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Established Camping

Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

The Florida Forest Service will close all campgrounds and recreation areas on State Forests if the county where the State Forest is located is placed under a Tropical Storm or Hurricane WARNING by the National Weather Service. Reservations will be automatically refunded for closures related to tropical weather.

Point Washington, near Seagrove, Florida, is a rustic campground that offers a peaceful escape into nature. With designated sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s a solid spot for enjoying campfire meals and sharing stories under the stars.

This campground is known for its beautiful views of Eastern Lake, making it a great place for canoeing or kayaking. Visitors have highlighted the well-kept trails that are perfect for hiking and biking, with options ranging from short loops to longer treks. One camper noted, “The trails are very well kept up and clean, and it’s beautiful all around.”

While amenities are limited, there’s a shared pit toilet and a sense of seclusion that many find appealing. The area is quiet, with some sites offering a bit of distance from one another, which adds to the overall tranquility. Just keep in mind that the access roads can be rough, especially after rain, so a sturdy vehicle is recommended.

Point Washington is conveniently located just a short drive from the beaches along 30A, giving you the best of both worlds—forest serenity and coastal fun. Whether you’re looking to unwind in nature or explore nearby attractions, this campground has a lot to offer.

Description

FL Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida Forest Service

Point Washington State Forest

The Eastern Lake Campground is in Point Washington State Forest (Walton County), about 9 miles south of Freeport, FL. This is a primitive campground located near Eastern Lake. Campsites do not have water or electric, but a restroom is available. This state forest is widely used for hunting, mountain biking and hiking. The Eastern Lake Trail system consists of three double-track loop trails and the hiker or bicyclist can travel the 3.5-, 5- or 10-mile loop. The Longleaf Greenway Trail is approximately 8 miles; it is not a loop trail, but a spur trail off the Eastern Lake Trailhead. The McQuage Bayou Horse Trail is for horseback riding only and consists of two loops offering riders their choice of a three or five-mile ride. Other recreational activities featured here are: fishing, picnicking, bird watching, wildlife viewing and photography. This forest is part of the Florida Scenic Trail and Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Get outdoors and explore the recreational opportunities at Point Washington State Forest; for further information please Click Here.

  • Campsites are fully PRIMITIVE - No running water or electric hookups at this facility. TENTS ONLY - NO RV's ALLOWED
  • Be AWARE of bears. Keep food in approved containers or inside vehicle, and remove trash from campsite.
  • During hunting seasons it is suggested that trail users wear bright Orange.
  • A maximum of 5 people are allowed per campsite.
  • Maximum stay is 14 days within a 30 day period.
  • Multiple campsites is recommended for groups.
  • All campsites are accessible by standard sized vehicles (NOT RV's) - contact forest for updated information regarding road conditions.
  • Fires are permitted in designated fire rings and grills ONLY. All trash must be packed out. Do not leave trash on sites or in campground.
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Location

Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest is located in Florida

Detail location of campground

Directions

**From U.S. Highway 98 and Highway 79** - Head 15.1 miles west to Forest Road 2 (on left across from Point Washington State Forest field office) - From Forest Road 2 follow signs 2.7 miles to Forest Road 7 - Campground is located 1 mile down Forest Road 7 on left at dead end. (Directional signs are in place from Road 2) **From U.S. Highway 98 and U.S. Highway 331** - Head 5.7 miles east to Forest Road 2 (on right across from Point Washington State Forest field office) - From Forest Road 2 follow signs 2.7 miles to Forest Road 7 - Campground is located 1 mile down Forest Road 7 on left at dead end. (Directional signs are in place from Road 2)

Address

5865 E. U.S. Highway 98
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Coordinates

30.317420748378993 N
86.09933874731303 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Electric Hookups
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

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10 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 2, 2025

Pretty, Well Laid Out Site

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.

SiteCampground #1, Site #3
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed Jan. 8, 2025

Primitive CH off the beaten path

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.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest by James M., January 8, 2025
  • Review photo of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest by James M., January 8, 2025
  • Review photo of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest by James M., January 8, 2025
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Feb. 1, 2023

2 mile drive in

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.

Site1
Month of VisitJanuary
Reviewed Jun. 28, 2022

Forest Nights

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.

Sitecampground 1 site 3
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest by Beth B., June 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest by Beth B., June 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest by Beth B., June 28, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2021

Peaceful

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...

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2021

Wonderful nature retreat!

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.

SiteCampground 1 Site 4
Month of VisitJuly
  • Play button icon
Reviewed Apr. 19, 2021

Four primitive sites at end of road

Set your GPS for the Point Washington Field Office on Hwy 89. Access road 11 is across the highway. Recommend approaching eastward from the west, and it’s an right turn off the highway once you spot it.

Your online reservation will include a four digit gate code, which you will need!

Site is on the extreme northwest side of Eastern Lake, though with all the trees, there’s not water views from the sites.

I camped in Area 1, #3. All sites have a picnic table, fire ring and framed gravel tent area about 12’x20’. There is a shared pit toilet a short distance from all 4 sites.

Sites 1 and 2 slope down to their campsite, and would be difficult to sleep in your vehicle without balancers.

Sites 3 and 4 are more flat and work fine for sleeping in your vehicle.

I came in a day after rain and there were numerous significant deep puddles to get through. I was grateful my Sprinter had knobby tires and was a little higher; even then at one point the puddle was so deep it covered my headlights! If it’s been raining, small vehicles should think twice.

There’s access/views to water about 100 feet from sites 3&4.

SiteArea 1 - #3
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest by Jared , April 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest by Jared , April 19, 2021
  • Review photo of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest by Jared , April 19, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2020

Close to Home

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!

  • Review photo of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest by Karen S., October 24, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 20, 2020

Entrance from 98

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

Reviewed Apr. 1, 2020

Beach camping

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!

  • Review photo of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest by Shea M., April 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest by Shea M., April 1, 2020
  • Review photo of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest by Shea M., April 1, 2020
  • (29) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

What is the elevation of Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest?

Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest is located at 30 feet.

Are fires allowed at Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest have wifi?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest does have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is unknown.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest?

There are 4 campsites at Eastern Lake Campground 1 — Point Washington State Forest and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts