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Florida
19

Florida State Parks

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Florida
Northwest Region
Deer Lake State Park
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DEER LAKE STATE PARK
DEER LAKE STATE PARK
357 Main Park Road
Santa Rosa Beach, Florida   32459

Phone: 850-231-4210
This park shares its name with the coastal dune lake within its boundaries. Coastal dune lakes are extremely rare worldwide and in the United States they occur only along the Gulf Coast. Southern magnolias, golden asters, woody goldenrod, and scrub oaks can be seen in this coastal dune habitat. Rare plants such as gulf coast lupine, spoonflower, pitcher plants, and Curtiss' sand grass-one of the largest populations found in Florida-are found in the park. Visitors may see splashes of color from summer wildflowers or some of the many species of resident or migratory birds and butterflies. A boardwalk across the dunes offers easy access to the beach where visitors can picnic, swim, and fish. It also offers a spectacular view of the dune ecosystem, one of 11 natural communities found in the park. Located on County Road 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.
History of the Area
Deer Lake State Park is a 1,920-acre facility named after a freshwater coastal dune lake within its boundaries. Trail access to the Gulf of Mexico opens to a magnificent dune field and to a pristine section of beach. The park contains 11 distinct natural communities including beach dune, mesic flatwoods, sandhill, scrub, basin swamp, depression marsh, dome swamp, coastal dune lakes, blackwater stream, estuarine tidal creek, and unconsolidated marine substrate. Blackwater streams are lined with spring azaleas. Summer wildflowers are seen around cypress domes throughout the sandhills and longleaf pine habitat.

The park boasts a diversity of plant and wildlife. Rare plant species include: Cruise?s golden aster on taller dunes inland from beach dune; infrequent Godfrey?s golden aster with sea oats on foredunes; gulf coast lupine in disturbances along paths in scrub and sandhills; frequent large-leafed jointweed in oak scrub; and spoonflower along basin swamps at Camp Creek.

Around the pond areas in the flatwoods and around streams are found: white top and yellow pitcher plants, rosebud orchid, grass pinks, sundews, pine lilies, and Curtiss?s sand grass. Some of the largest populations of Curtiss?s sand grass in Florida are found at Deer Lake.
Passes
Annual Entrance Passes can be purchased at all park ranger stations and museums. If you require immediate use of your pass, this is the best option. Passes can be purchased during regular business hours 365 days a year. Please call the park in advance to ensure availability. Those who are eligible for discounted or free passes may use this method to receive their pass. Annual Entrance Passes may be purchased online by visiting the FLORIDA STATE PARKS ANNUALENTRANCE PASSES web page.
Swimming
1. Deer Lake State Park offers a pristine beach for swimming with clear waters and white sand.
2. Lifeguards are not present, so swim at your own risk.
3. The park's dune lake allows limited swimming but is mainly used for fishing or birdwatching.
4. Swimming in the Gulf of Mexico provides opportunities to spot marine wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles.
5. Check local advisories before swimming as jellyfish can sometimes be present along Florida's coastlines including Deer Lake State Park.


Beaches
Come and enjoy the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you bring your fishing gear or your beach chair you will be sure to enjoy the sugar sand beaches along the world?s most beautiful beaches.


Location
Deer Lake State Park is located near Niceville, Panama City and Panama City Beach

Picnicking
Deer Lake State Park offers picnic areas with tables and grills, perfect for family outings. No pavilions are available.
Bicycling
Bring your bike or your favorite hiking shoes and enjoy the access to Walton County?s ten mile walking/biking trail that winds along the coast and goes through many picturesque seaside communities. For the more adventurous take the trails through the natural areas of the park where you can spend minutes or hours enjoying natural Florida.
Trails
Bring your bike or your favorite hiking shoes and enjoy the access to Walton County?s ten mile walking/biking trail that winds along the coast and goes through many picturesque seaside communities. For the more adventurous take the trails through the natural areas of the park where you can spend minutes or hours enjoying natural Florida.

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Area Campgrounds
The Outpost RV Park
4576 County Highway 3280
Freeport, FL
201-315-7788
Peach Creek RV Park
4401 U.S. 98
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
850-428-9762
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com
Pets
- Pets must be kept on a handheld leash that is six feet or shorter at all times.
- Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and dispose of waste in designated areas.
- Pets should not disturb wildlife, other visitors, or park resources within Deer Lake State Park.
- Only service animals are allowed inside buildings and facilities within the state park.
- Dogs may only swim in designated pet swimming areas; they cannot enter human-only water zones.
- Aggressive behavior from pets towards humans or other animals will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Directions
Directions from Tallahassee, Florida to Deer Lake State Park:

- Start on I-10 E.
- Take exit 199 for US-331 toward Freeport/Defuniak Springs.
- Turn left onto FL83 S/US - 331 S/SR 83S (signs for De Funiak Spgs).

Driving through Defuniak Springs:

- Continue straight onto N Nelson Ave/W Robert L Givens Dr.
- Use the right lane to take the ramp onto US - 90 W/E Nelson Ave.

Continuing towards Santa Rosa Beach:

- Merge with U.S Hwy.98 via a slight right turn after passing over Choctawhatchee Bay Bridge
- Drive approximately five miles until you see signs indicating Deer Lake State Park

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Florida
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Florida State Parks

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