Point Washington State Forest now offers primitive camping

The Point Washington State Forest now offers camping opportunities near Eastern Lake. The four primitive sites boast a 14’x20′ tent pad, picnic table, barbecue grill, fire ring, lantern hanger, and a self composting toilet serving the campsite area.

The sites are nestled in a high and dry area of sand pines and palmettos. Just a few steps away is a stunning view of Eastern Lake. These are the first campsites ever offered in the Point Washington State Forest. Additional sites are planned in the near future.

Cost is $10/night with an honor box at the gate accepting cash or personal checks. To make reservations and to get the key code combination, call the main dispatch phone number at 850-547-7083, or the Point Washington office at 850-267-8325.

To access the campsites, enter across the street from the Forestry office on U.S. Hwy. 98. Follow roads 11, 2, 7. There are directional signs along the forest road.

Point Washington State Forest is available to the public for various types of natural-resource based outdoor recreation. The forest is widely used for hunting, off-road bicycling and hiking.

Point Washington State Forest is part of the Point Washington Wildlife Management Area. The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates the hunting seasons and game limits on the forest.

The Eastern Lake Trail System was the first trail established on the forest. This trail system consists of 3 double track loop trails. The hiker or bicyclist can travel the 3.5, 5 or 10 mile loop. The Eastern Lake Bike/Hike Trail is included in the Florida Forest Service’s Trailwalker Hiking Program. Access to the trail system is located at the parking lot and trail head on County Road 395.

In addition, a green way trail system that crosses the forest is being developed. This trail will provide connections to Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Topsail Hill State Preserve, Butler Elementary School and numerous residential developments. Upon completion, this trail system will provide over 27 miles of trails for recreational use.

In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida’s forest resources, the Florida Forest Service has developed rules which apply to all State Forest visitors. Find out more about state forest fees and rules.