Main Page - Big Lagoon State Park » Florida State Parks

Sunset scene overlooking the waters of Big Lagoon

Manager's Message

In an effort to better serve you, our camping and cabin reservation system is receiving an upgrade. To complete this transition, reservations will not be taken from Wednesday, April 2, 2008 through Tuesday, April 15, 2008. During this time, we have taken the opportunity to update several of our overnight accommodation policies to more effectively provide you with the high quality of service you have come to expect. For more information, please visit the Park Information page.

/> Thinking of a family reunion, company picnic or birthday party? Big Lagoon has just the facilities to accommodate your event. The newly constructed restrooms at the Governor’s Pavilion will make your visit even more enjoyable. These facilities are equipped with lighting and electrical power. In addition to our regular operating hours and fees, a late rental option is also available for a nominal cost. The large restroom and changing room at our East Beach day use area is also complete. This area has two medium size shelters available for rent. Youth sport team parties and birthday celebrations are common activities at these pavilions. I would like to thank all of our visitors for their patience and support during our rebuilding process. We are still working on one of our boardwalks and occasional closings are necessary during the weekday. Please call the park office for reservation availability and pricing

The Panhandle section of The Great Florida Birding Trail begins at Big Lagoon State Park and attracts many visitors to the park each year. We are fortunate to have materials available to help view these wonderful animals. Please stop by the park office and check out a pair of loaner optics (binoculars or spotting scopes) for the day. This free service is provided by corporate donations and cooperating agencies like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Don’t forget to visit our other nearby State Parks while you’re in the area. Perdido Key State Park is a beach-lover’s paradise. This park is on one of the Gulf’s beautiful barrier islands of sugar white sand and just 3 miles away. Tarkiln Bayou Preserve State Park is 4 miles up the road and offers a variety of nature trails for exploration.

Come out and see for yourself or bring the entire family and experience the Real Florida together!

- David Colbert, Park Manager

Welcome to Big Lagoon State Park

This coastal park sits on the northern shoreline of its namesake, Big Lagoon, which separates the mainland from Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico. Natural communities, ranging from saltwater marshes to pine flatwoods, attract a wide variety of birds, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Beaches, shallow bays, nature trails, and open woodlands offer splendid opportunities for nature study. The park also beckons visitors with opportunities for camping, swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and hiking. Crabbing in the shallow waters of Big Lagoon is a popular activity as well. The West Beach picnic area, shaded by pines and oaks, is just the place to enjoy a relaxing meal. Located on County Road 292A, 10 miles southwest of Pensacola.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Big Lagoon State Park, please call 850-492-1595.

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Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Big Lagoon State Park is located at 12301 Gulf Beach Highway, approximately 10 miles southwest of Pensacola. Interstate 10 Exit #7 (old Exit #2 - Pensacola), south on Pineforest Road follow signs to Big Lagoon State Park.
US Highway 98 to CR 293, south on CR 293 to Big Lagoon State Park.

Park Fees

Admission Fee $4.00 per vehicle, $4.00 boat launch.
Pedestrians and bicyclists $1.00.

Picnic Pavilion Fees
Two pavilions located at the east end of the park (Pavilion 39 and Pavilion 46) are available for daily reservations. These pavilions sit along the Intracoastal Waterway and provide beautiful scenery and great beach access. Each pavilion seats 65 people and has a cooking grill in the sand next to and below the pavilion (no freshwater available in the vicinity). These pavilions set apart from each other and are ADA accessible via a wide boardwalk. Only pavilion 46 has an ADA beach access (ramp). The pavilions rent for $50.00 (plus tax) per day.

The Governor’s Pavilion is located at the end of our west beach day use area and seats 250 people. This large pavilion is open air and is split level. Electricity and water are available at the pavilion and a restroom is nearby. There are 15 picnic tables (29”W x 70”L) on the upper level. The Governor’s Pavilion is fully ADA accessible and rents for $100 (plus tax) per day.

These rates apply from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM only. Additional rates apply for rental outside of these hours.

Camping Fees
$16.00 + Tax per night. Includes Electricity, water, picnic table and ground grill on the site, with a dump station located nearby.

Group Camping
Available

Wedding Fee
$80.00