Living Near Coastal Dune Lakes of Walton County
There's hidden treasure in Walton County!
Fifteen rare gems in the form of coastal dune lakes dot the 26 miles of coastline in Walton County. In fact, there are only a handful of places in the entire world that have these unique water features and we are privileged to have them so close by. View homes for sale near coastal dune lakes in Walton County
What is a Coastal Dune Lake?
Lakes are fed in the usual way via streams, rain, groundwater seepage and such, but they also share a connection with the Gulf. Each lake has an outfall, or discharge point where excess water flows into the Gulf of Mexico. At the same time, salt water and sea life flows back into the lake with the varying tides and weather conditions. Now you have a lake that is both fresh and saline.
This interchange provides a hearty food source for all the area wildlife, as well as a valuable habitat. In fact, these coastal dune lakes provide refuge for a wide range of endangered species such as Choctawhatchee Beach Mice, Snowy Plovers, Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles.
For people, these lakes provide source of recreation and place to observe the area birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. The sought after neighborhoods nestled around these lakes give homeowners the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty and serenity in this unique waterfront environment. Read more about the various coastal dune lakes, public access points and nearby neighborhoods
Dune Lakes | Public Access | Neighborhoods | Fishing | FAQs | Resources
Homes for Sale Near Coastal Dune Lakes
Homes for Sale Near Coastal Dune Lakes - Market Stats
Coastal Dune Lakes sales data is provided by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors and reflects 12 months of sales data.
| # Listings | Avg. DOM | Avg. Price | Highest Price | Lowest Price | Avg. Price/SqFt | Highest Price/SqFt | Lowest Price/SqFt | |
| Active | 28 | 149 | $2,764,500 | $9,300,000 | $299,900 | $733 | $1,654 | $17 |
| Sold (Last Year) | 38 | 322 | $2,031,776 | $9,200,000 | $210,000 | $725 | $1,936 | $266 |
Last Year Sales By Month
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Public Access Points & Nearby Neighborhoods
All of the coastal dune lakes are accessible from the beach, except Fuller Lake. Others have additional entry points from various parks and boat ramps. Almost all the lakes can be viewed from the Timpoochee Trail. Perfect for hiking, biking or jogging, the trail extends along County Road 30A and features scenic lake views from Stallworth to Camp Creek.
Fuller Lake
49.5 acres - Fuller Lake is located in the Coffeen Nature Preserve within the community of Four Mile Village, south of Sandestin and east of Tops'l Beach & Racquet Resort.
Access: Fuller Lake is open to the public by reservation only and calling: 850-622-3700.
Morris & Campbell Lakes
Both Morris (78.3 acres) and Campbell Lakes (109.9 acres) are found within Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Nearby neighborhoods include La Playa Estates and Topsail Village.
Access: Both lakes can be accessed via the beach and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Their uses include hiking, bicycling, fishing, bird-watching and camping.
Stallworth Lake
12.9 acres - Located near Dune Allen Beach, Stallworth Lake borders Topsail Hill Preserve on the west and the neighborhoods of Beach Highland and Stallworth Preserve to the north and east.
Access: Stallworth Lake is accessed by the beach only.
Lake Allen
17.6 acres - Lake Allen is located just north of Highway 30A, across from the Dune Allen Beach Access. There are several neighborhoods that encircle the entire lake. some of these include Sea Dunes, Beach Highland, and Metes & Bounds.
Access: Lake Allen can be accessed from the beach and the Scenic 30A Highway. It's uses are hiking, fishing and bird watching.
Oyster Lake
22 acres - Situated next to Lake Allen, Oyster Lake is also in the Dune Allen Beach area. Nearby subdivisions include Calypso Pointe, Maison Du Soleil, Vizcaya at Dune Allen, Dune Breeze Villas, and Beach Haven Cottages.
Access: Oyster Lake is access via the beach, or the footbridge between Scenic Highway 30A and Lake Causeway walkover bridge. It's uses are hiking, fishing and bird watching.
Draper Lake
28.3 acres - Draper Lake is located in Blue Mountain Beach, just north of Highway 30A. Nearby subdivisions include Crescent Caye, Draper Lake Coastal Village, Old Florida Beach, and The Retreat.
Access: There is no public access here, other than via the beach.
Big Redfish Lake
22.8 acres - Big Redfish Lake is close to Grayton Beach State Park, just south of 30A Highway, on the north side of Blue Lake Road. Blue Mountain Beach homes surround the lake on the west and south and Sanctuary at Redfish on the north and Sanctuary by the Sea on the east.
Access: Big Redfish Lake is accessed using the beach, or a small easement trail on Blue Lake Road. It's uses are hiking, fishing and bird watching.
Little Redfish Lake
The smaller, sister, Little Redfish Lake is sits north and south of Scenic 30A Highway, near Grayton Beach State Park and Big Redfish Lake. Nearby neighborhoods include Bannerman Beach and Redfish Lane.
Access: Access the lake via the beach, and Scenic 30A Highway. It's uses are hiking, fishing and bird watching.
Alligator Lake
15.9 acres - Alligator Lake also extends both north and south of Highway 30A, and is surrounded by Grayton Beach State Park, with the exception of a small portion bordered by Gulf Trace subdivision. Forest Dunes Estates subdivision is owned by the State of Florida and incorporated into Grayton Beach Park.
