Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach SP https://www.floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grayton_Beach_State_Park Grayton Beach State Park is located between Panama City Beach and Destin, near the unincorporated area of Grayton Beach, on CR 30A, in northwestern Florida. Its sister park is Deer Lake State Park. A separate unit of the park located one mile (1.6 km) west of the main park offers duplex cabins for rent and also has beach access.

Florida State Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and Parks History & Nature Grayton Beach State Park lies within the Coastal Lowlands region with 13 distinct natural communities—beach dune, mesic flatwoods, sandhill, scrub, scrubby flatwoods, baygall, depression marsh, dome, seepage slope, wet flatwoods, coastal dune lake, estuarine tidal marsh and marine unconsolidated substrate. Three major coastal dune lakes lie mostly within the park’s boundaries—Western Lake, Alligator Lake and Little Redfish Lake. Dune lakes are unusual coastal features found in few other places in the world. The shoreline at Grayton Beach has been shaped by the wave action, winds and longshore currents of the gulf. The effects of salt spray and wind pruning, two of nature’s landscaping tools, are evidenced everywhere. Drifting sand also changes the landscape. What appear to be “bushes” in the dunes are often full-sized slash pines and southern magnolias, with only the tree tops protruding. Shorebirds are numerous on the beach and sea turtles often nest here during the summer. The dunes are home to the endangered Choctawhatchee beach mouse. Foot traffic is prohibited on sand dunes and bird nesting areas. The park’s name comes from the neighboring township of Grayton Beach, one of the oldest townships along the Gulf of Mexico in Walton County. Obtained through a land lease from the Florida Board of Education in 1964, Grayton Beach State Park was dedicated and opened in 1968. Grayton Beach State Park 357 Main Park Road Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (850) 267-8300 FloridaStateParks.org • • • • • • • • • Park Guidelines Northwest Florida Grayton Beach State Park Crystal Clear Emerald Waters Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year. An entrance fee is required. Additional user fees may apply. All plants, animals and park property are protected. Collection, destruction or disturbance is prohibited. Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and well behaved at all times. Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designated areas only. A Florida fishing license may be required. Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. Become a volunteer. Inquire at the ranger station. For camping information, contact Reserve America at (800) 326-3521 or (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica.com. Florida’s state parks are committed to providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station. Alternate format available upon request at any Florida state park. FLORIDA State Parks Created on 11/14 SM National Gold Medal Winner Florida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner” Real Fun in SM Welcome to Grayton Beach State Park. This 2,200-acre park showcases rolling dunes covered with golden sea oats and sugar-sand beaches that taper into the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy unlimited opportunities for fun, enjoyment and relaxation. Discover Grayton Beach’s natural area with beaches, forests, coastal dune lakes and numerous recreational facilities. Thirty cabins are nestled in the privacy of pine scrub on the park’s western property. It is only a short walk to the Gulf of Mexico. No phones, no televisions, just ...the REAL Florida. Campsites in a wooded area near Western Lake are equipped with picnic tables, grills, water and electricity. Rangers provide programs seasonally. Swimming and fishing along a mile of shoreline are the park’s most popular activities. Catch saltwater fish in the surf, or catch fresh and saltwater fish in the lakes’ brackish water. A boat ramp and picnic shelters are adjacent to Western Lake. Canoe rentals are available at the ranger station. The Grayton Beach Hike and Bike Trail begins across from the park entrance on County Road 30A. Enjoy 4.2 miles of trail. An optional Lake Loop Trail connects with nearby state forest trails and the scenic 30A paved trail The one-mile Grayton Beach Nature Trail begins near the beach parking area and winds through sand dunes, pine flatwood and sand scrub oak to the edge of Western Lake. A selfguiding brochure is available at the park entrance station. Directions The park is on County Road 30A in Santa Rosa Beach. 

Camping and Cabins Guide Florida State Parks FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Welcome When the setting sun paints the evening sky, where will you make your bed? Florida’s state parks offer you a variety of overnight accommodations. At a Florida state park, the day’s work is play, a walk on the beach, a hike through the woods, a swim, a bike ride. All you need is a fishing rod, a kayak, a book and a friend. What do you want to see when the sun rises on the new day? Choose a wooded campsite within walking distance of white sandy beaches or camp along the banks of a quietly moving river. Bring your boat or canoe, or fishing tackle and a rod, for a relaxing time with family and friends. Explore nature on the hiking trails, while at the same time leaving stress of the busy world behind. Attend a festival, a reenactment or simply do nothing. We are committed to providing a variety of accessible amenities for all visitors at Florida state parks, including campgrounds and cabins. 2 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Family Camping Florida’s state parks offer more than 50 campgrounds statewide for tents, campers and RVs. Most campsites include water, electricity, a grill and picnic table. Centralized showers, restrooms and a dump station are also available. • One responsible person, 18 or older, must be present on each campsite or cabin. • Camping fees vary from park to park and include a maximum of eight people per site, not including children under 6 years old. • Check-in time is 3 p.m. Check-out time is 1 p.m. You are welcome to stay in the park through the end of the day. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. • Campsites are limited to two vehicles. Selected campsites may only allow one vehicle. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 3 Cabins From modern to rustic, state park cabins provide overnight accommodations in a variety of settings—near beaches, rivers and lakes or peaceful wooded communities. Cabin styles vary from fully equipped modern cabins to hand-hewn, lumber or palm-log retreats. Cabin amenities may include a kitchen, fireplace and screened porch, complete with rocking chairs and porch swings. • Cabins may be reserved for one night during the week, Monday–Thursday, or a minimum of two nights on weekends and holidays, Friday and Saturday, departing Sunday, or Saturday and Sunday, departing Monday. Some exceptions apply. • Cabins can accommodate either four or six visitors. • Check-in time is 4 p.m. Check-out time is 11 a.m. • Quiet time is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. 4 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks • Pets are not permitted in cabins or cabin areas. • Staff may assess cabin renters a damage fee if necessary to clean-up or repair any damage beyond ordinary cleaning, wear and tear. Fees may also be charged for lost/stolen items. Group, Primitive, Equestrian and Boat Many parks offer areas for youth and group camping. Backpackers may wish to hike to secluded areas for primitive camping. More than 15 state parks offer campsites and other amenities for equestrians and their horses. Owners of horses visiting state parks must provide proof of a negative Coggins test. Call the park to discuss availability, facilities, rules and fees. Five state parks provide boat slips with water and electricity. Boaters have access to the state park’s restrooms, showers, pump-outs and other amenities. Boaters can also anchor overnight at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks 5 Camping with Pets and Service Animals Pets are welcome at most Florida State Parks. Some campgrounds have designated sites for pets. All pets must be confined, leashed or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Leashes may not exceed six feet in length. Pets must be well behaved. Owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Individual parks may have specific areas prohibiting pets. Service animals in a working capacity are allowed in all public areas of state parks when accompanied by a visitor with a disability. Service animals should be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless such a device interferes with the service animal’s work or the visitor’s disability prevents the use of these devices. 6 FloridaStateParks.org • #FLStateParks Reservations Campsite and cabin reservations may be made from one day to 11 months in advance by calling (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL or TDD (888) 433-0287 or by visiting FloridaStateParks.ReserveAmerica.com. Call the park directly to reserve group or primitive campsites. Prices per night: Campsites $16 to $42 Cabins $30 to $160 Visitors pay a reservation fee of $6.70 *Prices subject to change. A 50 percent discount on base campsite fees is available to Florida citizens who are 65 years old or older, or Florida c