Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach Camping

Named after the beloved folk singer, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area sits on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. Campers enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing at the park. During your visit, you might see a dolphin, sea turtle, or shorebird.

Camping at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

The recreation area has 68 campsites spread over two campgrounds (Beachside Camping Area and Riverside Camping Area). RVers will find water and electrical hookups. There are also tent campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Some sites in the Beachside campground have ocean views. There are no group campsites available. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through Florida State Parks reservation system.

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area offers restrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, laundry facilities, a camp store, and picnic pavilions. There’s also a boat ramp and a place to launch canoes and kayaks. Additionally, the park has some interpretive exhibits. Park rangers, camp hosts, and maintenance staff are on-site. Together, they enforce regulations, answer questions, clean the grounds, and lead programs and activities.

Trash bins are located throughout the park. Near the dumpsters, you can recycle aluminum and corrugated cardboard. A dump station is also available free of charge to park campers.

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area has several accessible amenities to accommodate all campers. You can contact the ranger station (386-517-2086) to reserve a beach wheelchair. The beach’s boardwalks are accessible and have an accessible ramp. The bathhouse has an accessible shower and restrooms. Other accessible facilities include picnic pavilions, tables, benches, grills, fire rings, and a canoe/kayak launch. Both campgrounds offer several accessible campsites.

Location and history of Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is 18 miles north (roughly a half-hour drive) of Daytona Beach. The park is on a barrier island and spans 144 acres. To the west is the Matanzas River, and the Atlantic Ocean is to the east. The park contains beaches (a half-mile of beachfront), dunes, and maritime hammocks.

This part of Florida was first home to the Timucua people—a large group that spanned northern and central Florida. The first European settlers in the area were Spanish, but the land came into British control temporarily. In 1821, it became part of the United States. In 1886, the Flagler Beach House of Refuge (a lifesaving service offering aid to shipwrecked sailors) was set up on this land.

The park is named after folk musician James Gamble Rogers IV, who wrote songs and stories about Florida County. While camping at Flagler Beach, Gamble entered rough surf in an effort to rescue a man in danger. Both died in the water. The Florida Legislature renamed the state park in honor of his heroism in 1992. Rogers was inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 1998.

Ecosystems, wildlife, and vegetation at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area is located on a unique barrier island between the ocean and a waterway. The beach and foredune areas here are known as coastal strand. The thick forest (Maritime hammock) provides a habitat for diverse wildlife. Meanwhile, the estuarine ecosystem of the Intracoastal waterway receives a mix of fresh and saltwater, creating a home for fish, crustaceans, and birds.

Keep an eye out, and you might spot bottlenose dolphins, nine-banded armadillos, gopher tortoises, or (nonvenomous) eastern coachwhip snakes. Marine life includes redfish, flounder, and blue crabs. Brown pelicans scoop up fish in the area, as do osprey. Brightly colored painted buntings are incredibly stunning. Avoid touching and feeding animals, and maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife.

Iconic Southern live oak trees, draped in Spanish moss, offer shade and habitat in the park. This coastal area also sees cabbage palm (Florida’s state tree) and salt-tolerant red cedar. Sea oats stabilize the parks’ dunes, and railroad vine flowers attract pollinators. Saw palmetto offers shelter to animals, while wax myrtle and yaupon holly berries nourish birds. Blanket flowers, beach morning glory, and seaside goldenrod make the park even more beautiful.

Sporting, recreational, and cultural activities at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

Anglers can fish (for redfish, flounder, and bluefish) from the beach and along the Intracoastal Waterway. Although swimming isn’t permitted in the waterway, you can swim off the half-mile of beach on the Atlantic. Be cautious, as there is no lifeguard on duty. Are you looking for a challenge? You might try your hand at surfing. Folks also like to kayak, canoe, and paddleboard in these waters.

There’s a wide variety of wildlife to be viewed from Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area. The park is on the east section of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Walk along the beach, and you might find sea beans and shells. (If you find something interesting, take a photo, post it on Instagram, and tag it with #campnab so we can see it). When you get peckish, plop your butt down in the sand, have a nice picnic, and listen to the sounds of the waves.

If your kids grow tired of making sandcastles in paradise, you might consider a visit to Daytona Lagoon (a water park with go-karts, mini-golf, and laser tag). Explore marine life at the Marine Science Center or check out the Museum of Arts & Science in Daytona Beach. Consider spending a day in historic St. Augustine, or visit local art galleries, farmers markets, and festivals.

Special tip: At the park, attend The Gamble Jam. This family-friendly acoustic jam session occurs every second and fourth Saturday of the month between 2 PM and 5 PM. You can listen in or participate. All levels of musicians are welcome to join the jam, which honors musician James Gamble Rogers IV.

Risks, tips, and notes for Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area

Florida does have some venomous snakes, alligators, jellyfish, and stingrays. So, stay aware and protect yourself accordingly. Learn to recognize poisonous plants (like poison ivy) and keep your distance. Heat presents health risks, so stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and choose sun-protective clothing. Learn to spot rip currents and avoid taking risks in the ocean. Make sure to leave valuables in your vehicle or campsite.

Check tide schedules before visiting so you can plan your day accordingly. Spring and fall are good times to visit the park as the weather is nice, and the park tends to be less crowded (midweek visits are also a good idea). Book your campsite early, or scan Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area for cancellations. Consider bringing a portable shelter or a tarp to create shade as needed.

Campers tell us they loved having direct access to the Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area beach. Many also remarked on the fishing to be had at the park. Camper criticisms of the park included campsites being too close together, the park getting crowded, and mosquitos sometimes being a nuisance.