🌤 Weather at Pine Log State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50–86 °F | 71–91 °F | 48–88 °F | 42–67 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at NW Florida Beaches Intl Airport, 7 mi away, elevation 57 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Pine Log State Forest is located in Florida in Bay and Washington counties and is managed by the Florida Forest Service, not by Florida’s state park system. Spanning 8,037 acres and established in 1936, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Florida |
| County | Bay and Washington Counties |
| Park Size | 8,037 acres |
| Established | 1936 |
Location & Getting There
Pine Log State Forest is located Florida. The park’s coordinates are 30.4209, -85.8667.
Things to Do
The Florida Forest Service lists camping, wildlife viewing, picnicking, hiking, bicycling, swimming, fishing and hunting at Pine Log. The Sand Pond Campground has electric and water hook-ups at every site, and primitive sites are spread along Pine Log Creek. More than 13 miles of hiking trails cross the forest, including about 8 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail; the Crooked Creek Trail is a 9-mile loop built for off-road bikes, and the Old Sawmill Trail is a 9.1-mile horse loop. Swimming is allowed only in the eastern part of Sand Pond Lake, with no lifeguards, and the forest is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Source: Florida Forest Service, as of October 2026.
Best Time to Visit
Day use runs from sunrise to sunset. Hunting in the Pine Log Wildlife Management Area follows the seasons set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, so check the FWC dates before you hike during hunting season. Passes and campsites are sold only through ReserveAmerica or by phone at 1-877-879-3859, not at the forest office (as of October 2026).
Visitor Tips
Pine Log is a state forest run by the Florida Forest Service, not a Florida state park, so the state park entrance fee and annual pass do not apply. Day use costs $2 per person (children 6 and under free), or $45 for an annual pass covering daily entry for up to six people. Buy passes and book campsites on the Florida State Forests passes and reservations page.
Explore More Florida State Parks
Looking for state parks in Florida? Discover them in our Best State Parks in Florida guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Pine Log SF — 6,911 acres — is Florida’s first state forest (1936). The park’s longleaf pine, flatwoods, and wetlands support gopher tortoises, black bears, and red-cockaded woodpeckers. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes inhabit the palmetto understory. Prescribed burns maintain the fire-dependent ecosystem.
Nearby Attractions
Ebro — adjacent. Panama City Beach — 20 miles south. Falling Waters SP — 15 miles north.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Camp Helen State Park (a short drive away) or Collier-Seminole State Park (a short drive away).
Park Location
Plan your gear for Pine Log State Forest
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
