Manager's Message

In an effort to better serve you, our camping and cabin reservation system has received an upgrade. To make reservations, call ReserveAmerica at (800) 326-3521, (866) I CAMP FL, TDD (888) 433-0287 or visit ReserveAmerica. Please visit the Park Information page for important changes to our overnight accommodation policy.


Campers are allowed to have campfires within the fire rings provided at each site. Firewood is available to purchase at the entrance station. Please do not bring redbay firewood from places outside the local area as it could contain the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle and its associated fungus from Asia. For more information about this beetle and what damage it can cause, please visit www.fl-dof.com. Thank you for helping us protect the real Florida.

Spring has sprung on the bayou. We were fortunate enough to burn the long leaf pine restoration area in March and the plants are all responding well to the fire in which helps maintain a healthy ecosystem. The magnolias are in bloom throughout the park. It is once again time for the warm, sunny days along the banks of Rocky Bayou, the loons will be leaving soon and returning north. Unfortunately Charlie Parkel is not here in person to tell you all about birds; but there is now a new interpretive kiosk here in the park to inspire the birder in you. Thanks to Charlie's family, friends and park volunteers and staff. I encourage you to come on out and see the new kiosk. There has been a great effort on the part of volunteers and staff to develop, construct and open the kiosk. Thank all of you for your hard work.

Plan your adventure to the park and come out and enjoy the cool beautiful days or make reservation for a campsite. Bring the family out for just an overnight trip or for a weekend.

Please be sure to come out and enjoy the real Florida.

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 2 hours, half day, or all day. Please contact the park office for prices and more information.

Thanks to tireless efforts by our park staff and wonderful volunteers, new and improved facilities offer greater amenities for both the day visitor and the camper. These include new picnic pavilions, a children’s playground, a new foot-traffic bridge crossing Puddin Head Lake, a new camper registration and Park Visitor Store, a new campground restroom with AC and heat, as well as modifications to all campsites including the addition of new 50 amp electrical service to most sites. The Park Visitor Store provides camping and fishing supplies including bait, tackle, ice, firewood, RV supplies, souvenir shirts and caps, snacks and suntan products.

We welcome you to the beautiful and serene Rocky Bayou State Park where you can enjoy the Real Florida.

- 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.

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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 Fees $4.00 per vehicle (2-8 People) and $3.00 Per vehicle (single Occupant).
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, extra Passengers, Passengers in vehicles with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit Admission Fee $1.00
Boat Ramp Fee$2.00 above admission fee
Picnic Pavilion Fee$75.00 per day
Camping FeesAll Year $12.00 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