Outdoor Activities Abound in Okaloosa County, FL

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Sure, the soft, sugar-white sandy beaches might be the star attraction when it comes to Okaloosa County outdoor activities, but they provide access to only a fraction of the aquatic amusements available throughout the county’s nearly 930 square miles. Numerous rivers, creeks and waterways offer plenty of other entertaining options, as well. 

“Okaloosa County isn’t just the beach. It’s a place that has nearly everything outdoors-wise that you could want other than mountains and snow,” says Nick Tomecek, public information officer for Okaloosa County and an avid outdoors enthusiast. “The ability to go to the beach one day and then float down a river the next day really makes Okaloosa County a special place.” 

Choices abound both on the water (kayaking, swimming, floating, boating) and alongside it (camping, hiking, picnicking). Additionally, such attractions as splash pads and fishing ponds can be found among Okaloosa’s nearly 40 county-maintained parks. 

“Having that diverse number of opportunities really does enhance the outdoor life you can have here,” Tomecek says. “It’s a fabulous place because of all those opportunities.” 

The waterways begin almost immediately once you head inland from the coastal sand and continue all the way to the northern border of Okaloosa County along the Alabama state line. Here is a look at a half dozen options. 

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Turkey Creek

Perhaps the easiest and quickest manner to experience Okaloosa County’s many waterways is to visit Turkey Creek in Niceville. Not only is it less than a half-hour drive from the beach, but there is a well-maintained wooden boardwalk running alongside the creek that provides multiple access points for tubing, kayaking and canoeing. 

“Turkey Creek is really popular, especially on hot days, because that water is nice and cool,” Tomecek says. “It has that ‘Old Florida’ vibe with cypress trees and a swamp atmosphere. People will float down, walk back for a mile or so, then float down again. And it’s free. You can’t beat that.” 

Florida State Parks

Blackwater River

Despite its name, the 57-mile Blackwater River is more of a golden-brown color. Much of the stream flows through undeveloped lands of the Blackwater River State Forest and Blackwater River State Park, providing a peaceful location for kayaking or floating. 

“It’s probably one of the more popular rivers for the general audience,” Tomecek says. “There are these little beaches on the shoreline every so often on some bends that provide good opportunities for resting points along the way. People will take breaks there and even have a picnic.” 

Florida State Parks

Shoal River

This relatively short river (33 miles) meanders through a diverse landscape, ranging from wild forestlands to quiet residential areas. A boat ramp is available at the 5.5-acre Shoal River Wayside Park just south of Crestview, along with a playground, several pavilions, picnic tables, grills and restrooms. The river is a popular location for bass fishing, too. 

Florida State Parks

Yellow River

The Shoal River meets up with the Yellow River near Crestview on the way to Blackwater Bay. A 56-mile section of the Yellow River is an officially designated paddling trail. Tomecek says there are long-term plans to connect river access with the statewide Florida National Scenic Trail. 

“Once that happens, you’re going to have an area where you can hop onto the Florida Trail, do a backpacking hike, then have various camping opportunities along the river,” Tomecek says. 

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Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail

For those who are truly adventurous, part of this 1,515-mile kayaking trail travels along the southern edge of Okaloosa County, passing Santa Rosa Island and through The Narrows near Fort Walton Beach on the way to Choctawhatchee Bay and Destin.

Gulf Intracoastal Waterway

Part of the Intracoastal Waterway, which spans 1,300 miles from Texas to Florida, traverses through Choctawhatchee Bay, which is filled with small spoil islands that were created when the Army Corps of Engineers dredged the sound for navigation. These sandy spots have become prime destinations. 

“Folks take their boats out there, and you almost have your own little island paradise,” Tomecek says. “It’s a great place to spend the day away from the crowds.”