Gamble Rogers is a small park tucked gently between the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intercoastal Waterway.
This 145-acre park is named for Florida folk singer and storyteller Gamble Rogers. Swim and play in the surf of the Atlantic Ocean, build castles in the golden-brown coquina sand or watch pelicans glide along the dunes and ocean waves. Anglers can catch red drum, whiting, flounder and trout from the banks of the river or along the beach, with toes in the sand.
Take a walk and experience the plant and animal life in the shady maritime hammock or enjoy a picnic with watermelon and ice cream at one of the park’s many sheltered tables or explore the park in search of a geocache.
Experiences
Bicycling
We offer bicycles for rent for both adults and children. We welcome you to ride through our park. Enjoy the serenity of the Intracoastal Waterway. Feel free to ride through the back of the park, however, some areas have softer surfaces, so caution is advised. A sidewalk following the side of A1A is also a highly used bike path. This sidewalk runs the length of Flagler Beach and runs down to Ormond. Many bicyclists use our park as a nice place to catch their breath, take a break and get some fresh air. Please don't hesitate to contact our park or stop by and inquire about our future projects that may be of interest to you.
Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
Birding
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is located on the East Section of The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Our park plays host to many different species of birds. Many shorebirds, such as laughing gulls, ringbilled gulls, least terns and royal terns, to name a few, are found resting on our beach and feeding in the tides. Water birds such as the great blue heron, tricolor heron, great egret and yellow-crowned night heron stalk the shallows of the salt marsh and Intracoastal Waterway. Osprey can be seen high above the water perched on platforms or in trees feeding on a freshly caught mullet.
The interior of the park plays host to different kinds of warblers, cardinals, robins, sapsuckers and woodpeckers, to name a few. If you enjoy birding, you will find Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area a place to stop by and spend the day. How many can you find?
Boating
Boating is a popular activity at the park. Many visitors enjoy boating for recreation or for fishing as our park gives you access to the Intracoastal Waterway.
Camping
The campground has 34 sites located on the primary dune of the beach, and 34 sites located on the riverside. Some sites offer an excellent view of the Atlantic Ocean. Dune walkovers provide easy access to the beach while protecting the fragile dune system. All sites feature water, electricity, a picnic table and a fire ring. A communal dump station is free to park campers. A Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library provides picture books for campers aged four to nine. Ask to check out a book at the ranger's station. Pets are allowed in the campground, but are prohibited on the beach, in accordance with our Pet Policy.
The two campgrounds have several accessible camp sites; restroom and shower facilities are also accessible. A beach wheelchair is available upon request and a Mobi-mat is available with advance reservations. Visitors can camp in tents or recreational vehicles (RV). The maximum RV length is 47 feet on the beach sites.
Accessible wheelchair or Mobi-mat reservations: Contact the Ranger Station in advance at (386) 517-2086.
Camping Reservations: Reservations may be made up to 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica. Book online or call (800) 326-3521 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (888) 433-0287.
Paddling
Discover the beauty and tranquility of the Intracoastal Waterway powered only by your paddle! Keep an eye out for wading birds and osprey or maybe catch a glimpse of a dolphin or manatee. Launch at the paved boat ramp, or from a separate sandy area perfect for kayaks and canoes.
Come by the ranger station to rent a single kayak for $15 or a tandem kayak or canoe for $25.
Each additional hour is $10.
Fishing
A variety of fish inhabit the waters in and near our park. Test the limits of your skill, knowledge, and patience. Enjoy competing with the egrets and herons as they stalk the shorelines. Stop by the ranger station for more information on fishing, fishing regulations, tides, bait stores and licenses. All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.
Geo-Seeking
Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures, or information in various places around the park. Please check the Geocaching website for the most current and up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches.
Operation Recreation GeoTour
Hiking
Joe Kenner Nature Trail is a three-quarter-mile long hiking trail through a coastal hammock towards the Intracoastal Waterway. The trail has several benches and interpretive signs. This is a great opportunity for exercise and wildlife viewing. This trail is a little rugged. We recommend comfortable but sturdy shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, a hat and something to drink.
Pets
Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner.
Some animals may be prohibited on park property.
Pets are not allowed in any park building or on the beach. See pet policy.
