St. Andrews State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Found just three miles east of Panama City Beach, Florida sits St. Andrews State Park, which is 1,200 acres large and extends along the Gulf of Mexico. Of Florida’s five AmeriCorps Florida State Parks, St. Andrews is the headquarters. This state park is well known for its pristine beach, and other features of the park include boardwalks, dog-friendly swim areas, and one of the best campgrounds in the Panama City Beach area. Before it became a state park, St. Andrews was home to Theodore “Teddy the Hermit” Tollefsen, who shipwrecked on the beach during a hurricane in 1929. For 25 years, he created a homestead in his boat and remained along the beach. Today, visitors can visit this state park to see the place where Tollefsen once lived, which features white sand beaches and emerald-colored waters.
Spring 68-84 F
Summer 75-90 F
Fall 63-81 F
Winter 45-63 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in St. Andrews State Park
Every campsite found at St. Andrews State Park features water, electrical, and sewer hookups plus a picnic table and grill. Shower facilities are also available to use both in the West Loop and East Loop areas. Other features of the campground include biking trails that connect to other areas of the park as well as a playground. All of the campsites are paved and located near the coast, and many sites sit right on the edge of the campground area's scenic beach.
What to Do at
St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park has a visitor center with indoor interpretive exhibits to check out year-round. Exhibits are interactive and include information on local marine wildlife and ecology. There are also two concessions at the park, found near the picnic area and West Jetty. Several shops are located in the center of the park in between Buttonbrush Marsh and Gator Lake, too.
Fishing
There are two fishing piers at St. Andrews State Park, and anglers can fish on either of the piers or along the beach with a valid Florida saltwater fishing license. Fishing on the Gulf Coast is available year-round, and popular species you may catch at this park include mahi mahi, grouper, snapper, amberjack, and kingfish.
Hiking
Two half-mile trails are available to use for hiking at this state park, including Gator Lake Trail. The other trail is the Heron Pond Trail, and it explores coastal pine forests.
Boating
There is a boat launch located along Grand Lagoon. This boat launch is available for motorized and non-motorized boats to use for a fee. Pontoon boats are available for rent at the park for full-day or half-day use, and kayaks and paddleboats are available at the concessions.
Swimming
This state park is the perfect destination for swimming in the Gulf of Mexico any time of year though it is most popular in the summer. Lifeguards are usually on duty.
Biking
A biking trail circles the inner area of St. Andrews State Park, connecting the campground area with the beaches, picnic area, and fishing piers. Biking is also permitted on the paved roads but not the hiking trails or boardwalks.
How to Get to
St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is located a short distance from Panama City Beach and Panama City, and it can be accessed easily via US-98. To get to the park from Panama City, take US-98 West to Frankford Avenue, then turn right onto Frankford Avenue. Continue 0.7 miles, then turn left onto US-98 West once more. Continue 4.2 more miles, then a slight left and turn left onto C R 392/Thomas Drive. After about 3.5 miles, turn left onto Thomas Drive to enter the park.
Entering St. Andrews State Park
Upon entering this state park, visitors will need to pay an entrance fee at the entrance station. For day-use parking, visitors can use any of the large parking lots near the beaches, picnic areas, and fishing piers.
St. Andrews State Park Entry Fee per vehicle : $8.0
St. Andrews State Park Entry Fee per single-occupant vehicle : $4.0
St. Andrews State Park Entry Fee per walker/biker : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park is open year-round, so visitors can enjoy the beach and activities at the park at any time. However, the campground tends to fill up quickly in the summer, so visitors who want to stay at the park when it isn't too crowded should plan to visit in the winter months.
Alligators are abundant in the lake found at St. Andrews State Park. During migration seasons, visitors may also see many birds and butterflies throughout the park.
Certain campsites at St. Andrews State Park are marked for RV and tent use while others are marked for tent use only, so campers should be aware that not all sites are available for RV stays. RV sites may also vary in length.
Campers are required to make a reservation for a campsite at this state park prior to visiting, and reservations may be made online. The typical cost to stay at this campground is $28 per night.
Pets and service animals are allowed at this state park, including on the beaches. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets at all times though, and animals should always be kept on a six-foot or shorter leash.