Little Talbot Island State Park Campground

I tried to get reservations on the state park website and kept getting an error message. On further investigation it appears they closed in Feb 2024 because of erosion. I'll keep checking and will update this review if/when they reopen.

Awesome, private beach, with tons of little spots to hang out and swim near. The Beachwood is fun to climb also!

I got there a little late, but the park attendant was very helpful and got me a very cozy little spot. The other campers were friendly, and you have beach access 24/7. As long as you can make the walk of about a half of a mile. Lot’s to do and see. Only 10 miles from the grocery store.

I spent two nights here tenting it with my dog and had a lovely stay. It’s very buggy in the wooded camping area so bring your big spray, but the sites were spacious and clean. Water and electric at each site a big plus. Beach isn’t dog friendly but if you go 15 minutes north there’s a great dog beach for those traveling with pups! I’d absolutely come back here again.

Simply put, the ‘surf’ side of Little Talbot Island State Park is all white capped oceanfront and white sand beach paradise with its opposing side strategically located across the street is the ‘turf’ that hosts some 3 dozen or so campsites in lush, verdant foliage completely encapsulating the campground in a jungle-like canopy of ancient Oaks complete with signature draping Spanish moss. While there’s definitely oceanfront camping options out there, particularly in Florida, what is quite unique about Little Talbot is that while you will be able to access the beach and ocean, you aren’t parked right in front of it. In fact, you’ll have a decent hike or a short ride to get to the seaside from your campsite. 

Serene beaches await you on this remote barrier island where snake-like river inlets provide ample kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding and boating options further inland, while choppy waves from the frolicking Atlantic Ocean will beckon you further east. Beachside, you’ll discover that there’s half a dozen or so picnic shelters running parallel to the seaside, along with a perfectly paved bicycling / running pathway along with dedicated restroom and shower facilities. Just over the sand dunes, you will arrive at some of the most pristine, well-kept beaches in Florida’s entire eastern coastline. 

With the actual campground in mind, there’s 3 circular loops or ‘neighborhoods’ that the campsites are organized around – on the far eastern side are sites 1-10, and by far, these are the most secluded, but also IMHO, the best of all the sites. There’s great growth here between each individual campsite, so while you’ll hear (and likely see) your neighbors, there is a decent amount of privacy. The second set of sites 11– 20 sit in the center of the campground and nearest to the bathroom and shower facilities (which are just OK BTW), but offer somewhat better waterviews of Myrtle Creek and further beyond that, Simpson Creek. These sites are much more open and don’t offer much if any privacy. The third set of sites is on the far western side of the campground and feels the most dated and in dire need of some TLC as most of the sites I saw were overgrown with substantial leaf pile-up on the picnic tables, which were pretty dilapidated anyway. 

As far as amenities are concerned, bearing in mind this campground leans more basic, rustic and primitive, you'll find: 20 / 30 amp electricity, fresh water, decent fire ring w/ BBQ lid and picnic tables.  There is a laundry facility along with two bathhouses and there is a proper trash dumpster upon exiting the campground.  There's a decent kayak / canoe launch (and if you don't have your own, Kayak Amelia located just a 1/4 mile up the road has rentals) on the western periphery of the campground where there is a short dock for casting a fishing line along with a bait cleaning station.  The kiddos will discover a nearly brand new playground (although submerged by water when we were there) and a group campfire circle for larger groups offered on a first-come, first-served basis

Insider’s tips? Here's a few: (1) If you’d like to get a good hike on, well, of course you have the 7 miles of unspoiled beach shoreline, but if you’re looking for something further inland there is a small nature loop that is pretty nice and is located at the campground; (2) Up in these parts, you have to mind the timing for low and high tide, so when checking in, ask the park rangers and they’ll get you all squared away; (3) no pets on the beach or boardwalks; and (4) If you need a break from roasting hotdogs and beans fireside, head due south to The Sand Dollar for some pretty great seafood while overlooking St. Johns River with Jacksonville as a backdrop. 

Happy Camping!

Gorgeous campground with full hookups and water. Some sites water front (4). Visited local Black Rock Trail and the beach, absolutely amazing.

There is really not much to see here. It has a nice beach, like most Florida parks. Great for collecting massive amounts of beautiful shells but other than than there isn't much going on here. Only a handful of campsites with no views. Pictures are on beach which is across the road from campground, and closes rather early.

Had a perfect camping experience with my son at mid-august. Our spot was easy to find( which is important when coming back to the site at night), spacious, clean, quiet, and had a direct personal path to the restrooms/shower/laundry house. Had a nice fire ring ( we purchased a bundle across the street at the rangers station. He was very helpful in explaining where things were). Even had a clothesline set up. The beach was right across the street and we were allowed to go anytime ( no cars after the park closed though. But we could walk there so no biggie). The ranger told us it was the most beautiful beach in north Florida and he was correct. Awesome time Saw flying fish and a group of low flying seagulls ( to catch the flying fish). Only a short drive to the skatepark in Jacksonville. Wish we could have stayed longer but plan to return this year. Highly recommended!