Access: You can reach Alligator Lake from the beach or a steep incline off Scenic Highway 30A. Its uses include fishing, bird watching, kayaking/canoeing/paddle boarding.
Western Lake
171 acres - One of the largest lakes in South Walton, Western Lake extends both north and south of Highway 30A next to Grayton Beach, WaterColor and Seagrove. Divided into two sections, the portion to the west is sometimes referred to as Grayton Lake.
Access: Easy access to Western Lake via Grayton Beach State Park. There is plenty of parking, a boat ramp, canoe and YOLO board rentals.
Eastern Lake
62.8 acres - Eastern Lake is located north and south of Highway 30A, near Deer Lake State Park. The lake is surrounded by Lakewood Pointe Estates, Lakewood of Seagrove Beach, Heron's Watch condos, Eastern Lake Estates, Pompano Point, and Summer Dream.
Access: The park at the corner of Lakewood Drive offers access to Eastern Lake plus picnic facilities, and boat launch. Other uses include fishing, bird watching, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding.
Deer Lake
41.8 acres - Deer Lake extends north and south of Highway 30A in Deer Lake State Park. Several neighborhoods overlook Deer Lake, just outside of the park boundaries. Some of these include Watersound, Watersound West Beach, Seclusion Dunes, Deer Lake Dunes, and Seawinds.
Access: This lake is easily accessed through Deer Lake State Park and is great for hiking, fishing and bird watching.
Camp Creek Lake
57.7 acres - Camp Creek Lake is located north and south of Highway 30A, near Deer Lake State Park. Surrounding subdivisions include WaterSound, Country Cabins, Seabreeze, Camp Creek Cove, Ramsgate Townhomes, and Villas at Camp Creek subdivisions.
Access: Camp Creek Lake is accessed via the beach or from Scenic 30A Highway. Activities include fishing, bird watching, and kayaking/canoeing/stand up paddle boarding.
Lake Powell
258 acres - Lake Powell is a huge dune lake, primarily in Bay County, extending into both the north and south sides of Highway 98. Lake Powell is bordered by the northern Inlet Beach neighborhoods, such as Grande Pointe, Inlet Beach Heights as well as Lake Shore Estates, Watson’s View, Lake Powell Estates, Preserve at Inlet Beach, WaterSound North, and Osprey Creek.
Access: Enter Lake Powell through Bay County Park if you're looking for a boat ramp. Also use Camp Helen State Park for hiking, birding, fishing, kayaking/canoeing/paddle boarding.
Fishing on Coastal Dune Lakes
Both freshwater and saltwater fish are found in the coastal dune lakes.So, in addition to fishing for Largemouth Bass, Bluegill or Redear Sunfish, you'll also find Gulf Flounder, Striped Mullet, Catfish, Speckled Trout, Gray Snapper and Silver Perch, to name a few species.
A Florida license is required to fish on the coastal dune lakes and can be purchased online from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
FAQs
The Walton County Florida Public Works has provided a list of guidelines and restrictions to ensure these delicate areas remain protected, and that homeowners and developers are being environmentally responsible.
1. What is the Coastal Dune Lake Protection Zone?
It is defined as all land beginning at the mean or ordinary high water line of coastal dune lakes and their tributaries and extends 300 feet landward.
2. What is the building setback from a coastal dune lake?
There is a 100 foot setback from the mean or ordinary high water line of all coastal dune lakes, unless the lot is an existing lot of record established before November 7, 1996.
3. What restrictions are there for development located within the Coastal Dune Lake Protection Zone?
- No more than 25% of vegetation can be cleared.
- Septic tanks and drainfields must be at least 100 feet from the ordinary or mean high water line.
- Seawalls, bulkheads, revetments and rip-rap are not allowed.
- No new point or non-point sources of pollution shall be discharged into the lakes - no treated wastewater or untreated stormwater runoff.
- Handling, storage or generation of hazardous wastes is not allowed within the zone.
- No construction or disturbance will be allowed in the natural outlet from a coastal dune lake.
Please refer to the Homeowner's Guide for a quick reference or 4.02.06 (B) of the Land Development Code for complete and updated information.
4. Why are these lakes important?
These coastal features are recognized by the Florida Natural Areas Inventory as globally rare and critically imperiled throught the state of Florida. The changing condition of water chemistry in the coastal dune lakes makes them dynamic, biologically diverse ecosystems. Temporary estuaries and nursery grounds are formed when the fresh and saltwater mix, providing important breeding areas for birds and mammals. Beach dunes around the lakes provide habitat for the endangered Choctawhatchee beach mouse and the threatened piping plover.
5. What can you do to help preserve these unique natural treasures?
Stay on the marked trails and boardwalks and avoid walking across dunes and trampling vegetation. Be respectful of the lakes and their natural processes, do not dig in or around the lake outfalls. See 4.02.06(B)9 of the Land Development Code. It states that a 50-foot vegetated buffer will be left undisturbed along either side of the natural outlet from the lake.
Additional Resources
Walton County Advisory Board
Coastal Dune Lakes Public Access - pdf
Homeowners Guide to Living Near a Coastal Dune Lake - pdf
Search Destin Listings by Property Type
We'd be happy to show you around and help you find the ideal home for sale, whether it be near a coastal dune lake, beachfront or otherwise. Please don't hesitate to contact us or (850) 325-0004 for more information.