Rocky Bayou State Park was transformed from a bombing practice range during World War II to a picturesque state park. The property now preserves beautiful old-growth longleaf 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 double-lane 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.
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Bicycling A popular past time at the park, take a leisurely ride on the park’s approx. 3 miles of paved road. For your safety, remember persons under the age of 16 years are required by state law to wear a properly fitting bike helmet. To preserve the natural areas of the park, bicycles are limited to roadways and are not permitted on any footpaths. |
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Boat Ramp Boaters can enjoy the convenient double access boat launching facility which provides access to Rocky Bayou, Choctawhatchee Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. A large parking area is provided in the boat ramp area to allow boaters enough room for their vehicle and boat trailer to park. Overnight docking is not permitted, and all boaters must pay entrance fees to access the park. |
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Boating Boaters can enjoy the convenient double access boat launching facility which provides access to Rocky Bayou, Choctawhatchee Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. A large parking area is provided in the boat ramp area to allow boaters enough room for their vehicle and boat trailer to park. Overnight docking is not permitted, and all boaters must pay entrance fees to access the park. |
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Camping, Full Facility 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. Whether tent campers or RV enthusiasts, 42 spacious, clean, shady sites will suit your needs. The sites each boast 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. |
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Canoeing & Kayaking Bring your own canoe or kayak for a day of adventure exploring the wonders of Rocky Bayou and near by freshwater stream. This rare community has designated the waters as an Aquatic Preserve. Here, it is often possible to see dolphins and otters, as well as various migrant fowl, such as the rare trumpeter swan. Birds abound, and with the occasional sighting of the bald eagle, make this trail a favorite among bird watchers. Enjoy the tranquil and serene environment away from the noise and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. |
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Fishing With a freshwater stream feeding the tidal influenced Rocky Bayou, along with our freshwater lake, 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. (Salt and freshwater fishing licenses are required in Florida.) |
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Hiking/Nature Trail The Red Cedar Trail hosts the popular and impressive red cedar tree, along with many other varieties of plants, shrubs, and trees. Sand Pine Trail follows the Eastern Shore of Puddin Head Lake. This seven-and-a-half acre lake is a fragile ecosystem with several species of aquatic plants, such as the pitcher plant and Florida Anise. Adjacent to Sandpine Trail, lays Rocky Bayou Trail. The return loop of this trail follows the picturesque shoreline of the bayou. The park shoreline is home to our most fragile ecosystem, known as estuarine sea grass beds. This rare community has designated the waters as an Aquatic Preserve. Here, it is often possible to see dolphins and otters, as well as various migrant fowl, such as the rare trumpeter swan. Birds abound, and with the occasional sighting of the bald eagle, make this trail a favorite among bird watchers. |
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Pets Pets are permitted in designated day-use areas and the camping area. Pets are not permitted on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, or any park buildings. They must be kept on a hand-held leash that is six-feet or shorter and be well-behaved at all times. Pet owners are required to pick up after their pets and properly dispose of their droppings. Available throughout the park are courtesy mutt mitts. Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks. |
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Picnic Pavilion Pavilions are available for reservation. Please contact the Ranger Station for more information. |
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Playground For your children’s enjoyment and new modern playground facility is conveniently located in the day use are near the picnic pavilion overlooking the Rocky Bayou. For your child’s safety please insure that adult supervision is provided at all times. |
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Showers, Day Visitors Public showers are provided |
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Wildlife Viewing Wildlife viewing is possible at this park |
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