Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest

The campground was about 20 miles off the main road. I could not find the road to go on for at least another 20 minutes due to horrible instructions. I left before getting to the campsites since it was in the middle of the woods. A waste of money.

The site was pretty and felt nicely distanced from the other three sites in campground #1. We didn’t use the gravel tent space, but hung up hammocks in the nearby trees. The drive in had some big puddles in the road, so I could be difficult to get to after rain in a low car. Site reservation was $16.

CG is within the State Forest about 2 miles in, off US98, on Level 2 roads. Follow “Primitive camping area” signs to parking area, watching for route. Packin-pack out. Once at parking area, choose Eastern Lake Area 1 of 2.

This is a quiet Forest. I stayed at camp 1, site 1. There is a code to lock on gate when you go in. No amenities but 1 pit toilet. 4 sites in camp one. Quiet. Signs for active bears but we saw none. Did the 10 mile single track flat bike route. I saw not much wildlife or birds. It was a foggy overcast day.

I liked this forest and thought it was very pretty. Good distance to beaches, although I didn’t see a way to walk to the beach - we drove. I would not chance the forest roads in a sedan. You might be okay if it stays dry but if it rains you will not be in good shape. Lots of roads and trails to explore.

Pros and cons of each campground

Campground 1 Pros: can park in your site, further apart, no highway noise Cons: only have access to a tiny part of the lake, breeze kind of blocked by trees

Campground 2 Pros: beautiful lake view and easy access to water, prettier view, more breeze Cons: traffic noise, cannot park in your site

Both campgrounds have a bathroom (I did not use so not sure of conditions). Every site has a fire pit, bbq pit, picnic table, and lantern pole.

Would definitely camp here again.

It was so quiet there and we were the only ones at the campground, we enjoyed the peace and quiet, and the alone time. We will definitely camp here again and again...

We camped here on our vacation and LOVED it! It’s not far from Destin and other popular locations, but it’s a gem itself! There’s plenty room to walk and explore, the trails are very well kept up and clean, and it’s beautiful all around. I will say that the mud holes are huge and you definitely don’t want to take a small car through it, that’s the only downfall.

Nice secluded little spot close to our home in Fort Walton but still manages to feel like you’re far away. Would recommend for a local getaway!

very nice quite secluded spot. camp site has locked gate, should receive gate code once reserve with reserveamerica. also if very importance: you cannot get to site from 30A, google maps does not know if you link from this app - entrance is from hwy 98. otherwise, clean quite spot with privacy and ample hiking and biking trails

Nice primitive campground located near 30A beach. The road leading in is sandy and gravely. The site was for tent camping and offers a picnic table, grill, fire pit, food/lamp pole and a porta house (which was fairly clean, considering). There was also a pier close by. The bed was gravel and uncomfortable but they were actually repairing it while we were there, so it should be quite comfortable for your stay! No hookups or water. We stayed at campsite #1 which had plenty of trees for shade and was closest to the water, but they all looked nice. The beach is right across the bay so it's a short drive to the ocean. Quiet and clean, we stayed four days and had a neighbor for two of them. He seemed respectful to nature and gave us no issues. Overall would stay again, just remember there is no shower to get off all that sand and sunscreen!