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

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

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

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
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Rivers & Lakes at Florida State Parks

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
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Trails at Florida State Parks

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

Park Ranger Steve Valentine is all smiles.

Staff Spotlight

Although Steve Valentine is not a Florida Native, he has a strong passion for our Natural Resources.
Volunteer Don Morrow stands in front of wooden fence.

Volunteer Spotlight

Don and his wife Kathy came in contact with a park ranger outside of the park that invited them to visit Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park.  They were blown away with the peaceful serenity and natural bliss so close to their home.
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.

This Park is Recognized by:

Great Florida Birding Trail

Park Map

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