Bald Point State Park
🏆 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
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Alligator Point, Franklin County, FL — Forgotten Coast |
| Beaches | 2 — Apalachee Bay (swimming, sunbathing) |
| Trails | ~18 miles multi-use |
| Camping | ⚠️ NONE — day use only (8 AM – sunset) |
| Dogs | NOT permitted on beach |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | 2 bay beaches — quiet, uncrowded |
| Kayaking/Canoeing | Tucker Lake + Chaires Creek — tidal creek systems |
| Fishing | Accessible pier + surf/wade — redfish, trout, flounder, mackerel |
| Birding | Great FL Birding Trail — fall raptor + monarch migration |
| Hiking | 18 mi — Maritime Hammock, Sand Pine, Sundew trails |
| Wildlife Viewing | Deer, raccoons, wading birds, shorebirds |
| Picnicking | Pavilions with grills + restrooms |
| Observation | Elevated deck — bay + marsh views |
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.
