Two state parks, endless outdoor adventures. Get local tips on the best beaches, paddling routes, hiking trails, wildlife, Shell Island, and Lake Powell in Panama City Beach.
Positioned at opposite ends of Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park are the area's ultimate outdoor playgrounds for both residents and the many visitors drawn to PCB's natural beautyBoth parks are simply everything you could ask for when it comes to outdoor adventures and some of Florida's most beautiful scenery.
In this guide, I'll walk you through both parks, highlighting what makes each one special, the experiences you shouldn't miss, and a handful of local tips that can make your visit even better.
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St. Andrews State Park, Panama City Beach's Crown Jewel
Locals proudly call St. Andrews State Park the crown jewel of Panama City Beach. Occupying 1,200 acres at the eastern tip of town, the park sits between the Gulf and St. Andrews Bay. More than 1.5 miles of brilliant white sand, emerald water, coastal dunes, salt marshes, freshwater wetlands, pine forests, and abundant wildlife all fit inside its boundaries. It has even been recognized as one of America's best beaches, a reputation that has made the park even more famous over the years.
Your Insider Guide to St. Andrews State Park
Choose the Right Beach for Your Day
Before carrying your cooler across the sand and spreading out your towel, take a moment to choose your beach. St. Andrews has a Gulf side and a bay side, and the two offer very different experiences.
The Gulf-facing shoreline is what most visitors picture when they think of PCB: a classic coastal experience characterized by its vast expanse of sugar-white sand and emerald-green water. This section of the park features approximately 1.5 miles of pristine Gulf shoreline, creating a more open-water atmosphere than the park's protected lagoon areas. This is also the part of the park bordered by rolling white sand dunes covered with sea oats, where activities like surfing, swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and shelling take center stage.
In the bay side, instead of waves, you'll experience calm, shallow water that's great for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Rentals are available inside the park, and launching from the marina or waterfront campsites couldn't be more convenient.
Local tip: During June, July, weekends, and holidays, aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the park opens at 8:00 a.m. St. Andrews regularly reaches vehicle capacity, and once the gates close, you'll have to wait until other visitors leave.
Grab a Mask and Head for the Jetties
Very few places can match the snorkeling at the jetties at St. Andrews. Located on the eastern edge of the park at the tip of the peninsula, the massive rock formations create an artificial reef that attracts an impressive variety of marine life. Tropical fish weave through the rocks alongside rays, octopuses, crabs, and countless smaller species. Experienced divers frequently venture into deeper sections near the pass, and beginners usually have fun inside the protected Kiddie Pool.
No equipment? That's easy to solve. Snorkeling gear can be rented or purchased at the Jetty Store and Pier Store inside the park, so there's no need to pack everything yourself before your trip. Just remember to keep an eye out for fishing lines around the rocks, particularly during busy afternoons.
Take the Shuttle to Shell Island
Shell Island is an absolute must-visit spot to include in your itinerary. This untouched barrier island stretches for seven miles with no hotels, restaurants, paved roads, or permanent development. Since there are no bridges connecting it to the mainland, visitors travel by private boat or aboard the official Shell Island Shuttle departing from St. Andrews State Park.
The uninterrupted shoreline, excellent shelling, crystal-clear water, and frequent dolphin sightings will probably be among the highlights of your PCB trip. Just keep in mind that there are no facilities whatsoever. So plan accordingly before deciding to spend some time exploring this little paradise. You're allowed to bring a beach wagon on the ferry, making it convenient to transport chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and towels.
Cast a Line, Launch a Kayak, or Stay the Night
Anglers visiting the park are spoiled for choice. Two fishing piers, the rock jetties, Grand Lagoon, and the Gulf shoreline all offer different experiences. Depending on the season, catches include Spanish mackerel, redfish, flounder, and sea trout. If you forgot your tackle box, the Camp Store stocks bait and basic fishing supplies. Just remember that a Florida saltwater fishing license is required before casting a line.
If paddling sounds more appealing to you, Grand Lagoon features calm water that's ideal for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and small boats. Aiming for early mornings is a smart move since wildlife is more active and dolphins or even manatees occasionally make an appearance. Kayaks, paddleboards, and pontoon boats are available for rent inside the park, so you don't need to bring your own equipment.
Planning to stay longer than a day?
