Eastern Lake Campground 2

2.38

10 reviews

3957 Forest Road 11, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, 32459, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

46 ft

Price

$10 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

46 ft

Price

$10 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Eastern Lake Campground 2

$10.00 - $18.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly cost is $10, with a $6.70 reservation fee applied separately. Taxes may also add to the final cost.

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

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What Campers Say

2.38

Mixed Reviews

Based on 10 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikinglake

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

3957 Forest Road 11, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, 32459, United States

Eastern Lake Campground 2

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.

Best Time to Camp at Eastern Lake Campground 2

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Water activities available but campground gets busier in summer; heat may be a factor.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Comfortable fall weather for hiking; Fall Break can bring crowds and noise.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring offers birding and pleasant weather; open year-round though seasonal crowds vary.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Winter brings crisp, comfortable temps ideal for hiking and campfires; open year-round.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Fall break and summer months are busy, leading to less privacy and higher noise levels near Campground 2.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, with variations in activities and crowd levels during different seasons.

About Eastern Lake Campground 2

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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 camping is 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.

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.

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.

Site 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.

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 SitesSite 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.

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.'

HikingHiking 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.

FishingFishing is explicitly mentioned as an activity in the state forest, but specific details about the types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.

SwimmingA user review mentions swimming near a floating dock by the campsites, describing it as a beautiful and enjoyable experience.

BikingThe Eastern Lake Trail system is suitable for mountain biking, with double-track trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels.

Wildlife viewingThe area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, making it a prime spot for bird watching and wildlife photography.

Beach activitiesA user review states that there is a bridge leading to a trail that goes directly to the beach, allowing for beach-related activities.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear 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.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyFires are permitted in designated fire rings and grills only.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available within 10 miles, including access to hospitals, first aid supplies, and ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are not explicitly described, but campers are advised to remove their trash from the campsite.

Water FeaturesCampsites are located near Eastern Lake. Activities include paddleboarding and fishing.

Camp HostNo specific host information is provided.

Weather at Eastern Lake Campground 2

Reviews

2.4

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Eastern Lake Campground 2 has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

Based on 10 reviews

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...

Based on 10 reviews

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...

Based on 10 reviews

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...

Based on 10 reviews

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.

Based on 10 reviews

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...

Based on 10 reviews

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.

Based on 10 reviews

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...

Based on 10 reviews

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...

Based on 10 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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