Camp Helen State Park

Camp Helen State Park is a beautiful coastal gem that many people simply drive past without realizing what they’re missing. I loved learning about the park’s history and its unique natural setting. It’s a relatively small state park, but incredibly meaningful. Don’t miss the coastal lakes section! From the parking lot, take the well-marked trail that goes under the highway overpass. It’s an easy walk and absolutely worth it. The contrast between the Gulf, the rare coastal dune lake, and the surrounding landscape is fascinating. The park also features a historic building, docks, and kayak launches, and it looks like a new interpretive building is currently under construction, which will make future visits even better. A hidden treasure! Highly recommended for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone willing to slow down and explore.

Enjoyed reading the historical information on the signs placed around the well maintained buildings. The walkway out to the gulf was easy and beautifully kept, some "boardwalk", some sand. Spanish moss hanging from the gnarly, windswept trees gave the camp a feeling of days gone by. Relaxing place.

Amazing park. Rangers are very nice and knowledgeable. History tours and nature tours are given on certain days. Some of the best bird watching you could find around. Clean bathrooms, fishing dock on a lake that is half fresh water and half salt water. Is a short 3/4 mile walk to the beach but it’s a nice walk. Dogs are allowed in the park but not on the beach or on the dunes trail to the beach do to threatened Snowy Plover birds that nest in that area. Would highly recommend a visit.

Nice walk. Interesting to see and read about the old cottages. You can fish from the dock here. I love looking at the cool trees and bushes. Much different look than in Illinois! Will visit again when warmer to do some fishing.

An amazing fairytale like place with incredibly white sugary sand, stunning dunes, rare birds, and animals, live beehive, and the clear turquoise waters mixed with lakes waters. Ah, just magical … We had a walk through the greenery and swamps-like trails, over the dunes that lead to the beach. Mesmerizing views , this park is a must visit and see for yourself! Kids collected a lot of seashells! The pork head wonderful picnic areas in the beginning after the parking area and some good area for kids to play in the shade there as well.