Camp Helen State Park

Category: State park

Address: 23937 Panama City Beach Pkwy, Panama City Beach, FL 32413, USA

Phone: +18502335059

Opening hours

Sunday: 8AM–6:30PM

Monday: 8AM–6:30PM

Tuesday: 8AM–6:30PM

Wednesday: 8AM–6:30PM

Thursday: 8AM–6:30PM

Friday: 8AM–6:30PM

Saturday: 8AM–6:30PM

Reviews

Erin Martin

Jul 11, 2022

We LOVE it here!! Part of the walk down to the beach is difficult (there is no shade and soft sand to walk through), but it’s worth it. The beach access is where Powell Lake connects to the ocean…there is a bit of a natural “lazy river” to float down, as well as fun things (crabs, sand dollars, etc) to find along the banks. My only recommendation is that they continue the mat along the walking trail…it covers part of the walk along the soft sand, but not all of it. It would make such a difference in that walk! There are also other things to explore at this state park, but we have only visited the beach so far. Can’t wait to explore the rest!

Laur Whitney

Jun 30, 2022

The beach is a fair walk away round trip according to State ranger was about .7 miles. We ultimately decided to walk around the complex and look at the buildings. Glad we did great experience with one of the cleanest parks we have been to. The fee is 4 dollars. There is a QR code if you need to pay online.

Ramunė Šimonytė

May 9, 2022

Absolutely loved the diversity in nature…within just minutes of walking either direction, you’ll see the landscapes change dramatically - pictures speak for itself! Went to the park on a Sunday morning during the busy Harley Davidson bike show weekend. At 10AM there was just a few people and it felt so so peaceful.

Beck

Mar 1, 2022

Such a beautiful area! The beach was a little bit of a walk from the parking lot but the park was beautiful and full of life! I love this spot and will visit again!

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Questions & Answers

Is it a good place to swim?

K T | May 17, 2019
Bman16 | May 18, 2019

Yes absolutely it is excellent for swimming and picnicking

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Is there bathrooms

Donna Johnson | May 16, 2020
Deb S | May 17, 2020

Yes

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Can you just ride around and is the fee the same

Jeff Gannon | May 16, 2021
Sally Prince | May 17, 2021

YOU can't see everything from a car , you need to walk everything wheel chair accessible except the beach, you would need a special wheel chair for sand.

Is the water crystal clear or is there a lot of algae/June grass/other pollutants now?

Petites Etoiles | May 16, 2020
David Clay | May 17, 2020

Not crystal by any means ~ there have been reports of sea lice & flesh eating bacteria all along the gulf coast ~ I launch my kayak, paddle to the beach, and fish. I've encountered none of the things I've mentioned though the news has telecast those obstacles.

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is fishing allowed here?

Carissa Johnson | May 16, 2020
Mandy Hachey | May 17, 2020

Yes, it's beautiful and good for fishing

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Can you tent camp here

Beth Mangus | May 16, 2021
Mike Umphres | May 17, 2021

I believe that it is a day use park only.

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Are dogs allowed in the park

Cynthia Hollis | May 16, 2020
Ashley Brosious | May 17, 2020

Yes they are. You just can't go on the beach and they are to stay on a leash at all times.

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How long is the hiking trail?

Warren McIntosh | May 17, 2019
Jeff king | May 18, 2019

They have a couple one is short .25 mile and a long one 1.8 mile

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Are there any bicycle trails or hiking trails here?

Patty Tidwell | May 17, 2019
Mike Peterson | May 18, 2019

Yes...you will love them all

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My family and I are coming down this weekend . Wanted to know how the fishing is there? Also is there a lake? What species of fish are around inbthe lake if so?

brett | May 17, 2019
Tommy Gordon Jr | May 18, 2019

I'm not sure on the fishing since I have only been once. But I do want to warn you that the yellow fly is on the rampage! Anywhere near the woods especially at the start of the trail from the park to the beach is terrible. Once past that, they tend to leave you alone. The beach is gorgeously beautiful tho, but the walk to it is a little over a quarter mile. O just wanted to advise you so you won't make the mistake I did

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What is The Price Of A Day in the park

dvgd cdc | May 17, 2018
Mike Peterson | May 18, 2018

Well worth it !

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Can I bring my Golden Retriever?

sandra murphy | Apr 16, 2022
Marie Smith | Apr 17, 2022

This is my chihuahua's favorite park. No burrs.

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Can you go blue crab fishing here?

Marrissa Quinones | Apr 16, 2022
Marie Smith | Apr 17, 2022

You can buy the water is still cold. And you want to stay within the 3 mile shoreline in the Gulf of Mexico or in federal waters.

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Does it remit tent camping

Lis Craft | Apr 16, 2022
Robert Eberhart | Apr 17, 2022

There is no camping at this park. It is day use only.

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Are you allowed to fish with children

Janet Nesbitt | Aug 19, 2021
Lonnie Kirschnick | Aug 20, 2021

U can one day few day fishing license kids free under 16 may b 13 rules change so much I about gave fishing saltwater we used be free off the land or man made peirs bue that's changes I say I got food stamps camp u could fight that is uncooked food an poor eat when money gone off stamps but I never had that luxury of having them

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Is camp helen state park in bay county

Bullhead print and ship | May 16, 2021
Howard Jacobe IV | May 17, 2021

Yes

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is camp helen dog friendly

Christina Schulz | May 16, 2021
Mike Umphres | May 17, 2021

In the portion of the park we used, folks were walking dogs on leash.

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Is the park open on MLK day?

Barbara Sivinski | May 16, 2021
sumner evans | May 17, 2021

The gates were open when I drove past this morning.

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Is there someone available on weekends to answer the telephone and give information about camp site reservations.

