If you love nothing more than to immerse yourself in nature for a while then you should make a point of heading to Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park.
Although it is just a 20 minute drive from Pensacola, the 815 acre park has a very secluded feel to it. This is because it protects one of the last sections of wet prairie in the state.
Contained within it is Florida’s largest ecosystem of pitcher plants, a carnivorous plant that flourishes in the area. The park also houses over 20 rare and threatened animal and plant species. Many of which reside around the flatwoods, wet prairies and dome swamps.
As this Florida state park is exceptionally beautiful, it provides wonderful opportunities for nature and wildlife watching, photography and birding. There is also a lovely hiking trail you can go to which will take you to a magnificent panoramic viewing point of the pitcher plant.
The park is strictly day use only and there are no amenities or camping facilities there at all. However, what you will be able to get is a sense of perspective on how beautiful untouched nature can be. For this reason alone it is definitely worth coming here.
Getting There
Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park is located on Garcon Point in Santa Rosa County, Florida. This is about 10 miles away from Pensacola.
To get there you will need to take Interstate-10 until you get to Bagdad. From there, continue south for about 6 miles on Garcon Point Rd (CR 191).
Once you see the left turn off to Dickerson City Road take it and then turn left again immediately into the small parking area that you will see there.
Activities
The park is open from 8 am until sunset every day and you do not have to pay to visit it.
Once there, visitors can enjoy its tranquil surroundings and beautiful scenery in a handful of ways.
Here are some further details about what you can see and do while you are at Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park.
Hiking at Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
Those wanting to explore the park on foot should head to the parking area at Dickerson City Road.
From there, they can venture through the prairie towards a scenic pond where you’ll find an abundance of pitcher plants.
Look out for several species of flora and fauna as you traverse your way along it.
If you do intend to tackle this trail be sure to wear a hat, plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. Wear comfortable shoes and also take plenty of water with you.
Photography at Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
If you are into photography the park’s mesmeric landscapes of pitcher plant prairies provide fantastic opportunities to take some great snaps.
This is especially true at sunset when the fiery hues of the descending sun create a spectacular visual as it dips below the horizon. If you can, try and ensure you are in the park at this time.
Birding at Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
If you are into birding you’ll definitely want to bring your binoculars with you to the park as you can observe several different species during your time there.
Some of these species of birds live in the park all year round. However, some only pass through during their annual migration in the spring or winter.
You should be able to get a full birding checklist from the main office. But depending on when you visit you might be able to see loggerhead shrikes, cottonmouths, great blue herons, Cooper’s hawks and red-shouldered hawks.
The best birding opportunities can be found around the trail that starts at the parking area by Dickerson City Road.
Wearing proper birding clothes should make your experience even more enjoyable.
Nature & Wildlife
As well as the birds, the park is home to around 20 species of endangered and rare plants.
As you traverse your way around its various habitats and ecosystems, you should also encounter wildlife in the form of flatwood salamanders, gray foxes, frogs and Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes among several other species.
By all means have your camera at the ready when you do spot them. But don’t try to interact, feed or otherwise disrupt them in any way.
Pets at Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
Depending on what time of the year you intend to visit the park, it might not be conducive to bringing along your pet.
So to avoid disappointment, it is worth contacting the park’s main office for further clarification as to their pet policy.
Camping at Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
Unfortunately, the park does not have any camping accommodation options available at all onsite.
However, as it is situated just a 20 minutes drive from downtown Pensacola, there are several hotels and motels available in the city. You should also be able to easily book accommodation through providers like Airbnb and Vrbo.
If you intend to visit the park while traveling around in your rig, there are several nearby campgrounds you can stay at. Some of the closest are the WMA Bayside Campground, River’s Edge RV Campground and Blackwater Joe’s.
Between them, they offer a wide selection of different camping options. This includes cabins, RV sites that have hookups for water and electricity, primitive tent sites and group camping.
At all of them you should be able to make reservations up to 11 months in advance. Depending on where you stay, amenities may include flush toilets and hot showers, laundry, a dump station, swimming pool and boat ramps.
Park Location
Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park
Dickerson City Rd &, Garcon Point Rd
Milton, FL 32583
Phone: 850.983.5363
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park:
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