The Treasure

Farsighted folks in South Walton’s past fought to place almost 40% of South Walton’s land into conservation programs, much of it on the beach.

SoWal is unique among coastal communities with mile after mile of untouched coastline with massive dunes, pristine and rare coastal dune lakes, and sheltered forests.

More info on SoWal area parks - floridastateparks.org

Local groups that are involved with preserving and protecting state lands:
Beach To Bay Connection
South Walton Community Council
Friends Of Eden State Gardens
Friends Of Grayton Beach State Park

Camp Helen State Park
The park is bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. Coastal dune lakes are extremely rare worldwide; in the United States they occur only along the Gulf Coast. Prehistoric middens and mounds indicate that humans lived in the area more than 4,000 years ago. From 1945 until 1987, Camp Helen was a company resort for employees of an Alabama textile mill and some of the buildings are now being restored. Natural areas range from coastal dunes and salt marshes along the Gulf to freshwater wetlands and sand pine scrub along the lake. Activities include swimming, beachcombing, nature study, hiking, and both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Located east of Inlet Beach, just inside Bay County, on U.S. 98 at the west end of the Lake Powell bridge.

Deer Lake State Park
This park shares its name with the coastal dune lake within its boundaries. Coastal dune lakes are extremely rare worldwide and in the United States they occur only along the Gulf Coast. Southern magnolias, golden asters, woody goldenrod, and scrub oaks can be seen in this coastal dune habitat. Rare plants such as gulf coast lupine, spoonflower, pitcher plants, and Curtiss' sand grass-one of the largest populations found in Florida-are found in the park. Visitors may see splashes of color from summer wildflowers or some of the many species of resident or migratory birds and butterflies. A boardwalk across the dunes offers easy access to the beach where visitors can picnic, swim, and fish. It also offers a spectacular view of the dune ecosystem, one of 11 natural communities found in the park. Located on County Road 30A, just East of Seagrove Beach.

Eden Gardens State Park
The focal point of this park is a beautifully renovated, two-story house with elegant white columns and wraparound porch. Surrounded by moss-draped live oaks and ornamental gardens, the Wesley house inspires visions of hoop skirts and landed gentry. The park is part of the estate owned in the 1800s by the Wesleys, a wealthy Florida timber family. In 1963, Lois Maxon bought and renovated the home, creating a showplace for her family heirlooms and antiques. The collection of Louis XVI furniture is the second largest in the United States. Guided tours of the house are available hourly Thursday through Monday (including holidays). Located North of Seagrove Beach and WaterColor on Hwy 395 in Point Washington. Visitors can enjoy the grounds, gardens, and picnic area daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. http://www.friendsofedengardens.org

Grayton Beach State Park
Golden in the morning sun, silvered by moonlight, Grayton Beach has consistently been ranked among the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the United States. The beach provides an idyllic setting for swimming, sunbathing, and surf fishing. Visitors can paddle a canoe or kayak on scenic Western Lake to get a closer look at a salt marsh ecosystem. A boat ramp provides access to the lake's brackish waters for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. A nature trail winds through a coastal forest where scrub oaks and magnolias, bent and twisted by salt winds, have an eerie "Middle Earth" look. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy over four miles of trails through pine flatwoods; the trail begins across from the park entrance on Highway 30A. Options for overnight stays include modern cabins and a full-facility campground. Located on the East side of the town of Grayton Beach on County Road 30A.

Point Washington State Forest - Total Acreage: 15,131 - Map.pdf
Point Washington State Forest was purchased under Florida's Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) Program in 1992. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry was given lead management responsibility for the Point Washington State Forest. Using an ecosystem management approach the Division of Forestry provides for multiple uses of the forest resources which include timber management, wildlife management, outdoor recreation and ecological restoration.

Access to Point Washington State Forest is available at 9 designated public entrance points (see map). Vehicular travel is allowed throughout the forest on open forest roads. Please refrain from blocking any closed roads or fire breaks.

The majority of the area consists of: sandhill, basin swamps/Titi drains, wet flatwoods, wet prairie and cypress swamps. Although much of Point Washington State Forest has been cut over, there are some excellent examples of intact sandhill ecosystems. Point Washington State Forest has 10 natural communities that can be found throughout the forest.

Several plants and animals that are listed as threatened, endangered or species of special concern exist on the Point Washington State Forest. Some of these rare species include: gopher tortoise, flatwoods salamander, white-topped pitcher plant (Sarracenia leucophylla) and the world's largest population of Curtiss sandgrass (Calamovilfa curtissii).

Point Washington State Forest is available to the public for various types of natural-resource based outdoor recreation. The forest is widely used for hunting, off-road bicycling and hiking. Point Washington State Forest is part of the Point Washington Wildlife Management Area. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates the hunting seasons and game limits on the forest.

Point Washington State Forest contains one of the hiking trails (Eastern Lake Bike/Hike Trail) that is included in the Florida Division of Forestry's Trailwalker Program. Information on this hiking program can be obtained by a link to the Trailwalker web site, from the trail kiosk at the parking area or by contacting the Florida Division of Forestry. The Eastern Lake Trail System was the first trail established on the forest. This trail system consists of 3 double track loop trails. The hiker or bicyclist can travel the 3.5, 5 or 10 mile loop. Access to the trail system is located at the parking lot and trail head on C.R. 395. Map of Eastern Lake trail .pdf

In addition, a green way trail system that crosses the forest is being developed. This trail will provide connections to Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Topsail Hill State Preserve, Butler Elementary School and numerous residential developments. Upon completion, this trail system will provide over 27 miles of trails for recreational use. No overnight camping is currently permitted on the forest. There is camping available at both the Grayton Beach State Park and the Topsail Hill State Preserve RV Park. These areas are located adjacent to the forest.

FL Division of Forestry - Point Washington State Forest
5865 East U.S. Hwy 98, Santa Rosa Beach, Fl 32459, Phone:(850) 231-5800
Become a Friend of Florida State Forests.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill offers a wide variety of natural resources including 3.2 miles of secluded, white sand beaches with majestic dunes over 25 feet tall. Three rare coastal dune lakes provide excellent freshwater fishing. Although boats are not allowed, fishing from the shoreline yields bass, bream, panfish, and catfish. Lakes, pristine beaches, old-growth long leaf pines, sand pine scrub, and a variety of wetlands offer a bird-watching and hiking paradise. Visitors may bike, walk, or enjoy a quick ride to the beach on our timely tram service to swim, fish, sunbathe, or beachcomb. A full-facility campground features a swimming pool, tennis courts, and shuffleboard courts. Furnished bungalows are available for weekly stays. A camp store offers a variety of camping items, as well as snacks and drinks. Located in Santa Rosa Beach on the West end of Scenic 30A.