My friends and I have tent camped at LTI no fewer than 7 times over the last few years. The sites are nice and tucked away, birds are plentiful and the bathrooms are always very clean. Beach access is a drive (or bike ride) across the street.

If you have a chance to check out little talbot, black rock beach while you’re staying at big talbot, do it! It looks like heaven :) i post up my hammock on the trees all the time.

We stayed here one night, in two tents, on a relatively spur-of-the-moment midweek visit. We liked the sparsely populated beach, the very tidy and seemingly newly tiled bathhouse, and the nice patches of palms and bushes between sites. We didn’t like the proximity to the road (noise), the mechanical drone of the fan from the bathhouse (again, noise), the fact that it’s a drive from the campground to the beach (unless you are a single or couple who’s happy to carry what’s needed… with kids and toys and chairs, no chance), or the small spaces of the sites themselves. Also tiny tiny biting flies! Even the deet spray was only moderately successful in keeping them away. #notfromaroundhere We liked the “jungle” feel and the beach and we’ll probably come back when we get a chance.

We arrived to the campground to take our little 3 yr old Grandson camping for his first time and were SHOCKED to find out that our site was under construction and had no electricity.  We had booked online and at no time were we informed that an entire section of the campground had lost all electric.  It was over 100 degrees that week with the heat index and there was no way we could camp in the sun with a small child, without air conditioning.  We were so upset and even more so when they said it had been that way for a YEAR and it was rented 'because we got a new reservation system and I guess it didn't show those sites as off limits'.  

Thankfully, they saw how disappointed we were and called around and found us a site at Fort Clinch State Park, 12 miles up the road.  Do not book here unless you're positive your site has the amenities you need.  The sites we know NOT to book at Little Talbot Island are sites #23 and 24.  There may be others, so beware.

Little Talbot is just over a small bridge to Amelia Island via A1A. Inside an ecological reserve with kayakable waterways stretching for miles.

My visit was at the end of February, beautiful breezy nights with no bugs. Super relaxing, nice to camp under Spanish Moss for a natural Florida feel. Because you’re on the Atlantic coast in FL, flash showers happen - so just have the rain fly handy and it’ll pass typically pretty quickly. Fun to pull up the weather map and watch the showers roll in - had wifi from the site but don’t know if that’s always the case, seems unlikely.

Had campsite 6 with one neighbor in 5, both are a quick walk to shower house but I think I’d prefer/recommend sites 7-10 to be more away from the bathrooms. Btw, showers and bathrooms very clean and (bonus!) screened in, plus there’s a big fan in case it gets buggy out.

I agree with one of the past reviews re: some road noise, but nothing that kept me awake at all.

Take the walk across the street to the trails and beach, about a 4-5 mile loop. Or just up the road on bike you’ll be on bike trails throughout Amelia Island - stop in at the Omni Hotel property for a bite. Also close by, don’t miss Fernandina Beach (a leisurely drive of about 25 min.) where you can check out the fort and historic downtown - super cool with some good food and beer options. Photogenic town right on the Georgia line but no bridge so it’s boat only to get across.

Last, just a little plug for the FL State Parks annual pass. Supports a good cause and will motivate you to check out some really cool areas of the state. Camp more too.

After going camping with the Boy Scouts we decided that we liked camping so we bought a 10-person tent and the first place we went was Little Talbot Island which is close to home. The campsites are small but they are in between the tree so you can't see your neighbors. The bathrooms were close by and clean, the only drawback was that the beach was across the street and quiet a walk. Once you make the hike to the beach it's absolute Heaven. There are not very many people, the beach is beautiful whitish sand. water is clear, it was very enjoyable to spend the day at the beach. Of course at the end of the day it rained.

Had a great time, the park and beach were beautiful, the campgrounds and restrooms were clean!

Beautiful little campsite. Close to beach and hiking. Clean restrooms and pleasant staff. It is close to A1A so depending on the site, there’s a bit of road noise. If you’re into owls there was quite a chorus last night.

This is a State Park I grew up in, camping illegally dodging park rangers, so I’m somewhat biased but become more lawful. Campground sits in an oak hammock on Myrtle Creek salt marsh directly across A1A from the ranger station and one of the most pristine beaches in Florida. The best sites afford a view the salt marsh but they are limited in number and accessibility. The whole campground is very tight and big rigs will find it impossible. Follow the guidelines on size allowance on the booking site. Things to bring: beach gear, bikes, kayaks, fishing gear. Big Talbot Island is just to the north and has a bike trail that can be ridden all the way to Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach a great foodie and shopping town with history. The bike trail is mostly well off A1A and shaded there is one bridge crossing from Big Talbot to Amelia that you’re forced to use the shoulder of A1A. I concur with an earlier review that 38 is THE site 39 is also a great view but they have the power on the correct side and water far away and on the wrong (passenger) side. we had to go into town and buy a second hose to make water connection.

