Henderson Beach State Park Camping

Situated along the spectacular Emerald Coast, Henderson Beach State Park (in Destin) is a paradise of dunes and white sand beaches. Visitors can swim in the emerald waters, cast a fishing line from the shore, or beachcombing for treasures. Those with a keen eye might spot dolphins, sea turtles, or gopher tortoises. Florida Panhandle camping doesn’t get any better than this!

Camping at Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach is a well-equipped state park offering 60 campsites in 4 loops, catering to tent and RV camping. Visitors to the park will find restrooms with hot showers and potable water. Each campsite contains a picnic table, campfire ring, and grill. You can buy basic supplies from the camp store.

Park Rangers and Camp Hosts are on site to answer your questions. Six picnic pavilions are available for family and friend gatherings. Trash and recycling bins are throughout the campground. A dump station is also available for RV travelers.

Although there are no dedicated ADA campsites, several sites are accessible. To determine if a campsite meets your accessibility needs, check Florida State Parks’ booking site to view the site description and photos. Henderson Beach State Park offers accessible restrooms and showers. The boardwalk to the beach is a universally accessible walkway (note that the sand can be hard to get through). Service animals are permitted at this state park.

Location, geography, and history

Henderson Beach State Park is located along the Florida Panhandle in Destin. This beach town is known for its unique vibe, many shops, and great seafood. The park covers 221 acres, from large dunes (sometimes measuring over 30' high) to vast beaches of white sand and some coastal scrub habitat. Unique plants and animals have adapted to the scrub’s sandy and dry conditions.

The area around Henderson Beach was originally home to Native American groups. (Northwest Florida was home to the Pensacola, Apalachee, and Choctaw people.) Later, Spanish and French settlers arrived—in part for the area’s abundant fishing opportunities.

Destin’s founder, Leonard Destin, established a fishing settlement in the mid-1800s. A century later, in the 1980s, Florida purchased the land that Henderson Beach State Park now sits on. In 1991, the park was officially established. The park is named after J. Lee Henderson, who donated some of the park’s land.

Ecosystems, wildlife, and vegetation

Henderson Beach State Park’s ecosystems include coastal dunes characterized by shifting sands and salt spray. These conditions lead plants to adapt to the intense winds, powerful sun, and low-nutrient soil. Inland areas behind the dunes contain coastal scrub. This environment is more stable and peppered with stunted trees, shrubs, and other plants that persevere despite the dry conditions.

Keep your eyes peeled, and you might observe the park’s residents. You might spot an armored Nine-Banded Armadillo, legless Eastern Glass Lizard, or burrowing Gopher Tortoise on land. Bottlenose Dolphins play alongside sea turtles, blue crabs, redfish, and flounder in the water. The park’s birds include majestic osprey, iconic brown pelicans, great blue herons, and seaside sparrows.

The park's vegetation has adapted to the dry coastal sands. Sand and slash pine, as well as saw palmetto, create habitat in scrub areas. Sea oats help form dunes as their roots hold sand together. Flowering magnolia trees, colorful railroad vines, and beach sunflowers make the park beautiful and memorable.

Sporting, recreational, and cultural activities at Henderson Beach State Park

It’ll be hard to keep your kids from racing into the water when you arrive at Henderson Beach. You might also try surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or beach volleyball. Anglers will likely head to the park’s fishing pier. Paved bike paths and a nature trail allow you to explore the park and its coastal scrub habitat.

Shutterbugs can try to capture some of the local wildlife in its natural habitat. From snapping shots of frolicking dolphins to discovering sea creatures in tide pools, photographers will quickly fill their memory cards. Those with no clear plans might chow down with family and friends in a picnic pavilion, walk the shore and look for unique shells, or read a book while listening to the sounds of the ocean.

Henderson Beach State Park welcomes families with a playground for kids and a splash pad for cooling off. Florida State Parks also offers Junior Ranger Programs that kids enjoy. The family can build a sandcastle, fly a kite, or toss a frisbee. You are at the beach, after all. 🙂

Risks, tips, and notes

Coastal environments can present risks ranging from sunburns and heat exhaustion to sudden storms and powerful rip currents. So, come prepared, take heed of posted warnings, and check tide times. Insects can be a nuisance at certain times of the year. Shuffling your feet in the sand can help you avoid stepping on stingrays. Swim only in designated areas to avoid alligators (although spottings are rare).

The best times to visit Henderson Beach State Park are from April to May and September to October. These times are more temperate, as are early mornings and late evenings. Make your reservation early through Florida State Parks’ reservation system. Be sure to pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, a water bottle, and a beach towel. (A chilly cooler is also a good idea.)

Campers tell us they love Henderson State Beach’s beautiful beach and clear waters—and how well the park is maintained. They also like the relaxed and friendly environment. Some note that the park gets crowded during peak season, making parking challenging. Some also noted that they wished they had better beach views from their campsites.