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Florida
19

Florida State Parks

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USA Parks
Florida
Northwest Region
St. Andrews State Park
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St. Andrews State Park © Ebyabe / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Entrance to St. Andrews State Park.
St. Andrews State Park © Ebyabe / CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Grand Lagoon, view from St. Andrews State Park.
St. Andrews State Park © Balon Greyjoy / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
A view of Panama City Beach, FL, USA, taken from St. Andrews State Park.
St. Andrews State Park April 2018 © Julayne Jenkins
Micheal was 9 years old Zadic was 3 years old We were on a road trip with our Friends Augusta, Amia, Aiden, and Xander This was my first time ever taking the boys on a trip without my parents it definitely was awesome and we made lots of Memories
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ST. ANDREWS STATE PARK
ST. ANDREWS STATE PARK
4607 State Park Lane
Panama City, Florida   32408
(lat:30.1314 lon:-85.7366) map location

Phone: 850-708-6100
Well known for its sugar white sands and emerald green waters, this former military reservation has over one-and-a-half miles of beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and Grand Lagoon. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat ramp provide ample fishing opportunities for anglers. Two nature trails wind through a rich diversity of coastal plant communities - a splendid opportunity for bird-watching. Those wanting to relax can sunbathe on the beach or enjoy a leisurely lunch under the shade of a picnic pavilion. Full-facility campsites, as well as primitive youth group camping, make this park a popular overnight destination. A concession offers snacks, souvenirs, and fishing amenities. Shell Island Boat Tours are available during the spring and summer. Located three miles east of Panama City Beach, off State Road 392 (Thomas Drive).
Nature of the Area
The Gator Lake Trail and Overlook provide visitors with a beautiful vantage point for spotting alligators and a variety of waterfowl, wading birds and other small animal. At Button Bush Marsh Overlook, a host of birds can be viewed. Herons and ibis feed along the fertile marsh edge as a variety of waterfowl swim and feed in the depths. Through out the interior of the park you will see raccoon, and white tail deer.
History of the Area
The park opened in 1951 and now consists of more than 1,260 acres. During World War II, it was part of St. Andrews Military Reservation. Circular cannon platforms are still in place on the beach near the jetties. One of them is a favorite observation point for guests as they enjoy the beautiful sunsets and watch the boats pass by.

An authentically reconstructed "Cracker" Turpentine still and turn of the century saw mill are located in the park near Grand Lagoon. charts and diagrams interpret the use and mechanisms of the still. Living history demonstrations are offered quarterly.
Passes
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
Camping
The 1,260 acre coastal park with its 700-acre pristine barrier Shell Island has 176 campsites with electric and water hookups available for reservation through Reserve America.

Group Camping

Group camping is available in the park primitive camping area for scouts, church groups, and other small non-profit organized groups.

Primitive Camping

Primitive area is available for scouts, church groups, and other small non-profit organized groups. No pets are allowing in this area.

RV Camping

The park has a total of 176 campsites available for reserving through Reserve America. All sites include grills, electric, and running water.
Park Store
There are three stores on the park that are open during the summer season (March to Labor Day). These stores offers snacks, souvenirs, bait, fishing licenses, limited grocery items, and rental of chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear, canoes, and kayaks. At this time there is no restaurant available.
Visitors Center
Located behind the camp-store, contains several different brochures of information to help our day visitors enjoy their stay at the park. Also, available inside the center is a restroom facility.
Swimming
This activity is one of the most popular things to do while at St. Andrews, with over 1 mile and a half of beautiful white sandy beaches to swim from. The park not only offers beach access from the mainland, but also offers daily trips to Shell Island where a visitor can enjoy the beach as well. However, trips to Shell Island are limited to seasonal dates only which are from March till Labor Day weekend.
Boating
Boating opportunities are unlimited at St. Andrews with immediate access to the Gulf of Mexico or even Shell Island.

Boat Tours

Shuttle boat tours are offered to go from the mainland of the park to Shell Island in spring and summer. Visitors may wish to sun or walk along the shore of this pristine barrier island. Tickets are available at the park concession.

