Eastern Lake Campground 1 Point Washington State Forest
00 review5865 E. U.S. Highway 98, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, 32459, United States
Eastern Lake Campground 1 Point Washington State Forest
$8.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$35.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $8 for basic primitive tent sites to $35 for group bookings. The campground is noted for its affordability.
About this campground
Escape to Eastern Lake Campground, where the whisper of wind through ancient pines replaces the hum of modern life. Nestled within Point Washington State Forest, this primitive camping haven invites you to disconnect and rediscover the simple pleasures of outdoor living. Your tent will rest beneath a canopy of trees along a scenic forest loop, where the only amenities are the stars above and a shared outhouse—perfect for those seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience without the crowds.
Eastern Lake Campground is exclusively suited for primitive tent camping. No RVs, cabins, or glamping options are available.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure places you at the crossroads of two of Florida's most treasured trail systems. As part of the legendary Florida Scenic Trail, Eastern Lake connects you to a footpath that spans the entire state, while the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail designation promises encounters with the region's most spectacular winged residents. Here, every sunrise brings the possibility of spotting rare birds and experiencing the wild Florida that has captivated naturalists for generations.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints Eastern Lake with an ever-changing palette throughout the year. Cool, crisp mornings give way to pleasantly dry days during the temperate seasons, while summer brings warmth wrapped in a blanket of Southern humidity. Be prepared for Florida's signature afternoon thunderstorms that roll through with dramatic flair, leaving behind the fresh scent of rain-washed pine and the symphony of awakening forest life.
ElevationThe gentle undulations of the North Florida landscape create a subtly varied terrain that adds character to your camping experience without challenging your legs too much.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living museum of Florida's most treasured ecosystems. Your campsite serves as a gateway to an enchanting mosaic of sand hills crowned with longleaf pines, mesic flatwoods carpeted in wiregrass, and mysterious cypress swamps draped in Spanish moss. Venture deeper to discover wet prairies bursting with wildflowers and basin swamps where ancient trees stand sentinel in tea-colored waters. This remarkable diversity transforms every hike into a journey through multiple worlds, each teeming with its own cast of wildlife characters.
Geological RegionSpanning an impressive 15,400 acres, Point Washington State Forest stands as a testament to Florida's ecological diversity. This vast wilderness preserve showcases the full spectrum of North Florida's natural communities—from sun-drenched sand hills where gopher tortoises make their homes to shadowy titi drains echoing with the calls of secretive wildlife. The intricate tapestry of habitats supports an extraordinary array of indigenous plants and animals, making every exploration feel like a treasure hunt through one of the Southeast's last great wild places.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are described in the provided materials.
Sites SizeCampsites are primitive with no specific mention of dimensions or size categories.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are positioned around a forested loop, offering a good level of privacy. A user noted, 'Very private primitive campground near Seaside, FL.'
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near trail access provide proximity to hiking. Hammock-friendly sites available.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days within a 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 5 people are allowed per campsite.
Groups
- Large groups are encouraged to reserve multiple primitive sites
- there is no dedicated group campsite.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are positioned around a loop in the forest.
Open and Closed SeasonNo specific open/closed seasons mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsNo specific platforms mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific first-come-first-served details provided.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation details provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Eastern Lake Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and photography. Additionally, the trails connect to the Florida Scenic Trail and the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, providing opportunities for extended exploration.
Hiking
The campground is less than 100 feet from trail access. The Eastern Lake Trail system features three double-track loop trails with lengths of 3.5, 5, or 10 miles. Additionally, the Longleaf Greenway Trail spans approximately 8 miles (not a loop), and the McQuage Bayou Horse Trail offers 3- or 5-mile loops for horseback riding only. A user review highlighted that 'there is a hiking trail at the end of the campground road' leading to a cypress swamp.Fishing
Fishing is one of the recreational activities available at Eastern Lake Campground, but no specific details on the types of fish or quality of fishing are provided.Biking
Mountain biking is a widely-used activity in the state forest. The trail system, including the Eastern Lake Trail and Longleaf Greenway Trail, accommodates cyclists with varying distances and elevations.Wildlife viewing
The campground is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, offering bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities. Indigenous animal and bird species are prevalent due to the diverse natural communities in the state forest.Winter Activities
No winter-specific recreation options were described in the source.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sport opportunities such as kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted in designated fire rings and grills only.
Hazards
General hazards"Be aware of bears. Keep food in approved containers or inside vehicles." During hunting seasons, trail users are advised to wear bright orange.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 67%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Point Washington Field Office nearby. Further emergency details not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo explicit peak season date range provided.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities on-site. Campers must pack out all trash.
Proximity to water features"Near Eastern Lake. Trail at the end of the campground road leads to a cypress swamp."
Common complaints"The road had pretty good-sized deep puddles to get to the campsites." "Lacking signs along the 2-mile dirt road trip to get to the campsite."
Campground Map
5865 E. U.S. Highway 98, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, 32459, United States
Driving directionsFrom 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).
Roads are accessible for standard-sized vehicles but not for RVs. User reviews flag potential challenges during rainy conditions due to puddles and unclear paths. "DON'T FOLLOW GOOGLE MAPS DIRECTIONS to get here! Instead, search the Point Washington Field Office address."Nearby places
Freeport - approximately 9 miles north
Panama City Beach - 10 miles east
Destin - 25 miles west
Fort Walton Beach - 35 miles west.
Nearby supplies
No specific details provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Eastern Lake Campground 1 Point Washington State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the campground’s peaceful and remote location, as well as its suitability for campers seeking a primitive, back-to-nature experience. Accessibility by standard vehicles is praised, though wet conditions may pose challenges for 2WD cars.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
- "Very private primitive campground near Seaside, FL."
- "The campsite itself was great. Very quiet and no thru traffic driving in because of the remote location."
- "New vault bathroom and at night...
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Common Concerns
- Difficulty with navigation: 'DON'T FOLLOW GOOGLE MAPS DIRECTIONS to get here!'
- Road conditions: 'The road had pretty good-sized deep puddles to get to the campsites,' especially challenging...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Use the Point Washington Field Office address for better navigation. The entrance to the forest is directly across from the Field Office.
- Plan for bears by storing food in approved bear-proof...
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Seasonal Insights
The campground is generally described as peaceful and enjoyable throughout the year. However, wet weather can make road access more challenging for vehicles with lower clearance or without 4WD. Fall...
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Camper Quotes
- Fasc DeCrescenzo: 'Very private primitive campground near Seaside, FL.'
- FallonFinds com: 'New vault bathroom and at night you can hear the waves from the Gulf, very peaceful.'
- Jessica Scofield:...
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Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsite numbers are mentioned in user reviews, so there is no data on best or worst sites.
Accessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
No user reviews mention experiences or policies related to pets.
Last updated August 10, 2025