St. Andrews' campground includes 176 full-hookup sites for tents and RVs tucked among the pinewoods, and the Eco-Tents offer something closer to glamping, complete with queen beds, electricity, air conditioning, and waterfront views. Reservations open up to 11 months in advance and, as you may expect, fill quickly during peak travel periods.
Wander the Trails Between Beach Visits
St. Andrews protects five distinct ecosystems, and its short trails take visitors through each of them.
The Gator Lake Trail leads you to an overlook where alligators, herons, egrets, and other water birds are a common sight. Heron Pond Trail winds through pine flatwoods and coastal scrub, revealing a side of the park far removed from the beaches just minutes away.
Wildlife encounters are pretty common throughout the park, including white-tailed deer, butterflies, and countless bird species. The golden rule is simple: admire them from a distance and never feed them. Bringing insect repellent is also worthwhile if you plan on spending time in the wooded sections.
Camp Helen State Park, Panama City Beach's Hidden Retreat
Camp Helen State Park lies about fifteen minutes west of central PCB. Occupying 180 acres on the border of Bay and Walton counties, the park is surrounded by water on three sides: the Gulf, Phillips Inlet, and Lake Powell, a rare natural feature. You'll also find peaceful trails, uncrowded beaches, towering oaks, and restored historic buildings. It's this unusual landscape, together with more than 4,000 years of human history, that sets Camp Helen apart from St. Andrews.
Your Insider Guide to Camp Helen State Park
Make Lake Powell Your First Stop
Many first-time visitors head straight for the Gulf, but one of the smartest local tips you should follow is doing the opposite and starting your day at Lake Powell, when most people are spending time on the beach.
The lake is the defining feature of Camp Helen and one of the main reasons nature enthusiasts make the trip here. Paddling across its calm, brackish water gives you the chance to spot ospreys, river otters, countless bird species, and even dolphins when the lake opens to the Gulf.
Heads up: On-site kayak rentals are currently unavailable. If paddling is on your itinerary, bring your own kayak or paddleboard, or arrange a rental through an outfitter before arriving. Launch access is available near the North Trail and fishing dock.
Stretch Out on One of PCB's Most Peaceful Beaches
Camp Helen's Gulf shoreline stretches for more than a mile, and for visitors looking for plenty of elbow room, this should be your number one choice. While here, there's no mystery:
Swimming, sunbathing, and shell hunting are the classic activities, and the peace and quiet are exactly what you need to recharge your batteries. During sea turtle nesting season, beachgoers may even notice tracks or protected nesting sites belonging to loggerhead or leatherback turtles.
Just keep in mind that a little preparation goes a long way here. The beach sits roughly three-quarters of a mile from the parking lot, so comfortable shoes, plenty of drinking water, and a beach wagon are a good idea. There are no lifeguards on duty, so always check the colored beach warning flags before entering the Gulf.
Walk Through Distinct Natural Landscapes
Camp Helen's trail network isn't particularly long, but every trail highlights another side of the park.
The half-mile Oak Canopy Trail passes beneath mature oaks and magnolias that create welcome shade throughout much of the walk. Birdwatchers often spend extra time here scanning the trees for ospreys, bald eagles, and countless smaller species.
The North Trail is a 1.8-mile paved route that follows sections of Lake Powell before passing beneath Highway 98. Along the way you can see rare coastal plants and distinct natural communities. It's super accessible for walkers, cyclists, families with strollers, and visitors using wheelchairs.
If you're hoping to spot wildlife, stop by the visitor center before setting out. Binoculars are available to borrow, giving you a much better chance of picking out birds nesting across the lake or among the dunes.
Step Inside a Different Era of Florida
Camp Helen's history is just as fascinating as its natural features.
People have lived in this area for more than 4,000 years, leaving behind prehistoric middens and archaeological sites that are still protected today. Much later, in the early twentieth century, the land that now forms Camp Helen State Park became a private retreat before operating as a vacation resort for employees of Alabama's Avondale Mills.
The Log Lodge, often called the Big House, and the colorful Rainbow Cottages have been carefully preserved, allowing you to picture what holidays here looked like decades before PCB became a modern resort destination.
If your timing works out, ranger-led history tours and guided nature walks provide even more context about both the landscape and the people who once called it home.
Where to Stay in Panama City Beach During Your Summer Getaway?
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Our local team is committed to ensuring that your escape to the Emerald Coast is nothing short of extraordinary.