The wildlife loves Anastasia State Park as much as the people do.There are abundant wading birds hunting for food along Salt Run, including colorful roseate spoonbills. Osprey and eagles rule the skies and painted buntings and warblers often flit about the hammock forests. Visitors watch wildlife along the beach, from a canoe or kayak, or on the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail.
As an added extra, the park’s 139 campsites are just a short stroll from the beach.
Experiences
Bicycling
Over four miles of beach and several miles of park roads, some with bike lanes, are available for bicycling. Bicycles are available for rent at the concession inside Anastasia State Park. Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Birding
Anastasia State Park is located on The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, so visitors will have the opportunity to observe numerous species of birds. Many shorebirds, such as laughing gulls, least terns, and black skimmers are found resting on our beach, or frolicking on the shore. Water birds such as the great blue heron, tricolor heron, wood stork and roseate spoonbills can be seen in the salt marsh along Salt Run. Osprey, bald eagles and owls can be seen flying high above or resting in the tree tops. Song birds love the maritime hammock within the park. You may even see warblers, cardinals, robins, woodpeckers or painted buntings.
Boating
Visitors may enjoy sailing in Salt Run, the estuarine tidal marsh. For the safety of visitors and wildlife, operators of sailboats should obey signs, follow regulations, and keep the vessel from infringing on any habitat.
Camping
The campground contains 139 campsites, for both recreational vehicles (RV) and tents, all located within the beautiful maritime hammock and just a short walk or bike ride from the beach. Certain sites are paved and have accessible picnic tables and grills. All sites have electricity and water, a picnic table, an in-ground grill and a fire ring. A communal dump station is free for park campers. Please put your trash in the compactor near the entrance to the campgrounds. Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
Anastasia also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged four to nine. Ask to check out a book from the ranger station.
Maximum RV length = 40 ft.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the park, except campers may consume alcoholic beverages within their campsites.
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book online or call 1-800-326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
Fishing
The fishing area on Salt Run features a fish identification kiosk, a monofilament disposal bin, and a fish-cleaning station! Waters off the north end of the park are also popular. If you come ashore onto the park during your fishing adventure, please avoid the delicate marsh and fragile dunes. Please take all trash with you, as garbage is harmful to the wildlife.
All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Geo-Seeking
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures, or information in various places around the park. Please check the Geocaching website for the most current and up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
Operation Recreation GeoTour
Hiking
The Ancient Dunes Nature Trail loops through a shaded maritime hammock while meandering through the ancient dunes. The trail is mostly flat but contains uneven terrain and some hills or even stairs. You can also explore up to four miles (one way) of pristine beach.
Paddling
Canoers and kayakers alike can enjoy cruising along Salt Run, the estuarine tidal marsh. Rentals are available at the concession inside the park.
Picnicking
Please come by and enjoy our accessible picnic facilities. Anastasia State Park has three picnic areas. Hilltop picnic area, close to the marsh and the ocean, features ten covered picnic tables and a nearby restroom. (Hilltop picnic area cannot be reserved and available on a first-come first-served basis).
Watersports Picnic Pavilion, by the marsh, and Sea Turtle Picnic Pavilion, close to the ocean, are available to rent at $100 (plus tax) per day.
Contact Anastasia Watersports at (904) 460-9111 to reserve a pavilion, or if you have any additional questions about our picnic facilities.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, except campers may consume alcoholic beverages within their campsites.
Shelling
Beach combing or shelling is a favorite pastime of many visitors and the beaches of Anastasia State Park are a great place to find them. Collectors can find a multitude of shells, including clam, scallop, oyster and olive. Plan your shelling around the low phase of the tide which exposes the most beach area. Please be aware that most everything you find on the beach was or still could be alive.
Surfing
Anastasia State Park hosts some of the better surfing on the east coast of Florida. Four miles of beach break allow visitors to spread out if they like. Surfers wear trunks or bathing suits in the summer months but water and air temperatures can make a full wetsuit desirable in late fall, winter and even early spring. Ocean and beach equipment can be rented from Island Beach Shop and Grill, right in the park by the beach. There are also local surf shops abound to help visitors. Entering the water in tidal or ocean areas always presents some degree of danger, including the threat of rip currents. Always heed advice or warnings posted for your protection.
Swimming
A designated swimming area at the beach access ramp behind Island Beach Shop and Grill is monitored by a lifeguard from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but swimmers should always exercise caution, whether a lifeguard is present or not. Swimming in tidal or ocean areas always presents some degree of danger, including the threat of rip currents. Always heed advice or warnings posted for your protection.
