Bald Point State Park
Florida State Park

Bald Point State Park

146 Box Cut Rd Alligator Point, FL 32346
Available Activities
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Bird Watching
  • Scenic Overlooks
  • Kayaking
  • Paddling
  • RV

🌤 Weather at Bald Point State Park by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
48–86 °F70–92 °F47–88 °F39–67 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Panacea 1 S, 9 mi away, elevation 6 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

🏆 Official Guide: Bald Point State Park — A quiet, undeveloped coastal park on Alligator Point in Franklin County, Florida — where Ochlockonee Bay meets Apalachee Bay (Gulf of Mexico) — featuring 2 sandy beaches on the bay, ~18 miles of multi-use trails (Maritime Hammock, Sand Pine, Sundew trails), kayaking on Tucker Lake + Chaires Creek, fishing from an accessible pier (redfish, trout, flounder, mackerel) + surf/wade fishing, Great Florida Birding Trail stop (fall raptor + monarch butterfly migration), salt marsh, pine flatwoods + oak thickets, picnic pavilions + observation deck — no camping.

Bald Point State Park is one of Florida’s Forgotten Coast gems — a quiet, largely undeveloped coastal park on Alligator Point where two bays meet the Gulf of Mexico. Far from the crowded beaches of central Florida, this is where you come for solitude, superb fishing, and world-class birding on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The fall raptor and monarch butterfly migrations are spectacular events that draw wildlife enthusiasts from across the state.

Visitor Information

DetailInformation
LocationAlligator Point, Franklin County, FL — Forgotten Coast
Beaches2 — Apalachee Bay (swimming, sunbathing)
Trails~18 miles multi-use
Camping⚠️ NONE — day use only (8 AM – sunset)
DogsNOT permitted on beach

Activities

ActivityDetails
Swimming2 bay beaches — quiet, uncrowded
Kayaking/CanoeingTucker Lake + Chaires Creek — tidal creek systems
FishingAccessible pier + surf/wade — redfish, trout, flounder, mackerel
BirdingGreat FL Birding Trail — fall raptor + monarch migration
Hiking18 mi — Maritime Hammock, Sand Pine, Sundew trails
Wildlife ViewingDeer, raccoons, wading birds, shorebirds
PicnickingPavilions with grills + restrooms
ObservationElevated deck — bay + marsh views
⚠️ Important: Check tide charts before kayaking — you can easily get stuck on oyster bars or sand bars in the tidal creek systems. Shade is very limited along the shoreline — bring hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Insect repellent is essential, especially near the estuary areas (local biting flies can be persistent). Dogs are not permitted on the beach.
💡 Pro Tip: Fall migration (September–November) is the prime time — raptors including bald eagles funnel through this point, and monarch butterflies pass through in stunning numbers. The accessible fishing pier is excellent for targeting redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder without needing a boat. Tucker Lake and Chaires Creek offer sheltered paddling through beautiful estuary habitat — but seriously, check those tides. The Maritime Hammock Trail winds through shady oak canopy — a welcome relief from the sun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I camp here?

No — Bald Point State Park is day-use only, open from 8 AM until sunset. For camping on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, check nearby St. George Island State Park or Ochlockonee River State Park.

When is the best time for birding?

Fall (September–November) is the peak birding season — the park sits on a major raptor migration corridor, with bald eagles and other raptors funneling through. Monarch butterflies also pass through in impressive numbers during fall migration.

Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Ochlockonee River State Park is a short drive away, and San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park is within about an hour’s drive.

Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Florida state parks online at reserve.floridastateparks.org.

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bald Point State Park

Pets allowed? statewide rule
Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas.
Leash rule statewide rule
Leashes may not exceed 6 feet; pets must be under physical control at all times.
Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
Pets are not permitted on beaches, boardwalks or playgrounds, or in bathing areas — swimming pets can be viewed as prey by alligators.
Cabins & lodging statewide rule
Pets are not allowed in any state park buildings, cabins or cabin areas.
Statewide exceptions statewide rule
Pets prohibited at several parks including Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs (free kennels at the entrance), Weeki Wachee Springs and Egmont Key; in campgrounds pets must be confined in the camping unit 11 p.m.-7 a.m.

Are dogs allowed at Bald Point State Park?
Domestic pets are welcome in many Florida State Parks — on hiking trails, in picnic areas and campgrounds — but only in designated areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via floridastateparks.org. More: Florida state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Park Location

146 Box Cut Rd Alligator Point, FL 32346

Plan your gear for Bald Point State Park

From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities: