Camp Helen State Park Ranger-Guided Nature Hike

Camp Helen State Park invites you to go beyond your park visit, joining Park Ranger staff for a nature hike on Camp Helen's user-friendly trail system, and learn about the park's flora and fauna and the larger ecosystem of the Florida Panhandle. The hike is great for all experience levels and requires moderate endurance.

The Oak Canopy and North trails have a combination of paved, sand and packed-earth terrain. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and bring a water bottle, sunscreen and bug repellent, as well as your adventurous spirit. 

Camp Helen State Park is a place where visitors can explore an environment rich in natural and cultural resources. The park is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on three sides, and by Lake Powell, one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. Prehistoric middens and mounds indicate that humans inhabited the area more than 4,000 years ago. From 1945 until 1987 Camp Helen was a company resort for the employees of an Alabama textile mill, known as Avondale Mills. Some of those buildings have now been restored. This 180-acre park is for day use only. Activities include swimming, beachcombing, nature study, hiking and both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

Camp Helen State Park is host to fun events throughout the year such as the Fall Festival, kayak paddle tours, Americana music series, summer movie nights and much more. These special events are sponsored by the Friends of Camp Helen State Park. Follow Friends of Camp Helen State Park on Facebook for updates on park events. 

Camp Helen State Park is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, just west of the Phillips Inlet Bridge on the Bay County and Walton County line. The park is bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico, Phillips Inlet, and Lake Powell, which is one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. The great thing about Camp Helen is that it has it all – wooded nature trails, tranquil lake scenery, and an expansive, open white-sand beach. When you’re here, you feel like you are one with the outdoors, thanks to the natural beauty that surrounds you at every turn, and the peace and quiet that is so hard to find in the more developed spots in the area.  Read more about Camp Helen State Park and see photo gallery at SoWal Parks | Camp Helen State Park.