Rocky Bayou Kayaker

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

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

Hours

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

Fees

$5 per vehicle

See all Fees

Location

4281 S.R.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 Choctowhatchee 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

Chris Hawthorne, Park Manager
Learn

Manager's Message

Rocky Bayou State Park has something for everyone. Rent a canoe or kayak and 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 that provides visitors a scenic view of the bayou.
Geocaching
Learn

Geocaching

The Operation Recreation GeoTour hosted by Geocaching.com, stretches from Pensacola to Key West and includes 71 of the First Three Time National Gold Medal Award Winning Florida State Parks and Trails. Visit 20 caches and win the Official Operation Recreation Geocoin.
Explore Florida State Parks
Initiative

Every Stamp Is A Story

We invite you to visit any one of our amazing state parks, and to save your adventures with the Special Edition Real Florida Passport. This travel-sized journal is the perfect place to collect your memories and discover new places to explore! Each Florida State Park has a unique stamp and story.

Experiences

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

Amenities

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

Adult and child fishing on pier.
Canoes and Kayaks are lined up on racks at the shoreline.
Water lilies in bloom.
Sky pinks, yellows, and oranges over Rocky Bayou.
View of wetland area called Puddin' Head Branch.
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.
Rivers and Lakes
Learn

Rivers & Lakes

Florida is truly a place where land and water interweaves to form a diverse and dynamic natural fabric. Numerous rivers course through the landscape, and lakes of varying sizes can be found in all regions.
Big Lagoon State Park Trail
Learn

Trails

Whether by bicycle, horse, wheelchair, kayak or on your own two feet, trails both within and outside our state parks can lead to a wide variety of adventure and opportunity throughout Florida.

People Make the Parks

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.
Volunteer

Volunteer with us!

Help fulfill the Florida State Parks' mission. Assist park employees to preserve, interpret and restore ...the Real Florida!
Park Staff

Join the Team

Are you active, enthusiastic and enjoy serving others? Come join the Florida State Parks’ team where we help visitors and residents experience the wonder of Florida’s best loved places.

This Park is Recognized by:

Great Florida Birding Trail

Park Map

More Places You Might Like

See all parks
Maclay Gardens

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

A masterpiece of floral architecture, the gardens feature a picturesque brick walkway, a secret garden, a reflection pool, a walled garden, and hundreds of camellias and azaleas.

3540 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee FL 32309

Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park

The 150 acres of Bulow Plantation Ruins stand as a monument to the rise and fall of sugar plantations in East Florida. In 1836, the Second Seminole War swept away the prosperous Bulow Plantation.

3501 Old Kings Road
Flagler Beach FL 32136

Falling Waters State Park

Falling Waters State Park

Huge trees and fern-covered sinkholes line Sink Hole Trail, the boardwalk that leads visitors to Florida's highest waterfall. Falling Waters Sink is a 100-foot deep, 20-foot wide cylindrical pit into which flows a small stream that drops 73 feet to the bottom of the sink.

1130 State Park Road
Chipley FL 32428