Amazing State Parks on 30A

30A in the Florida panhandle is one of the best family vacation spots in the south. You can choose from a variety of beach communities in the area all of which have amazing food and gorgeous beaches.

In addition to the beaches and the myriad of other things to do in the area you may be surprised to hear that there are five state parks on 30A and as a bonus there is also a state forest!

A visit to one or all of the 30A state parks should definitely be on your agenda during your visit.

From rolling dunes, to the gorgeous coastal dune lakes, to tranquil trails, to almost empty beaches, to historical buildings, these parks provide some amazing places to get out into nature and experience Florida the way it used to be.

They offer spectacular landscapes and fun activities.

Some are day parks but some allow camping or have cabins near the beach. The state parks on 30A definitely need to be explored by every visitor to the area.

State Parks on 30A

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Topsail Hill Preserve is a simply gorgeous state park with a wide range of accommodations and things to do.

Topsail Hill is named for its dunes which sailors of old thought rose like sails from the white sand beach. These are some of the highest dunes in the area rising 25 feet.

Here you will find more than 3 miles of unspoiled beaches, a myriad of hiking trails, bike trails, and 2 coastal dune lakes.

NOTE: It is important to know that the parking at Topsail Hill is not near the beach. There is a nice paved path which you can walk or bike to the beach or you can ride the tram that runs every half hour and shuttles visitors from the parking lot to the ocean and back.

Accommodations at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

At this 30A state park you will find both RV and tent camping sites as well as bungalow and cabin rentals. They even have a couple of tent “glamping” options!

Address of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

7525 W. County Highway 30A
Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459

Phone number for Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

850-267-8330

Hours for Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

8:00 AM until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees for Topsail Hill Preserve state park

$6 per vehicle (as of 2022)

Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park is often considered to be the premiere state park on 30A. Its beaches have been voted some of the best in the US! It is a nationally ranked wonderland.

Besides its mile of pristine beach this state park has dunes, winding trails, abundant wildlife, and the lovely Western Lake, one of the famous coastal dune lakes along 30A. You can kayak, canoe, or fish on the lake.

Accommodations at Grayton Beach State Park

There are 59 tree shaded RV and tent camping sites.

NOTE: This is considered to be some of the best camping in the state so you will want to make your reservations very early. Spots fill up fast! Reservations can be made 11 months early and I would recommend booking then!

In addition to camping, the park has 30 two bedroom, one bath duplex cabins nestled in the pine woods.

Address of Grayton Beach State Park

357 Main Park Road
Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459

Phone Number for Grayton Beach State Park

850-267-8300

Hours for Grayton Beach State Park

8:00 AM until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees For Grayton Beach State Park

$5 per vehicle (as of 2022)

Camp Helen State Park

Camp Helen State Park is near Panama City and is bordered by both the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell. Lake Powell is the largest of the coastal dune lakes and the only one that allows motorized boats and jet skis.

This 180-acre park is for day use only. Activities include swimming, hiking, bird watching, paddling, picnicking, and both freshwater and saltwater fishing. 

Camp Helen is also home to a historic district which happens to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This district used to be a camp for employees of an Alabama based timber company and it includes a water tower, lodge, rainbow cottages, recreation hall and duplexes.

Address of Camp Helen State Park

23937 Panama City Beach Parkway
Panama City Beach FL 32413

Phone Number for Camp Helen State Park

850-233-5059

Hours for Camp Helen State Park

8:00 AM until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees for Camp Helen State Park

$4 per vehicle. $2 per pedestrian or bicyclist. (as of 2022)

Eden Gardens State Park

Eden Gardens State Park is an historical site that includes 163 acres of land that were once part of the Wesley homestead.

The focal point of this park is the Wesley house. This is a beautifully renovated two-story house with elegant white columns and wrap-around porch. The home is known for its late 18th century French antiques.

Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the Wesley House, stroll through the lush Florida gardens that stretch to the Choctawhatchee Bay, gaze at the moss-draped oak trees, fish off the dock in Tucker Bayou, and enjoy a picnic near the waterfront.

NOTE: The house tour has a separate fee and is not included in the entrance fee.

Address of Eden Gardens State Park

181 Eden Gardens Road
Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459

Phone number for Eden Gardens State Park

850-267-8320

Hours for Eden Gardens State Park

8:00 AM until sundown, 365 days a year

ENtrance Fees for Eden Gardens State Park

$4 per vehicle

House Tour Fees for Eden Gardens State Park

• $4 per adult.
• $2 per child under the age of 12.

Deer Lake State Park

Deer Lake State Park is one of the most beautiful and least visited state parks on 30A.

This park shares its name with Deer Lake, the coastal dune lake located completely within its boundaries.

It’s a serene beachfront state park with minimal amenities which makes it a wonderful destination for anyone who would like a quieter experience.

One of the best things here is the boardwalk which stretches a quarter mile above the sand dunes over to the beach. It offers a gorgeous view of the undisturbed dune system here.

Address of Deer Lake State Park

6350 E. County Road 30-A
Santa Rosa FL 32459

Phone Number of Deer Lake State Park

850-267-8300

Hours for Deer Lake State Park

8:00 AM until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees for Deer Lake State Park

$3 per vehicle, $2 pedestrians, bicyclists

Point Washington State Forest

The massive Point Washington State Forest is a highlight of 30A and south Walton County.

It has 15,000 acres and more than 27 miles of trails that meander through a variety of eco-systems. Trails are available for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

In addition to the trails this forest is open to the public for a various types of outdoor recreation including regulated hunting and fishing.

Some of the most scenic views in the forest are at Eastern Lake, one of the famous coastal dune lakes along 30A. This area of the forest also has 8 primitive camping sites available at Eastern Lake Campgrounds as well as picnic area.

Be sure and check the this Point Washington State forest brochure for more information as well as some of the rules and regulations for the area.

The State Parks on 30A are such an integral part of this area.

They are filled with sights like the rare coastal dune lakes, towering longleaf pine forests, and unique coastal wetland habitats. They help to preserve one of a kind plants and animals and give the human inhabitants of the area a place to relax and be in nature.

I hope that you enjoy your visit to 30A in the Florida panhandle.

Thanks for stopping by.