The Florida Panhandle is home to some of the state’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes, perfect for a weekend getaway or a week-long escape. Plan your next adventure at one of these two incredible state forests, where you can explore vast woodlands and book a memorable overnight stay.
Pine Log State Forest
Get ready for an unforgettable getaway at Pine Log State Forest, a haven for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers near Ebro, Florida. This unique ecosystem is where you can spot rare plants and wildlife like the flatwoods salamander and the gopher tortoise. Explore over 13 miles of hiking trails, including a scenic section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, or go biking, swimming (in Sand Pond Lake), fishing, or hunting.
Make your visit even more memorable by spending the night at one of the forest’s campgrounds. You can choose from options for every type of camper, from a comfortable stay with amenities to a rustic, back-to-nature experience.
Campground Reservations
- Sand Pond Campground: All sites have electric and water hook-ups, restrooms, showers, and a sanitary dumping station.
- Sand Pond Group Camp: A secluded area ideal for youth groups, featuring picnic pavilions, fire rings, and water access.
- Baptism Hole Group Camp: Primitive campsites along Pine Log Creek for a true wilderness experience.
- Pine Log Primitive Campsite: Primitive campsites along Pine Log Creek for a true wilderness experience.
Point Washington State Forest
Point Washington State Forest is approximately 9 miles south of the town of Freeport on U.S. Highway 98. The forest offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Eastern Lake Trail System is a popular choice for hikers and bikers, featuring an 11-mile trail with two alternate paths for shorter hikes. The trailhead provides ample parking, a restroom, and picnic tables. The Longleaf Greenway Trail offers a scenic 8-mile hike through a stand of old-growth Longleaf pines, some of which show signs of cup trenching from the early turpentine industry. For horseback riders, the McQuage Bayou Horse Trail System offers a choice of a three or five-mile ride. The forest is also part of the Florida Scenic Trail and Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, making it an excellent spot for bird watching, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Campground Reservations
- Eastern Lake Campground 1: This primitive campground has campsites positioned around a scenic loop near the lake and do not have water or electric hookups, but a communal outhouse is available. Trail access is less than a quarter-mile from the campground.
- Eastern Lake Campground 2: This is a primitive campground located on the banks of Eastern Lake. Campsites do not have water or electric, but a restroom is available. Trail access is less than 1/4 mile from the campground.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!