Eastern Lake Campground 2
00 review3957 Forest Road 11, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, 32459, United States
Eastern Lake Campground 2
$10.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly cost is $10, with a $6.70 reservation fee applied separately. Taxes may also add to the final cost.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Point Washington State Forest, Eastern Lake Campground 2 offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This intimate primitive campground features four secluded tent-only sites arranged along a peaceful forested loop, where towering pines whisper overhead and the pristine waters of Eastern Lake beckon just a short walk away. Here, the modern world fades into the background, replaced by the timeless rhythms of Florida's wild spaces.
Eastern Lake Campground 2 is a small, primitive campground with four tent-only campsites. There are no RV or group camping options, and all sites are walk-in only.
Historical SignificanceEastern Lake Campground sits within a landscape recognized as part of the prestigious Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a testament to the area's exceptional biodiversity and conservation value. This designation places the forest among Florida's most treasured natural areas, where generations of outdoor enthusiasts have come to witness the state's remarkable wildlife heritage. The forest serves as both a sanctuary for native species and a living classroom where visitors can connect with Florida's natural history.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Florida's coastal forest climate throughout the year. Winter months bring crisp, refreshing air and comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and campfire gatherings, punctuated by occasional gentle rains. As spring transitions to summer, the forest transforms into a lush, verdant sanctuary where morning mists give way to warm, humid afternoons. Summer thunderstorms roll through with dramatic flair, cooling the air and filling the forest with the fresh scent of rain-washed pine. Each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette, offering campers a different adventure with every visit.
ElevationThe campground rests on the gentle, rolling terrain characteristic of Florida's coastal plain, where subtle changes in elevation create diverse microclimates and habitats throughout the forest.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient sand hills rise like gentle waves frozen in time, crowned with longleaf pines that have stood sentinel for decades. The campground serves as your gateway to Eastern Lake's tranquil shores, where morning mists dance across the water and wading birds patrol the shallows. Venture deeper into the forest to discover mysterious cypress swamps draped in Spanish moss, their dark waters reflecting the canopy above like nature's own mirror. This tapestry of ecosystems creates an ever-changing backdrop of textures, colors, and sounds that transform throughout the day.
Geological RegionPoint Washington State Forest encompasses an extraordinary 15,400 acres of pristine Florida wilderness, harboring ten distinct natural communities that showcase the region's geological diversity. From ancient sand hills sculpted by prehistoric seas to mysterious basin swamps and titi drains, each ecosystem tells a different chapter in the land's story. Mesic flatwoods stretch beneath open skies while wet prairies bloom with wildflowers, and cathedral-like cypress swamps shelter an astounding array of indigenous plants and animals. This remarkable mosaic of habitats makes every exploration a journey through millions of years of natural history, where rare species thrive and the landscape reveals the intricate connections between geology, water, and life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityOfficial materials state the campground is accessible by standard-sized vehicles. However, user reviews highlight accessibility challenges such as the need to walk several hundred feet from the parking area to the campsites and the presence of pea gravel around the vault toilet.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as varying in size and layout. According to one user, 'Site 4 is by far the largest of the four sites there' and offers better privacy.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary by site. According to user reviews, Site 4 offers the most seclusion and shade, while Sites 1-3 are closer to the water but less private.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 1 is recommended for direct car access, but has limited water views. Site 4 offers privacy and shade but requires minimal walking to access. Site 2 is rated ideal for water access and fishing.
Best CampsitesSite 4 is highly recommended for its privacy and layout. "Site 4 is our recommendation for most privacy and all-around layout," said a user review.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specifically mentioned.
Check-out
Not specifically mentioned.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days within a 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per campsite.
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFour tent-only sites arranged around a loop in a forested area. Sites 1-3 are closer to the water; site 4 is more secluded.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, with variations in activities and crowd levels during different seasons.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online or via phone.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly stated. However, reservations are required in advance, and availability for walk-ups is unclear.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Eastern Lake Campground 2 offers a wide range of recreational activities. Official materials highlight opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, picnicking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and photography. Additionally, the campground provides direct access to the Eastern Lake Trail system and the Longleaf Greenway Trail. User reviews add that paddleboarding and swimming near the campsites are popular activities. One reviewer noted, 'We took paddleboards all over Eastern Lake, directly over to the Gulf.'
