permitted in public locations, including beaches, tubing/paddling areas, or first-come, first-served picnicking areas.

🛡️Safety Policy

• • Fireworks are prohibited in all Florida State Parks.
• • In the event of a burn ban, fires are not permitted in campfire rings or freestanding fire pits. Propane, freestanding charcoal, or electric grills are allowed for cooking.
• • All parks will close when they reach capacity, and no further vehicles, bicycles, or walk-in visitors will be allowed to enter until space becomes available (exceptions for registered campers).
• • Helmets are required by Florida law for cyclists and equestrians under 16 years of age and recommended for all ages.
• • Drones (other aerial apparatus) are prohibited from taking off from or landing in any park, except in emergencies endangering human life or at designated landing facilities (none guest-accessible). This policy protects natural resources and nesting birds.
• • Hunting, trapping, or the pursuit of wildlife is prohibited on all state park property, except in specific Reserves as authorized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
• • Concealed or open carry of firearms in Florida State Parks is governed by Chapter 790, Florida Statutes (with an exception for Savannas Preserve State Park where firearms are unlawful).
• • Metal detecting is prohibited on all state park lands, except for coastal parks where it may occur in certain beach areas between the toe of the dune and the high-water line, as designated by the park manager. Metal detecting in submerged locations is not permitted.
• • Objects with historic association (over 50 years old) are archaeological artifacts and may not be kept by visitors.
• • If a personal item is lost, metal detectors may be used to recover it by the owner or representative in the presence of park staff, with only the lost item being kept.
• • Foraging, collecting, or removing plants, animals (e.g., firewood, leaves, feathers, bones), or other materials is prohibited (exceptions for research permits or empty seashells, sea glass, shark teeth found on coastal beaches between the water line and dune toe).
• • Electric-assist bicycles/e-bikes are permitted on Florida state trails and multi-use/bicycle-specific trails within state parks, as well as on paved public access roads. Prohibited on pedestrian or equestrian-only trails.
• • Motorized recreational scooters are not permitted on state trails. Within state parks, they may be ridden on paved public access roads but not on sidewalks, boardwalks, or trails.
• • Golf carts and utility vehicles may be driven on public access roads within Florida State Parks with a speed limit of less than 30 mph by licensed drivers. Vehicles must have working brakes, steering, safe tires, a rearview mirror, and red reflective devices. Must be driven only during daylight hours unless equipped with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and a windshield. Not permitted on sidewalks, boardwalks, trails, off-road, or service roads off-limits to guests.
• • ATVs/side-by-sides/four-wheelers/UTVs are not permitted for use on trails or off-road areas within Florida's state parks.
• • Smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vapes) is prohibited inside enclosed structures (e.g., restrooms, welcome centers) and in designated outdoor areas with heavy public use. Permitted in other outdoor areas, with proper disposal of waste.
• • Scattering of cremation ashes is restricted to locations away from developed areas (parking lots, trailheads, campgrounds, picnic areas, visitor centers) and at least 200 feet from any water source. Ashes should be scattered/spread, not buried or piled, and no markers/plaques may be placed. Mornings may be preferable for privacy.
• • Release of balloons, floating candles, or candle-lit sky lanterns for memorial services is prohibited due to litter and fire hazards.

📅Booking Policy

• • Kayak tours with Kayak Amelia require advance reservation.
• • Park entry is on a first-come, first-served basis; pre-purchased day passes do not guarantee entry if the park reaches capacity.

🚗Parking Information

• • Parking is included with the $3 per vehicle entrance fee.
• • Disabled-designated parking spots are available.
• • Visitors are asked not to block access for emergency vehicles or park on road shoulders, especially when the park is full.