Camp Helen State Park remains the coolest place to explore and learn about the unique biodiversity of Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in the Northern Hemisphere, while also offering a chance to take a step back in time touring the historical buildings.
Coastal dune lakes are extremely rare and only exist in Oregon, New Zealand, Madagascar, Australia, and Walton/Bay Co., Florida. Camp Helen is home to Lake Powell, the largest.
Dating back to the Pleistocene Era, Lake Powell retains evidence of historical and cultural significance including Civil War saltworks, Indigenous People, shipwrecks, and retreats. Classified as Outstanding Florida Water, the lake offers a safe passage for animals in the Florida wildlife corridor.
Everyone should experience paddling through Phillips Inlet to the white sandy beach. Kayak, paddleboard, pedal boat, and fishing pole rentals on the lake fund many projects and equipment purchases needed for park maintenance for the Friends of Camp Helen. The rentals operate year-round seven days a week from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., weather permitting.
Due to an outfall that is open intermittently to the Gulf of Mexico, the lake is a brackish mix of fresh and saltwater with a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. This creates a healthy environment for a wide range of fish.
Fishing is another excellent way to enjoy Lake Powell or the surf at Camp Helen State Park. Fishermen have caught record redfish in the lake and on the beach, as well as mangrove snapper, flounder, sheepshead, black drum, and pompano. There have even been barracuda sightings and rumors of snook caught.
The Friends of Camp Helen and BayBreeze Bait and Tackle offer surf fishing lessons as well as fishing clinics for kids at the park. The surf fishing lessons are on Friday mornings on the beach west of the outfall inside the boundary of Camp Helen and are bookable online at www.friendsofcamphelen.org. One lesson can accommodate up to four participants. Fishing clinics for kids are every Saturday morning and are also bookable online. Children of all ages are welcome.
Bait, tackle, equipment and instruction are provided by BayBreeze Bait and Tackle and the Friends of Camp Helen.
For guests who prefer to stay out of the water, the North Trail is an easy 1.8 miles and has panoramic views of Lake Powell while the Oak Canopy Trail is a short, soothing, shaded trail through the Spanish moss-filled Oaks.
Camp Helen State Park boasts natural beauty and a diverse ecosystem but is also extremely rich in history with buildings and structures on the National Register of Historic Places including the historic Lodge, the water tower, stables, and rainbow cottages.
The rangers love speaking to visitors about the historical details and history brochures are available inside the Visitor’s Center. Whether looking to explore the lake on a kayak, catch dinner, or just take in the views from a rocking chair in the pavilion, Camp Helen State Park continues to be a treasure on the far West End of Panama City Beach.
