Camp Helen State Park protects one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. This day use park offers great trails, beach access, along with freshwater and saltwater fishing.
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Camp Helen State Park
Camp Helen State Park offers great hiking, beachcombing, historical information, a fall pumpkin patch, and freshwater + saltwater fishing opportuities.
The park was originally a company resort for employees of an Alabama Textile Mill known as Avondale Mills. Today you can still see some of the historic buildings that have been restored.
They have found prehistoric middens and mounds that indicate that humans inhabited this area more than 4,000 years ago.
This is truly a hidden gem in the Florida State Park System. Every time we visit, we find something new to enjoy. If you are on vacation on the Emerald Coast, this is the perfect day trip to enjoy abundant wildlife, a great nature trail, learn more about coastal dunes, and check out the pristine beaches in the park.
Beach Access
The trail to the beach is hot, long, and sandy. The trail may be wet/muddy depending on the day! Be prepared for the heat, direct sun, and the weather.
I will tell you that this trail is a long way for pulling a beach cart or packing a ton of things with you. We heard a few families, incredibly grumpy, walking back to their cars in the heat.
Make sure to check the Florida Beach Flags to see if there are any warnings while you are there. Lifeguards are not available on the beach.
Lake Powell Dune Lake
Dune lakes are incredibly rare and only found in a few places around the world.
Visitors can kayak, canoe, or paddleboard on the lake. The park has kayaks for rent often throughout the year.
Fishing
The park offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing. A Florida fishing license is required.
Lake Powell is interesting because you may find different saltwater species alongside freshwater species in the lake. The brackish water is created when saltwater from the Gulf enters the lake.
Birding
We use the Merlin App while we are in the park to see what birds it picks up from their sound. Camp Helen State Park is a great birding park with the combination of coastal dunes, salt marshes, freshwater wetlands, and sand pine scrub along Lake Powell.
This is a great area for migratory birds in the Fall and Spring. Look for coastal shorebirds along the Gulf of Mexico along with Ospreys swopping down for fish.
Pumpkin Patch
During the fall you can visit the Pumpkin Patch and pick up your perfect pumpkin.
Why you will love Camp Helen State Park
- 180-acre park with great natural beauty
- History buffs will love the historic buildings, interpretive panels, and the park's rich history
- Nature lovers will enjoy the great birding and wildlife viewing
- Top thing to do in Panama City Beach for locals and visitors
Things to know when planning a visit to Camp Helen State Park
Address - 23937 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Located just over the Phillips INlet Bridge near the border of Walton County.
Hours - 8 am until sunset, 365 days a year
Entrance fees - There is an entrance fee per vehicle of $4. It is $2 for pedestrian or bicyclst access.
Accessibility - Camp Helen State Park has a paved path to a trail on the north side of US 98. There are accessible picnic facilities with tables and grills.
The park has a beach wheelchair available at the visitor center.
Plus Size Seating - There are benches in the park
Dress Code/Suggestions - Beach casual
Pets - Pets are not allowed on the beach.
Parking - There is parking near the entrance with access to the main areas of the park.
Panama City Beach Restaurants and Attractions
The Wicked Wheel - Great bike and historic car themed restaurant with delicious food.
Sharky's Beachfront Restaurant - Enjoy epic views, great food, and delicious drinks.
Man in the Sea Museum - learn about the history of diving and step inside a submersible.
Pink Pelican Ice Cream - Great local ice cream shop with fantastic flavors.
Panama City Beach Tours
Dolphin Cruises - Head out on the water looking for Bottlenose dolphins and other marine wildlife on these great tours. Book tours HERE
Shell Island Tours - One of the most popular adventures in PCB! Head out to Shell Island and enjoy this tropical island. Book tours HERE
Helicopter Tours - Check out the crystal blue water, attractions and beach from the air on a great helicopter tour. Book tours HERE
Deep Sea Fishing Charters - Enjoy some of the world's best fishing! Book tours HERE
Sunset Cruises - One of our favorite things to do in PCB is enjoy a sunset cruise. The sunsets over the water are truly amazing. Book tours HERE
Click HERE to see all of the top rated tours and activities in Panama City Beach.
Panama City Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have stayed at each of these lodging options:
Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort - Book your Margaritaville Beach Cottage Resort stay here.
Use code GCJ for a discount on stays with a minimum of 3 nights for Surf Bungalows and 4 nights for Resort Cottages.
Springhill Suites Panama City Beach Beachfront: Enjoy epic views of the Gulf of Mexico, an unbelievable pool with a lazy river, and easy beach access.
Marriotts Legends Edge at Bay Point: Stay in a gorgeous two-bedroom condo with a full kitchen, living room, and two bathrooms.
Townplace Suites Pier Park - Great hotel with kitchens, and living space to enjoy on your trip.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Sanibel and Captiva Island, and more.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
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