Earth Day at Camp Helen State Park

Camp Helen State Park invites you to join the Democratic Women's Club of Walton County and other groups to celebrate Earth Day! This family friendly day of appreciation, information and celebration will take place Saturday, April 13th from 1am - 6pm. Entrance fees are being paid for by the Democratic Women's Club of Walton County. All are welcome. 

The tour will stay on established trails and boardwalks, some are shaded, most are not. Bring a water bottle and bring your binoculars to see wildlife up close. Estimated time for each tour is 90 minutes. Each tour is limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Please dress appropriately. Tours will be conducted in the morning at 8:30, 10:30 and 12:30.

Join a naturalists’ walk about with eminent botanist and ecologist, Dr. John Tobe. Enjoy a relaxing natural history walk through a variety of fascinating coastal ecosystems. Explore and observe the unique native flora and fauna of maritime hammocks, coastal flatwoods, dune lake, salt marshes and coastal dunes. Learn the identity and importance of scores of amazing plants and animals.

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.