Picnicking
Several picnic areas are located throughout the park. The park has some picnic pavilions and additional picnic tables are spread out along the water's edge. Each pavilion has picnic tables, a stand-up grill, and water. Each camping site has a picnic table as well. There is plenty of flat terrain for visitors to have a picnic on a blanket. Accessible picnic facilities including grills, benches and picnic tables are also available within the park.
Consumption of alcohol beverages is prohibited.
Shelling
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area's beach is a great spot to beach comb looking for sea beans, shells and more!
Surfing
A popular past time in Flagler Beach is surfing. Surfing is a fun and exciting way to pass your time. Feel free to test your skills in the waves and swells of the Atlantic Ocean. There is no lifeguard on duty, however, the beach is patrolled regularly by our park staff. Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area offers about half a mile of beach to lay out, paddle around, and test your limits. Come out and ride some waves today!
Swimming
Swimming is always a popular activity for those interested in exercise, cooling off, or having fun. The park has about half a mile of beach for visitors to play on. There is no lifeguard on duty, however the beach is patrolled regularly by our park staff.
Tours
The park staff and visitor service provider offer a wide variety of programs and activities that are sure to entice the adventurous side of you. Join us for programs that will immerse you into the "wildside" of the park. Other programs will help you lead a healthier lifestyle. While other programs are to inform you how to safely accomplish things. Inspire your imagination by joining us for an upcoming programs. Contact the park today for more information on upcoming programs, events and projects.
Wildlife Viewing
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area plays host to an extremely wide variety of wildlife and plant life. Our park plays host to many different birds. This park is located on the east section of The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. During late spring, summer, and early fall, many sea turtles crawl up on the park's beach to lay their eggs. Many interesting creatures call this beach home such as shore birds, crabs, and fish. Right whales can be found hanging out offshore during winter months. During the warmer months manatees and dolphins can be seen frolicking in the ocean or in the Intracoastal Waterway. Wildlife such as butterflies, otters, bobcats, deer, owls, gopher tortoise, snakes and alligators are all possibilities that you may see when you are on your own adventure in the Real Florida!
Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach is committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities to all of its visitors. Those amenities include:
A beach wheelchair (call ahead to reserve)
Accessible boardwalks to the beach
Accessible campsites
Accessible picnic pavilions
Accessible picnic tables and benches
Accessible grills and fire rings
Please contact the ranger station at 386-517-2086 in advance to reserve a beach wheelchair.
Beach
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation area boasts about half a mile stretch of stunning beach. We invite you to come relax and enjoy the beautiful ambience of the blue ocean, white foam and orange coquina sand. Our beach has several entry points including several boardwalks and an accessible ramp to the beach. Sunbathing, sand sculpting, shelling, swimming, surfing, fishing and wildlife viewing are just a few of the activities our visitors can enjoy. Wheelchair accessibility to the water is available by reservation of our beach wheelchair. Whatever you fancy, you will enjoy spending the day on the beach of Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area.
Shower Station
Outdoor showers are available at the bathhouses in the Day Use area as well as the campground. Hot and cold indoor showers are provided for our campers inside the campground.
Restroom Facilities
There are several restroom facilities in our park. In our campground, we have a full-service bathhouse with accessible shower and restroom facilities, and outdoor showers as well. Our day-use bathroom contains restrooms, outdoor showers, and a picnic pavilion. Our park has a handful of picnic pavilions available for our visitors' needs for family reunions, family picnics, or a nice get-together with friends. Accessible picnic facilities including grills, benches and picnic tables are available within the park. Please contact the park to reserve one today. We are currently working on projects to enhance your comfort and activities in our park. We are making every effort to make all of our park as accessible as possible.
Picnic Pavilion
Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area rents its pavilions for many different occasions including receptions, reunions, company picnics, parties, neighborhood cookouts, and special events. Each pavilion has a stand-up grill, picnic tables, and water. Accessible picnic facilities including grills, benches and picnic tables are also available within the park.
For more information please contact the park at (386) 517-2086.
Boat Ramp
A boat ramp is located in our park on the east end of the boat channel leading out to the Intracoastal Waterway. This boat ramp will safely accommodate canoes, kayaks, personal watercraft and boats up to 25 feet.