What’s the History of Camp Helen?

Prehistoric middens (trash heaps) and mounds have been found within the park, suggesting humans have been in the area for approximately 400 years. Camp Helen State Park was originally known as Inlet Beach to early European settlers and later to developers. The area around Phillips Inlet was initially developed for recreational opportunities in the early 1920’s, with a lodge and associated buildings being added to the property in the 1940’s. Some of these buildings can still be seen today, and give an insight into tourist life along the Gulf Coast back in the day. From 1945 all the way to 1987, Avondale Textile Mills of Sylacauga, Alabama operated Camp Helen as a resort for vacationing employees.
Thanks to the efforts of the local community, Gulf Coast Community College, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Camp Helen was acquired by the State of Florida in 1994 under the Conservation and Recreational Lands Programs, and today offers visitors a first-class state park.

Where Exactly Is It?

Camp Helen State Park is located at 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, just west of the Phillips Inlet Bridge on the Bay County and Walton County line. The park is bordered on three sides by the Gulf of Mexico, Phillips Inlet, and Lake Powell, which is one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. The great thing about Camp Helen is that it has it all – wooded nature trails, tranquil lake scenery, and an expansive, open white-sand beach. When you’re here, you feel like you are one with the outdoors, thanks to the natural beauty that surrounds you at every turn, and the peace and quiet that is so hard to find in the heart of Panama City Beach.

What Can I Do There?

The opportunities for outdoor recreation are unlimited at Camp Helen State Park. Wildlife viewing is extremely popular, as the three different water bodies have created a diverse habitat for wildlife that includes rare shorebirds and Bald Eagles. Camp Helen is a great fishing spot for both fresh and saltwater species, and the park provides numerous nature trails for hiking. Visit the lodge and relax in the rocking chairs overlooking Lake Powell, or head to the beach for swimming, beachcombing, tanning or boating. Camp Helen State Park is open from 8:00 am until sundown, 365 days a year. The admission fee is $4.00 per vehicle with a maximum of 8 passengers, or $2.00 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, or passengers in a vehicle with a holder of an annual individual entrance pass.

What Else is Happening at Camp Helen State Park?

This Saturday, October 10^th, Camp Helen invites you to its 4^th annual Ghost Walk and History Tour. Hear scary stories, learn about the Lake Powell Sea Monster, laugh with pirates, and maybe even maybe see a ghost!  It will be a wonderful evening of continuous storytelling and historic re-enactment, and is suitable for all ages, including kids. The event is hosted by the Friends of Camp Helen and proceeds from the event will be used for the renovation and preservation of the park. Costumes are encouraged and flashlights are recommended. Event starts at 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and tickets are $5.00 for adults and $3 for children under 12 years of age.

For those who have some spare time on their hands and would like to give back to the community, Camp Helen State Park always welcomes volunteers. A volunteer can do many things, including greeting visitors, conducting tours, helping Park Rangers remove exotic plants or simply maintaining the natural beauty of the beach, waterways or trails. If you are interested, stop by on any Thursday morning about 9:00 am or pick up an application in the visitor center.

Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park

Home of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, Wakulla Springs plays host to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, deer, and birds. Daily guided riverboat tours provide a closer view of wildlife, and glass bottom boat tours are offered when the water is clear. Swimming is a popular activity during the hot summer months. A nature trail offers a leisurely walk along the upland wooded areas of the park. The Wakulla Springs Lodge was built in 1937 by financier Edward Ball and is open year-round. A full-service dining room overlooks the spring; lodge meeting facilities offer an excellent place for retreats. Wakulla Springs State Park and Lodge is listed on the Natural Register of Historic Places and is designated as a National Natural Landmark.

Econfina Creek

Econfina is the canoeist’s dream. Econfina Creek offers the steepest gradient of any designated canoe trail in the state. Canoeists pass waterfalls, rock outcrops, log jams, riverbed springs and plentiful bird life as they approach State Road 20, where the Gainer Springs Complex enters from numerous vents, filling a deep clear pool surrounded by palms, cypress and mixed hardwoods.

Shell Island

Shell Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Panama City Beach area. Just across the water from St. Andrews State Park and only accessible by boat, Shell Island is a natural, undeveloped island which lies between the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay in Bay County, Panama City Beach, FL. Shell Island’s Beautiful sand dunes stretch out over seven miles long and anywhere from two hundred yards to three-quarters of a mile across. Shell Island is home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of bottle-nosed dolphins. The island’s pristine beauty and abundant wildlife make it an enjoyable and exciting way to spend the day. It is filled with tremendous sand dunes, a fresh water swamp, acres of woods and sugar-white sands. Shell Island offers excellent snorkeling, fishing and secluded beaches.

