Camp Helen State Park
The Camp Helen State Park is located northwest of Panama City Beach just over the Powell Lake Bridge along Highway 30 or state Route 98. It’s a day use area with large coastal lake bordering the lake and the ocean.
This amazing jam sets out on the far western border of Panama City Beach just over the Philips Inlet Bridge and close to the border of Walton County.
Beautiful beaches, lots of trails, forests and a rare dune lake make Helen State Park one of Florida’s most unique state parks.
This 185-acre park is perfect for family summer retreats, hiking, biking, or just enjoying the water, either the lake or the ocean. With historic buildings, wetland preservation, miles of trail and unique wildlife, the Camp Helen State Park make the unique addition to our coastline. Bordered by water on three sides, this park is an ecological wonder and is one of the largest rare coastal dune lakes found in only a few places around the world. At times, this freshwater lake will breach the spit of land that separates it from the Gulf of Mexico resulting in a fresh and saltwater mix.
Even though the name implies, Camp Helen State Park is not camping facility although fishing, boating, fire pits, hiking, biking, and swimming are always allowed.
In addition to outdoor recreation, the Camp Helen state park features a large or you can relax in rocking chairs as you look out onto Lake Powell. Check out the visitor center and enjoy photos and memorabilia from the park’s past. There’s also great wildlife displays or simply enjoy a face-to-face adventure down one of the many nature trails.
Camp Helen State Park is easily accessible west of Panama City Beach on US 98 at the west end of the Phillips Inlet Bridge just inside Bay County.