If you’ve driven down Scenic Highway 30A lately, you know the vibe is shifting. It’s not just about the salt-scrubbed wooden decks and the bike paths anymore. Something bigger is happening tucked away near the St. Joe communities. We’re talking about Camp Creek at Watersound. Honestly, it’s the kind of place that makes you rethink what a "golf club" actually looks like in 2026.
It used to be just a golf course. A tough one, sure—Tom Fazio doesn't really do "easy"—but it was mostly a spot for serious golfers to lose a few sleeves of balls in the wetlands. Now? It’s basically a sprawling, high-end ecosystem. The St. Joe Company has poured a staggering amount of capital into turning this pocket of Inlet Beach into a destination that rivals the established luxury of Alys or Rosemary Beach, but with a lot more breathing room.
People are flocking here. Why? Because it feels like a private compound that somehow escaped the claustrophobia of the more crowded 30A beach towns.
The Transformation of Camp Creek at Watersound
The centerpiece of this whole evolution is the Camp Creek Inn. It’s a three-story "Mountain Modern" style boutique hotel that looks like it belongs in the Rockies but somehow works perfectly against the longleaf pines of Northwest Florida. It’s got 75 rooms, but the real draw is the "Member for a Day" status. If you stay there, you get the keys to the kingdom. You get the golf, the tennis, and that massive pool deck that looks like it was ripped straight out of a Vegas resort, minus the neon and the noise.
Let’s talk about that pool for a second. It’s not just a place to dip your toes. We are looking at a 6,500-square-foot zero-entry pool, a lazy river that actually has some length to it, and a massive slide. For families who find the beach a bit too chaotic during the July heat, this has become the de facto sanctuary.
More Than Just a Fazio Course
Golf is the DNA here, though. The Camp Creek golf course has been a staple since 2001, but the recent upgrades to the surrounding amenities have polished its reputation. It’s a par-72 course that stretches over 7,100 yards. Fazio designed it to be "native," meaning you aren't seeing rows of houses lining the fairways. It’s just you, the sand dunes, the marsh, and a lot of very frustrated people trying to navigate the undulations.
- The practice facilities are top-tier. We’re talking about a full driving range, putting greens, and a short-game area that actually mimics the conditions you’ll face on the course.
- The Pro Shop isn't just a closet with some shirts; it’s a full-scale retail experience.
- If you aren't into golf, the tennis and pickleball center is actually where a lot of the social energy has shifted.
Pickleball is everywhere. You can't escape it. At Camp Creek, they leaned in hard with eight lighted courts. It’s loud, it’s social, and it’s usually packed by 8:00 AM.
Where to Eat When You’re "Club Side"
You’ve got options, and they aren't just snack bar wraps. 1936 (named after the year St. Joe was founded) is the upscale lounge inside the Inn. It’s got that dark wood, leather-bound, "I’m here to close a deal or drink a very expensive bourbon" feel.
Then there’s ANR. It stands for Agriculture, Nature, Resources. It’s the main dining room, and the focus is heavily on local seafood and Southern-inspired dishes. Think grouper fresh from the Gulf and grits that actually taste like they were ground nearby. For something more casual, Bark N’ Brine is the poolside smokehouse. It’s basically BBQ meets the beach. The smell of smoked brisket drifting across the pool deck is probably the best marketing tool they have.
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The Watersound Connection
It is easy to get confused about how everything fits together. Camp Creek at Watersound is part of the broader Watersound Club ecosystem. This isn't just a standalone hotel; it’s a massive network. If you’re a member (or a guest at the Inn), you also get access to the Watersound Beach Club.
That’s a big deal.
The Beach Club has two additional pools and private beach access. In an area where public beach access is becoming a heated legal battleground, having a guaranteed spot on the sand is worth the price of admission alone. It’s about five minutes away by shuttle or car. You get the woods and the golf at Camp Creek, then you hop over to the white sand and turquoise water at the Beach Club. It’s the ultimate "have your cake and eat it too" scenario for vacationers.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Area
A common misconception is that Camp Creek is "too far" from the action. People think if they aren't staying directly in Seaside or Rosemary, they’re missing out. That’s old-school thinking.
The reality? The center of gravity on 30A has shifted east. With the development of the Watersound Town Center, you now have a massive Publix, high-end shops, and an outdoor event pavilion right at your doorstep. You don't have to fight the traffic gridlock in Seagrove just to get a gallon of milk or see live music.
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Also, it’s incredibly quiet. At night, you actually hear the owls and the wind through the pines. You don't hear the sound of a thousand rental golf carts buzzing past your window. For a certain demographic—mainly Gen X and Boomers who are tired of the "spring break" energy of other beach towns—this is the sweet spot.
The Sustainability Factor
St. Joe gets a lot of flak for how much they build, but at Camp Creek, they’ve been surprisingly careful with the environment. The course is an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. They’ve preserved massive swaths of wetlands that act as a natural buffer. This isn't just PR fluff; it actually affects the play on the course. You’re hitting over and around genuine Florida ecosystems.
Why It Matters for Real Estate
If you’re looking at this from an investment or residential lens, the growth around Camp Creek is explosive. The Watersound Camp Creek residential community is expanding. These are high-end homes, many with contemporary coastal designs that move away from the "pastel cottage" look of the 90s.
- High demand for short-term rentals that offer "resort" amenities.
- Proximity to the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is roughly 30 minutes.
- The infrastructure is brand new. No crumbling roads or outdated drainage systems here.
Is It Worth the Hype?
Honestly, it depends on what you want. If you want to be in the middle of a walkable, dense urbanist village where you see everyone you know at the coffee shop, stay in Seaside.
But if you want to feel like you’re on a private estate with some of the best golf in the country, a massive fitness center (the Wellness Center at Camp Creek is 12,000 square feet, by the way), and a legitimate luxury hotel experience, then yes. Camp Creek is the current gold standard.
The wellness center deserves a shout-out. It’s not just a room with two treadmills. It has dedicated rooms for yoga, Pilates, and spin, plus a steam room and sauna. It feels like a professional training facility. You’ll see people here who are clearly training for triathlons, not just trying to burn off the fried shrimp from the night before.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to check out Camp Creek at Watersound, don't just wing it.
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Book the Inn for Club Access If you aren't a member of the Watersound Club, staying at the Camp Creek Inn is your only "legal" way into these amenities. It’s a loophole that’s worth every penny. Check for mid-week stays; the weekend crowds even in the "off-season" can be surprising.
Tee Times are a Must The golf course is popular. If you’re staying at the Inn, have the concierge handle your tee time the moment you book. Don't wait until you arrive.
Explore the Town Center Take a bike or a quick drive to the Watersound Town Center. There’s a massive farmers market there on certain days, and the architecture is a cool departure from the rest of the coast.
Dinner Reservations ANR fills up. Even if you’re a guest at the Inn, you aren't guaranteed a table during peak hours. Use the app or call ahead.
The Shuttle is Your Friend Don't bother driving to the Beach Club. Parking can be a headache even in private lots. The club shuttle is efficient and saves you from dealing with sand in your own car.
The evolution of this area isn't slowing down. With more residential phases planned and the commercial footprint expanding, this pocket of the Florida Panhandle is transforming from a "hidden gem" into the primary anchor of the eastern end of 30A. It’s a different kind of luxury—one that’s a bit more rugged, a bit more spacious, and a lot more private. For most people visiting Northwest Florida today, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.