Eden Gardens State Park

This historic park hosts the majestic 110-year-old Wesley House, built for the Wesley family, the owner family of one of the largest timber operations of the 1800s. Completely decorated with period furniture and accessories, the house provides a beautiful view of the reflecting pool, towering moss-draped oaks and serene waterways. The various rose gardens, koi ponds and nature walks are enough to inspire and thrill those looking for adventure.

Florida Caverns State Park

This is Florida’s only limestone cave that is available to the public. Florida Caverns takes its name from the beautiful Florida Cavern tour cave. Equal in beauty to such famous sites as Mammoth Cave and Carlsbad Caverns, the caves at Florida Caverns State Park contain dazzling formation of stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, columns, rimstones, flowstones and draperies. These fragile formations are composed of calcite, a mineral dissolved from limestone rock when surface water containing carbonic acid percolates through the rock into the caves. As this mineral-charged water encounters the air inside the caves, layers of calcite are deposited. The creation of these stunning formations often take tens of thousands of years, and even the slightest disturbance by humans can destroy these delicate natural wonders. Guided yours occur regularly with nature trails, swimming, canoeing, and fishing.

Diving

Panama City Beach is considered the “Wreck Capitol of the South,” second only to the Florida Key’s as Florida most popular dive destination in the state of Florida. And it’s not just hype; there are over 50 artificial reef diver’s can plunge to see, fifteen 35-foot-high bridge spans, each one 160 feet long and, just inland, there are several spectacular springs where the water is as clear as drinking water and the spring diving is world class. There area a number of adventurous dive locations you’ll love from the Grey Ghost, to the USS Strength and the world famous Empire Mica. For more info on diving locations check out this top 10 dive spots article.

The Most Beautiful Beach Anywhere…

Perennially listed on America’s Top Ten Beaches, St. Andrews State Park is a beach-lover’s dream. A perfect combination of uncrowded beach and true natural settings, St. Andrews State Park allows the Panama City Beach visitor to get out of the city and get into nature. And truly, “beautiful” doesn’t fully describe this majestic place. It’s just a short drive east and away from the city street, but its well worth the trip.

As I drove in, the various species of trees and lushness of, well, so many trees, I suddenly realized I was no longer in the city. All around me are natural treasures. Sounds of birds and nearby tides quiet the air. Everywhere, in every direction, are various species of animals. In fact, I learned over 2,100 marine dependent species have been recorded within the park, all of which are surprisingly visible. Birds like the Southeastern Snowy Plovers, Piping Plovers, Arctic peregrine Falcons, American Oystercatcher, Bald Eagles, Brown Pelicans and others are easily seen. At your first stop you hit a crossroads. You can head to the beach, to the nature trails or the campsite and boat-ramp. These options actually provide you with a myriad of things to do. You can go to the beach and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and canoeing. Two fishing piers, a jetty, and a boat-ramp provide ample fishing opportunities for anglers. Or you can exchange the sandals for shoes and take a trip down one of two nature trails that wind through a rich diversity of coastal plant communities – a place made for birdwatching. If you are a fearless one, you can head to Gator Lake and get up close and personal with some of the most dangerous animals on the planet – the American alligator (I saw several of them and got within 5 terrifying feet). Those looking to just relax can sunbathe while enjoying a leisurely lunch under the shade of a picnic pavilion. Full-facility campsites, as well as primitive youth group camping, make this park an awesome overnight destination.

What most people come to see is the reason Panama City Beach is called, “The World’s Most Beautiful Beach.” St. Andrew’s State Park has a beach unlike any other. Well-kept pearly sand, high dunes and a rock jetty that stretches out into the pass, keeps this beach on many top ten lists for the best beach in America. Its beauty is one thing, its fun is another. There is just so much to do. Offered by the State Park staff, you can hop the shuttle and take a tour to shell island where snorkeling and kayaking is the norm. Or take a guided Waverunner tour to swim with the many dolphins splashing in the pass. Dolphins are everywhere but what surprised me were the many Manatees swimming the pass with them.

If fishing is your thing, you can grab bait from the concessions store and walk out onto the rock jetty where all sorts of fish swim. One of the best times I ever had at the park was during Pompano Season. I fished right from the shore and caught huge Pompano. But make sure you get a fishing license. Get more info on that here.

Camping at the State Park is some of the best camping you can have. Many of the sites are steps away from the water and offer full facilities. But if you’re only visiting for a day, I’d suggest bringing a bike and cruising around the park. Make sure you bring a camera though because the views are worth keeping.

Pricing:

Camping: $24.00 plus tax per night

Shell Island Shuttle: $14.95 for adults $6.95 for children 12 – 2. Infants are free.

Snorkel Package: $21.95 (includes shuttle ride)

Kayak Rentals: $55.00 single $60.00 double (includes shuttle ride) $20.00 w/o shuttle

State Park Located at 4607 State Park Ln Panama City, FL 32408

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More Pictures

Here’s a taste of the upcoming band: Rollin In The Hay

“Combine the good times and instruments of a front porch hoe down with the muscle of a power trio, and the savvy of veteran touring musicians. Coat that with a little caffeine-laced three part harmony and you begin to understand the sound of Rollin’ in the Hay.

