Big Talbot Island State Park

Visited this gem while camping down at Little Talbot Island State Park. I didn’t get to see everything, but Blackrock Trail down to the shore where the downed live oaks are was spectacular and definitely worth the hike; make sure you have a camera or a good charge on your phone for picture taking. $ 3 parking fee, cash only. Lots of shade and picnic tables. Paved bike trail too.

Why aren’t you there right now? Stop looking this is the park for you today. Frist it’s got shady spot so your not baking in the sun plus great parking $ 3 fee bring cash. Amazing walking/​biking trails and once your on the beach it’s like a different world. Bring your camera cause this place was made for a photo shoot. Such a beautiful drive out there, stop by the Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant on the way or after you won’t be disappointed.

Big Talbot Island is a bit off the beaten path… literally. It’s a good ride from Jacksonville, but if you choose the Heckscher Drive route vs I-​95, you’re definitely getting a more scenic drive.
First, the signage for the various different areas of the park is lacking. We put the address in our GPS and it actually took us to the entrance of Little Talbot Island. The ranger at the entrance directed us to travel further north for Big Talbot. Seeing as we were meeting friends, I knew this was going to prove rather confusing for our group to meet in the same spot!
After stopping at yet another access point, where we were told it was only lengthy bike and nature trails and no picnic or beach access, we finally arrived to the main park. It was the «honor» pay system of taking a slip, inserting $ 3 into a cash box and placing the torn tag on the dashboard in your car.
Once we parked, we found a picnic table near the wooden deck ramp leading to the water. We weren’t permitted to go on the actual beach since we had our dog with us, so we weren’t able to fully enjoy or really see that aspect of the park.
The bathrooms, though I’m thankful are available, needed refreshing. I found the end of the toilet paper roll (no back-​ups) and empty soap and hand sanitizer dispensers. Ick. So what does our $ 3 entry fee go towards?
We had a nice night there, but will likely not return in the very near future. I’m going to stick to closer beaches.

Great place for bike riding and photography. Drift wood on beach is unreal. Usually not too busy except holidays.

Big Talbot is worth seeing if you find yourself in the area.
Big Tal is wild. You have to walk about half a mile through a forest depending on where you park. When the trees finally open up you are dumped right on to bone beach, which looks kind of like the elephant graveyard in the Lion King. This is the most driftwood I’ve ever seen in one place.
The sand isn’t as white as nearby beaches, and there’s not much of a place to lay out or walk because of all of the driftwood. Neighboring Amelia, Little Talbot, and Hugenot all offer whiter beaches with more room to walk around, but it’s worth the walk just to see all of the driftwood.
You can park by the road at either of the two entrances, and you drop off 3 dollars in a security box per vehicle. You get a tag for your window but it’s kind of on the honor system. I’ve never seen anyone checking tags.

Great place to take pictures

True Florida beach without all the concrete buildings! A true hidden jewel right in our backyard! Rarely used, except for scout troops, and fishermen for years. My family enjoys an evening stroll and ‘climb’ up & over the trees. If you want an unhurried, laid back, few people around beach picnic place, then this is the place.
No swimming allowed, so that keeps the «busy kids & noisy radios» away. No pets allowed either.
Seashell,& driftwood hunters, sandcastle builders and beach walkers love this place.
No restrooms and very few picnic tables, so plan accordingly. Wading in shallow water is allowed, no lifeguards (and few tourists).

BTI State Park is a true escape from North East Florida. Located a short drive down Hecksher (you can take either 9A or the Mayport Ferry), this park is a novelty.
Big Talbot Island is a great place for picnicking and photography. After you arrive, walk east. There is a small pavilion that overlooks the famous «Bone-​yard Beach» and you will want a glimpse!
The beach (BTI’s) is home to giant cedar and live oak trees that have fallen from the bluffs. These trunks have been salt-​washed and dried in the Florida sun. It reminds me of an elephant graveyard.
If you follow the hiking trail, you can gain access to the beach. The first stop had a straight drop down the sand cliff, but it seemed too daunting for this girl and her picnic basket! Walking down a little further lead us to another pavilion and eventually, an easier climb to the shoreline.
The driftwood is truly amazing! It felt like a scene from a movie. You will be sorry if you leave your camera at home!
The beach was relatively deserted, although families and a fisherman did show up as the day progressed. It was wonderful to see the kids’ reaction to the giant sea-​washed trees. One of them said, «This is the coolest jungle-​gym ever!»
If you want to showcase the beauty of Northeast Florida’s sea islands, this is the place to do it. Great for kids and adults alike.
Please note: they do not allow dogs on the beach and swimming in prohibited (wading is okay). Also, there were not any restroom facilities and picnic tables were limited. You might want to bring sneakers so you can easily climb the trunks, but do so with caution.
Parking: When you arrive, the entrance has envelopes to use for payment. Leave your $ 3 (cash or check) in the drop box. Rip off the payment stub and hang it from your rearview.
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