Northwest Florida’s Walton County has more than just beautiful beaches on 30A to explore. In fact, 40 percent of county land is preserved for nature, including the expansive wilderness of our Florida State Parks and forests
Each state park, preserve, and forest located in the 30A corridor offers unique ecology and wildlife, so there’s a great chance to catch a glimpse of some of Florida’s elusive wildlife. You can enjoy relaxing bird watching, picnicking, fishing and so much more. There is even something for the more adventurous who enjoy hiking, paddling, and exploring.
Deer Lake State Park
6350 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
Deer Lake State Park shares its name with the rare coastal dune lake that it borders. This 1,900 acre park is full of unique plants, colorful wildflowers, migratory birds and butterflies, and natural beauty. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Florida black bear, coyote, snowy plover, and deer are just a few of the animals and birds that inhabit Deer Lake State Park.
There is a boardwalk for easy access to the beach for a stroll, a swim, some shore fishing, or enjoying time with your family and friends. Explore with a nature hike on the 1.5-mile nature trail located across the street from the entrance. A picnic pavilion with a grill provides a shady spot for a snack or lunch. Guests who stay in te Prominence community on 30A take a short golf cart ride to this state park to enjoy their day at the beach.
The park is open from 8 am until sundown 365 days a year. The entrance fee is nominal, $3-4 per vehicle and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists paid on the honor system. For more information, visit Deer Lake State Park.
Grayton Beach State Park
357 Main Park Rd, Santa Rosa Beach
At nearly 2,000 acres, Grayton Beach State Park is regularly ranked as one of the best beaches and state parks in the country. There are two trails to enjoy, a one-mile nature trail or a 4.5-mile hiking and biking trail winding through the forest. For birdwatchers, you may find bald eagles or osprey in the area.
Grayton Beach State Park offers RV and tent camping, along with cabins to enjoy a night at the state park. They book fast, so plan your trip in advance. Canoe and kayak rentals are available to rent or you can bring your own and explore Western Lake and the gulf. You will want to check their calendar for fun events like guided nature tours, the fall wildflower and butterfly walks, bird walks, history tours, yoga, and more.
The park is open from 8 am until sundown, 365 days a year. Admission is $5 per vehicle, $4 for single-occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists. Overnight visitors who plan to arrive after sunset should call 850-267-8300 before 5 p.m. on the day of arrival for the gate combination and instructions. For more information, and schedules, or to book a camping experience visit Grayton Beach State Park.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
7525 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
Topsail Hill is named for its dunes, which rise like a ship's sails over soft sand dunes and beaches mixed with the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This state park offers access to the 1,600 acres of natural preserve. Topsail Hill offers 3 miles of protected, pristine beaches and is a bird-watching and hiking paradise. It also has one of the top ranked RV parks in the nation and is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
This state park offers it all with views of the gulf, the rare dune lakes, and journeys into the maritime forests. There are 15 miles of trails to explore along with opportunities for wildlife watching, fishing, picnicking, paddling, and more. What sets this park apart is its variety of eco-friendly accommodations including camping, glamping, bungalows, and cabins.
The park is open from 8 am until sundown, 365 days a year and admission is $6 per vehicle. For more information visit Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.
Eden Gardens State Park
181 Eden Gardens Road, Santa Rosa Beach
Eden Gardens State Park is 163 acres of land that was part of the historic Wesley homestead. The Wesleys were among the first families to settle in the Point Washington area of Walton County. In the center of the park, you will find a beautifully renovated two-story house with elegant white columns and a wrap-around porch. The Wesley House was donated to the Florida Park Service in 1968.
Eden Gardens’ ornamental gardens are the main attraction of the park. Camellias and azaleas offer colorful displays from October through May with peak blooming around March. The park also has a heritage rose garden, butterfly garden, hidden garden, and a reflection pond filled with water lilies and koi fish. This state park is popular for small weddings held under the large Spanish-moss filled oak trees.
Eden Gardens State Park offers guided tours of the Wesley House, includes a one-mile hiking trail, has a kayak and canoe launch, and a dock for fishing. This is the perfect place for a picnic! Just bring a blanket and picnic on the grass under a Virginia live oak, or use one of the picnic tables that are scattered throughout the gardens. The park has four picnic pavilions with grills for larger groups.
Park hours are from 8 am until sunset, 365 days a year. The Wesley House is open for tours Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission is $4 per vehicle or $2 for pedestrians. Please use the honor box to pay fees. For more information visit Eden Garden State Park.
Point Washington State Forest
5865 E. U.S. Hwy. 98, Santa Rosa Beach
This nature preserve is home to several plants and animals that are listed as threatened, endangered, or species of special concern. These rare species include American kestrel, gopher tortoise, flatwoods salamander, white-topped pitcher plant, and the world's largest population of Curtiss sandgrass.
The 15,258 acre state forest offers opportunities for off-road biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and seasonal hunting. The trail system consists of three double-looped trails where hikers can travel the 3.5-mile loop, 5-mile loop, or 10-mile loop.
Overnight camping is available at Eastern Lake Campgrounds, located off Forest Road 7. There are eight primitive campsites, and reservations are required. Day passes for all Florida State Forests are $2 and annual passes are $45. Day use is from sunrise to sunset. For camping information and reservations, visit Florida State Forests or call 1-877-879-3859.
Camp Helen State Park
23937 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach
Camp Helen sits in western Bay County, so it isn’t officially a Walton County state park. However, it is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake which extends into Walton County, so the locals consider Camp Helen one of their own. This 180-acre park flourishes with nature and wildlife and offers opportunities for bird and wildlife watching, fishing, hiking, swimming, paddling and more.
Camp Helen has a nature trail that opens up to the Gulf of Mexico--what a treat for visitors to see! The park has kayak and paddleboard rentals for paddling on the lake and into the gulf. Picnic areas with tables and grills on site are great for a lovely picnic. The park has curated activities including Ranger-led nature hikes, history tours, moonlight paddles, and concerts. There are regular programs for children, Girl Scouts, and community wildlife education programs.
The daytime-only park is open from 8 am to sunset 365 days a year. The entrance fee is $4 a vehicle and $2 per pedestrian or cyclist paid on the honor system. For more information and a schedule of events, visit Camp Helen State Park.
Explore the Natural Wonders of the State Parks in Northwest Florida
It's no question why everyone loves Florida’s State Parks, preserves, and State Forests. It allows you to enjoy the untouched beauty of nature right here in Walton County. With so much to do and enjoy you will want to visit these great locations.
While planning your visit, remember Panhandle Getaways has the best selection of vacation rentals conveniently located in south Walton county and 30A. Book with us today and plan your perfect nature getaway.