Point Washington State Forest

Point Washington State Forest is not as recognizable to SoWal lovers as the beaches or State Parks, but the protected forest is crucial to the entire ecosystem of the area. Most of the undeveloped land you see traveling to and from the beach is the protected state forest.

It’s not only a precious place for plants and wildlife, it also keeps development from completely overtaking South Walton. Point Washington State Forest must be defended to keep SoWal beautiful for future generations.

Point Washington State Forest is a 15,000-acre forest which is home to dozens of miles of trails to escape the busyness of 30A and challenge bikers, hikers and nature lovers. Open Point Washington State Forest map.

Point Washington State Forest is made up of 10 natural communities. The majority of the area consists of sandhill, basin swamps/titi drains, wet flatwoods, wet prairie and cypress swamps. There are some excellent examples of intact sandhill ecosystems. 

Several plants and animals that are listed as threatened, endangered or species of special concern can be found on the forest. These rare species include American kestrel, gopher tortoise, flatwoods salamander, white-topped pitcher plant, and the world’s largest population of Curtiss sandgrass.

An important management tool used on the forest is the prescribed burning program. Controlled fire is used to manage timber, wildlife and ecological resources. Reducing fuel loads (undergrowth), improving hazardous conditions, and maintaining biodiversity are some of the objectives of the prescribed burning program.

Point Washington State Forest is available to the public for various types of outdoor recreation. The forest is widely used for hunting, off-road bicycling and hiking. Point Washington State Forest is part of the Point Washington Wildlife Management Area. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates the hunting seasons and game limits on the forest.

The Eastern Lake Trail System was the first trail established in the forest. It consists of three double-track loop trails. You can take the 3.5, 5 or 10 mile loop. The trail system can be accessed at the Eastern Lake Trailhead on County Road 395 or at the 30A Trailhead on Scenic 30A in Seagrove next to the Lodge 30A at Greenway Station.

Across the road heading west, is the Longleaf Greenway Trail, which stretches about 8 miles through the forest to Santa Rosa Beach. You can also access the trail at the Longleaf Greenway Trailhead near Gulf Place.

The greenway trail system that crosses the forest is still being developed. The trail will provide connections to Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Butler Elementary School and numerous residential developments. Upon completion, it will provide over 27 miles of trails for recreational use. 

Overnight camping is available at Eastern Lake Campground 1, which is located near the 4-mile marker on the Eastern Lake Trail. There are four primitive campsites and reservations are required. Campground 2 also has four sites, with views of Eastern Lake, and a launch point for kayaks and canoes. For camping information and reservations visit FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com or call 1-877-879-3859.