Campbell Lake in Destin, FL

Any discussion of Campbell Lake near Destin, Florida, must include Topsail Hill Preserve and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The preserve has access from Highway 98, with the eastern entrance accessible only using four-wheel drive transportation.  The connection — this eastern entrance leads to Lake Campbell's northern shore.  That lake is one of three "dune" lakes in Topsail Hill Preserve.

Cambell Lake's trail takes hikers through several distinct ecosystems, include a flatwood area of native pine.  This trail also leads to a lookout vantage point where the visitor gets a beautiful view of the lake, its plants and beautiful wildflowers.  At 164 acres, Campbell is the largest of the lakes, near Topsail Hill (a dune that provides another fine view, this time of the ocean and other dune lakes.

Topsail Hill Preserve has several miles of white sand beach in addition to unique plant and animal life.  One of the unusual types of animal here is a mouse, the endangered Choctawhatchee. The preserve is considered to be the most pristine in Florida's coastal area.  It is a protected area featuring 1,600 acres along the Gulf of Mexico.  Scientists have identified 10 distinct plant "communities" in an area that is well known for its ecological diversity.  Area schools and colleges find this region so interesting that it is sometimes the site for educational tours and low-impact research trips.

The park is open during daylight hours and admission is free.  No camping is allowed in Topsail Hill Preserve, though restroom facilities are provided.  More information about Campbell Lake and Topsail Hill Preserve is available by calling (850) 267-1868.