Voted One of America’s Best Beaches; An All Time Favorite.
The Setting
Named by Dr. Beach (Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman) as America’s Best Beach in 1995, St. Andrews is well known for its sugar white sand and crystal-clear emerald green water. This 1,260-acre park is located on a peninsula with over 1.5 miles of beach on the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon.
Natural communities in the park include dunes, marshes, scrub and pine flatwoods. Each community is home to plants and animals that adapt to the conditions they inhabit.
The park’s uplands are characterized by rolling white sand dunes separated by low swales of either pine flatwoods or marshes. The dunes and beach are formed of quartz sand originally derived from the Appalachian Mountains. As the mountains eroded over millions of years, rivers and streams carried the sand southward. Long shore currents then deposited the sand on the beach and barrier islands. Dunes closest to the coast are commonly covered with sea oats. Dunes found farther inland are covered with sand pine, scrub oaks, rosemary, and other hardy plants and play an important role in preventing erosion during intense storms.
Salt marshes are found in areas with light wave action and tides. They are made up of short plants including grasses. Salt marshes transfer nutrients from land to sea and back as fresh water and tides move across them. Freshwater marshes are similar to salt marshes at first glance; however, freshwater marshes are not affected by tides. As a result the plant and animal life in freshwater marshes differ from that in salt marshes.
The Facility
Two campground loops are situated in the pinewoods near Grand Lagoon. There are 176 sites with electricity, water, picnic tables and grills. The sites will accommodate camping units ranging in size from tents to rigs up to 40 feet in length. Campfire programs are offered seasonally. A tent camping area for non-profit, organized youth groups is also available. Certain fees and restrictions apply.
Camping Tips
• Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.
• Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet and be well behaved at all times.
• 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.
Park Features
Visitors to St. Andrews State Park may wish to sun or walk along the shores of this pristine barrier island. Tickets are available at the park concession. Shuttles run across the channel from the mainland to Shell Island in spring and summer. This 700-acre parcel of St. Andrews State Park remains, for the most part, undeveloped.
Swimming is a favorite activity in the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico where wave action adds to the excitement. Swimming in the shallow, protected pool behind the jetty is relaxing, while snorkeling is an adventure in either swimming area. The extensive shoreline and rock jetties offer excellent opportunities to study marine life.
Fishing opportunities include pier fishing, jetty, and surf fishing. Catches include Spanish mackerel, redfish, flounder, sea trout, bonito, dolphin, and bluefish. A boat ramp is located on Grand Lagoon near the fishing pier. The concession offers snacks, souvenirs and limited grocery items suited for campground guests.
Picnic facilities are found in several locations in the park with the main picnic area near the fishing pier on Grand Lagoon.
Address
4607 State Park Lane
Panama City, Florida 32408
We have many state parks that are truly beauitful South Padre Island is another great beach to visit
Posted by: HikeALot | 19 January 2010 at 12:41 PM
What an awesome place to camp. I'd imagine they fill up pretty fast on the weekends.
Posted by: Camping Tents | 25 August 2010 at 03:35 PM