Anastasia State Park

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If you want to spend time in nature, away from the bustling urban environment, you might want to consider heading over to Anastasia State Park soon to enjoy the pristine white sand beaches and learn about its vibrant history.

If you’ll head to Anastasia State Park soon, you’ll enjoy more than 1,600 acres of unspoiled beaches along with tidal marshes, maritime hammocks, and ancient dunes. The natural beauty of this must-see destination will surely captivate visitors.

Throughout the years, Anastasia State Park camping has been a favorite for visitors of all ages and wildlife. Catch a glimpse of wading birds as they hunt for food along Salt Run, including vibrant roseate spoonbills. As you look up in the sky, you might be lucky to see an osprey or an eagle fly by while warblers and painted buntings typically frequent the hammock forests.

If you’re ready to take on the outdoors, you can observe wildlife up close along the beach from a kayak or canoe or on the Ancient Dunes Nature Trail. As an extra perk, the 139 campsites of the park are only a short distance from the beach.

Anastasia State Park Hours of operation and fees

Anastasia Park is open from 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year. If you’re expected time of arrival is after sunset, make sure to inform the park on the day of arrival to receive a gate combination and instructions. Take note that all campers should set up before 11 PM.

Admission

$8 per vehicle (up to eight people)
$4 single-occupant vehicle
$2 pedestrian, bicyclist, extra passengers, passengers in the vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass

Anastasia State Park Camping

In the Anastasia campground, there is a $28 fee per night plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for a cabin, RV, boat, bungalow, and yurt units.

The utility fee covers the water, sewer, and electricity. There’s a 50% discount on the current base campsite fees for Florida residents at 65 years of age or older, those who hold a Social Security disability award certification, or a 100% disability award certificate from the federal government.

Experiences and amenities at Anastasia State Park

The vast selection of activities and experiences along with the amenities in Anastasia State Park is worth checking out.

Experiences

When it comes to experiences, there’s always something for everyone.

Bicycling

With over 4 miles of beach and several miles of park roads, some with bike lanes, it’ll make biking a truly fun activity. You can rent a bicycle at the concession inside Anastasia State Park.

Birding

The Anastasia State Park is situated on The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. It allows visitors the chance to observe a variety of bird species. You might spot several shorebirds such as laughing gulls or black skimmers resting on the beach or gathering on the shore.

There are also water birds such as the great blue heron, wood stork, tricolor heron, and roseate spoonbills in the salt marsh along Salt Run. Bald eagles, osprey, and owl can be seen flying up in the sky or resting in the treetops.

A variety of songbirds love to spend time on the maritime hammock within the park. You might catch a glimpse of cardinals, warblers, woodpeckers, robins, or painted buntings.

Boating

If you’re going to take part in water activity, enjoy sailing in Salt Run, the estuarine tidal marsh. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the Anastasia State Park campground map so you’ll know where you’re heading.

Camping

The Anastasia State Park campground boasts 139 sites of both tents and RVs, all situated within the picturesque maritime hammock and only a short distance or bike ride from the beach. Some of the sites are paved with accessible picnic tables and grills.

All the sites have water and electricity, a picnic table, a fire ring, and an in-ground grill. There’s also a communal dump station for park campers. Make sure you’re familiar with the Anastasia State Park campground map during your stay.

Anastasia also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers ages 4 to 9. Pets are allowed but make sure to check out the policy here.

Fishing

The fishing area on Salt Run features a fish identification kiosk, a monofilament disposal bin, and a fish-cleaning station. You can try out fishing off the north end of the park. Make sure to bring any trash you have since leaving behind any garbage can be detrimental to wildlife.

When fishing within the park, make sure to conform to the regulations when it comes to the size, number, season, and method of capture. A fishing license might be required.

Geo-Seeking

If you want to explore the park in a new, challenging way, try Geo-Seeking. Experienced Geocachers have permission to hide caches that contain trinkets, treasures, or information in different places around the park.

Hiking

The Ancient Dunes Nature Trail loops through a shaded maritime hammock while meandering through the ancient dunes. The Anastasia State Park trails are mostly flat but there are uneven terrain and some hills or even stairs to hike. You can even explore up to 4 miles of pristine beaches.

Padding

If you love the water, you can go on paddling along the Salt Run.

Picnicking

Anastasia Park boasts three picnic areas.

Hilltop picnic area features 10 covered picnic tables, close to the marsh and the ocean.
Watersports Picnic Pavilion is situated by the marsh.
Sea Turtle Picnic Pavilion is near the ocean.

Reunions and gatherings

If you want the natural beauty of the park as a backdrop of special events, you’re in the right place.

Shelling

Many visitors look forward to beachcombing which is a favorite pastime. Head over to the beaches of the park to find a variety of shells.

You might find a great selection of shells, including scallop, clam, olive, and oyster. Make sure you’ll go on shelling around the low phase of the tide, which exposes most of the beach area.

Surfing

The park also hosts some of the best surfing on the east coast of Florida. The four miles of beach break allow visitors to enjoy the waves. You can rent equipment from the Island Beach Shop and Grill, right in the park by the beach.

Swimming

There is a designated swimming area at the beach access ramp behind Island Beach Shop and Grill with a lifeguard on duty.

Wildlife viewing

The park boasts 1,600 acres of rich ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The estuarine tidal marsh is where you’ll find manatees, dolphins, fish, sea turtles, crabs, and marsh birds.

The dunes are home to the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse. The beach is home to various crabs, shorebirds, and other marine animals.

Amenities

Accessible amenities

Elevated boardwalks to the beach
Picnic facilities with tables and grills
Beach wheelchairs
Concession with food and gift shop
Campfire circle
Campsites with a picnic table, concrete pad, ground grill, and nearby restrooms
Service animals are welcome

Amphitheater

The St. Augustine Amphitheater is within walking distance, or a short bike ride from the Anastasia campground and hosts a variety of activities throughout the year. Aside from the live shows and art shows, there’s a weekly farmers market where you can find a selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, hand-crafted items, and live music.

Concession and restaurant

Island Beach Shop and Grill has a grill with freshly made food. You’ll enjoy dining in an accessible dining area with a Wi-Fi connection.

Historic site

During your visit, you 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.

Parking

There are a total of 350 parking spots in the park. The parking is covered with park admission.

Playground

The park offers three accessible playgrounds. Two are situated within the campground loops and one is available to all visitors in the beach access area.

Final thoughts

If you want to experience the beauty of nature and what Anastasia State Park offers, you’ll have a great time with family and friends. With the variety of experiences and amenities available along with the sheer natural beauty of the surroundings and close encounters with wildlife, there’s always something for everyone. Check out St. Augustine Hotels to get started with your trip.

Anastasia State Park
300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine FL 32080
Telephone: 904-461-2033