Rocky Bayou State Park is a hidden gem for overnight guests as well as those looking for a spot to take in nature for a couple of hours. It’s on the mainland side of Destin, but close enough so that a day trip to Destin Beaches from the park is only minutes away. For those frequenting the Florida State Parks, it rates among the top parks to visit. The 4 main reasons include its:
- Location
- All-Inclusive Activities
- Wildlife
- Scenery
We’ll get into each of these in a bit, but first, a little about its roots…
History of Rocky Bayou State Park
The official name of this park is “Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park,” but many refer to it as Fred Gannon State Park, or typically Rocky Bayou State Park.
The land that is now this park was used for shooting and bombing practice for World War II. It is thought that residual munitions are still scattered throughout this park, including small bomb parts that they once used while practicing.
After the war, the Director of Civil Engineering at Eglin Air Force base, was instrumental in turning the old war practice site into lands for public use, and developed plans for a park. The land was later purchased by Florida State and turned into one of their many state parks. (1)
What Rocky Bayou State Park is Known For
1. Location of Rocky Bayou State Park
Nestled away off of one of Niceville’s Highway 20 (or John Sims Parkway), is the curved road to the park. It sits alongside Rocky Bayou, one of the off-shoots of Choctawhatchee Bay. Just a 2-minute drive East from the park on John Sims Parkway will bring you to the turn-off to State Road 293, which leads to the Midbay Bridge over to Destin.
While the park is located on Rocky Bayou, it’s fairly sheltered which can be nice during one of the many rain storms that pass over, often accompanied by some strong gusts of wind. And even though it’s sheltered, there’s still a welcome breeze which comes through the wooded park to give relief on very hot summer days.
There’s plenty to do here by the bayou (more on that coming up), but if you want a day at one of the white, powdery beaches of Destin, they can be reached in a matter of minutes.
If you prefer to head out of the park to something a little closer (and colder), if you take a right out of the park on John Sims Parkway and go through the town of Niceville, you’ll come to Turkey Creek, a natural, flowing clear-water creek that’s a favorite spot of locals on a hot summer day.
2. All-Inclusive Activities of Rocky Bayou State Park*
*Parks change their offerings from time to time. Check with Florida State Parks for updates.
For those wanting to spend the day away from electronic screens, taking in nature, this is a perfect spot. There’s a little for everyone including 3 nature trails, “beach areas”(sandy, but most are submerged in the bayou water), which are great for swimming or floating, and easy access spots to and from the water.
For those who have campers, there are over 40 RV spots with water and electricity. Several spots have a water view. They even have spots for those needing special accessibility, with easy access to the restrooms and showers.
Note: If you’re wanting to camp here, be aware this is a favorite of those who love State park camping. It fills up way in advance. (Last time we checked with them, they had reservations keeping them full for the next 6 months!) Reserve your spot early at this park.
Do you feel like kayaking or canoeing while you’re there? The park rents them for different spans of time, depending on how long you want to be out. They do a couple of hourly rates and also daily rates. They also rent bikes. Check with the park for the most recent updates and pricing for each.
Have small kids? There’s a playground area for them, which includes a fort and swings situated close to picnic tables, which are used by travelers and locals, alike.
Fishing is also a favorite pastime along the shore here, either from one of the beach areas or even in a kayak.
Want to go for a hike? There are 3 hiking trails, which are short enough for kids to maintain interest. Along the way, and within the picnic area are marques that point out specific wildlife you might see.
Speaking of wildlife…
3. Wildlife Seen in Rocky Bayou State Park
Because of the mixture of salty and fresh water in this area of the bay, it’s a great home to otters, which on occasion can be spotted. Also, dolphins love to chase small fish through the bayou and sometimes can be seen playing behind boats in their wakes.
Though pretty shy, alligators have been seen from time to time in this area, and there are signs posted to be aware that they may be hiding in sea grass. There are also signs posted reminding visitors to protect the sea grass which is a huge part of the ecosystem here. Among other fish, it provides a home for the federally protected Okaloosa darter, which is one of the reasons why this shoreline area has been designated as an aquatic preserve.
On one of the nature trails you might see a variety of butterflies, and there are informational posters describing the different features of each. The trails are also popular with bird-watchers. Aside from the more common doves, blue jays, red-winged blackbirds, bluebirds and cardinals, you might see falcons, woodpeckers, ospreys pelicans, and even bald eagles.
If you look down on one of your hikes, you’re likely to see a light-green, mossy growth dotting the ground. This is reindeer moss, (also called deer moss). It isn’t one plant, but a lichen, which is a collection of algae, fungi, and/or a type of bacteria that all work together to form this growth as colony. I’m told that, over the years, it’s had many applications… from keeping indigenous people alive during times of starvation (it has carbohydrates for fuel, but little nutritional value), to being used as tinder to start a fire. Because it’s so absorbent, I’m told that, in a pinch, it can be used as toilet paper! And my neighbor who builds model train towns uses deer moss for the miniature bushes (and says it’s a favorite of others who build these sets.)
4. Rocky Bayou State Park Scenery
The scenery is one of the main reasons why people visit this park for an hour, a day, or a week. At sunrise, you’re likely to see people fishing from a dock or the shore. The picnic area is an ideal place to watch the sun come up right over the water, and the sunsets on a clear evening over the bayou are beautiful.
It’s not unusual to see professional photographers at Rocky Bayou State Park snapping pictures of wildlife against the bayou backdrop.
The sunlight shining through the trees with the water in the background is also a setting of choice for many weddings!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does this park have a gift shop?
It doesn’t have a gift shop, but the entry gate has some incidentals, such as bags of ice.
- How much does it cost to get in?
Current fees for both daily entry and camping, can be found here: Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
- Does it have a boat launch?
Yes! It has a nice, concrete pad with two launch pads and a dock on each side. Parking is also available, but once it fills up, they close the park for boat launches until some boaters exit the park.
- Are there any rules?
Yes.
- For day users, the park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. Those with a yearly pass can enter earlier via keypad entry.
- Boaters with trailers are supposed to park in the longer parking spots. Those cars without trailers should park in one of the many other parking spaces.
- They would like people to pick up after their pets and provide stations to help with that.
- They want people to pick up after themselves and provide cans in convenient places to throw away trash.
- No alcohol is permitted inside the park.
- They ask day users to leave the park by sunset.
Have you made a trip to this park? Tell us what was great about your visit!