L L.
Yelp
Big Talbot Island State Park, home of Boneyard Beach!
Visited in March on a really hot day. Gorgeous skies though, and all was serene.
$3 per vehicle entry fee.
From other reviews I thought this place would be a true hike from the parking lot, and a remote distance from your vehicle. This is deceiving. It was not a 20min walk like others said, more like 10 (with a toddler), and you can bike it if you choose. Also, the trail basically parallels the beach, so if you hacked 6' through the brush you'd be on the beach. It's clear they are working on dune protection, so this area is kept off limits. It was definitely frustrating to see roped off old stone staircases and former pathways that went pretty directly to the beach from parking. But those before us didn't take care of things, or nature has shifted its currents enough that we now need to take the long way around in order to steward this beach. However, it's really not a big deal. Get some exercise!
Boneyard is similar to Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island, GA, and another beach in Amelia Island State Park. Sadly, these beaches are eroding and the live oak trees, palms, and others, are slowly dying, leaving majestic driftwood skeletal forms scattered across the sand. The trees are upright or upturned, or in a sagging slow fall to the ground, but their beauty in this state is our sick pleasure as tourists.
Unlike Driftwood Beach, Boneyard Beach does NOT allow dogs. Dogs may walk the path to the beach but they may not go on it.
I was dismayed to see litter strewn about Boneyard Beach. I have visited Driftwood Beach dozens of times, and I never see litter there. Boneyard, however, was disrespected with trash.
You can see Amelia Island State Park across the water from Boneyard Beach.
We entered Big Talbot Island coming south on A1A from Amelia Island, and basically the whole island is park territory but there was no entry gate (or place to pay) until you go to access Boneyard Beach. So from all I could research online, I think Boneyard is really the only thing to access and do at this park.
Boneyard's parking lot is very cool, lots of little niches under the trees, picnic tables, port-a-potties, info board, etc. You pay in cash in an honor system box. I did not see a Ranger present but they were probably around.
There were a lot of trails going various directions off of the parking lot, but the one to the beach is very well marked. Many people had trail bikes and were cycling around. The parking lot is semi-paved in parts, so make sure your vehicle can handle that.