4281 Hwy. 20, Niceville, FL 32578

Phone: 1-850-833-9144

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.

Description:
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 Colonial 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.


Activities:
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.