Camp Helen State Park
CONTENTS
Camp Helen State Park
Manager's Message Come visit and explore our unique park. Truly a hidden gem, Camp Helen is a beautiful getaway destination. Visit the lodge and relax in the rocking chairs as you look at Lake Powell. Listen to the stories of the park's history or share some of your own. Enjoy a nice stroll down the nature trail, or simply take time to relax on the beach. Camp Helen is also a great fishing spot, so bring your gear! If you are interested in taking part in our volunteer program, come by on any Thursday morning about 9 am. For information regarding joining the Friends of Camp Helen please e-mail ocarlson@o1c.net or pick up an application in our Visitors Center! We look foward to seeing you! - Daniel Blanner, Park Manager Welcome to Camp Helen State Park The park is bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell--one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. Coastal dune lakes are extremely rare worldwide; in the United States they occur only along the Gulf Coast. Prehistoric middens and mounds indicate that humans lived in the area more than 4,000 years ago. From 1945 until 1987, Camp Helen was a company resort for employees of an Alabama textile mill and some of the buildings are now being restored. Natural areas range from coastal dunes and salt marshes along the Gulf to freshwater wetlands and sand pine scrub along the lake. Activities include swimming, beachcombing, nature study, hiking, and both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Located west of Panama City Beach just inside Bay County, on U.S. 98 at the west end of the Lake Powell bridge. Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries. For Information about Camp Helen State Park, please call 850-233-5059.- Login or register to post comments
- Email this page
Comments
I remember, as a kid, coming
I remember, as a kid, coming to Camp Helen on vacation for that one glorious week each year. Im so glad to find out that its now a State Park and has been preserved. I have so many stories here of growing up and do have some items that I cherish , for instance, a few trophies from shuffleboard and biggest fish....Wow, remembering sailboating, waterskiing, which by the way is the place I learned.....the many walks down to the ocean when I missed the Green Scout shuttle in the mornings......The 3 hot meals aday.......Bingo on Monday nites.....The fishing trip on the Sunrise on Tuesday, Watermelon cutting on Wed, Thursday nite was the shuffleboard torney and Friday was volleyball....The weeks went fast....just as fast as years now.....I will visit the next time I get down there whereas I can let my son walk in some of the same sand I grew up in.....God Bless Camp Helen and the supporters!!!
Scotty Holmes
Childersburg, Alabama/Sylacauga, Alabama