Kayak Eco Tour - Paddling A Coastal Dune Lake at Camp Helen State Park

Join Camp Helen State Park for a leisurely 90-minute paddle on Lake Powell, one of the world's largest Coastal Dune Lakes. Learn about the history, natural communities and wildlife that make this Outstanding Florida Water so unique and important. This guided kayak tour will be enjoyable for individuals, families and groups. All levels of experience are welcome. Watercraft and gear from outside the park are not permitted. Be sure to bring sun protection and drinking water. 

Dates Available: 9am - 11am
July 26th
Aug. 9th & Aug. 23rd
Sept. 6th 

Read Essential Eligibility Criteria HERE 

Fee - Cash Only:
Single Kayak - $30
Tandem Kayak - $40

Fee includes: park entrance, watercraft rental, life jacket, paddle, and a donation to the Friends of Camp Helen State Park. Space is limited. Advanced reservations are required to participate and can be done by calling Camp Helen State Park 24 hours prior to tour at (850) 233-5059.

Program is weather dependent. Please check the forecast prior to arrival. If there is a chance of inclement weather on program day, call the Park for further information. As with all water sports, there is a chance of getting wet so dress appropriately. Please help us keep the trip on schedule by being on time and bring everything that you need with you to the Visitor Center.

More at Camp Helen State Park..

History Tours - Taking place the 1st Saturday of each month at 10am beginning at the Visitors Center. Go beyond your park visit, and discover the past and present, on a ranger guided walking tour where you can learn about the rich history of Camp Helen's Historic District. 

Tours take place in the outdoors and may be subject to cancellation due to inclement weather conditions. Please see Participation Requirements.

Camp Helen State 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. 

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. 

Follow Friends of Camp Helen State Park on Facebook for park updates and events.

Read more about Camp Helen State Park and see photo gallery at SoWal Parks | Camp Helen State Park.

Florida State Parks await your discovery! Read about parks located in and around South Walton in our feature story.