Boat Ramp

The parks boat ramp consists of a double-sided concrete launch that will accommodate the smallest to the largest of water craft.
Beaches
The beach consists of two and a half miles of beautiful white sand with several location from which to swim or play. There are two different parking areas in which to access the beach areas.
Snorkeling
This activity is an adventure in either swimming area. The extensive shoreline and rock jetties offer excellent opportunities to study marine life. Equipment is available for rent at any of the concession stores on the property or bring your own.
Scuba Diving
This activity is an adventure in either swimming area. The extensive shoreline and rock jetties offer excellent opportunities to study marine life. Equipment is available for rent at any of the concession stores on the property or bring your own.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities include deep-sea jetty and surf fishing. Two fishing piers and jetties provide excellent vantage points year-round. Catches include Spanish mackerel, red fish, flounder, sea trout, bonito, cobia, dolphin and bluefish. A boat ramp is located on the Grand Lagoon near the fishing pier. A concession offers snacks, souvenirs, bait, fishing licenses, limited grocery items and rental of chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear, canoes, and kayaks.
Canoeing
Canoes and Kayaks are available via the parks camp store located just up from the boat ramp are during the summer season. Opportunities are unlimited from just paddling around Grand Lagoon or across the boat channel to Shell Island.


Location
St. Andrews State Park is located near Lynn Haven, Panama City and Panama City Beach
Nearby Parks

Day Use Area
There are two playground within the park, boat basin, and the camping area. Both playgrounds have state of the art equipment and bench?s to sit on.

There are four bathhouses located in the campground area for registered campers use while they stay at the park. Shower facilities for day visitors are located at each of the day use parking areas for their convenience after a long day at the beach.
Picnicking
There are three picnic areas in the park, Jetties use area, Gulf Pier use area, and at the boat basin. The only picnic area that has grills is the boat basin.
Trails
There are two trails in the park to choice from, Heron Pond, and Gator Lake trails. The Heron Pond Trail takes you one a hike through the flatwood pine forest, and by the Turpentine Still. The trail at Gator Lake takes you on a scenic view of Gator Lake.
Bicycling
A popular past time at the park, take a leisurely ride on the park?s 2 mile paved road. For your safety, remember persons under the age of 16 years are required by law to wear a properly fitting bike helmet. To preserve the natural areas of the park, bicycles are limited to roadways and are not permitted on footpaths, boardwalks or the trail that leads to the beach.
Nature Programs
Every Friday night from Memorial Day to Labor Day please join a Ranger at the campfire circle as they offer a very informational program on either park history or wildlife.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 300 species, including migratory and shore birds. Birdwatchers can explore various habitats such as beaches, dunes, marshes and forests. The Heron Pond nature trail is a popular spot for spotting different types of herons among other wildlife. Visitors may also see ospreys nesting in spring or fall migrations of hawks.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 7 Favorite Park. But the roads need repair by Camper
park review stars; one to five Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. Wonderful sugar white beaches. You can even camp right on the water. Great for fishing. Friendly park personal. But the roads through out the park are horrible. Pot hole and cracked pavement everywhere.
August 22 Bad Roads by Geczy
park review stars; one to five As a frequent bike riding visitor to this park, I am dissatisfied with the poor condition of all the roads in the Park. The roads are cracked and have many pot holes. Most pot holes seem to have been filled in numerous times. All the black top roads should be replaced/repaired ASAP.
May 19 A must for families by Ginny
park review stars; one to five This park has it all. And everything is close by. For smaller children or snorkeling, the water by the jetty is awesome. It only gets up to about 3 foot and no waves to splash the young kids. But just on the other side of the sand dunes is the beach on the gulf. So if you want waves, you got them. All kinds of shelter and shade for eating, showers, biking, and nature trails. So awesome for a family vacation. Oh and did I mention it has a pier?
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Area Campgrounds
Venture Out-Panama City Beach
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850-234-2247
Deerhaven RV Park
2812 County Road 2321
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Pineglen Motorcoach & RV Park
11930 Panama City Beach Parkway
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850-230-8535
Raccoon River Campground
12209 Hutchison Boulevard
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850-234-0181
Campers Inn Inc.
8800 Thomas Drive
Panama City, FL
866-872-2267
Sun Outdoors Panama City Beach
1957 Allison Avenue
Panama City Beach, FL
850-235-0924
Campers Inn Inc.
8800 Thomas Drive
Panama City, FL
866-872-2267
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Pets
All pets must be on a 6-foot leash and well behaved at all times. Pets may not be left unattended. Pets that are noisy, vicious, dangerous, or intimidating to other persons, or damage park resources, will be asked to leave the park with their owners. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all droppings in trash receptacles. You may walk your pet in the picnic areas, along the bike trails, and hiking trails. Pets are not allowed on the beach, wetlands, or playground. Guide and Service animals are excluded from the above restrictions.

Pet Camping

Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.

Directions
From Hwy 98 turn South on to Hwy 3031 (Thomas Drive) and follow it straight to Hwy 392 and turn left to enter into the gates of St. Andrews State Park. St. Andrews State Park is located approximately 3 miles east of Hwy 392.
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