Now Open: Camp Creek Lake Access With Dock & Small Boat Launch

The turquoise waters and magnificent beaches of SoWal aren't the only natural gems in South Walton County! 

Local officials recently gathered for a ribbon-cutting bash to celebrate the grand opening of the Camp Creek Lake Access with paddle board, canoe and kayak launch in Seacrest. Located at 121 Camp Creek Road S., this new spot is your ticket to exploring the unique beauty of our rare dune lake ecosystem.

This isn't just any old launch – it's designed for everyone! Featuring an ADA-accessible pier and a special launch for canoes and kayaks, it ensures that folks of all abilities can get out on the water. They've even thought of the little things, adding bicycle racks for easy access, beautiful landscaping to blend in with the surroundings, and smart stormwater management systems to keep the natural environment pristine.

The dock is a great spot to fish - but be sure to have your fishing license with you and careful not to leave any hooks, line, bait or anything else when you leave. Read more about fishing in South Walton.

Beach Operations Director Brian Kellenberger shared that the waterfront park took about $100,000 to design and permit, with construction costing around $870,000. He emphasized that this "pocket park" is a valuable resource specifically for the local community, which is why parking is intentionally limited.

District 5 Commissioner Tony Anderson highlighted the importance of tourism but also stressed the value of such local amenities. "We are a tourist County, and we will always be diversifying our economy... but still, this is our main business, and it's a big business,” he said, thanking the Beach Operations team, engineers, and builders for their excellent work.

Kellenberger also touched on the challenges of the project, noting the congested site, narrow roads, and ongoing construction. A major hurdle was the 28-foot elevation change from the road down to the water. The team worked hard to incorporate the necessary slopes and switchbacks to ensure full ADA accessibility all the way to the water's edge.

This new launch signifies a real commitment to boosting recreational opportunities and fostering appreciation for the natural wonders right here in our backyard. It's a fantastic gateway for both locals and visitors to discover the magic of Walton County's dune lakes.

The best part? This project was built and will be maintained using the Tourist Development Tax, a 5-percent tax collected on short-term rentals in South Walton – meaning our visitors are helping to fund these awesome local improvements!

Want to know more about this and other cool projects from Beach Operations? Head over to www.waltoncountyfltourism.com/projects or get in touch with Brian Kellenberger at (850) 267-4578. Get out there and explore!

See all South Walton beach, bay, and lake accesses.