Deloris` Grissom | May 16, 2021
Donna Rooks | May 17, 2021

I saw a spot for RVs when I was there.

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Does Camp Helen have an RV park with hook-ups?

Shane Bright | Sep 18, 2021
Debbie Ashley | Sep 19, 2021

NO! Day use only. No camping.

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How much for camping and how long can I camp

Flora & Fauna Adventure with Jimmie | Sep 18, 2021
Debbie Ashley | Sep 19, 2021

NO camping. Day use only. Park closes around sundown.

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Can you camp in the park?

Charles Kitterman | May 16, 2021
Darina Bryant | May 17, 2021

David Butkowski you can illegally lol

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Can we park our rv here long term is there any electricity ?

Lendsi Team koBRA | Sep 18, 2021
Debbie Ashley | Sep 19, 2021

NO, you may not. NO Camping. Day use only. No overnight camping allowed.

Can you rent kayaks or paddleboards there

Cynthia McCombs | May 16, 2020
Lynette Van Wagnen | May 17, 2020

Yes, the Friends of Camp Helen rents both. They have a kiosk by the lake to put in. You can paddle all the way out to the Gulf from the lake.

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What is the current rate per night?

Dawn Chrisman | Sep 18, 2021
Debbie Ashley | Sep 19, 2021

NO camping allowed. Not sure how much the fine is if you try!

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Want to go get pumpkins from there, does anyone what the prices of them are

Scott Luna | May 16, 2020
Larkin Weathers | May 17, 2020

They are priced by how large around. It wasn't expensive. Ours was $3. It was a great time for my family.

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Is their a campground?

Kimberlee Dellinger | May 16, 2020
ray ray | May 17, 2020

May want to call and ask.. I've been there alot I've seen campers haven't seen any tents..

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What are the cottages for if not for staying overnight ?

J.Rollins Brunson | May 16, 2020
G | May 17, 2020

They remain to preserve a slice of history. https://www.floridastateparks.org/learn/historic-lodge-rainbow-cottages

We visited this park today and loved the Rainbow Cottages and the hiking trails! We are however confused as to what causes the ocean water to be black there like it was today?

Angie Bridges | May 16, 2020
Bman16 | May 17, 2020

Sometimes run off from fresh water feeders brings silt and natural deposits that turns the water black temporarily

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Is it free to camp here

Johnny Lee | May 17, 2019
David Russo | May 18, 2019

Camp Helen does not have public camping. Try st. Andrews state park

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Can you launch kayaks and canoes from the park

John Lawrence | May 17, 2019
Keith Hoffman | May 18, 2019

Yes, very easy and multiple places. I have seen the currents flowing out towards the Gulf be quite heavy, just an FYI for choosing a launch point.

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Does the Park rent small aluminum boats for fishing?

Jeff Davis | May 17, 2019
Cindy Breedon | May 18, 2019

The day I was there, I saw a couple of groups of people with fishing boats. However, I'm unsure of where the rented from.

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Is the pass out of Lake Powell deep enough for access to the Gulf in a 23' Center Console?

James Tennyson | May 17, 2019
Chad Pepper | May 18, 2019

It is a very shallow pass. I wouldn't try it. But if you do try, let us know how it goes.

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Is there a basketball court?

Joe Anella | May 17, 2019
Tim Millington | May 18, 2019

No

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Can you stay there now

Gwen Couey | May 17, 2019
Miranda Bradley | May 18, 2019

This is a day camp only.

Do they have camping?

Barbara Ellis | May 17, 2019
Micheal White | May 18, 2019

St Andrews does

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My husband is in a wheel chair. Is it work going to this park in a electric wheel chair. I want to see the water but I dont want to leave him half way to the beach Is there access for him?

pamela Matthews | May 17, 2019
S.J. Hollist | May 18, 2019

The beach is almost a mile long hike, round trip, mostly through sand, from the parking lot. I'd recommend going a few more miles further east to Pier Park or Bay County Pier for something more wheelchair friendly.

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Are flip flops appropriate for the trails here (since they're short and lead to the beach), or should I wear sneakers?

Dawn | May 17, 2019
Sandy Cason | May 18, 2019

Definitely sneakers. Trails and flip flops just don't go together. Maybe a lightweight tennis shoe is a good choice. Florida has a good deal of sand spurs also and that can really ruin your day.

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What is the cost for kayaking?

Melanie Ferry | May 17, 2019
Lil Peg Gilley | May 18, 2019

Hourly. 10. 1/2 day 30. Full day 50.

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Is there camping In this state park

Janet Baca | May 17, 2019
Barbara Agge | May 18, 2019

It's a Day use only park. No tents, no RV's and no cabins . Gate opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.

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Are the trails in the salt marsh paved or are you able to actually walk in the marsh area? Thank you to those who answered my last question.

Anika Aslinger | May 17, 2019
Dan Wages | May 18, 2019

The trails are sand, but it's a very flat and dry trail. As you head to the beach the sand gets very soft, but the rest of the trails are very easy to walk.

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how much dose itcost

Hannah Coello | May 17, 2018
Tomsr Smith | May 18, 2018

I believe its $4 ... Its a beautiful park with history. Well worth the visit.

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Are you allowed to explore/hike in the salt marshes here?

Anika Aslinger | May 17, 2018
James Culbreth | May 18, 2018

Only on the marked trails.

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are there alligators there

Sandi Holman | May 17, 2018
Steve Barton (Doom) | May 18, 2018

I lived up the street fished that lake for twenty years never aeen the fist one. Brackish water they are not real fond of.

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Can you bring your dog here?

Kakapoopoo h3ad | May 17, 2018
Christina Snyder | May 18, 2018

Yes. They are allowed in the Park and the trails, but not on the beach. There is lake access on Lake Powell from the Park if your dog likes to swim or cool off.

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