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
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 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.
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.