Eastern Lake Campground 1 Point Washington State Forest

Star4.33
13 reviews
5865 E. U.S. Highway 98, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, 32459, United States
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

46 ft

Price

$8 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

No specific open/clo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Point Washington Field Office site

Official Website
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Eastern Lake Campground 1 Point Washington State Forest
$8.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $8 for basic primitive tent sites to $35 for group bookings. The campground is noted for its affordability.
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

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What Campers Say

4.33

Recommended

Based on 13 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulshadelocation

"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."

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Campground Map

5865 E. U.S. Highway 98, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, 32459, United States

Eastern Lake Campground 1 Point Washington State Forest

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.

Best Time to Camp at Eastern Lake Campground 1 Point Washington State Forest

Mother 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer brings warmth; wet conditions can make road access harder for low-clearance vehicles.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Described as pleasantly dry and temperate in fall; generally enjoyable per seasonal notes.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Temperate seasons praised; spring likely offers pleasant days and active wildlife/birding opportunities.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Cool, crisp mornings referenced and campground described as enjoyable year-round; mild FL winters favor camping.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No explicit peak season date range provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: No specific open/closed seasons mentioned.

About Eastern Lake Campground 1 Point Washington State Forest

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.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days within a 30-day period.

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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingFishing 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.
BikingMountain 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 viewingThe 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
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Be aware of bears. Keep food in approved containers or inside vehicles." During hunting seasons, trail users are advised to wear bright orange.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Eastern Lake Campground 1 Point Washington State Forest

Reviews

4.3
13 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Eastern Lake Campground 1 Point Washington State Forest is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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
Based on 13 reviews

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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Based on 13 reviews

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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Based on 13 reviews

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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Based on 13 reviews

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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Based on 13 reviews

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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Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers are mentioned in user reviews, so there is no data on best or worst sites.
Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews mention experiences or policies related to pets.
Based on 13 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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Eastern Lake Campground 1 Point Washington State Forest