Main Page - Big Lagoon State Park » Florida State Parks

Sunset scene overlooking the waters of Big Lagoon

Manager's Message

Summertime is fading fast. School’s in session and cooler weather is on everyone’s mind. This is a perfect time to plan a trip to the park! Bring the whole family out to swim, try some saltwater fishing, hike, picnic, grill, bird watch, launch your water craft from our boat ramp, or camp at one of our 75 campsites. Take a leisurely walk on the boardwalk at our East Beach Area and climb up and check out the amazing view of Big Lagoon Bay – the park’s namesake – from the observation tower. Thinking of a birthday party, family reunion or group outing. We have covered picnic areas and larger pavilions at Big Lagoon State park. Three of the pavilions can be reserved for a nominal fee. Contact the Ranger Station for more information on pavilion rentals.

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.

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.

Book Your Vacation Spot Now!

Get more information on making a reservation.

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