Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach

General: We are planners but trying to reserve a site in the popular Florida state parks is challenging to say the least so we were pleasantly surprised when we could snag two nights here. There are 68 sites in two loops – 34 sites on the Atlantic coast and the remainder across the highway near the Intracoastal waterway. I believe all have electric and water hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring. 

Site Quality: All sites are level; driveways on the Atlantic side are sand while the ones on the riverside are gravel. The sites on the ocean side are shorter; while larger RVs would likely fit better in the riverside sites, we did see some larger rigs squeeze into the smaller sites. Our site, while on the coast side, backed up to A1A, a busy road, so the soothing sounds of the ocean waves competed with road noise. Minimal separation/privacy between sites but since ours was at the end of the loop, we had privacy on one side (with the exception that the vehicle turnaround was just beyond our site).

Bathhouse: Was reasonably clean considering it is right next to the ocean. In addition to the men’s and women's bathrooms, there is also a family restroom which also has a shower. 

Activities/Amenities: Sadly, due to storm damage, access to the beach from the campground was closed but we were told of available access points in the town of Flagler Beach. There is a nature trail on the river side. There are also kayak rentals available at the Ranger Station (open 8 am– sunset) and there is an ADA-accessible kayak launch. There is a boat ramp on the Intracoastal waterway and fishing is permitted on both sides of the park. Laundry facilities are available in both campgrounds. 

Lucky to have snagged a spot, we chose to relax and not spend time in town until on our way out of town (while you could walk, it is a couple of miles away). It was also interesting to learn how the park got its name. The name was changed in the early 1990s to memorialize Gamble Rogers, a beloved folk singer, who drowned nearby while trying to rescue a swimmer in distress. 

Note: As this is an extremely popular state park, it seems odd that I could not find this on The Dyrt but I searched both by name and location and could not find it.