🌤 Weather at Point Washington 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, 19 mi away, elevation 57 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Point Washington State Forest is located in Florida near Santa Rosa Beach in Walton County and is managed by the Florida Forest Service, not by Florida’s state park system. The park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Florida |
| Nearest City | Santa Rosa Beach |
| County | Walton County |
Location & Getting There
Point Washington State Forest is located near Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The park’s coordinates are 30.3337, -86.1034.
Things to Do
The Florida Forest Service describes Point Washington as widely used for hunting, off-road bicycling and hiking. The Eastern Lake Trail System, reached from the trailhead on County Road 395, has three double-track loops of 3.5, 6 and 11 miles for hikers and cyclists. Overnight you can stay at the Eastern Lake Campgrounds off Forest Road 7, which have eight primitive sites. 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, and the eight primitive campsites must be reserved in advance. The forest is part of the Point Washington Wildlife Management Area, where the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission sets the hunting seasons, so check the FWC dates before you hike during hunting season (as of October 2026).
Visitor Tips
Point Washington 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
Point Washington SF — 15,000 acres — preserves 14 distinct natural communities along the Emerald Coast. The park’s coastal dune lakes (found in only a few places worldwide), longleaf pine, and rare plants support black bears, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and gopher tortoises.
Nearby Attractions
Santa Rosa Beach — adjacent. Seaside — 3 miles west — the filming location of “The Truman Show.” Grayton Beach SP — 5 miles west. Destin — 15 miles east.
More parks nearby: Eden Gardens State Park is a short drive away, while Deer Lake State Park lies a short drive away.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Point Washington State Forest
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
