Rocky Bayou Kayakers

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

Breathtaking sunsets over a lazy bayou make this former WWII training site a park not to be missed

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Effective Dec. 31, 2024: The restrooms and rinse showers on the east side of our day-use area at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park are temporarily closed due to maintenance. 

Campground Construction Project

Effective July 21, 2024: The campground at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park will be temporarily closed for a construction project.

Hours

8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year

Fees

$5 per vehicle

See all fees

Location

4281 State Road 20
Niceville FL 32578

Get directions

Contact Info

850-833-9144

Welcome to Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

A former WWII gunnery and bombing practice range has been transformed into a stunning natural landscape shaded by longleaf pines, some over 300 years old.


This beautiful park’s centerpiece is Rocky Bayou, the trailing arm of Choctawhatchee Bay, popular for boating and fishing. A prime spot for saltwater fishing, visitors also enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing and observing the park’s diverse wildlife communities.

End your day in this relaxing refuge with a stunning Panhandle sunset.

Annual special events include Pioneer Day in November and Estuary Day in May. Other events and ranger programs are available.

Plan Your Visit

Brian Addison, Park Manager
Learn

Manager's Message

Explore the bayou or take a hike along one of the three nature trails. Need a good workout? Try out our fitness trail, or simply have a picnic along the shoreline.
Cycling, biking, bike, trails, walk, hike
Learn

Enchanting Hiking Trails

Naturalist and environmental philosopher John Muir once said “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” Reason enough to hit the trails at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park!
Rocky Bayou Kayaker
Learn

Paddling at Rocky Bayou

Kayaking and canoeing are lifelong sports that anyone can enjoy. The beautiful water at Rocky Bayou Aquatic Preserve is the perfect place to explore the park on the water.

Experiences

Bicycling
Bicycling
Boating
Boating
Camping
Camping
Fishing
Fishing
Geo-Seeking
Geo-Seeking
Hiking
Hiking
Paddling
Paddling
Weddings
Weddings
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife Viewing

Amenities

Accessible Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Boat Ramp
Boat Ramp
Canoe Kayak Launch
Canoe Kayak Launch
Interpretive Exhibit
Interpretive Exhibit
Nature Trail
Nature Trail
Parking
Parking
Pets
Pets
Picnic Pavilion
Picnic Pavilion
Playground
Playground
Restroom Facilities
Restroom Facilities
RV
RV
Shower Station
Shower Station

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park Photo Gallery

Walking the trails
Trails at Rocky Bayou
Canoes and Kayaks are lined up on racks at the shoreline.
Water lilies in bloom.
Sky pinks, yellows, and oranges over Rocky Bayou.
Kayaker pulls up to line of kayaks on the shoreline.
Sunrise shines through the trees on a foggy morning.
Small boat approaches dock on a foggy morning.
Water, Fish, Streams. Steephead
Learn

Rocky Bayou Aquatic Preserve

Rocky Bayou State Park Aquatic Preserve is recognized as an exceptional water resource of the state. The aquatic preserve is the smallest of the 41 aquatic preserves in Florida, encompassing 367 acres.
Water, Fish, Streams. Steephead
Learn

Steephead Streams

Steepheads are one of the most diverse and sensitive ecosystems in the entire Southeast.

Upcoming Events

See More Events
Event

Mattie Kelly Family Bay Day 2025

CDT

Join park rangers and staff from the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance for fun games and learning exhibits. This is a great chance to learn more about our estuary and how to protect our public waterways!
Rocky Bayou

Niceville, FL

People Make the Parks

Park Ranger Steve Valentine is all smiles.

Staff Spotlight

Steve is not a Florida native, however he has a strong passion for our natural resources.
Volunteers

Volunteer Spotlight

Don and his wife Kathy met a park ranger outside of the park who invited them to visit Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou.
Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks

Friends of Emerald Coast State Parks

Friends groups meet the critical needs of individual parks and the system of state parks. They share one thing in common – passion for parks.

Park Map

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