Point Washington State Forest

Point Washington State Forest was purchased under Florida's Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) program in 1992. Using an ecosystem management approach, the Florida Forest Service provides for multiple uses of the forest resources. The forest is managed for timber, wildlife, outdoor recreation and ecological restoration.

Location

Point Washington State Forest is located in the southernmost portion of Walton County. The forest is approximately 9 miles south of the town of Freeport on U.S. Highway 98. Vehicular travel is allowed throughout the forest on open forest roads. Please refrain from blocking any closed roads or firebreaks.

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Natural Features

Point Washington State Forest is made up of 10 natural communities. The majority of the area consists of sandhill, basin swamps/titi drains, wet flatwoods, wet prairie and cypress swamps. Although much of Point Washington State Forest has been cut over, there are some excellent examples of intact sandhill ecosystems. 

Several plants and animals that are listed as threatened, endangered or species of special concern can be found on the forest. These rare species include American kestrel (Falco sparverius), gopher tortoise, flatwoods salamander, white-topped pitcher plant (Sarracenia leucophylla), and the world's largest population of Curtiss sandgrass (Calamovilfa curtissii).

An important management tool used on the forest is the prescribed burning program. Controlled fire is used to manage timber, wildlife and ecological resources. Reducing fuel loads (undergrowth), improving hazardous conditions, and maintaining biodiversity are some of the objectives of the prescribed burning program.

Recreation

Point Washington State Forest is available to the public for various types of outdoor recreation. The forest is widely used for hunting, off-road bicycling and hiking.

Point Washington State Forest is part of the Point Washington Wildlife Management Area. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulates the hunting seasons and game limits on the forest.

The Eastern Lake Trail System was the first trail established on the forest. This trail system consists of three double-track loop trails. The hiker or bicyclist can travel the 3.5-, 5- or 10-mile loop. The Eastern Lake Bike/Hike Trail is included in the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Hiking Program. The trail system can be accessed at the parking lot and trailhead on County Road 395.

In addition, a greenway trail system that crosses the forest is being developed. This trail will provide connections to Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Topsail Hill State Preserve, Butler Elementary School and numerous residential developments. Upon completion, this trail system will provide over 27 miles of trails for recreational use. 

Overnight camping is available at Eastern Lake Campground, which is located near the 4-mile marker on the Eastern Lake Trail. There are four primitive campsites and reservations are required. For camping information and reservations visit FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com or call 1-877-879-3859. 

In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Florida Forest Service has developed rules that apply to all state forest visitors. Find out more about state forest fees and rules.