Second primitive campground opens in Point Washington State Forest

April 2, 2018

New campground boasts a floating dock. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

The Florida Forest Service has announced the grand opening of a much-anticipated second campground at Point Washington State Forest, Eastern Lake Campground 2. With 1,833 people camping at campground #1 in 2017, Forestry knew the second campground would be welcome.

The primitive campground is located on Eastern Lake in Santa Rosa Beach, in Point Washington State Forest, Walton County. The four campsites are positioned around a loop scenically in the forest with views of Eastern Lake. A floating dock with exclusive access for canoe and kayaks to Eastern Lake is offered as well. The campsites do not have water or electric hook-ups, however share a communal outhouse. The outhouse facility was provided by Regional Utilities in an in-kind trade for easement access in the forest area along CR395.

The campsites and restroom facility are ADA accessible. The campsites are available for $10/night.

Four new campsites offer picnic table, lantern hanger, fire ring, and grill. Lori Ceier/Walton Outdoors

To make a reservation visit ReserveAmerica.com.

Directions From Road 2:
From U.S. Hwy. 98 turn on Road 2 (Point Washington State Forest – Public Entrance). Follow Road 2 until you reach an intersection. At the intersection, turn left on Road 7 and head South until you reach Eastern Lake Campground 2.

From Road 11 (across from Point Washington State Forest office):
From U.S. Hwy. 98, Turn on Road 11 (across from Point Washington State Forest office) and follow until it dead ends into Road 2. Turn left onto Road 2. Follow Road 2 until you reach Road 7. Turn right onto Road 7 and follow until you reach Eastern Lake Campground 2

“Florida has long been recognized as having one of the finest and most diversified state forest systems,” stated Chipola Forestry Center Manager, Mike Mathis. “With Point Washington State Forest being acquired in 1992, Eastern Lake Campground 2 will be the ultimate way to immerse yourself in Florida’s forests while honoring Point Washington’s 26-years as a state forest.”

Point Washington State Forest is widely used for hunting, mountain biking and hiking. The multiple trail systems including, the Eastern Lake Trail, the Longleaf Greenway Trail and the McQuage Bayou multi-use horse trail are all located within the state forest and trail access is less than ¼ mile from the campground. Other recreational activities featured are fishing, picnicking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and photography.

Get outdoors and explore the recreational opportunities at Point Washington State Forest; visit FloridaForestService.com for more information.

The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, manages more than 1 million acres of state forests and provides forest management assistance on more than 17 million acres of private and community forests. The Florida Forest Service is also responsible for protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. Learn more at FloridaForestService.com.