Grayton Beach State Park
RV Guide

Grayton Beach, with its many interconnected trails and spurs, is a sort of choose-your-own-adventure for hikers. One of the most popular long routes, however, is the Western Lake Trail, which takes trekkers through some of the park's spacious pine forests and along the shores of Western Lake. Just a few hundred feet inland from the gulf, this placid lake's waters attract all sorts of wildlife, so be sure to bring your binoculars.

Anglers may snag saltwater fish in the Gulf of Mexico or freshwater fish in the coastal dune lakes. These lakes are mostly shallow and freshwater, although some salinity trickles in from time to time.

Western Lake has a boat ramp, and powered boats are allowed there. The draft is pretty shallow, though, and bass boats have to be careful about aground. It’s probably best to stick with canoes and other unpowered craft. The bass and bream are plentiful in the lakes; the redfish aren’t bad either.

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance often holds surf fishing classes in the area. Charter boats are available to those wanting to head farther out into the gulf. Snapper and Mahi are plentiful in the summer.

Wherever you cast your line, make sure you have a proper Florida State fishing license. Anglers should note that there are different permits for saltwater and freshwater fishing.

Take a break from the sand and surf, and walk a short distance inland to Alligator Lake, Western Lake, or Little Redfish Lake. Coastal dune lakes are rare and diverse ecosystems not found very many other places in the world. Several different habitat types, including sand dunes, depression marshes, seepage slopes, and wet flatwoods, all come together here.

The Flatwoods Trail, a four-mile loop, takes hikers on an amble through wetlands and sandy pine forests. Keep an eye out for turtles, snakes, lizards and all manner of wading and shorebirds. Much of the trail is paved, and the unpaved parts are mostly firm and flat. Some parts of the trail can get quite muddy after a rain, though.

The idyllic Grayton Beach is a wonderful place to sunbathe, go for a swim, read a book, or just watch the surf. Here, white sands dip slowly into sea-green coastal waters, which turn a cerulean shade of blue as they grow deeper out towards the gulf.

Grayton's shores are more than just a pretty place to play and relax - they've got a fascinating natural history too. For the most part, the gentle yet relentless ocean surf made Grayton Beach what it is today. But other natural forces, such as wind pruning and salt spray, are at work as well. Shifting sands can transform landscapes. Take a look at some of the "beach bushes," for instance, and you'll see that they are actually southern magnolia and slash pine trees, with only their tops visible.

Birds and wildlife, such as shorebirds and sea turtles, are abundant here as well. Threatened Choctawhatchee beach mice live on the dunes, so foot traffic is prohibited there. Lifeguards are on duty during much of the summer, but parents are still advised to keep a close eye on swimming kids. Sunscreen is highly recommended too!

If you're looking for a longer stroll or bike ride and would like to take in as many seaside views as possible, the Timpoochee Trail is a great option for you. This flat, 18-mile paved trail weaves its way along the coast from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach, passing through Grayton Beach along the way. The trail offers marvelous views of dunes, coastal forests, and, of course, the gulf.

One of the nice things about a south-facing beach is that visitors can enjoy both sunrises and sunsets. These events are especially beautiful in the winter. The beaches tend to be quieter, and the skies tend to be even more colorful. Dusk and dawn are also a great time to bring your camera along!

To preserve the pristine quality of these beaches, picnicking is generally prohibited except in designated areas. Fortunately, Grayton Beach State Park has a number of these. Some picnic spots are near the beach and some are further inland. Take in the salty air and the gentle sea breeze while enjoying your meal, and then post-up under a scrub oak for a nap afterward!

Walk along the Hobbit Hole trail and take in all the best that Grayton Beach has to offer in just one short trek. Start at the beach, cross the dunes, disappear under the oak canopy that gives this route its nickname, and emerge at Western Lake. This is a great trail in any season, and it's not prone to the muddiness some of the more inland trails are.

A small beach campfire can feel great on a cool winter evening. Stay out late to watch the sun set over the water and the stars slowly appear in the night sky. Beach campfires are fires are generally permissible, but you must provide your own wood. Some spots near the dunes may be prohibited to foot traffic.