Once a holiday getaway for employees of a large corporation, this lovely inland site is now a popular state park.
Long before Europeans arrived in North America, the area that is now Camp Helen State Park was valued for its beauty and natural resources. Indigenous people settled here as early as 500 B.C., as evidenced by pottery shards, middens and mounds found on the grounds. Learn about the area’s history and make use of the many amenities and attractions in the park.
The 180-acre (73-hectare) park borders the Gulf of Mexico, bringing great opportunities for swimming and watersports in the ocean and beachcombing for a wide range of Florida shells. Come at low tide for the best success.
Head inland to walk on trails through native foliage, such as the Oak Canopy Loop that travels past a marshy area under a maritime hammock.
Continue farther inland to reach Lake Powell. Enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing on the 800-acre (300-hectare) coastal dune lake. This mixture of fresh and salty water results from surges of ocean water into the natural lake. The unusual phenomenon means the lake can host both freshwater and saltwater species. Get a fishing license and gear and try to catch speckled trout and redfish.
Join one of the free guided walks in the park. Nature walks explore the Florida Panhandle ecosystem and local plants and animals, such as Cooper’s hawks, terns, plovers, ospreys, squirrels, deer, opossums and even black bears.
History walks through the park show evidence of early indigenous people and the company retreat for employees of Avondale Mills, a textile manufacturer. A private home was built here in the 1920s and the site operated as a vacation camp for 40 years starting in 1945. The state park opened in 1997. Consider renting the historic lodge as a venue for a wedding or reunion.
Camp Helen State Park is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Laguna Beach, 14 miles (22 kilometers) from Panama City Beach and 3 miles (5 kilometers) from Inlet Beach. The park is open year round during daylight hours and does not have lifeguards.
Restrooms, showers, picnic facilities and parking are all available near the visitor center. Expect to pay a per vehicle fee for entrance to the park.