The most friendly staff. Great beach. Our site was wonderful and had plenty of room. The facilities were so clean.

If you can’t get into Fort Clinch State Park, this small (40 site) campground is a good option as long as you don’t have a large RV. Our 17-foot campervan did just fine, but the sites are not very large and there are some low hanging branches. Some sites are more private than others. IMO, the best site is#38, a pull-through with no neighbors on either side or behind. Sadly, it was empty when we were there! 

Check-in is across the street from the campground. The ranger who checked us in was very helpful and explained everything we needed to know. The roads and pads are dirt so they can get muddy when it rains (didn’t rain when we were there but the puddles suggested it had done so recently). Also, the roads are narrow and there are no signs indicating they are one-way so if two vehicles meet, one of them will need to pull over! Again, this would be challenging or impossible for large RVs. 

The restrooms were clean (with HOT water!) and there were two of them for the campground which was more than sufficient. Appeared there were multiple hosts.  

There is a very walkable beach with access across the road from the campground – about a half-mile walk to get to the access point; I enjoyed a morning walk and didn’t see a soul. If you have a kayak, you can launch it from the campground.

Very reasonable price($27) for a water and electric site.

Be prepared for narrow dirt roads into and around campground. Bumpy. Near hiking trails but buggy so be prepared. Sites fairly close, bathhouse a bit dated. Nearby water but not much of a beach. Beautiful mossy trees though and hookups worked. Not sure I'd return but friendly camper nearby ok offered me some of his fresh catch so fishing must be decent!

My first solo tent camping trip, February 2019. So quiet, beautiful, that even whispering sounded to loud. Check in was easy, the ranger was friendly gave me easy directions to site #39. The camp grounds are on intercostal side of the park. The beach is the other side of the road.

My site was secluded and surrounded by lush natural vegetation and huge oak trees. Water, electric, fire pit with grill. After setting up my tent and unloading the car, took a walk around the camp grounds. Nicely maintained, not really designed for large RV’s road are narrow. Very few empty spots. The bathrooms were spotless and large. Nice playground for children. Excellent open space to launch kayaks. Camp sites were sandy with some shells, so if tenting, putting a tarp under your tent would be prudent. Thru out the night the rangers had regular patrols. There is a naval station nearby, so there helicopters patrolling as well. I felt safe and slept like a baby.

The beachside is like no other. A short stroll over the dunes on a well marked path leads a beautiful untouched beach and driftwood. About 5 miles of packed sand made an easy walk. Take your kite!

Will plan to visit again!

We camped here for a weekend. There are many bugs and raccoons so beware. The driftwood beach is stunning and worth the entire trip.

Staff and guest all very polite. Nice clean camp sites and bath houses. Fishing, surfing, Long Beach trails. This place has it all. I will be back soon.

Sites are very small and roads through campground are very narrow and curvy. Great for tents and small RV ‘s. Enjoy!

My girlfriend and I camped at Little Talbot Island State Park in February of 2018. The campsites were excellent, this might sound cheesy but it made me feel like a pirate camped on the beach. All the campsites are nestled into a sandy wooded area, and despite being quite close to one another they manage to keep a fair amount of privacy. The bathrooms were well-lit and in great shape, and all the campers we encountered were friendly so it felt very safe.

The campsites are set across the road from the beach and you can walk to the beach if you'd like. They have a breathtaking driftwood beach that is a short drive from the campsite. I haven't seen anything like it since, it has an almost eerie beauty to it. We traveled almost 14 hours to camp here, and we were very satisfied with the state of the park and campsites.

Bring your canoe or kayak and watch the tides. Visit Boneyard beach a short drive away. Camp sites are nice in size. Water on site, hot water bath house.

best combination of both and don’t forget Jacksonville Zoo.

The campground itself is on the intercostal side and is covered in beautiful old trees which provides plenty of shade. The beach itself is beautiful and has plenty of parking. There is a trail that runs through the woods, then dunes and then the actual beach which I believe is about 4 miles long but it’s absolutely beautiful and well worth it.

There was plenty to do with the intercostal on one side and the beach on the other. The sites were a little close but still not bad.

Small, peaceful campground on the marsh with nice facilities (bathroom, showers etc) if that’s what you’re looking for. There are lots of easy biking and hiking trails and a nice beach. The campgrounds can get busy and crowded - not super secluded if you want to be in nature but nice if you’re going with some campers who need a little more luxe. Beautiful scenery and super nice staff. Also can be accessed pretty much any season.