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Rocky Bayou State Park

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

It’s hard to believe that Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park was once a bombing range! Thank US Air Force Colonel Fred Gannon for the transformation of this upland area hugging the shoreline of Rocky Bayou in Niceville.

Niceville      ( 30.495879,-86.432825 )      

Rocky Bayou State Park
Puddin’ Head Lake at Rocky Bayou

It’s hard to believe that Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park was once a bombing range! Thank US Air Force Colonel Fred Gannon for the transformation of this upland area hugging the shoreline of Rocky Bayou in Niceville.

Resources

North Florida Panhandle Explorers Guide book coverHikers Guide to the Sunshine State book cover

Overview

Location: Niceville
Lat-Lon: 30.495879,-86.432825
Fees: $4-5 per vehicle
Open: 8 AM until sunset daily
Leashed pets welcome

Location


About the Park

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park has one of the prettiest campgrounds in the Florida State Park system.

It’s set under a canopy of coastal forest and comfortably air-conditioned by a cross-flow of breezes between the bayou and Puddin’ Head Lake.

Ramble around in this park and you’ll also find one of the most picturesque trail systems in Florida, with trails perfect for comfortable family walks.

The Rocky Bayou Trail showcases habitats along the bayou, with excellent views from the shoreline. The Red Cedar Trail offers an interpretive walk in an upland forest dominated by cedar.

Our favorite is the Sand Pine Trail, which follows the shoreline of Puddin’ Head Lake, where ospreys screech from the trees and the views are panoramic.


Explore the park

  • Rocky Bayou Rocky Bayou Hiking Trails - With 3.3 miles of hiking in three loop trails above the shoreline of Rocky Bayou, the trails of Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park offer gentle breezy walks near Niceville.
  • Hiking trail at Rocky Bayou State Park Try Rocky Bayou State Park - A campground overlooking the bayou, shaded by an oak canopy. A lovely day use area on the bluffs. Gentle trails that all of the family can enjoy. That's Rocky Bayou State Park.

Visit their website

Category: Biking, Camping, Canoe & Kayak Rentals, Florida State Parks, Hikes, Loop Hikes, Nature Trails, Northwest Florida, Paddling, Parks, PlacesTag: Best Camping, Birding, Boating, Car Camping, Destin, Developed Camping, Dog-friendly, Family-Friendly, Fishing, Florida State Parks, Fort Walton Beach, Freeport, Lakefront, Niceville, Opt Outside, Picnic, Playgrounds

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