Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
About Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER
Daniel Laird
In your past visits to Rocky Bayou you may recall having a freshwater lake known as Puddin Head Lake. In keeping with the Florida Park Service mission which is to provide resource based recreation, while preserving, interpreting and restoring our natural and cultural resources, Puddin Head Lake has been restored to its natural steephead stream formation. This stream is a rare habitat unique to this area, which is a fragile ecosystem with several species of aquatic plants, such as the pitcher plant and Florida anise. Although Puddin Head Lake was a popular fishing spot, there are other fishing opportunities in the park along the park's shoreline.
We welcome you to the beautiful and serene Rocky Bayou State Park where you can truly enjoy the Real Florida. Spring is in the air and the weather is perfect for an outdoor adventure. So come out and enjoy a peaceful 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? No need to go to a gym, we have a fitness trail! Come and try it out!
Rocky Bayou is located on the north shore of Choctawhatchee Bay and is bordered by the Rocky Bayou Aquatic Preserve. Our park visitors can enjoy canoeing and kayaking, viewing aquatic wildflowers, spotting osprey nests or observing wildlife in its natural environment. There is an interpretive kiosk in the park to inspire the birder in you - thanks to Charlie Parkel's family, friends, park volunteers and staff. To maximize your 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.
The park's day use area is open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily.
Camping is always serene at Rocky Bayou. Bring the family out for an overnight trip or for a long weekend. Please make your reservations online at www.ReserveAmerica.com or by phone 1-800-326-3521. Reservations can be made up to eleven months in advanced. The campground stays very busy in the spring and summer, so make your reservations early.
Interested in having a wedding, a picnic, or a family reunion at Rocky Bayou? The pavilions are available to rent for events year round except on holiday weekends. Please call the park office for more information.
DESIGNATIONS
GETTING HERE
From the west: Take I-10 east to Highway 85, travel south until you reach Highway 20. Go east on Highway 20. Park will be approximately five miles on the left. From the east: Take I-10 west to Highway 331. Travel south until you reach Highway 20. Go west on Highway 20 approximately 25 miles until you see signs for park on right.
GET INVOLVED
- For forms, information and benefits of volunteering visit Get Involved.
- Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks
Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks, Inc.
17000 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, FL 32541
CONCESSIONAIRES
PET POLICY
- Florida State Parks Pet Policy
- Pets are permitted in the park, but not on the beach. They must be well-behaved and kept on a six-foot handheld leash at all times. Pets must not be left unattended or taken into restroom facilities or concession areas. Please clean up after your pet. Service animals are welcome in all areas and buildings of the park, as required by law.
