First Day Hike at Camp Helen State Park

Start the New Year by joining Camp Helen State Park for a First Day Hike on January 1, 2019 from 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m.  Come and enjoy the park on a Ranger guided tour to learn about the park and its wildlife. Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and plan to be out on the trail for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. 

Participants will take a 1.8 mile round trip hike along the parks Oak Canopy Trail and arrive at the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.  The trail is moderate level but relatively flat with roots, rock, dirt and beach dunes. To make sure your experience is even more enjoyable wear weather appropriate attire and closed toed shoes. Bring water, sunscreen and hat. Please check in at the Ranger Station for starting location.

Program is free with regular park admission.

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.