Big Talbot Island

Big Talbot Island State Park

a natural preserve providing a premier location for nature study, bird-watching and photography

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective April 6, 2023: The floating dock at the Sawpit Boat Launch at Big Talbot Island State Park is closed for repairs.

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. The boat ramp is open 24 hours a day.

Fees

$2 for fishing pier, $3 per vehicle entrance, $4 for boat launch fee 

See all fees

Location

State Road A1A North
Jacksonville FL 32226

Get directions

Contact Info

904-251-2320

Welcome to Big Talbot Island State Park

Located on one of Northeast Florida's unique sea islands, Big Talbot Island State Park is primarily a natural preserve, providing a premier location for nature study, bird-watching and photography.


Pay Online, Single-Use Day Pass

Explore the diverse island habitats by hiking Blackrock Trail to the shoreline, Big Pine Trail to the marsh, or Old Kings Highway and Jones Cut through the maritime forest.

Launch a boat from the north end of the island to fish and tour the salt marsh, or rent a kayak and take a guided paddle tour with Kayak Amelia, 904-251-0016. Kayak tours require advance reservation.

Visit the bluffs and enjoy a picnic at one of the pavilions overlooking the water or take a quick stroll down the trail to Boneyard Beach. The beach is famous for the salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore.

Bring a bicycle, in-line skates or a stroller and enjoy the 3.9-mile off-road paved multi-use Timucuan Trail that runs parallel to A1A with breathtaking overlooks of Spoonbill Pond at the northern boardwalk section. Stop along the way to read about the park's natural and cultural resources at the interpretive panels.

We welcome you to visit all seven of the parks that collectively compose Talbot Islands State Parks:

Plan Your Visit

Michelle Waterman Park Manager
Learn

Manager's Message

The towering trunks and twisted limbs of fallen giants greet you on the beach at Big Talbot Island State Park. Boneyard Beach tells the story of the powerful natural forces that shape barrier islands.
3 kayaks are launched into the water at a sandy ramp.
Service

Kayak Big Talbot

The view from the water is unmatched when kayaking at Big Talbot Island State Park, so immerse yourself in the salt marsh experience with a tour from Kayak Amelia's veteran paddlers.
a boy crouches on the edge of a pool formed by hardened black dirt on a beach
Learn

Walk Blackrock Beach

There is no substitute for a trip to Blackrock Beach on Big Talbot Island State Park. Journey through a maze of dead trees, black "rocks" and tidepools along this fascinating beach.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Birding
Birding
Boating
Boating
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Roller Blading
Roller Blading
Shelling
Shelling
Tours
Tours
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Beach
Beach
Boat Ramp
Boat Ramp
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Historic Site
Historic Site
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities

a giant dead tree lies with roots exposed on the beach
many green snails attached to a piece of driftwood just above the water
Two men fish in the water surrounded by sand dunes and marsh grasses
palm and pine trees are outlined by a colorful sunset
a stork comes in to land in a large group of birds
three people hike through beach hammock habitat and trees
Big Talbot
pale dead trees lie on the sand backlit but a blue and orange sunrise
Learn

Boneyard Beach

Escape the hustle of the city shore and explore a wilder side of Jacksonville at a one-of-a-kind beach at Big Talbot Island State Park.
Marsh Sunrise Big Talbot
Learn

The Salt Marsh

Neither land nor sea, the vast salt marsh grasslands that hug the west sides of barrier islands like Big Talbot Island State Park are some of the most ecologically productive and important areas on the planet.

People Make the Parks

a park ranger points at a beach habitat for several visitors.

Staff Spotlight

For six years, Shunne Elerby has dedicated his time and service to Big Talbot Island State Park. A Jacksonville native, Shunne served his country in the U.S. Air Force as an engineer and airman.
a large group of people in work clothes stands underneath a canopy of trees

Volunteer Spotlight

A volunteer group at Big Talbot Island State Park recently proved the old adage that there is strength in numbers.
Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks

Friends of Talbot Islands State Parks

Our mission is to enhance the activities and preserve the cultural and natural resources of our local Florida state parks in order to provide future generations the enjoyment of the natural beauty of the real Florida.

Park Map

More Places You Might Like

See all parks
Paynes Prairie looking over Prarie

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Paynes Prairie is an unpredictable Florida treasure, boasting herds of wild horses and bison, nearly 300 species of birds and a unique ecosystem that visitors will enjoy exploring. The park’s eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allow one to explore the park’s interior and observe wildlife, while a 50-foot high observation tower provides for panoramic views.

100 Savannah Blvd.
Micanopy FL 32667

Fort Clinch ArialView

Fort Clinch State Park

Nature and history mingle at majestic Fort Clinch State Park, where visitors can explore miles of beaches and trails as well as a Civil War fort on beautiful Amelia Island.

2601 Atlantic Ave.
Fernandina Beach FL 32034

O'Leno State Park

O'Leno State Park

One of Florida's first state parks, O'Leno State Park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. This historic park along a rustic North Florida river offers the perfect escape into the wilderness.

410 S.E. O'Leno Park Road
High Springs FL 32643