Park Summary for Print - Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

Rocks and trees line the shores of Puddin Head Lake.

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

Activities at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

	Bicycling A popular past time at the park, take a leisurely ride on the park’s approx. 3 miles of paved road. For your safety, remember persons under the age of 16 years are required by state law to wear a properly fitting bike helmet. To preserve the natural areas of the park, bicycles are limited to roadways and are not permitted on any footpaths.
	Boat Ramp Boaters can enjoy the convenient double access boat launching facility which provides access to Rocky Bayou, Choctawhatchee Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. A large parking area is provided in the boat ramp area to allow boaters enough room for their vehicle and boat trailer to park. Overnight docking is not permitted, and all boaters must pay entrance fees to access the park.
	Boating Boaters can enjoy the convenient double access boat launching facility which provides access to Rocky Bayou, Choctawhatchee Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. A large parking area is provided in the boat ramp area to allow boaters enough room for their vehicle and boat trailer to park. Overnight docking is not permitted, and all boaters must pay entrance fees to access the park.
	Canoeing & Kayaking Bring your own canoe or kayak for a day of adventure exploring the wonders of Rocky Bayou and near by freshwater stream. This rare community has designated the waters as an Aquatic Preserve. Here, it is often possible to see dolphins and otters, as well as various migrant fowl, such as the rare trumpeter swan. Birds abound, and with the occasional sighting of the bald eagle, make this trail a favorite among bird watchers. Enjoy the tranquil and serene environment away from the noise and the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
	Fishing With a freshwater stream feeding the tidal influenced Rocky Bayou, along with our freshwater lake, the park offers many varieties of fishing. Some of the more common fish are mullet, trout, and flounder. Saltwater fish may be caught in Rocky Bayou while freshwater fishing is available where Rocky Creek flows into the bay. (Salt and freshwater fishing licenses are required in Florida.) Do you need a Fishing License?
	Full Facility Camping Our park is an excellent facility for campers. Whether you are a tent camper or a RV enthusiast, we have 42 spacious, clean, shady sites that will suit your needs. The sites each boast water and electric, a picnic table, and a fire ring and some have water views. A modern heated and air-conditioned bathhouse provides for your comfort needs. The area is conveniently located near two of the park’s three beautiful nature trails, as well as a picnic pavilion overlooking the bayou. Reservations may be made through Reserve America at 1-800-326-3521.
	Nature Trails The Red Cedar Trail hosts the popular and impressive red cedar tree, along with many other varieties of plants, shrubs, and trees. Sand Pine Trail follows the Eastern Shore of Puddin Head Lake. This seven-and-a-half acre lake is a fragile ecosystem with several species of aquatic plants, such as the pitcher plant and Florida Anise. Adjacent to Sandpine Trail, lays Rocky Bayou Trail. The return loop of this trail follows the picturesque shoreline of the bayou. The park shoreline is home to our most fragile ecosystem, known as estuarine sea grass beds. This rare community has designated the waters as an Aquatic Preserve. Here, it is often possible to see dolphins and otters, as well as various migrant fowl, such as the rare trumpeter swan. Birds abound, and with the occasional sighting of the bald eagle, make this trail a favorite among bird watchers.
	Pavilion Pavilions are available for reservation. Please contact the Ranger Station for more information.
	Pet Camping Pets must be confined, leashed (not to exceed six feet in length) or otherwise under the physical control of a person at all times. Tethered pets must not be left unattended for more than 30 minutes. Quiet hours must be observed from 11:00 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Pet owners must pick up after their pets and properly dispose of all pet droppings in trash receptacles. Florida law requires that pets be vaccinated against rabies. Any pet that is noisy, dangerous, intimidating or destructive will not be allowed to remain in the park. Non-furbearing pets, such as reptiles, birds, or fish must be confined or under the physical control of the owner. Some animals may be prohibited on park property. Failure to abide by these rules may result in the camper being asked to board the pet outside the park or to leave the campground.
	Pets Pets are permitted in designated day-use areas and the camping area. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, or any park buildings. They must be kept on a hand-held leash that is six-feet or shorter and be well-behaved at all times. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of their droppings. Available throughout the park are courtesy mutt mitts. Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
	Playground For your children’s enjoyment and new modern playground facility is conveniently located in the day use are near the picnic pavilion overlooking the Rocky Bayou. For your child’s safety please insure that adult supervision is provided at all times.
	Showers Public showers are provided
	Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park

Special Events for Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

FAMILY YMCA ADVENTURE RACE
Date: Saturday, Oct 25th 7:30am until finished
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is once again hosting the YMCA Adventure Challenge. This is a three legged race including 3 miles of canoe/kayak paddling, 4.5 miles walking and 10 miles of off road biking. You must register for this event prior to race day. For additional info please contact our race director Montee' Posey.
Fees: Entry fees are: 2-person team, before Oct. 1st $60, after will be $70; single entry, before Oct.1st $30, after will be $35.
Contact: (850)897-9622
FALL PIONEER DAY
Date: Saturday, November 1st 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Description: The Department of Environmental Protection’s Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park will hold their fall Pioneer Day event. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks. Family activities will include candle-dipping, rag doll making, weaving and campfire cooking demonstrations. Other special activities include live dulcimer and flute music, quilting, storytelling and more. The main feature is the restored late 1800’s chuck wagon.
Fees: Park admission and event free for participants
Contact: (850)833-9144 or anker1729@aol.com