Guide to Watercraft Rentals at Topsail Hill

Want to paddle through one of Florida's rare coastal dune lakes? Topsail Hill Preserve State Park makes it simple with on-site watercraft rentals. Here's what you need to know:

• Location: Santa Rosa Beach, FL, featuring Campbell Lake (100 acres) and Gulf access.
• Rental Options: Single and tandem kayaks, plus paddleboards, available daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Rules: No outside watercraft allowed to protect fragile ecosystems.
• Costs: Rentals include life vests and paddles; park entrance fees are separate ($6 per vehicle).

Whether you're a beginner or seasoned paddler, choose a kayak for stability or a paddleboard for a workout. Plan ahead by reserving your equipment early. Call 850-660-2028 for details.

Pro tip: Arrive early for calm waters and better wildlife spotting at Campbell Lake.

Available Watercraft Types

Topsail Outfitters provides a dependable fleet of watercraft perfect for both the serene waters of Campbell Lake and the more demanding Gulf conditions. Every rental includes life vests and paddles for your safety and convenience.

Kayak Rentals

Topsail offers two sit-on-top kayak models from Tribe, both designed to prioritize stability and simplicity.

• The 11.5 ft Tribe single kayak is perfect for solo paddlers looking for full control and easy maneuverability. Whether you're exploring the winding channels of Campbell Lake or casting a line in the Gulf, this kayak is a great choice. Its sit-on-top design ensures quick water drainage, which is especially handy when tackling the Gulf's splashy waves.
• For pairs or families, the 13.5 ft Tribe tandem kayak is a fantastic option. Its larger size accommodates two paddlers, making it ideal for shared adventures. This model is also a favorite for kayak fishing, offering a stable platform to reel in catches like redfish or Spanish mackerel.

Paddleboard Rentals

Rounding out the fleet is the 11 ft Bote HD Aero paddleboard, a versatile and stable board that caters to all skill levels. It's a great match for Campbell Lake's calm waters, providing a smooth ride whether you're paddling for exercise or enjoying the lake's scenic wildlife. With its user-friendly design, it's an excellent pick for a relaxing day on the water.

Ready to start your adventure? You can even plan your South Walton trip with a custom itinerary. Up next, find out where to rent and launch these watercraft at Topsail Hill.

Where to Rent and Launch

Camp Store Rental Hub

At Topsail Hill, the Camp Store, run by Topsail Outfitters, is your go-to spot for renting watercraft. Conveniently located near the Park administration building and Gregory E. Moore RV Resort at 7525 W. County Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, the store operates daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can call 850‑660‑2028 to check availability or ask questions about the rental options.

Getting to the Camp Store is easy. Whether you prefer walking, biking along the paved trails, or hopping on the complimentary tram system from the day-use parking lot, you'll find it accessible and hassle-free.

Once you've got your watercraft, it's time to pick your ideal launch point.

Campbell Lake and Beach Access

If you're in the mood for a peaceful freshwater paddle, head over to the designated canoe and kayak launch at Campbell Lake. This nearly 100-acre coastal dune lake is part of a rare ecosystem, and the paved trails make it simple to reach the launch area. It's a perfect spot to enjoy the calm waters and natural beauty.

For those craving Gulf paddling, the beach launch is your destination. The park's tram service can transport you and your gear from the day-use parking area to the beach boardwalk. From there, you can launch into the Gulf of Mexico and explore 3.2 miles of pristine white quartz sand.

Keep in mind, only rentals from the Camp Store are permitted. This rule, set by Florida State Parks, is in place to protect Campbell Lake's delicate ecosystem from potential harm caused by non-native plants.

Before heading out to the beach, take a moment to check the colored warning flags at the welcome station. These flags provide vital information about water conditions:

• Double Red: Water is closed due to dangerous conditions like high winds or strong currents.
• Red: High surf and strong currents - exercise extreme caution.
• Yellow: Moderate conditions - be careful.
• Green: Calm and safe for swimming or paddling.
• Purple: Marine life hazard, such as jellyfish, is present.

Paying attention to these flags ensures a safe and enjoyable experience, whether you're paddling on the lake or out in the Gulf.

Rental Costs and Policies

Rental Rates and Time Periods

For the latest kayak and paddleboard rental rates, give the Camp Store a call at 850-660-2028. Prices can change based on the season and how long you plan to rent, so calling ahead ensures you can plan your budget accordingly.

Every rental includes the essentials: the watercraft, a paddle, and a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest. Keep in mind that all rentals must be returned by 5 p.m. sharp.

Important note: Park entrance fees are charged separately. Here's a quick breakdown:

• $6 per vehicle (2-8 people)
• $4 for single-occupant vehicles or motorcycles
• $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists

Once you've got the costs in mind, it’s time to reserve your watercraft.

How to Reserve

You can book your rental by calling 850-660-2028 or through Topsail Outfitters' online platform. This is especially helpful during weekends or peak season when rentals are in high demand.

Prefer to rent in person? Walk-up rentals are available at the Camp Store during their operating hours. Arriving early gives you a better chance of snagging your preferred equipment.

First-Time Renter Tips

If you're planning your first watercraft adventure at Topsail Hill, here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your experience.

Park Rules and Safety

To preserve the delicate coastal dune lakes, all watercraft - including kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes - must be rented directly from the park. Even accessories like life vests and paddles are included in this rule. No outside equipment is allowed.

