Main Page - Deer Lake State Park » Florida State Parks

The blue lake is separated from the gulf by large sand dunes.

Manager's Message

Spring has arrived. Shorebirds are nesting and Sea Turtles nesting season begins in May. Now would be a great time to experience the sugar white beaches of the Emerald Coast. The parks dune cross-over offers some of the best views of a dynamic dune ecosystem to be found on the gulf coast. If you let it, the natural beauty of this spot will take you to a place called "serenity".

Deer Lake State Park has full beach access with the exception of ADA access at this time. For ADA access visit our sister park, Grayton Beach State Park, just 7 miles west on county road 30A past Seaside and Watercolor. Pets are not allowed on the beach. Pets are allowed at the picnic area and on the nature trail located on the northside of 30A across from the park entrance. Pets must be kept on no more than a six foot hand held leash while in the park. Deer Lake State Park is a day-use only park. Camping is not available.

- Dale Shingler, Park Manager

Welcome to Deer Lake State Park

This park shares its name with the coastal dune lake within its boundaries. Coastal dune lakes are extremely rare worldwide and in the United States they occur only along the Gulf Coast. Southern magnolias, golden asters, woody goldenrod, and scrub oaks can be seen in this coastal dune habitat. Rare plants such as gulf coast lupine, spoonflower, pitcher plants, and Curtiss' sand grass-one of the largest populations found in Florida-are found in the park. Visitors may see splashes of color from summer wildflowers or some of the many species of resident or migratory birds and butterflies. A boardwalk across the dunes offers easy access to the beach where visitors can picnic, swim, and fish. It also offers a spectacular view of the dune ecosystem, one of 11 natural communities found in the park. Located on County Road 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Deer Lake State Park, please call 850-231-4210.