Main Page - Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

Rocks and trees line the shores of Puddin Head Lake.

Manager's Message

Fall is here! The days are short, and the weather is getting cooler. We welcome you to the beautiful and serene Rocky Bayou State Park where you can truly enjoy the Real Florida. The fall season brings nice weather for outside trips with family and friends. Why not treat them to a relaxing day at the park? Now is the perfect time to rent a kayak and explore the bayou. Or simply meander along one of our nature trails. Need a good workout? Why go to a gym? We have a fitness trail! Come and try it out!

Rocky Bayou is located on the north shore of Choctawhatchee Bay and is bordered by the Rocky Bayou Aquatic Preserve. Our park visitors can enjoy canoeing and kayaking, viewing aquatic wildflowers, spotting osprey nests or observing wildlife in its natural environment. To maximize your appreciation of this idyllic setting, canoes and kayaks can be rented for two hours, half day, or all day. Please contact the park office for prices and more information.

There is an interpretive kiosk in the park to inspire the birder in you - thanks to Charlie Parkel's family, friends, park volunteers and staff.

Camping is always serene at Rocky Bayou. Bring the family out for an overnight trip or for a long weekend. Please make your reservations online at www.ReserveAmerica.com or by phone 1-800-326-3521. The campground stays very busy in the spring and summer, so make your reservations early.

Interested in having a wedding, a picnic, or a family reunion at Rocky Bayou? The pavilions are available to rent for events. Daytime pavilion rentals are not possible during the busy season between May 30th and Sept. 1st. Please call the park office for more information.

- Daniel Laird, Park Manager

Welcome to Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park

U.S. Air Force Colonel Fred Gannon was instrumental in transforming this site from a bombing practice range during World War II to a picturesque state park. The property now preserves beautiful oldgrowth long leaf pine trees, several over 300 years old, that once dominated this area of Florida. Rocky Bayou, the main feature of the park, is the trailing arm of Choctawhatchee Bay and is popular for boating and fishing. A doublelane boat ramp makes this one of the best boat launching locations on the bay, where both freshwater and saltwater fish are found. Other opportunities for fun include hiking, bicycling, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Puddin Head Lake, at the center of the park, is a great spot for freshwater fishing and canoeing. A well shaded campground is available for full facility camping. Located on State Road 20, five miles east of Highway 85.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, please call 850-833-9144.

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Get more information on making a reservation.

Hours of Operation

8:00 AM to sunset

Driving Directions

From the west: Take Interstate 10 east to highway 85 south until you reach highway 20. Go east on highway 20. Park will be approximately 5 miles on the left. From the east: Take Interstate 10 west to highway 331 south until you reach highway 20. Go west on highway 20 approximately 25 miles until you see signs for park on right.