This Birmingham, Alabama based band has become one of the forerunners in the “Newgrass” musical revolution in America. Their constant touring from colleges to concert halls has taken them coast to coast playing their souped-up brand of acoustic grassrock.

Opening shows for everyone from Greg Allman to Widespread Panic, the sound of the “Hay” has put a smile on many happy faces. No strangers to marketing, the group keeps in touch with its fans (Hayheads) through a professionally serviced web site and a well-maintained mailing list.

The music of Rollin’ in the Hay has been described as “Groove Grass”, “Renegade Bluegrass”, and even “Redneck Speed Metal”. Their catalog of six albums well represents all of the above descriptions. The band also supports live taping by fans, resulting in thousands of hours of bootleg tapes traded widely on the Internet.

Another interesting facet of the bands recording career is their involvement with CMH records in Los Angeles. With their instrumental tributes to artists such as REM, Eric Clapton, Tim McGraw, and Phish, the boys have woven a sparkling tapestry of mandolins, guitars, and banjos to these artists’ greatest hits.”

See you guys on Thursday Night.

The Pier Park Amphitheater Aaron Bessant Park is located on Pier Park Drive, Suite 125. Panama City Beach, FL 32413

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05/22 – 05/25  Mobile BGFC Memorial Day Billfish Tournament

06/05 – 06/09  Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic

06/19 – 06/20  Emerald Coast Billfish Classic

06/20 – 06/27  Bayou Bash

07/03 – 07/09 Pensacola Big Game Tournament

07/17 – 07/18  Bay Point Invitational

07/25   MBARA King Mackerel Tournament

07/25 – 07/26  Marquart’s King Mackerel Tournament

08/13 – 08/16  Grand Lagoon National

08/29  C-Quarters King Mackerel Tournament

09/09  Poorman’s Shootoff

09/26  Big Bend Classic

10/01 – 10/31  Destin Rodeo

For more information on these tournaments go here.

Shipwreck has something for everyone. If you are adventurous, you’ll love Pirate’s Plunge. For the small kids there is a super-fun tadpole hole and children’s activity center. And if you’re like me and just want to relax, the Lazy River will become your best friend. Below are a list of the attractions.

ATTRACTIONS

• Ocean Motion Wave Pool is a 500,000-gallon pool that generates three foot waves every ten minutes. These waves contain cool clear water without any creatures that may lurk in the ocean.
• White Knuckle River is a 660-foot long twisting, winding inner tube ride that features tubes large enough for the entire family to splash down in.
• Tree Top Drop is actually two slides coming off of a 65-foot tall platform. One slide is a dark tube that drops onto a free fall slide that sends sliders down a rapid drop slide. The other choice is the Tree Top Drop enclosed twisting tube slide.
• The Pirate’s Plunge Racing Slide is actually dueling slides side by side from a 60-foot tall tower. Riders can challenge their own nerves or other riders.
• The Rapid River Run is over 300 feet of white water inner tube rafting. “The Rapids,” as they are affectionately known by so many guests, gives riders one of the best white water tubing slides you’ll find anywhere. The 50-foot splash down is a breath-taking finale.
• The Zoom Flume is the oldest attraction at Shipwreck Island. Three flumes curve in, out and around a huge hill and finally come together in a big splash pool.
• The Great Shipwreck is a replica of a 17th century sailing ship. Guests swing out from the ship on a cable and drop into a beautiful lagoon pool.
• The Lazy River is over 2,000 feet of a slow moving meandering river that provides the park’s most relaxing aquatic encounter.
• Skull Island is a family activity pool that is filled with waterfalls, a kiddy slide, and water cannons for impromptu family fun.
• The Tadpole Hole is a gigantic children’s activity pool that includes a frog slide, a ship slide, an elephant slide, a pelican slide and an old submarine known as “The Silly Sub.”

Food and Beverage

Only the good stuff; burgers, pizza, hotdogs, salads, barbeque, wraps, funnel cakes, ice cream, and frozen drinks are available all summer long at The Galley, The Ship’s Grill, The Captain’s Dog House, Swashbuckler’s Beer Shack, Pirate’s Pizza, Dippin’ Dots, and Island Ice Cream.vA mini Chick-Fil-A is scheduled to open for the 2008 season.

Prices and Hours of Operation

Admission is $32.00 for persons above 50 inches tall and $27.00 for persons below 50 inches tall. Children below 35 inches tall are admitted free. Lockers are available for $5.00 with a $2.00 refund available when the key is returned at the end of your visit.

SHIPWRECK ISLAND is open Saturdays for most of the month of May, and daily from Memorial Day until mid August. From mid August until September 6, 2008, the park will be open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Shipwreck Island is located at 12201 Middle Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL

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