Region:
Northwest
BIG
LAGOON STATE PARK
Pensacola, Florida
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Contact Information
12301 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola32507
(850) 492-1595
Driving Directions
Big Lagoon State Park is located at 12301 Gulf
Beach Highway, approximately 10 miles southwest
of Pensacola.
Interstate 10 Exit #7 (old Exit #2) (Pensacola),
south on Pineforest Road follow signs to Big Lagoon
State Park.
US Highway 98 to CR 293, south on CR 293 to Big
Lagoon State Park.
Hours of Operation
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until
sundown 365 days a year.
Park Fees
The Entrance Fee into most parks is $3.25-$4.00
per carload, up to eight people. Extra persons,
walk-ins, and bicyclists are $1.00 per person.
There may be additional fees for camping, tours,
and museum entrances. Most camping and cabin reservations
can be made by calling the Florida State Park
Central Reservation System at 1-800-326-3521 or
On-line www.reserveamerica.com. Parks that have
Honor Stations charge $2-$4 per vehicle. For further
information about this park, please call.
Big Lagoon State Park derives its name from a
bordering body of water called Big Lagoon. This
coastal park which consists of 712 upland acres,
was opened in 1978 and beckons visitors with all
the recreational opportunities expected at a Florida
state park.
A variety of plant communities occur in the area.
Look for sandpine scrub on the sandy relic dunes.
Vegetation - dwarfed, twisted and gnarled - provides
evidence of the harsh conditions on the dunes
which protect the mainland from storm winds. Slash
pines growing in " swales" (elongated
troughs parallel to the dune ridges) often grow
in wet or even water-logged soil and become impenetrable
thickets. The sandy beaches and salt marshes bordering
Big Lagoon add variety to the scenery.
Valued as wetlands, the salt marshes attract
and provide important habitat for numerous birds
and animals. Gray-foxes, raccoons, skunks and
opossums are often observed in the park. Great
blue herons and other waterfowl can be seen near
Big Lagoon while upland portions of the park provide
refuge for cardinals, towhees, brown thrashers
and nuthatches.
No Full Hookups
No Paved Sites
Yes Tent Sites
No/No/Yes Gasoline/Propane/Dump station
No/No Phone hookup/ Modem friendly
No Sites With TV Cable hookup
Yes Group facilities
Yes Pets Allowed
No/No/No Pool(Heated)/HotTub
No/No Number of cabin/trailer rentals
No/No Boat Rental/power boats
Yes Boat landing Very Good Landing
Dock Boat slip rentals
No Onsite Store
Park Activities
Beaches, Boating, Boat Ramp, Camping, Canoeing,
Fishing, Nature Trails, Picnicking, Showers, Swimming
Beaches
The beaches, shallow bays, boardwalks, nature
trails and open woodlands offer ample opportunity
for nature study. An observation tower at the
East Beach area provides a panoramic view of Big
Lagoon, the park and Gulf Islands National Seashore
across the Intracoastal Waterway.
Full Facility Camping
This 590-acre park has 30 campsites with electric
and water hookups available for reservation through
Reserve America.
Fishing
Fishing brings in redfish, bluefish, flounder
and sea trout seasonally. Crabbing and castnetting
for mullet in the lagoon are also popular.
Nature Trails
Numerous interpretive exhibits are located throughout
the park. Guided walks, campfire programs and
recreational skills programs are offered seasonally
and upon special request for groups.
Swimming
A variety of water sports attract visitors to
the park. Swimming and beach activities are enjoyed
on the shore of Big Lagoon. When swimming, stay
alert; keep your safety and that of others in
mind by staying clear of boat traffic.
