With one mile of sugar-white sand fronting the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s easy to see why the waterfront at Grayton Beach State Park is consistently rated one of the most beautiful beaches in America. This popular Florida state park offers a convenient campground for RV and tent camping, a separate cabin site, and 2,200 acres that include Western Lake, a rare coastal dune lake found in only a few locations worldwide. A convenient boat ramp allows visitors to go paddling and kayaking in the brackish waters, while anglers can try their luck in both fresh and saltwater. Go hiking or biking on nature trails that wind past massive sand dunes, salt marshes, and a thick coastal forest of magnolias, scrub oaks, and pine flatwoods, teeming with birds and other wildlife.

1. Florida residents can make campsite reservations 11 months in advance, while non-residents can make reservations 10 months in advance. Cabins must be reserved at least one day prior, while campsites can be reserved the same day.
2. Check for free sites throughout the day. New sites become available daily at 8am EST, while cancellations are released back into the inventory on a random basis.
3. If you can’t reserve a spot ahead of time, show up first thing in the morning to grab any unreserved first-come, first-served basis.

Summer is the busiest season at Grayton Beach State Park, with high temperatures, large crowds, and ranger-led programs. Consider visiting in the spring or fall, when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds thin out. Expect peak season fees for cabin rentals from February through July. Sea turtle nesting season runs from May to October and may lead to restricted areas on the beach. Be sure to check the weather before confirming plans if traveling during hurricane season, from June to November.

• The ranger station offers canoe and kayak rentals, and ice and firewood are available for purchase inside the park. For meals, bike rentals, and other supplies, the towns of Grayton Beach and Seaside are both nearby.
• There are no lifeguards at Grayton, so swimmers should be careful when in the water.
• The park offers several accessible cabins, campsites, beach Mobi-mats, and a beach wheelchair for use.
• Anglers should check that they have the appropriate freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses if they plan to fish in the surf or on Western Lake.
• Pets are not allowed in cabins, cabin areas, or on the beach.
• Late arrivals should call the camping areas before 5pm to arrange for entrance after hours.