Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026 A Vik Media Group publication
Emerald Coast Dispatch Destin, 30A and Panama City Beach news: Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa and Bay counties
Visitor guide

Henderson Beach State Park

Rip Current Statement until Oct 20, 7:00 am. Rip Current Statement issued October 17 at 11:39PM CDT until October 20 at 7:00AM CDT by NWS Mobile AL Source: National Weather Service.

Henderson Beach State Park is a Florida State Park with beaches near Destin in northwestern Florida, in Okaloosa County. It is open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset, with swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking and camping. The one thing to check before you go: according to the official page as recorded on 2026-10-15, day-use reservations have been required since 2026-05-15.

Should you go to Henderson Beach State Park today?

Good day to go

  • Dry daytime forecast.
  • Up to 70°F.
  1. Mon 19Dry daytime forecast
  2. Tue 20Dry daytime forecast
  3. Wed 21Dry daytime forecast
  4. Thu 22Dry daytime forecast
  5. Fri 23Dry daytime forecast

Updated Oct 18, 3:39 am. Our own calculation from official forecasts; conditions can change fast.

Weather at Henderson Beach State Park, today

TimeSkyTempWindRain
7 amSunny58°FNE 15 mph0%
9 amSunny60°FNE 20 mph0%
11 amSunny64°FNE 20 mph0%
1 pmSunny68°FNE 15 mph0%
3 pmSunny70°FNE 15 mph0%
5 pmSunny69°FNE 15 mph0%

Source: National Weather Service hourly forecast for 30.385, -86.442.

Beach and surf

Rip Current RiskHigh
Surf Height3 to 5 feet
Water TemperatureIn the mid 70s
UV IndexHigh

Source: NWS surf zone forecast, zone FLZ206.

Daylight

Sunrise6:49 am
Sunset6:11 pm

Source: computed for the location.

Question visitors askDo I need a reservation for Henderson Beach State Park?
CountyOkaloosa County
Official sitewww.floridastateparks.org

Where is Henderson Beach State Park and how do you get there?

Henderson Beach State Park is near Destin, in Okaloosa County, Florida. The park address is 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway.

The supplied sources do not describe driving directions or parking, so check the official park page before you go.

Source: Wikipedia, Henderson Beach State Park.

How much does it cost to enter, and when is it open?

The entry fee is $6 per vehicle, as read from the attraction record on 2026-10-15. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day, and the record lists it as open all year. Check before you go, because fees and hours can change.

Day-use reservations are required at Henderson Beach State Park. The attraction record gives 2026-05-15 as the start date, citing the official page. Check that page before you arrive.

Source: Florida State Parks, as recorded 2026-10-15 (official page URL not in supplied sources).

What can you do at Henderson Beach State Park?

Henderson Beach State Park offers beaches, bicycling, birding, fishing, hiking, picnicking, swimming, wildlife viewing and full camping facilities. The attraction record lists 60 camping sites.

The playground at Henderson Beach State Park has been closed for maintenance since 2025-03-18, and the record shows no reopening date. Check before you go.

Source: Wikipedia, Henderson Beach State Park; Florida State Parks, as recorded 2026-10-15.

Henderson Beach State Park: questions visitors ask

Do I need a reservation for Henderson Beach State Park?

According to the official page as recorded on 2026-10-15, day-use reservations have been required since 2026-05-15. Check the official page before you go.

Source: Florida State Parks, as recorded 2026-10-15 (official page URL not in supplied sources).

How much does it cost to enter Henderson Beach State Park?

The entry fee is $6 per vehicle, as read from the attraction record on 2026-10-15. Check before you go, because fees can change.

Source: Florida State Parks, as recorded 2026-10-15 (official page URL not in supplied sources).

What are the hours at Henderson Beach State Park?

The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to sunset, according to the attraction record checked on 2026-10-15. Check before you go, because hours can change.

Source: Florida State Parks, as recorded 2026-10-15 (official page URL not in supplied sources).

Is the playground open at Henderson Beach State Park?

The playground has been closed for maintenance since 2025-03-18, according to the attraction record checked on 2026-10-15. The record shows no reopening date, so check before you go.

Source: Florida State Parks, as recorded 2026-10-15 (official page URL not in supplied sources).

Does Henderson Beach State Park have campsites?

Yes. Wikipedia lists full camping facilities at the park, and the attraction record lists 60 camping sites.

Source: Wikipedia, Henderson Beach State Park; Florida State Parks, as recorded 2026-10-15.

What is the address of Henderson Beach State Park?

The address is 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, near Destin, Florida, according to Wikipedia.

Source: Wikipedia, Henderson Beach State Park.

Who manages Henderson Beach State Park?

The attraction record lists Florida State Parks as the manager. Wikipedia lists the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as the governing body.

Source: Wikipedia, Henderson Beach State Park; Florida State Parks, as recorded 2026-10-15.

Guide checked against official sources on October 18, 2026.

News about Henderson Beach State Park

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