Manager's Message
Summer has arrived. The days are longer, and the weather is warmer. We welcome you to the beautiful and serene Rocky Bayou State Park where you can truly enjoy the Real Florida. The summer season brings fun times with family and friends. Why not treat them to a relaxing day at the park? Now is the perfect time to rent a kayak and explore the bayou. Or simply meander along one of our nature trails. Need a good workout? Why go to a gym, we now have a fitness trail! Come and try it out!
Located on the north shore of Choctawhatchee Bay and bordered by the Rocky Bayou Aquatic Preserve, park visitors can enjoy canoeing and kayaking, viewing aquatic wildflowers, spotting osprey nests or observing wildlife in its natural environment. To maximize visitor appreciation of this idyllic setting, canoes and kayaks can be rented for two hours, half day, or all day. Please contact the park office for prices and more information.
Unfortunately, Charlie Parkel is not here in person to tell you all about birds. However, there is an interpretive kiosk here in the park to inspire the birder in you. Thanks to Charlie's family, friends, park volunteers and staff. I encourage you to visit and see for yourself.
Camping is always serene at Rocky Bayou. Bring the family out for just an overnight trip or for a weekend. Please make your reservations early online at www.ReserveAmerica.com or by phone 1-800-326-3521. The campground stays busy in the spring and summer, so the earliest you plan your trip the better.
Interested in having an Event (wedding, picnics, etc.) at Rocky Bayou? The pavilions are available to rent. Daytime pavilion rentals are not available during the busy season between May 30th and Sept. 1st. For specifics please call the park office for more information.
- Daniel Laird, Park Manager
Welcome to Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
U.S. Air Force Colonel Fred Gannon was instrumental in transforming this site from a bombing practice range during World War II to a picturesque state park. The property now preserves beautiful oldgrowth long leaf pine trees, several over 300 years old, that once dominated this area of Florida. Rocky Bayou, the main feature of the park, is the trailing arm of Choctawhatchee Bay and is popular for boating and fishing. A doublelane boat ramp makes this one of the best boat launching locations on the bay, where both freshwater and saltwater fish are found. Other opportunities for fun include hiking, bicycling, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Puddin Head Lake, at the center of the park, is a great spot for freshwater fishing and canoeing. A well shaded campground is available for full facility camping. Located on State Road 20, five miles east of Highway 85.
Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, please call 850-833-9144.
Get more information on making a reservation.
Hours of Operation
8:00 AM to sunset
Driving Directions
From the west: Take Interstate 10 east to highway 85 south until you reach highway 20. Go east on highway 20. Park will be approximately 5 miles on the left. From the east: Take Interstate 10 west to highway 331 south until you reach highway 20. Go west on highway 20 approximately 25 miles until you see signs for park on right.
Park Fees
Admission Fee:
$5.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.
$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.
$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.
Camping Fee:
$16.00 per night, plus tax. Includes water and electricity.
User Fees:
$5.00 Boat ramp fee.
$75.00 per day, plus tax.
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
4281 Hwy 20
Niceville, Florida 32578
Phone: 850-833-9144
Fax: Contact Park for Number
Citizen Support Organization
Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks Inc.
17000 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 837-7550