Hiking
Hiking options include three double-track loop trails in the Eastern Lake Trail system (3.5, 5, and 10 miles) as well as the 8-mile Longleaf Greenway Trail, which is a spur trail. These trails are well-suited for various skill levels.Fishing
Fishing is explicitly mentioned as an activity in the state forest, but specific details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.Swimming
A user review mentions swimming near a floating dock by the campsites, describing it as a beautiful and enjoyable experience.Biking
The Eastern Lake Trail system is suitable for mountain biking, with double-track trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels.Wildlife viewing
The area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, making it a prime spot for bird watching and wildlife photography.Beach activities
A user review states that there is a bridge leading to a trail that goes directly to the beach, allowing for beach-related activities.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Paddleboarding is a popular activity, according to user reviews, but other non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted in designated fire rings and grills only.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsBear warnings are in effect, requiring campers to store food properly. Hunting activity occurs in the area. "Road needs repair or take camp off resealables," mentioned one user, citing poor road conditions.
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
Emergency services are available within 10 miles, including access to hospitals, first aid supplies, and ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesFall break and summer months are busy, leading to less privacy and higher noise levels near Campground 2.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are not explicitly described, but campers are advised to remove their trash from the campsite.
Proximity to water featuresCampsites are located near Eastern Lake. Activities include paddleboarding and fishing.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include lack of privacy between sites, inaccurate listing of drive-in accessibility, poor road conditions, and clustered campsites. "Extremely disappointed—would not recommend at all," said one reviewer regarding the walk-in access and lack of space between sites.
HostNo specific host information is provided.
Campground Map
3957 Forest Road 11, 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.
The campground is accessible by standard-sized vehicles (not RVs). Roads leading to the campground are dense and forested. Some user reviews report impassable ditches for small cars, indicating that road quality may occasionally be poor. "Google took me down a residential road to a dead end," noted one reviewer, advising campers to follow written directions instead of GPS.Nearby places
Freeport (~9 miles south), Panama City Beach (~10 miles east), Destin (~25 miles west), Fort Walton Beach (~35 miles west)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping equipment can be found less than 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Eastern Lake Campground 2 has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback about Eastern Lake Campground 2 is mixed. Positive comments focus on the natural beauty and activities, while negative reviews highlight accessibility issues and the lack of privacy between sites. Many reviewers emphasized the importance of following written directions rather than relying on GPS.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users praised the serene forest setting, proximity to the lake, and opportunities for outdoor activities like paddleboarding and hiking. One user described it as 'a little mini vacation away from...
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Common Concerns
Negative comments center around the walk-in requirement for campsites, limited privacy, and the condition of the road leading to the campground. One reviewer stated, 'You are expected to carry all...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Multiple reviewers advised following written directions from the state park office to avoid navigation issues. One user recommended Site 4 for its seclusion and layout, while another suggested...
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Seasonal Insights
The campground seems busier during Fall Break, as mentioned in a review. Users noted that noise levels can increase during peak holiday periods, and the area sees more traffic on nearby roads.
Camper Quotes
'Campground 2 is lovely. We were at Site 4, which is by far the largest of the four sites there.' - Sarah Beth Novak. 'DON'T FOLLOW GOOGLE MAP DIRECTIONS to get here!' - FallonFinds com. 'It says...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 4 is highlighted as the largest and most private, while Sites 1-3 are closer to the water but less secluded. One user described Site 3 as being 'down a steep hill' and difficult to access.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility concerns include the walk-in requirement for campsites, the pea gravel around the vault toilet, and the lack of space between sites. One user stated, 'Hubby and I are disabled. We...
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Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but users noted that the close proximity of campsites could lead to difficulties managing pets. One user remarked, 'A little space between sites is a good thing when dogs are...
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Last updated August 10, 2025