Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Located on a barrier island fronting historic Apalachicola Bay, Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is a paradise for RV lovers. This park, located on the east end of St. George Island, is a favorite destination during the summertime. The area in and around the park has a long history, with Pre-Columbian natives visiting St. George Island to collect seafood during its existence (believed to be around 5,000 years) as evidenced by the remnant middens.
There are miles of undeveloped beaches on the barrier island that will provide you with some fantastic opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating and nature study. While the park is a very popular place during the summertime due to the amazing weather, beachgoers can be seen all year round, along with those who love to birdwatch and go fishing. You will also be able to enjoy the best stargazing in the Panhandle during your stay.
Camping at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is possible for RV travelers, with 54 sites being available for visitors to use. The campground has some great features and all sites feature 50-amp electrical and water connections. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is open all year round.
RV Rentals in Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
Transportation
Driving
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is located on St. George Island in Franklin County, Florida. Despite being on an island the park is close to many small towns, including Eastpoint (around 13 miles away), Apalachicola (around 19 miles away) and Carrabelle (around 30 miles from the park. The closest major city to Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is Tallahassee and it can be found around 83 miles to the north of the park.
Getting to Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is quite easy as there is only one road in and out of St. George Island. This road can be found via the U.S. 98, by way of bridge that is four miles in length. The roads in and around the park are very flat and there will be no overhanging trees that will cause you any issues if you are traveling in a larger RV. This area has unfortunately been damaged by hurricanes before and the wet weather can hit the park very quickly. If you are worried about storms in the area call ahead to the park office to confirm that the park will be open.
Parking
There is plenty of parking available at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park.
Public Transportation
Unfortunately there are no public transport options available to Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park.
Campgrounds and parking in Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
Campsites in Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
Reservations camping
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground
If you are considering camping at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park you should absolutely do so. The campground in the park is renowned for being very beautiful and features some fantastic amenities. Each of the 54 sites that are RV-friendly include a large site, 50-amp electrical connections, water hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and two 4x4 posts with hooks to attach your clothes line. Another great feature about the park is that because it is so far out on the peninsula of the island there will be incredible stargazing opportunities.
Other amenities within the campground include water collection points, showers, toilets, a dump station and ADA-accessible sites. You should be able to get cell phone reception on all networks within the campground and the campground is also pet friendly. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance and the campground is open all year round.
Seasonal activities in Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
Off-Season
Hiking
If you want to explore more of what the park has to offer there are numerous hiking trails that are available to check out. The most popular trail in the park is the two and a half mile trail to Gap Point that begins in the campground and takes you through the pine flatwood forest to the bay. If you are looking for something smaller we recommend the one mile East Slough Overlook Trail that features boardwalks, resting benches and information on the resources in the park.
Fishing
One of the beauties of staying at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is that you have both the surf and bay to enjoy. This is especially true for those who love to fish as you have tow completely different environments to explore. You can fish on the beach, in kayaks in the bay or out in the ocean if you have a larger boat. Common species caught in the park include flounder, redfish, whiting and sometimes Spanish mackerel. A fishing license may be required and more information can be found by calling the park.
Birding
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park has some incredible bird watching opportunities for visitors to the park. There have been almost 300 different species of birds found and documented within the park so there will be a great diversity in what you can see. Brown pelicans and gulls are commonly seen on the beach, however other species including some that are endangered or threatened may also be seen, such as terns, black skimmers, sandpipers and ruddy turnstones. On the bayside of the park, sightings of osprey, bald eagles and American oystercatchers are common. Other popular areas for birding include the main park drive and the youth/group camp area in the maritime hammock.
In-Season
Picnicking
Another great way to enjoy your stay during the summer is by having a picnic. The park offers six large shelters that are located on the beach and you will find restrooms and showers nearby. Each shelter also has some great amenities, including grills for cooking and several picnic tables for visitors. If you have a large group we recommend reserving a shelter to guarantee that you will have a spot for your required date. Call the park for more information about reserving.
Boating
The waters in and around Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park are also very popular for those who love to get out on the water and go boating. Boats of all shapes and sizes are welcome at the park, however the waters on the bay side are known to be very shallow and feature oysters and grass flats. There are multiple boat ramps available for you if you have a boat, but if you don't there are canoes and kayaks available for you to rent from the park.
Swimming
Swimming and sunbathing are very popular activities on the white sandy beaches and in the clear Gulf waters of Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park. There are miles and miles of totally undeveloped beach for you to discover and enjoy during your stay. Swimming at the park will be a primitive experience as there are not many amenities available due to the sheer size of the beach. You also won't be able to find any lifeguards at the beach so swim within your ability.