Walking and Running
The Ancient Dunes Nature Trail loops through a shaded maritime hammock while meandering through the ancient dunes. The trail is mostly flat but contains uneven terrain and some hills or even stairs. You can also explore up to four miles (one way) of pristine beach.
Wildlife Viewing
Anastasia State Park includes 1,600 acres of rich ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The estuarine tidal marsh is teeming with animal life, such as dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, fish, crabs, and marsh birds. The sand dunes are home to the endangered Anastasia Island Beach Mouse, while the beach is home to a variety of shorebirds, crabs, and other marine animals. The Windsurf picnic pavilion area, the beach boardwalk, and the beach overlook provide wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities.
Amenities
Amphitheater
The St. Augustine Amphitheater is within walking distance or a short bike ride from the campground and hosts a variety of activities year round. In addition to live music and art shows, The Amphitheater holds a weekly Farmer’s Market, enjoyed by campers and the local community. The market takes place every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. You will find fresh fruits and vegetables, hand crafted items and live music. Entrance to the market is free of charge.
Beach
Anastasia contains four miles of pristine beach. A designated swimming area is monitored by a lifeguard from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Swimmers should always exercise caution whether or not a lifeguard is present. Swimming in the ocean or tidal areas always presents some degree of danger, including the threat of rip currents. Always heed advice or warnings posted for your protection.
The beach is open to bicyclists and pedestrians; however, motorized vehicles are not allowed.
Beach wheelchairs are available upon request at no charge.
Pets are prohibited from the beach.
All visitors are prohibited from entering the sand dunes because they provide vital habitat to protected wildlife.
Campgrounds
The campground contains 139 campsites, for both recreational vehicles (RV) and tents, all located within the beautiful maritime hammock and just a short walk or bike ride from the beach. Certain sites are paved and have accessible picnic tables and grills. All sites have electricity and water, a picnic table, an in-ground grill and a fire ring. A communal dump station is free for park campers. Please put your trash in the compactor near the entrance to the campgrounds. Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
Anastasia also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged four to nine. Ask to check out a book from the ranger station.
Maximum RV length = 40 ft.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the park, except campers may consume alcoholic beverages within their campsites.
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book online or call 1-800-326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
Canoe Kayak Launch
Paddlesport launch is located behind the Anastasia Watersports building.
Anastasia Watersports provides guests with rental opportunities for bicycles, paddleboards, kayaks, sail boats and canoes. They can be reached at 904-460-9111.
Historic Site
Visitors can enjoy the Coquina Quarry, an archaeological site where coquina rock was mined to help construct the nearby Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in downtown St. Augustine, earning it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
Picnic Pavilion
Anastasia State Park has three picnic areas. Hilltop picnic area, close to the marsh and the ocean, features ten covered picnic tables and a nearby restroom. (Hilltop picnic area cannot be reserved and available on a first-come first-served basis).
Watersports Picnic Pavilion, by the marsh, and Sea Turtle Picnic Pavilion, close to the ocean, are available to rent at $100 (plus tax) per day.
Contact Anastasia Watersports at (904) 460-9111 to reserve a pavilion, or if you have any additional questions about our picnic facilities.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited, except campers may consume alcoholic beverages within their campsites.
Playground
Anastasia State Park offers three accessible playgrounds. Two are located within campground loops and one is available to all visitors in the beach access area.
Recycling
The Friends of Anastasia State Park funds the recycling program at Anastasia. There are recycling containers in all common use areas for glass, aluminum and plastic.
RV
The campground contains 139 campsites, for both recreational vehicles (RV) and tents, all located within the beautiful maritime hammock and just a short walk or bike ride from the beach. Certain sites are paved and have accessible picnic tables and grills. All sites have electricity and water, a picnic table, an in-ground grill and a fire ring. A communal dump station is free for park campers. Please put your trash in the compactor near the entrance to the campgrounds. Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy.
Anastasia also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers aged four to nine. Ask to check out a book from the ranger station.
Maximum RV length = 40 ft.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the park, except campers may consume alcoholic beverages within their campsites.
Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book online or call 1-800-326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.).
Shower Station
Outdoor showers are available by the beach and by Salt Run for rinsing off sand and saltwater. Showers for bathing may be purchased at the ranger station for those not already camping.