Contact Information

12157 Heckscher Drive
Jacksonville, 32226
(904) 251-2320

Driving Directions
Big Talbot Island State Park is located 20 miles east of downtown Jacksonville on A1A North, immediately north of Little Talbot Island State Park.

Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year. Boat ramp area is open 24 hours a day.

Park Activities

Boat Ramp
For fishing and boating enthusiasts, Big Talbot’s boat ramp is the gateway to bountiful fishing grounds. This recent addition to the park is a deep-water ramp with a floating dock, and easy access to the Intra-coastal Waterway, Nassau Sound, and the Atlantic Ocean. The ramp is located on the north end of Big Talbot. There $3.00 launch fee per boat. Remember to file a float plan and always carry proper communication and safety equipment!

The facility provides local information including maps, safety information, and possible routes. Inside the concession, you’ll find snacks and drinks, restrooms, and souvenirs. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, or if you have your own, there is access to a hand launch ramp.

Kayak Amelia offers guided paddles including; birding paddles, tai-chi paddles, sunset and full-moon paddles, and special focus paddles. All guided trips include instruction, snack, and interpretation.

Fishing
With all of the marsh area that surrounds Big Talbot Island, there is no question that this is a prime area to fish. Whiting, Redfish and Speckled Sea trout are in these waters year round. During the spring and fall these waters are booming with feeding activity. Plenty of baitfish and shrimp can be caught in any of the creeks and along the shoreline. A canoe trip through the marsh can be real a productive way to find that "big" fish. Fly fishing is becoming very popular throughout these marshes. "Tailing Reds" come up the creeks during the fall and spring flood tides. A map of Big Talbot and its marshes can be obtained at the Little Talbot Island State Park Ranger Station.

Nature Trails
At this park there are several trails to choose from. A map may be picked up at the Little Talbot Islands, Ranger Station. Blackrock Trail meanders through the maritime hammock delivering you to the shores Nassau Sound. This one of a kind beach has black, rocklike outcroppings and fallen trees that have become bleached and weathered with time. The short hike is breath taking, the way the "Live Oak Trees" seem to sweep towards the clouds. This is a great place to just enjoy an afternoon of fun in the sun or go exploring through the branches of time. Road parking along S.R. A1A allows you easy access to all of the trails.

Picnicking
Beach access from the Bluffs picnic area is currently closed.

This small picnic area has a $2 entrance fee per vehicle. It offers park visitors picnic pavilions with grills, tables and a bluff overlook view of Nassau Sound. This "Bluff" is where the park gets its name. This is a non-bathing beach, but you are welcome wade out and cool off. For thousands of years driftwood has been washing up upon the shore of Big Talbot. This driftwood is a protected natural resource that offers not only scenic beauty, but is a source of shelter and food for the plants and animal that live off the wood. Pets are allowed in the park but must be on a six-foot hand-held leash at all times. Be sure to bring your camera, so you can take your memories home with you.

The panorama of the Nassau Sound as it opens to meet the Atlantic makes the Big Talbot Bluffs a perfect setting for your picnic.

Swimming
There is no swimming at Big Talbot Island. But, swimming is available at the beach on Little Talbot Island.