Experiences & Amenities

Take a leisurely ride on the park’s three miles of paved road. 

• Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
• To preserve the natural areas of the park, bicycles are limited to roadways and are not permitted on any footpaths.

Boaters can enjoy the convenient double-access boat launching facility that provides access to Rocky Bayou, Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. A large parking area is provided in the ramp area to allow boaters enough room to park their vehicle and boat trailer.

• Overnight docking is not permitted, and all boaters must pay park entry fees.
• The boat ramp will accommodate vessels up to a maximum of 30 feet long. 

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou is an excellent facility for campers, conveniently located near two of the park's three beautiful nature trails as well as a picnic pavilion overlooking the bayou.

Forty-two spacious, clean, shady sites will suit the needs of tent campers and RV enthusiasts. The sites each have 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.

Four of these sites are ADA accessible and conveniently located next to the heated and air-conditioned shower facility. An emergency telephone, laundry and vending machines are also located within the campground.

• Pets are welcome.
• Maximum RV length = 50 ft.
• Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservation website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

With a freshwater stream feeding the tidal influenced Rocky Bayou, 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.

• All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season. A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Wildlife Commission’s Fishing in Florida.

Explore the park in a new and challenging way. Experienced Geocachers have requested permission to hide caches containing trinkets, treasures, or information in various places around the park.  Please check the Geocaching website for the most up-to-date information and clues to locate these caches. 

• Operation Recreation GeoTour 

The Red Cedar Trail is home to impressive red cedar trees along with many other varieties of plants, shrubs and trees.

Sand Pine Trail follows the eastern shore of Puddin Head Stream. This stream is a habitat unique to this area: It's a fragile ecosystem with several species of aquatic plants such as the pitcher plant and Florida anise.

The Rocky Bayou Trail is adjacent to Sandpine Trail. The return loop of this trail follows the picturesque shoreline of the bayou.

The park shoreline is home to our most fragile ecosystem, estuarine seagrass beds. It is often possible to see dolphins and otters as well as various migrant fowl such as the rare trumpeter swan. 

The occasional sightings of bald eagles make this trail a favorite among bird-watchers.

Bring your canoe or kayak for a day of adventure exploring the wonders of Rocky Bayou and the nearby freshwater stream. This rare community is a designated aquatic preserve. 

It is possible to see dolphins and otters as well as various migrant fowl such as the rare trumpeter swan. With the occasional appearance of bald eagles, this trail is a favorite among bird-watchers.

Enjoy the tranquil and serene environment away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Two picnic pavilions are available for use and have barbecue grills. They provide the perfect place to enjoy lunch with family and friends.

• Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in all day-use areas of the park, including picnic pavilions.
• The pavilions are available to rent for weddings and other special events. Late afternoon rentals are available year-round, and daytime rentals are available Labor Day weekend through Memorial Day weekend. For more information, contact events coordinator Anne Marie at 850-269-1062 or by email.

Wildlife viewing is possible at this park.