Region:
Northwest
FRED GANNON ROCKY BAYOU STATE
PARK
Niceville, Florida
Contact Information
4281 State Road 20, Niceville32578
(850) 833-9144
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.
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.
Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park was acquired
in 1966 through a lease agreement with the U.S.
Forest Service, this 357-acre recreation area
was named for U.S. Air Force Colonel Fred Gannon
who was instrumental in the construction of the
park.
The park is noted for its sandpine forest where
large, mature sand pines tower over other scrub
vegetation such as rosemary, reindeer moss and
scrub oaks. Indian middens and artifacts can be
seen throughout the park.
Park Activities
Boating, Boat Ramp, Full Camping, Campfire Circle,
Fishing, Nature Trails, Picnicking, and Swimming
Full Facility Camping
This 357-acre park has 42 campsites with electric
and water hookups available for reservation through
Reserve America.
Fishing
Saltwater fish may be caught in Rocky Bayou. Freshwater
fishing is available where Rocky Creek flows into
the bay. (Salt and freshwater fishing licenses
are required in Florida.)
Nature Trails
Three trail loops are designated within the park.
A self-guided booklet for the Sand Pine Trail
interprets the natural values of the sandpine
forest. The Rocky Bayou and Red Cedar nature trails
meander through other prominent plant communities.
Ranger-guided walks and campfire programs are
offered seasonally.
Picnicking
Campsites and picnic shelters overlook scenic
Rocky Bayou, an arm of Choctawhatchee Bay.
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