A sketch of “Eric’s Sea Monster” is in the visitor center at Camp Helen State Park, overlooking Lake Powell, one of the largest freshwater coastal dune lakes in the world.
These lakes are rare biological and geological gems, found only on the coasts of Australia and Africa and along this stretch of the Gulf of Mexico between Panama City Beach and Destin.
Could Lake Powell have its own Loch Ness Monster in its depths? That was a fanciful take in the 50s, but the reality is it’s a true beauty spot along an overdeveloped coastline.
Where Lake Powell meets the Gulf of MexicoResources
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Overview
Location: Panama City Beach
Trailhead: 30.275635,-85.990509
Address: 23937 Panama City Beach Pkwy (US 98), Panama City Beach
Fees: $4 vehicle, $2 cyclist or pedestrian
Restroom: At the visitor center
Land manager: Florida State Parks
Phone: 850-233-5059
Grounds open 8 AM to sunset. Visitor center closes 4 PM. Leashed dogs permitted. There are two kayak launch points and a paddlesports rental on site.
Directions
Along US 98 due west from Panama City Beach, entrance on the south side of the highway just west of Lake Powell.
About the Park
A collection of 1930s log-and-stone cottages and a lodge in the Civilian Conservation Corps style sit on a high bluff overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell.
These served as a vacation retreat for employees of the Avondale Textile Mills in Alabama between 1945 and 1987.
The lodge overlooks Lake PowellBeyond the Florida sea monster story, the real secret of Camp Helen State Park is its prime beach access. You have to want it, because you have to hike to it.
The beach is reached by a climb down the bluff and a breezy causeway leading to a path through scrub habitats above Lake Powell, ending at the Gulf of Mexico.
Beach mats aid you in walking to the beachIt’s the lake that fascinates, as Lake Powell is a rare coastal dune lake, a freshwater body of water that periodically exchanges its water with the Gulf of Mexico.
The trails at Camp Helen State Park showcase its beauty, both where it meets the Gulf of Mexico and all along its shoreline north of US 98.
Junction of the North Loop and the accessible portion of the North TrailHiking
North Trail
Half accessible, half footpath, the North Trail treats you to a shoreline walk along Lake Powell for nearly half of its length.
Camp Helen North Trail Following the edge of Lake Powell for nearly half its distance, the North Trail at Camp Helen State Park offers an up-close look at natural shorelines along Florida's largest coastal dune lake.Starting from the parking area and passing under US 98 next to the lake, it follows boardwalks and climbs over ancient dunes swaddled in Choctawhatchee sand pine scrub.
Boardwalk at lake levelMeeting a half mile natural-surface loop beyond a bridged ditch, immerse under an oak hammock canopy before a run down the property line, where houses crowd against the fence.
Reaching Lake Powell, enjoy unsullied views across an expanse with its far shore a forest.
Lake Powell on the North LoopSouth Trails
Branching off near the US 98 bridge along the shoreline of Lake Powell, a network of trails south of US 98 shows off the lake’s lower end and a lush oak hammock atop a ridge above the beach.
Following the shoreline south from the North Trail, the Lake Powell Trail stays at the foot of the bluffs, passing by the kayak launch and pier before reaching the Inlet Beach Trail.
The Inlet Beach Trail crosses a causeway over a marshy arm of Lake Powell before climbing through the dunes towards Inlet Beach.
Lake Powell outflowEven if you aren’t here for the beach, a walk to the Lake Powell outfall is a must for the unique vista. Beach mats provide traction through some of the soft sand.
This sand bluff along the lake is critical nesting ground for shorebirds whose habitat has largely been destroyed by development.
Oak Canopy TrailBranching off uphill in the dunes at a Nature Trail sign, the Oak Canopy Trail loops between the Inlet Beach Trail and the Lake Powell Trail in uplands through a showy oak hammock.
Camp Helen South Trails Explore the bluffs and shoreline of Lake Powell on this trio of nature trails that tie to the interpretive loop around the historic lodge and cottages at Camp Helen State Park. Biking
Cyclists can use Camp Helen as a day use eastern terminus trailhead for the Timpoochee Trail, which starts just to the west across the county line.
Timpoochee Trail Showcasing the beauty of the South Walton coastline, the Timpoochee Trail connects coastal communities while leading cyclists past Florida's renowned Coastal Dune Lakes.Trail Map
Explore More!
Video
A walk through Camp Helen State Park
Slideshow
See our photos of Camp Helen State Park
Nearby Adventures
Deer Lake State Park Home to one of the less-visible coastal dune lakes along the South Walton coast, Deer Lake State Park provides the opportunity to see both ends of this coastal dune lake.
Grayton Beach State Park Cradled in a cocoon of coastal dunes, Western Lake shimmers in the sun. At Grayton Beach State Park, it's the focus of both passive and active recreation.
Panama City Beach Conservation Park String together a set of well-maintained trails to hike loops of up to 11 miles through this vast protected area of woodlands and wetlands in Panama City Beach. 
St. Andrews State Park Anchoring the eastern end of Panama City Beach, this popular state park is an important natural haven and outdoor recreation destination in an urban setting.
- Hal Scott Red Trail - November 13, 2026
- Baseline Trails - November 7, 2026
- Hal Scott Yellow Trail - November 3, 2026