Topsail Hill Preserve is a huge park with over 150 camping sites, dozens of cabins, and glamping options. Because it used to be an RV resort, it has the vibe of a private park with the amenities it offers. With a mix of Gulf Coast beaches, white sand dunes, pine scrub forests, and wetlands, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park will still satisfy nature enthusiasts ready for a quiet getaway.
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General Park Information
Directions and Contact Information
- Address: 7525 W. County Highway 30A. Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459
- Phone: 850-267-8330
Campground Information
Please include attribution to A Pragmatic Lens with this graphic.
<a href='https://apragmaticlens.com/topsail-hill-preserve-state-park/'><img src='https://ml0cur3zhy5j.i.optimole.com/w:auto/h:auto/q:mauto/ig:avif/f:best/https://apragmaticlens.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Topsail-Hill-Preserve-State-Park-1-2-1.jpg' width='800px' /></a></p>Related: Three Rivers State Park
Campground Loops
Camping Loops and Sites
ADA Sites
Tent Sites
Road conditions within the loops
The road through most loops is in good condition. Only the road in loop 102 could use some maintenance, as I noticed some potholes and uneven areas
Related: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park Campground Review
Campground Amenities
Present
Missing
Pet Policy
You can bring pets to RV sites and hiking trails as long as they’re on a leash. Boardwalks, beaches, and dunes aren’t pet-friendly. Also, they can’t stay in cabins or bungalows.
Choosing a Campsite
General Site Features
Site Hookups
Site Amenities
Maximum Length Available
45′
Pad Type
Most sites have gravel or paved pads
Overall ratings
- Space – 3/5
- Privacy – 4/5
- Shade – 4/5
- Noise – 4/5
- Cell reception – 5/5
Notes about features and ratings
Most sites are long enough to accommodate long rigs, but the sites are somewhat narrow. While most sites have an adequate amount of shade, privacy depends on the camping loop. Campsites located in Pampas Grass Blvd have no privacy between sites.
Specific Site Information
- While I could not get pictures for all 156 sites, I captured some of the main areas to give you a general idea of what to expect. Also, while the park is divided into loops, roads within the park also have names. I am using the names and loops for quick reference.
- Generally speaking, the sites facing the lake on Baytree Ln in Loop 101 have nice views. Also, sites in Loop 103 are nestled in pine trees offering plenty of privacy and a wilderness vibe.
- Sites in Loop 100 in Pampas Grass have the least amount of shade and privacy.
- The tent-only sites require you to park in a separate area and bring your gear in, which results in a more secluded experience.
Related: Anastasia State Park Campground Review
Other ways to stay in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
There are 32 bungalows/cabins. The cabins can accommodate up to six people and require a two-night minimum. Cabins have more space and privacy between them. Prices start at $130 to $145 per night depending on the season. Bungalows are smaller and closer together, resembling a quaint neighborhood. These can accommodate up to four people and cost $100 to $120 depending on the season. The high season is Feb to July, low season is August to January. Pets are not allowed and there is no wifi.
Glamping is through Fancy Camps. There are three sites to choose from, and each starts at $200 per night. These 16′ tents can fit two adults and four children. While they include AC, do expect high temperatures in the summer because the tents are not insulated. There is a minimum of a two-night stay. The reservation includes bike rentals, 1 watercraft rental, 1 set of beach chairs, and complimentary coffee at Kith and Kin.
Related: Anastasia State Park Campground Review
Things to do in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
In the park, you can hike over 15 miles of marked trails, most of which you must access from the Campbell Lake Bike Path trail.
- Turpentine Trail (1.05 miles) is essentially a detour from the Campbell Lake Bike Path where you can see remnants of the turpentine manufacturing industry from the late 1800s and early 1900s
- The Gopher Tortoise Trail is also a 1.05-mile detour that connects two different points of the Campbell Lake Bike Path.
- Deer Tract Trail is a 0.76-mile trail that starts at the end of the Campbell Lake Bike Path. A portion of this trail provides scenic views of Campbell Lake.
- Morris Lake Trail is a 1.25-mile loop from Deer Tract Trail (a total of 3.6 miles from the Campbell Lake Bike Path). Portions of this hike will take you through the dunes, so be prepared for hiking on soft sand. The views, however, are rewarding. See Morris Lake Trail at AllTrails.com
- Old Growth Trail also starts from Deer Tract Trail. This 1.05-mile hike will take you to direct views of Morris Lake.
Both the Beach Tram trail (1.25 miles) and the Campbell Lake Bike trail (1.61 miles) are paved, so they’re perfect for biking among longleaf pines. Bike rentals are available at the park store everyday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. outside the administration building.
There are 3.2 miles of white sand beaches that you can swim in. There’s a tram that takes you to the beach from the parking lot for day use. You can also bike or walk down to the beach. If swimming on the beach is not your thing or you do not feel like making the trek to the beach, there is also a swimming pool in the campground!
You can kayak or paddleboard on the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the possibility of introducing non-native plants into the dune lake, personal watercraft (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, etc.) cannot be used in the park. The campground store rents kayaks and canoes.
You can fish from the docks within the park’s lakes, as well as directly off the beach.
There is a shaded playground by the tent loop
Other amenities in the park include shuffleboard court and bean bag toss. You can also check out tours and programs organized by the park. Make sure you get a schedule of events when you enter the park. If you feel like having a slow, relaxing morning, then head to the cafe and enjoy coffee, a sandwich, and yummy pastries.
Other Considerations
FAQs
What should you bring to this park?
Please be safe and take a cell phone, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water with you so you can fully enjoy a beautiful walk through the park. Sunscreen, Bugspray, Bikes, Scooters.
Can I rent gear at the park?
Kayaks (singles and double), canoes, SUP, bikes, and kid trailers rentals are available at the park store. You can also rent beach gear, such as beach chairs and umbrellas. Paddles and life vests are included with the canoes/kayak rental. Prices vary, so make sure to contact the campground store at 850-267-8333 before your visit.
Where can I buy Staples?
The campground store has snacks, ice, firewood ($6.99/bundle), ice ($2.99), and other basic camping items.
There is also a Walmart Supercenter located at Walmart Supercenter, 6712 US-98, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459. It is just over a mile from the entrance of the park and should take about 5 minutes to reach by car.
Final Notes
If you are looking for a compromise between a private park experience and a state park, Topsail Hill Preserve should be your top choice. It offers many activities to enjoy and many ways to stay. The dunes are gorgeous and worth the trip! The campground itself is comfortable, but do not expect to feel you are in the middle of the wilderness.
Useful Links and Resources
RV and Camping Resources
RV Trip Planning
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