Grayton Beach State Park

Introduction of Grayton Beach State Park

The Great Miami Hurricane formed in the Atlantic in September of that year, devastated much of the state, crossed into the Gulf of Mexico, and then barreled through to the Florida panhandle. This storm flattened the sand dunes in this area, opening up previously inaccessible areas.

Grayton Beach State Park is now one of Florida’s most popular state parks. The scenery and pristine beaches of the park are almost unrivalled. The park’s coastal sections are supplemented by sandy pine forests, rich wetlands, and a string of inland lakes. Grayton Beach State Park is a great place to go swimming, boating, and sunbathing. However, make time for hiking, birding, and some of the other activities that are available to you and your family.

The park’s campground has over 50 RV-friendly campsites, the majority of which have full hookups. The park also has over 20 lovely beach-side cabins, which are ideal for those seeking a peaceful coastal getaway. St. Andrews State Park and Apalachicola National Forest are both popular nearby parks.

Grayton Beach State Park Camping

Grayton Beach’s beautiful campground is located on the shores of tranquil Western Lake. Grayton Beach is just under a quarter-mile to the south, a short and lovely walk away. Palmettos and other semi-tropical plants cover the sandy ground, and scraggly Loblolly pines and twisted scrub oaks offer some shade.

The campground has a total of 53 campsites. Almost all of them have full hookups, including 50-amp electric, water, and sewage. One spot is designated for tent campers only, but the rest are RV-friendly (with most being able to accommodate rigs up to 40 feet in length).

Four of the locations are also ADA-compliant. Each site has a picnic table and grill, as well as showers and other amenities. The sites are well-screened and comfortable.

Grayton Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in Florida, so it’s no surprise that its campground fills up quickly. Reservations are accepted for all sites, and they are most easily made online. Reservations can be made up to eleven months in advance.

Grayton Beach State Park Activities

Biking The Timpoochee Trail

If you want to take in as many seaside views as possible on a longer stroll or bike ride, the Timpoochee Trail is a great option. This flat, 18-mile paved trail runs along the coast from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach, passing through Grayton Beach. The trail provides breathtaking views of dunes, coastal forests, and, of course, the Gulf of Mexico.

Picnicking

Picnicking is generally prohibited except in designated areas to preserve the pristine quality of these beaches. Grayton Beach State Park, fortunately, has a number of these. Some picnic areas are near the beach, while others are further inland. Enjoy your meal while taking in the salty air and gentle sea breeze, and then retire to a scrub oak for a nap!

Boating and Fishing

Anglers can catch saltwater fish in the Gulf of Mexico as well as freshwater fish in coastal dune lakes. Although some salinity creeps in from time to time, these lakes are mostly shallow and freshwater.

Western Lake has a boat ramp and allows powered boats. However, the draught is quite shallow, and bass boats must exercise caution to avoid running aground. Canoes and other unpowered craft are probably the best bet. The lakes are teeming with bass and bream, and the redfish aren’t far behind.

Surf fishing classes are frequently held in the area by the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance. Charter boats are available for those who want to venture further into the gulf. Snapper and Mahi are abundant during the summer.

Make sure you have a valid Florida State fishing licence wherever you cast your line. Anglers should be aware that different permits are required for saltwater and freshwater fishing.

Exploring Coastal Lakes

Walk inland to Alligator Lake, Western Lake, or Little Redfish Lake to get away from the sand and surf. Coastal dune lakes are unique and diverse ecosystems found nowhere else on the planet. Several habitat types coexist here, including sand dunes, depression marshes, seepage slopes, and wet Flatwoods.

Grayton Beach State Park Location

Grayton Beach State Park is just off E County Highway 30A, which is a branch of US-98. The park is located roughly halfway between Pensacola and Tallahassee. All of the roads leading to the park are paved, flat, and well-kept. The campgrounds have gravel pads, but the rest of the park’s roads are paved as well.

There are no major road hazards to be concerned about, even for those driving large RVs or trailers. Weather hazards to be aware of include tropical storms, hurricanes, and torrential rain, so check the local forecast before visiting the park.

Parking

All of the campsites have gravel pads. As long as your rig is under the length limits, manoeuvring in shouldn’t be too difficult. There is also plenty of large-vehicle parking near most of the major trailheads and the beach.

Public Transport

Public Transport is not available