Henderson Beach State Park

At Henderson Beach State Park in Destin, pristine white sugar sand beaches and more than 6,000 feet of natural scenic shoreline border the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Natural features of the park include sand pines, scrub oaks, and dune rosemary. Boardwalks provide access to the beach for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

Large pavilions allow for picnicking and grilling. A playground is the first stop on the nature trail and is sure to be a hit with the kids. The nature trail provides visitors a rare glimpse of the coastal dune ecosystem and abundant wildlife and is pet friendly. Camping at Henderson Beach State Park provides 60 campsites that are located in the secondary dune system.

The sites include water and electric hookups and access to air conditioned and heated bathhouse facilities. A separate beach access boardwalk with outdoor showers and a playground are included in our campground. Henderson Beach is ADA accessible and includes beach wheel chair availability. Visitors can enjoy truly breathtaking sunsets while relaxing by the warm crystal clear water of the Gulf of Mexico.

The park was purchased in 1983 from the Henderson family estate and opened to the public in March 1991. This was the first acquisition under the land conservation program initiated by Governor Bob Graham, Save Our Coast. The family wanted to protect the area’s natural features and let the public enjoy the surroundings. Initial construction included two picnic pavilions, restrooms, beach access boardwalks, an entrance station and support facilities.

The park has campsites that can accommodate either tents or RVs, with a mixture of back in and pull-through sites. The sites have water, electricity, picnic tables, ground grills and clothesline posts. Amenities include heated and air conditioned restrooms with showers, coin operated washers, dryers and vending machines. Pets are welcome at campsites. Unlike remote wilderness camping, provisions and restaurants are a short drive away. The nearby three-quarter mile nature trail meanders though ancient but still growing and shifting dunes, with vegetation known as coastal scrub. The trail provides a vista of the park, and in some places, the Gulf of Mexico.

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.