Every rental comes with a life vest, and wearing it is non-negotiable. Make sure your vest fits snugly, and double-check that your paddle is secure before heading out. If you're considering exploring the Gulf, pay close attention to the beach flag system. A double red flag means swimming and wading are strictly prohibited.

Timing your outing wisely can also make your paddling experience safer and more enjoyable.

Best Times to Paddle

For the calmest waters and an unbeatable chance to spot wildlife, head to Campbell Lake early in the morning. The park opens at 8 a.m., and arriving right at opening gives you a peaceful start to your adventure.

Campbell Lake is perfect for beginners, thanks to its shallow, tranquil waters and limited boat traffic. If you're more experienced and looking for a challenge, the Gulf's changing surf conditions might be more your speed.

Using the Tram System

Transporting your gear is simple with the park's tram service, which covers about a mile from the rental hub to the Gulf. Once you've picked up your equipment at the Camp Store (open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the staff will guide you to the nearest tram stop. Be sure to secure your gear before you hop aboard.

Starting January 27, 2025, the tram stop has been temporarily moved to the left of the construction fence due to ongoing work on a new Visitor Center. If you're planning to paddle on Campbell Lake instead, check with the rental team to see if the tram is necessary or if the launch point is accessible directly from the rental area.

Kayaks vs. Paddleboards

Deciding whether paddleboarding vs. kayaking is easier at Topsail Hill depends on what you’re looking for. Kayaks offer more stability, while paddleboards challenge your balance and provide a different kind of experience.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Topsail Hill offers a mix of calm lake waters and breezy Gulf waves, so picking the right watercraft matters. Kayaks are great for beginners because of their low center of gravity, which makes them easier to stabilize. Most first-timers can get comfortable with minimal instruction. Paddleboards, on the other hand, require more balance and constant adjustments, though wider boards (34 inches or more) feel steadier.

When it comes to speed, kayaks typically cruise at 3–6 mph thanks to their double-blade paddles. Paddleboards, using single-blade paddles, average 2–4 mph but can become tricky in windy conditions. As paddling expert Dave Samuel puts it:

"Standing up in wind feels like being a human sail. In my kayak, I barely notice 15mph gusts that make SUP paddling a nightmare".

For fitness enthusiasts, paddleboarding offers a full-body workout, burning around 300–400 calories per hour. Recreational kayaking, by comparison, focuses more on the upper body and burns about 200–300 calories per hour. If you’re planning to carry gear - like a fishing setup or a cooler - a kayak is the better choice.

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you decide:

Comparison Table

As Dave Samuel explains:

"If you want to paddle successfully on day one, go kayak. If you don't mind a learning curve for a better workout, SUP wins".

Both kayaks and paddleboards are excellent choices for the calm waters of Campbell Lake. But if you’re heading out into the breezy Gulf, a kayak will handle the conditions with much less effort.

Conclusion

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offers an extraordinary paddling adventure in Florida. Its coastal dune lakes are part of a rare ecosystem found in only a few places worldwide. As Jill Tanner, a local from SoWal, explains:

"Coastal dune lakes are quite unique, and considered globally imperiled... They only exist in Australia's Queensland, New Zealand's Northland, Madagascar and our 15 coastal dune lakes here in the Florida panhandle."

To help protect the pristine 100-acre Campbell Lake from invasive species, only Camp Store rentals are allowed between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.. This policy not only preserves the ecosystem but also simplifies your trip by removing the hassle of transporting your own equipment.

But the real draw? The park's stunning natural features. Paddle across the serene waters of Campbell Lake or head out to the Gulf's emerald waves for a chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, and even alligators. If you're planning to fish from your kayak, make sure to bring a valid Florida fishing license and gear up for species like redfish, Spanish mackerel, and pompano.

Pick a watercraft that matches your experience level, book ahead during busy seasons, and get ready to immerse yourself in this rare and breathtaking environment. With 1,640 acres of preserved land, 25-foot sand dunes, and 3.2 miles of quiet beach, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is ready to be explored.

FAQs

Do I need a reservation to rent a kayak or paddleboard?

Renting a kayak or paddleboard at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park doesn’t require a reservation. You can simply visit the park store, where rentals are available daily. If you’d rather plan ahead, local providers like Topsail Outfitters or Topsail Surf & Cycle also offer reservation options.

What’s the best launch for beginners - Campbell Lake or the Gulf?

The Gulf is a great spot for beginners, thanks to its calm waters and ability to accommodate different skill levels. In contrast, Campbell Lake offers a more challenging experience. Its larger size and shifting conditions make it a better choice for seasoned individuals looking for something a bit more demanding.

What should I bring besides the rental gear?

When heading out, don't just rely on rental gear - pack essential safety items like a life jacket, sunscreen, water, and a dry bag to keep your belongings safe and dry. Before starting, check the local weather and water conditions, and map out your route in advance. It’s also smart to bring along snacks or any additional protective gear you might need. A little preparation goes a long way in making your outing both safe and enjoyable.

Related Blog Posts

• Top 7 Activities at Grayton Beach State Park
• Camp Helen State Park: Family Kayak Tours
• Camp Helen Paddleboard Tours: Insider Tips
• Best Kayak Rentals for Families in Santa Rosa Beach