Review
Intro
Henderson Beach State Park protects over a mile of white sugar sand beach in Okaloosa County, FL. The park has a campground with 60 sites for tents and RVs. There is a 0.75-mile nature trail that leads to the playground and winds around the beautiful sand dunes of the park. The Gulf of Mexico is visible from some points on the trail. The one mile paved road in the park is open to bicycles. Boardwalks lead visitors over the dunes to the beach for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, relaxing, or watching the amazing sunset.
What Makes It Great
Camping at Henderson Beach State Park is a great way to spend a weekend, or a whole week. The campground contains 60 campsites with electricity and water, as well as a picnic table, grill, and posts for a clothesline to dry your towels and bathing suits after a day at the beach. The campground also offers laundry facilities, showers and restrooms, and vending machines. The park is located near many shops, grocery stores, and restaurants as well.
Henderson Beach State Park offers something for every member of the family. A 0.75-mile nature trail begins near the playground and winds through the sand dunes of the park. It even leads to the top of one sand dune that provides a great view of the park, which formed over an old military bunker. The one mile paved road is open to bicycles. Boardwalks lead to the beach for swimming, fishing, walking, or just relaxing next to the Gulf of Mexico.
Bird watching and wildlife viewing are possible on the beach and along the nature trail. Many shore birds and wading birds such as egrets, herons, pelicans, sandpipers, and gulls make their homes here. Migratory birds travel through during the spring and fall months as well. Many marine animals may be seen also, including dolphins, sea turtles, fish, and rays.
Who is Going to Love It
Families will love bringing their children to camp at this park. The location is close to town in case there is an emergency or the weather goes downhill but it is still possible to find peace and quiet in nature. With the playground and the beach within walking distance, kids can stay busy and entertained all weekend. Bird watchers will enjoy viewing many species of shore and migratory birds. Campers with tents and RVs will all find a suitable campsite and will enjoy watching the sunset and sleeping so close to the Gulf of Mexico.
Directions, Parking, & Regulations
Henderson Beach State Park is located off of U.S. Highway 98 just east of Destin, FL. The entrance is near the Walmart Supercenter. There is parking available for beach access as well as parking at each campsite.
The entrance fee for the park is $4 for a single occupant vehicle and $6 for a vehicle with 2-8 people. The fee is $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers. An annual Florida State Parks pass is available for $60 for an individual or $120 for a family. The campsite fee is $30/night plus a non-refundable reservation fee of $6.70. There is a 50% discount for Florida residents 65 years and older.
Dogs are allowed in the park, in the campground and on the nature trail. However, they must be kept on a leash and they are not allowed on the beach or the playground. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the beach.
