St. Andrews State Park: A Coastal Destination in Panama City Beach
Located between the Gulf shoreline and St. Andrews Bay in Panama City Beach, Florida, St. Andrews State Park covers more than 1,200 acres. Its protected landscapes include white-sand beaches, coastal dunes, marshes, pine flatwoods and shoreline habitats.
The park offers more than 1.5 miles of beach, along with opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, paddling, wildlife viewing, picnicking, hiking, bicycling and camping.
Planning note: Beach conditions, campground availability, concession services and ferry operations can change because of weather, maintenance or seasonal schedules. Check official park information before traveling.
📍 Location
St. Andrews State Park is located at 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, Florida 32408, on a peninsula between the Gulf shoreline and St. Andrews Bay. The mainland portion of the park includes shoreline along Grand Lagoon as well as beach access near the jetties.
The park supports dolphins, sea turtles, migratory birds, deer, alligators and many other coastal species. Visitors should observe wildlife from a safe distance, avoid disturbing nests or habitat and never feed wild animals.
🚗 Getting There and Parking
Drivers approaching from Panama City Beach can reach the park from Thomas Drive. Visitors traveling from Panama City can connect to Thomas Drive from the U.S. Highway 98 area and continue toward the official park entrance.
Use the official street address when navigating, since road conditions, construction and suggested routes may change.
Designated day-use parking is available inside the park, including two main parking areas serving the beach-access areas. Parking availability is not guaranteed, particularly on busy weekends and holidays, so arriving earlier in the day can be helpful.
🏖️ What You’ll Find at St. Andrews State Park
🌊 Swimming, Snorkeling and Beach Safety
- More than 1.5 miles of white-sand beach with several places for swimming and shoreline recreation
- Snorkeling opportunities around the designated swimming areas and jetty rocks
- Beach warning flags and posted notices that should be checked before entering the water
- Changing water conditions, including waves, currents, marine life and weather-related hazards
Swimming conditions can change quickly. Visitors should not rely on lifeguard presence and should understand that swimming is at their own risk. Always follow posted closures, warning flags and instructions from park staff.
🏖️ Facilities and Visitor Services
- Restrooms with changing areas
- Outdoor shower facilities at day-use parking areas
- Picnic areas with tables and grills
- Elevated boardwalks providing access to beach and overlook areas
- Beach wheelchairs available by inquiry at the ranger station
- Concession locations offering food, beverages, supplies and selected rentals
Concession hours, menus and rental availability may vary by season, weather and operating conditions.
🎣 Fishing, Trails and Nature
- Fishing opportunities from the shoreline, piers and jetty areas
- Two approximately half-mile nature trails: Heron Pond Trail and Gator Lake Trail
- A paved road of approximately two miles commonly used for recreational bicycling
- Bicycles restricted to roadways and not permitted on footpaths, boardwalks or the beach-access trail
- Wildlife viewing around Gator Lake, Buttonbush Marsh and other natural areas
Fishing must comply with current Florida regulations, including licensing, size, method, season and catch-limit requirements.
💰 Entrance Fees and Park Hours
- Standard vehicle admission: $8 for a vehicle carrying two to eight people
- Single-occupant vehicle: $4
- Pedestrians and bicyclists: $2 per person
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year
Fees and operating arrangements may change. Visitors should verify the current amount on the official Florida State Parks website before arrival.
⛺ Camping and RV Information
- The campground is open for reservations, subject to current inventory and operational restrictions
- Reservable campground sites include water, 30- and 50-amp electric service and sewer connections
- Sites include a picnic table and grill
- Camping units range from tents to RVs measuring up to 50 feet
- Campground bathhouses, accessible restrooms and laundry facilities are available
The stated 50-foot limit is the park-wide maximum published by Florida State Parks. Campers should still check the dimensions, parking pad and equipment restrictions of the individual site before booking.
Campground construction, maintenance or temporary closures can affect which sites appear in the reservation system. For this reason, a fixed campsite count should not be used to estimate current availability.
💳 How Camping Charges Are Calculated
- Base campsite fee: The official park page currently lists a base rate of $28 per night
- Tax: Applicable tax is added to the base fee
- Reservation fee: A nonrefundable $6.70 fee is charged per reservation rather than per night
- Utility fee: A $7 nightly utility fee applies to RV and certain other accommodation reservations
- Tent exception: The nightly utility fee does not apply to tent camping
The total displayed during booking should be treated as the authoritative price because rates, taxes, discounts and additional charges can change.
🚤 Shell Island Ferry
- Boat transportation from St. Andrews State Park to Shell Island is operated through the park concessionaire
- Shell Island is accessible only by boat
- Ferry service is seasonal and weather-dependent
- A tram or shuttle may transport ferry passengers from the Pier Store area to the marina
Departure times, fares, operating dates and cancellation policies should be confirmed directly with the concessionaire before visiting.
📸 Nearby Places to Consider
- Shell Island – an undeveloped barrier island reached by private boat or seasonal ferry service
- Panama City Beach Conservation Park – a separate outdoor recreation area with natural trails
- Pier Park – a shopping, dining and entertainment area in Panama City Beach
🧭 Practical Tips
- Check beach warning flags and posted restrictions before entering the water
- Do not assume that a lifeguard will be present
- Bring drinking water, sun protection and weather-appropriate clothing
- Use insect repellent when visiting marsh or wooded areas
- Confirm campsite dimensions and current campground availability before bringing an RV
- Check the concessionaire’s current schedule before planning a Shell Island ferry trip
- Keep pets leashed and away from prohibited areas
- Follow wildlife, fishing, boating and beach-safety regulations
🌟 Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 4607 State Park Lane, Panama City, Florida 32408 |
| Park Size | More than 1,200 acres |
| Beach | More than 1.5 miles of white-sand shoreline |
| Standard Entrance Fee | $8 per vehicle carrying two to eight people |
| Parking | Designated day-use parking, including two main beach-access parking areas |
| Hours | 8:00 a.m. until sundown, daily |
| Nature Trails | Heron Pond and Gator Lake, approximately half a mile each |
| Bicycling | Approximately two miles of paved park road; bicycles are restricted to roadways |
| Activities | Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, paddling, hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing and camping |
| Camping | Reservable full-facility sites; current inventory may be affected by construction or maintenance |
| RV Length | Up to 50 feet, subject to the dimensions and restrictions of the selected site |
| Camping Price Structure | Base nightly fee plus tax, reservation fee and a utility fee where applicable |
| Shell Island Access | Seasonal and weather-dependent boat service operated through the park concessionaire |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at St. Andrews State Park?
Pets are allowed in designated areas when well behaved and controlled on a leash no longer than six feet. Pets are not permitted on the beach, wetlands, boardwalks, playground, swimming areas or inside park buildings. Service animals are exempt from applicable pet restrictions.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes. The currently published admission is $8 for a vehicle carrying two to eight people, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle and $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists. Visitors should check the official fee page because rates may change.
Is swimming supervised by lifeguards?
Visitors should not assume that lifeguard coverage is available. Florida State Parks advises visitors to use caution, follow beach warning flags and swim at their own risk.
How many campsites are available?
A fixed number should not be used to describe current availability. Construction, maintenance, temporary closures and existing reservations can affect the inventory shown in the official reservation system.
What is the maximum RV length?
Florida State Parks states that campground sites can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet. Campers should also check the dimensions and restrictions of the specific site selected during booking.
How much does camping cost?
The official park page currently lists a $28 base nightly fee. Applicable tax, a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee per reservation and a $7 nightly utility fee may be added. The utility fee does not apply to tent camping.