Camp Helen

Camp Helen State Park

one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective April 22, 2025: The Beach Trail will temporarily include a detour as construction begins on an accessibility ramp. The Beach Trail will be a 1.5 mile round trip walk to the beach from the parking lot. 

Kayak rentals temporarily unavailable

Effective April 22, 2025: Kayaks are temporarily unavailable for rental at this time at Camp Helen State Park. Thank you for your patience as we plan provide these rentals again very soon. 

Hours

8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year.

Fees

$4 per vehicle. $2 per pedestrian or bicyclist. Please use the honor box to pay fees. 

Location

23937 Panama City Beach Parkway
Panama City Beach FL 32413

Get directions

Contact Info

850-233-5059

Welcome to Camp Helen State Park

Camp Helen is a place where visitors can explore an environment rich in natural and cultural resources. 


The park is bordered by the Gulf of America and by Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in Florida. 

This 180-acre park is for day use only. Activities include swimming, beachcombing, nature study, hiking, and both freshwater and saltwater fishing. 

Prehistoric middens and mounds indicate that humans inhabited the area more than 4,000 years ago.

From 1945 until 1987, Camp Helen was a company resort for the employees of an Alabama textile mill known as Avondale Mills. Some of those buildings have now been restored.

Plan Your Visit

Manager's Message Camp Helen State Park
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Manager's Message

Truly a hidden gem, Camp Helen is a beautiful daytime getaway destination. With its long and unique history, Camp Helen is sure to appeal to people of all ages.
Kayak
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Kayaking & Paddleboarding at Camp Helen

At Camp Helen State Park, there are many ways to spend a magical day out on the water. Explore Florida's largest coastal dune lake from one of our kayaks or paddleboards!
Camp Helen Trails
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Trails at Camp Helen

Come take a hike along one of our trails and explore the distinct natural communities throughout our park!
The Lodge at Camp Helen
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Building Paradise on the Gulf Coast

Margaret Hicks built the Lodge and the Rainbow Cottages at what is now Camp Helen State Park.
A loggerhead turtle nesting during a guided turtle walk.
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Monitoring Sea Turtle Nests in Florida's State Parks

For 2019, most of the sea turtle nests have hatched and the adult turtles are migrating back to their feeding grounds. Here in Florida, park rangers, biologists and volunteers are still telling stories and planning for 2020.
Annual Pass displayed over water and sky.
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Florida State Parks Annual Pass

Annual entrance passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year.

Experiences

Birding
Birding
Fishing
Fishing
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Picnicking
Picnicking
Swimming
Swimming
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Beach
Beach
Historic Site
Historic Site
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Meetings and Retreats
Meetings and Retreats
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
Shower Station
Shower Station
Visitor Center
Visitor Center

Camp Helen State Park Photo Gallery

Camp Helen Trails
Two people stand on paddle boards at Camp Helen State Park.
A group of people are seen on deck of lodge building which is surrounded by oak trees draped with spanish moss.
Man walking on sandy path on shaded trail.
Camp Helen Kayaker
Camp Helen
Camp Helen
Camp Helen - Stand Up Paddlers
mobility mat along beach trail
Historic Cottages
Kayakers Removing boats from the water
Mobility mat at Camp Helen
Historic Lodge
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Historic Lodge & Rainbow Cottages

With a history dating to the 1930s, our Historic Lodge and Rainbow Cottages tell the story of the beginnings of tourism in the local area.
Lake Powell
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Lake Powell at Camp Helen

Looking for an ecological wonder? Search no further than our very own Lake Powell, the largest of a chain of rare coastal dune lakes found in the Florida Panhandle.

Upcoming Events

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Event

History Tour

CST

Join a Park Ranger for a guided historical tour of the grounds at Camp Helen. Follow as staff share park history from the Hicks family building the historic structures that still stand on the grounds.
Camp Helen

Panama City Beach, FL

Event

History Tour

CDT

Join a Park Ranger for a guided historical tour of the grounds at Camp Helen. Follow as staff share park history from the Hicks family building the historic structures that still stand on the grounds.
Camp Helen

Panama City Beach, FL

Event

Ranger Led Nature Hike

CDT

Join a Park Ranger on a guided nature hike of Camp Helen State Park. The hike will meander through several distinct natural communities, Rangers will discuss the flora and fauna found at the park.
Camp Helen

Panama City Beach, FL

People Make the Parks

A photo of Mary Russell at Camp Helen State Park

Staff Spotlight

When you find your perfect job, you never work another day in your life. This is how Mary feels about her role at Camp Helen State Park.
Friends of Camp Helen

Volunteer Spotlight

This group is the recipient of the 2023 Citizen Support Organization of the Year for Greener Initiative.
Friends of Camp Helen State Park

Friends of Camp Helen State Park

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

This Park is Recognized by:

National Register of Historic Places

Park Map

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