Activities at Henderson Beach State Park
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BeachesOur family oriented beach is one of the areas most prized assets. Depending on the season, your beach experience could be highlighted by sightings of dolphins, sea turtles, migratory birds, butterflies and as always a gorgeous sunset. For visitors in wheelchairs, an all-terrain beach wheelchair is available to provide access to beach areas. Please check at the Ranger Station for more information. No alcohol, glass, fires, or animals are allowed on the beach.
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BicyclingYou may enjoy a leisurely ride on the park’s mile long paved road. For your safety, remember persons under the age of 16 years are required by state law to wear a properly fitting bike helmet. To preserve the natural areas of the park, bicycles are limited to roadways and are not permitted on boardwalks. |
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Campfire CirclesJoin our camping community around the fire circle. Each campsite also has its own fire ring.
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ConcessionsPark t-shirts, hats, ice, beach umbrellas, boogie boards, and sun block may be purchased at the entrance station to the park. Drinks may be purchased from our vending machines.
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Fishing
Destin is known as the luckiest fishing village in the world. Visitors wishing to try their luck in the surf may catch popular species such as pompano, red fish, flounder, catfish, whiting, and sometimes cobia. Bait & Tackle can be purchased just outside of the park.
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Full Facility CampingThe park has 60 outstanding campsites that can accommodate either tents or RVs, with a mixture of back in and pull through sites. The sites have water, electricity (some 50 amp); picnic tables ground grills, and clothesline posts. Heated and air conditioned bathhouses have showers, coin operated washers, dryers, and vending machines. Unlike remote wilderness camping, provisions and restaurants are a short drive away. Staying overnight in the park, you will experience the sweet smells and nighttime melodies of the Real Florida. Reservations may be made through Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521, and sites may be reserved up to 11 months in advance.
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In-Line SkatingInline skating areas are provided |
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Nature TrailsThe ¾ mile pet friendly trail meanders though ancient but still growing and shifting dunes and unique vegetation know as (Coastal Scrub). The trail will provide a beautiful vista of the park from atop one of the dunes. This high dune has developed around the remnants of a bunker built decades ago when the military was using the area. The trail was started by park staff and finished by The Friends of Henderson Beach, the park's volunteer Citizen Support Organization, funded primarily by the neighboring Wal-Mart. Guided Tours: Available upon request. |
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PavilionsTwo picnic pavilions that are adjacent to restrooms feature barbecue grills near beach boardwalks. They provide the perfect place to enjoy lunch with family and friends. Outdoor showers and soda machines are available. Pavilion reservations are not available May 1st thru Sept 30th due to the large amount of beach visitation. A pavilion may be reserved for special events or weddings from Oct 1st thru Apr 30th. Please contact the Ranger Station for more information. After hour Rangers are available upon request. |
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Pet CampingPets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.
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PetsPets are permitted in parking lot, nature trail, and on the sidewalk in the day use area. Pets are not permitted on the beach, in playgrounds, or in any park buildings. They must be kept on a hand-held leash that is no longer than six-feet and be well-behaved at all times. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of their droppings. Available throughout the park are courtesy mutt mitts. Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks. Pet are absolutely not to be left unattended in, or leashed to, a vehicle. |
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PicnickingThe day use area has two pavilions with barbecue grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and soda machines. These pavilions provide the only shade on the sun-drenched beach, unless visitors bring their own umbrellas. |
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PlaygroundFor your children’s enjoyment a modern playground facility is conveniently located overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The playground is located in the day use area of the park at the beginning of the nature trail. A covered seating area has been added to provide shading for parents and grandparents. For your child’s safety please insure that adult supervision is provided at all times. |
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ShowersThe day use area bathhouses have outdoor showers provided for you convenience. Also for our registered campers there is an outdoor shower conveniently located on the trail returning to your camp site.
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SwimmingVisitors to coastal parks are reminded to pay close attention to the colored flags posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach. Double red flags mean absolutely no swimming because of high winds and undertow currents, yellow means swim with caution and stay close to shore, green means that the waters are safe, purple means that marine pests are present. Please Use Caution! Lifeguards are not provided. |
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Wildlife ViewingBird Watchers can enjoy sighting wading birds, shore birds and migratory birds in the spring and fall. Dolphins, sea turtles and other fish species may be sighted off the beach. Small species of some reptiles and other wildlife may also be sighted. |
