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Dock in Carrabelle

Carrabelle

A fishing village on the Big Bend Scenic Byway along the Gulf of Mexico, Carrabelle has a unique history as an Army base where the D-Day Invasion of World War II was practiced on its beaches

Carrabelle shrimp boat

Carrabelle has historically been a quiet fishing village where shrimp boats depart from to fish the productive shallows of the Gulf of Mexico.

Sitting where the Crooked River snakes into the Gulf, it commands a view of Dog Island and St. George Island along its southern horizon.

During World War II, Camp Gordon Johnston upended daily life for this off-the-beaten path town.

To practice storming the beaches of Normandy, the beach at Carrabelle is where the Army taught soldiers to disembark from amphibious watercraft.

Only remnants of the camp remain today, including the local airport, a few structures, and a museum devoted to its important role in the success of the D-Day invasion.

Surrounding the community is Tate’s Hell State Forest, occupying more than 315 square miles. To the north of that lies the Apalachicola National Forest.

So you’re unlikely to stumble across Carrabelle unless you love the outdoors, or take the time to drive the Big Bend Scenic Byway along the Forgotten Coast.

Resources

North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book cover Complete Guide to Florida Wildflowers Hikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Disclosure: As authors and affiliates, we receive earnings when you buy these through our links. This helps us continue to provide public information on this website.

Trails and Parks near Carrabelle

Apalachicola National Forest

Apalachicola National Forest
Estuary at Bald Point State Park

Bald Point State Park

Bald Point State Park
Florida Trail Jewel to Vilas

Florida Trail, Jewel to Vilas

Florida Trail, Jewel to Vilas
Florida Trail at Cox Branch

Florida Trail, Porter Lake to Jewel

Florida Trail, Porter Lake to Jewel
Scrub along the High Bluff Coastal Trail

High Bluff Coastal Hiking Trail

High Bluff Coastal Hiking Trail
Ralph Kendrick Boardwalk

Ralph G. Kendrick Dwarf Cypress Boardwalk

Ralph G. Kendrick Dwarf Cypress Boardwalk
Tates Hell Swamp lilies

Tates Hell State Forest

Tates Hell State Forest

Related Articles

Carabelle Junction Diner

Retro lunch at Carrabelle Junction

April 16, 2015//  by Sandra Friend


ALL Articles and Outdoor Destinations

NEARBY: Apalachicola , Apalachicola National Forest, Bristol, Eastpoint, Sopchoppy

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